1-480-626-1266 info@johnpaultours.com
Our Lady of Fatima and Italy

Our Lady of Fatima and Italy

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Our Lady of Fatima and Italy

Lisbon | Santarém | Fatima | Orvieto | Assisi | Loreto | Lanciano | San Giovanni Rotondo | Monte Sant’ Angelo | Pompeii | Sorrento | Capri | Monte Cassino | Rome

>> Starting in Fatima and the Little Chapel of Apparitions, continuing to Rome, Assisi, and east to the Amalfi Coast, this is one of our most popular itineraries.

Inclusions

  • Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
  • Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
  • Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
  • Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
  • Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
  • Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically
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“I can't wait for next year's trip!”

–Emma S.

Day 1 | USA – Lisbon
Depart the USA for your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2 | Arrive Lisbon
Dependent upon the time of our arrival in Lisbon, we may begin with a driving city tour, including the Basilica of the Star, Rossio Square and Commerce Square. We may also visit the Cathedral, St. Jerome’s Monastery and St. Anthony’s Church. We will check into the hotel and have the balance of the day to rest after our long journey. This evening we enjoy a filling dinner together. (D)

Day 3 | Lisbon – Santarém – Fatima
Today we travel to Santarém and the Church of St. Stephen, the place of the oldest known Eucharistic miracle. We celebrate Holy Mass and continue to Fatima where Our Blessed Virgin appeared to three children, crying for peace. (B, D)

Day 4 | Fatima
Spend all day today in Fatima, the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica, the site of Francesco and Jacinta’s graves, the Hamlet of Aljustrel and Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared when the children returned from being falsely imprisoned. We will walk the Stations of the Cross along Via Sacra ending at the Chapel of Calvary, with a beautiful view of Fatima. Participate in the nightly candlelight procession. (B, D)

Day 5 | Fatima
We have the entire day free in Fatima for personal prayer, reflection, and Holy Mass. Again, join in the nightly rosary precession and prayers with thousands of other pilgrims. (B, D)

Day 6 | Fatima – Lisbon – Rome – Orvieto – Assisi
After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Assisi. On the way to Assisi, stop in Orvieto to celebrate Holy Mass and explore the Orvieto Cathedral, a large 14th-century church dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Region of Umbria. Upon arrival in Assisi, enjoy dinner together and rest. (D) Day 7 | Assisi Today enjoy a full day in the peaceful and tranquil village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, St. Francis’ Porziuncola, and Capella Del Transito. Pray in the Shrine, inspired by Giotto’s frescoes of the life of St. Francis. Visit the monastery and the Basilica of St. Clare to pray before the San Damiano crucifix from which Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild His church. Time to explore Assisi. This evening enjoy dinner in Assisi on your own. (B)

Day 8 | Assisi – Loreto – Lanciano – San Giovanni Rotondo
After breakfast we travel the absolutely stunning landscape of Italy to its eastern coast along the Adriatic Sea, stopping at the Holy House of Loreto, and in Lanciano on our way to San Giovanni Rotondo. We will pray at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano where in the 8th century the host visibly changed to flesh and the wine visibly changed to blood when a monk doubted the presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. (B,D)

Day 9 | San Giovanni Rotondo – Monte Sant’ Angelo – San Giovanni Rotondo
Saint Padre Pio lived in San Giovanni Rotondo for 50 years. We will pray at his tomb, and see his uncorrupt body in the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace. Saint Pio is truly a miraculous being, known for his stigmata, mysticism and sufferings. In the afternoon we will travel to Monte Sant’ Angelo to visit the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, the very famous place where thousands, including many Popes, come seeking the protection of St. Michael the Archangel. (B,D)

Day 10 | San Giovanni Rotondo – Pompeii – Sorrento
After breakfast we depart for Naples. En route, we stop in Pompeii to see the ruins of a city buried by a catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79AD. Later we visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary. In the late afternoon we enjoy the scenery of the Bay of Naples from Sorrento. (B,D)

Day 11 | Capri – Rest Day
Today we take a boat ride to the famous island of Capri where we have a splendid day to take in the Mediterranean scenery and relax. (B,D)

Day 12 | Sorrento – Monte Cassino – Rome, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Catacombs of St. Callixtus
Today we make an early departure from Sorrento to Rome. Along the way we make a stop in Monte Cassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Continue to Rome and visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls by the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way. Time permitting explore the nearby Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Late tonight we enjoy a delicious meal in our hotel together. (B, D)

Day 13 | Rome
We will tour St. Peter’s Basilica, including St. John Paul II’s tomb in Vatican City. Millions come every year to these breathtaking pilgrimage sites. This is the world’s largest Basilica, designed by architects such as Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more. (B)

Day 14 | Ancient and Christian Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Holy Staircase, Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major.
Today will be an intense day of Ancient and Christian Rome, one of the busier walking days as our tour bus cannot drive to every site we will be visiting. Begin with a visit to the famous monument of Ancient Rome – the Colosseum. We take you around and explain the history of the arena and the events that took place here, while you stand on the same spot as emperors, gladiators and the Roman mob. From here, go through the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, the Holy Staircase and Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. This city tour is largely by foot and makes for a long day. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Rome. (B)

Day 15 | Rome – Papal Audience In the morning we will attend the Papal Audience and receive a Blessing by His Holiness the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. (Pending schedule of the Holy Father, subject to change at last moment). In the afternoon enjoy your last day free for shopping and leisure. You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy a final group dinner together tonight at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 16 | Rome – USA
After breakfast transfer to the airport in Rome for our flight home. Ciao Italia! (B)

 

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

 

Mexico: Experience the History of the Catholic Church

Mexico: Experience the History of the Catholic Church

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Mexico: Experience the History of the Catholic Church

Mexico City | Guadalupe | Teotihuacán | Santiago de Tlatelolco | Tlaxcala | Puebla | Cancún

>> The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th. In 1999, Pope Saint John Paul II, in his homily given during the Solemn Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, his third visit to the sanctuary, declared the date of December the 12th as a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole continent. During the same visit Pope Saint John Paul II entrusted the cause of life to her loving protection, and placed under her motherly care the innocent lives of children, especially those who are in danger of not being born.

Inclusions

  • Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
  • Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
  • Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
  • Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
  • Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
  • Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically
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“The pilgrimage was amazing, the beach was second best!”

–Harriot Jame

Day 1 | USA – Mexico City
Depart the USA for Mexico City. Meals are served aboard your flight. Upon arrival we meet our Escort and transfer to your hotel in Mexico City (D)

Day 2 | Guadalupe – Teotihuacán – Santiago de Tlatelolco – Mexico City
This morning through the Plaza of Three Cultures we visit one of the most historical churches in Mexico– Santiago de Tlatelolco. Continue to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe where we will celebrate Holy Mass in the main Basilica before the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Afterward, we go to the original church where we learn the history of Juan Diego and the Tilma, with its miraculous image of Our Lady. In the afternoon we head to San Juan Teotihuacán to see the famous archaeological site of the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. Dinner and over night in Mexico City. (B, D)

Day 3 | Tlaxcala – Puebla
Today we have a fascinating day of history through the early church in Mexico, showing its Spanish roots and Indian culture. In Tlaxcala visit the place where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631. After lunch head to Puebla where we visit the Franciscan church of Puebla where the incorrupt body of Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio is preserved. After arriving from Spain, he became very wealthy in agricultural business and road building. He taught the local natives to cultivate the land and how to build agricultural tools. Late in life, Sebastian gave all of his wealth to the convent of Poor Clares, and joined the Order of St. Francis. Though already in his 70’s, he did not exempt himself from hard work and begging to support the Friars. We return to Mexico City for dinner and over night. (B, D)

Day 4 | Mexico City – Guadalupe – Zócalo, Metropolitan Cathedral – Holy Family Church (Bl. Miguel Pro) – Guadalupe
After breakfast, we will make our way to the famous main plaza of Mexico City, the Zócalo formally named the Plaza de la Constitución. We will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and see the tomb of Bishop Zumarraga, the first Bishop of Mexico, known as the Protector of Indians. As we continue our journey learning about the history of Indians, and Mexican Christians we will arrive at the Holy Family Church in Mexico City. Pray at the tomb of Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro, the Jesuit martyr who having joined the Jesuits at a young age left Mexico in 1914 due to the tremendous anti–Catholic sentiment that reigned against the people by the government. He studied in Los Gatos, California until 1915 when he was sent to seminary in Spain. In 1925 he was ordained a Priest in Belgium and returned to Mexico. During this time of persecution, churches were closed and Catholics could only practice in hiding. Padre Pro clandestinely heard confessions, celebrated Holy Mass, and anointed the sick. In 1927 Bl. Pro was wrongly accused of an assassination attempt on the Mexican President. Moments before his execution, Blessed Fr. Miguel Pro forgave his executioners, and with his arms spread in the form of a cross he cried out ‘Viva Cristo Rey!’ This afternoon again visit Our Lady of Guadalupe with time for prayer and reflection. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together before returning to the hotel for overnight. (B, D)
Option: Return to USA or Fly to Cancún for a few days of relaxation

Day 5 | Mexico City – Cancún
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Mexico City for our flight to Cancún. After a short 2 hour flight arrive in the beach resort city of Cancún wher e we are transferred to our all–inclusive beach get– away resort. Enjoy the beach for the next few days! (B, D)

Day 6 and 7 | Cancún All–Inclusive Resort (Wyndham Maya, Royal Sands, or similar)
Enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach, sipping on unlimited drinks, and delighting yourself with various dining options available all day long. (B, D)

Day 8 | Cancún departure for USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Cancún for our flight home. (B)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Enjoy an additional 3 nights at your all– inclusive resort!

 

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

 

Medjugorje, Budapest, Poland

Medjugorje, Budapest, Poland

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Medjugorje, Budapest, Poland

Medjugorje | Budapest | Zakopane | Wadowice | Kraków

>> On June 24, 1981, six children in the little town of Medjugorje (in former Yugoslavia) began to experience what they said were ‘apparitions’ of the Blessed Virgin Mary who entrusted them with ‘secrets’ and other messages of peace, prayer, and conversion. Some of the now adult visionaries continue to receive these messages almost daily. Although the Church has not yet affirmed the ‘apparitions’, thousands of Catholics come here every year.

Inclusions

  • Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
  • Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
  • Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
  • Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
  • Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
  • Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically
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“A surreal and blessed experience, Thank you”

– Ramona McKenzie

Day 1 | USA – Split, Croatia
Depart the USA on your transatlantic flight where dinner and breakfast will be served.

Day 2 | Medjugorje
Upon arrival in the Republic of Croatia, meet your guide and transfer to the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina where we will stay in privately owned pensions (hotels) in the village of Medjugorje. If time permits, we will have an orientation walk from the hotel to the St. James Church. (D)

Day 3 | Medjugorje
In the morning, we will attend a Holy Mass in St. James Church. Following the Holy Mass, we will spend time in silent prayer at this very peaceful place where it is said Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the first time to six children on June 24, 1981. We may choose various activities while in Medjugorje. One may climb to the Hill of Apparitions or Mount Krizevac (Cross Mountain); join villagers in prayer of the Rosary, etc. (B, D)

Day 4 | Medjugorje – Budapest
After breakfast and Holy Mass at St. James Church, we depart Medjugorje for our scenic drive through the former Yugoslavian countryside to Hungary and its beautiful capital, Budapest. (can be replaced by flight from Split.) The famous Danube River separates the hills of “Buda” and the plains of “Pest”, highlighting an interesting comparison of old and modern cultures. (B, D)

Day 5 | Budapest
In the morning, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Budapest. See the many graceful bridges that cross the Danube connecting the former cities of Buda and Pest. Our tour includes all the main attractions: the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building, Castle Hill, Coronation Church, Heroes’ Square, and Gellert Hill. Afternoon time for shopping and coffee. (B, D)

Day 6 | Budapest – Zakopane
Following breakfast, we depart Budapest and head for Zakopane. On our way we will enjoy the picturesque landscape of Slovakia. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Zakopane, a resort town high up in the scenic Tatra Mountains of Poland. (B, D)

Day 7 | Zakopane
Full day in Zakopane, where Pope Saint John Paul II would recreate as a young priest and on until Pope. When cardinal, someone mentioned it might be inappropriate for a man of his position to ski. He replied that it was only “unbecoming for a cardinal to ski badly.” Zakopane is the center of age–old Highlander culture. Going through town, you will see all sorts of people; holiday–makers, hikers and colorful market vendors enjoying the pure mountain air and magnificent vistas. Need a break? A cable care can whisk you away to Mount Gubalowka for a splendid view of the valley below. This afternoon you have a chance to shop for local folk art. In the evening, we have a group dinner with folklore show. (B, D)

Day 8 | Zakopane – Wadowice – Kraków
Today we depart for Kraków. On the way we will visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. After Mass in the church where Karol Wojtyla was baptized in 1920, we will tour a museum dedicated to the Saint in the building where his family home was. Later we continue to Kraków, the former capital of Poland. (B, D)

Day 9 | Kraków
In the morning we will visit the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, dedicated by Pope Saint John Paul II, where St. Faustina Kowalska lived and died. Then we continue our city tour of Kraków, which includes the Old Town, Cloth Hall, Wit Stwosz’s acclaimed altar masterpiece at St. Mary’s Church, Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle and Cathedral – all remarkable symbols of Poland’s national identity. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the evening we will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner with wine. (B, D)

Day 10 | Kraków Departure for USA
In the morning, transfer to the airport in Kraków for your flight home. (B)

 

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

 

Marian Shrines of the Alps

Marian Shrines of the Alps

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Marian Shrines of the Alps

Prague | Altötting | Salzburg | Mariazell | Vienna | Budapest

>> Dive into the ultimate journey of the Alps! Experience the culture of Bavaria and many incredible Marian Shrines all while overlooking the stunning landscapes of the Alps. This special program is a favorite among clergy and the faithful who look for new experiences after having visited the more common pilgrimage destinations of the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, etc.

Inclusions

  • Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
  • Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
  • Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
  • Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
  • Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
  • Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically
|

“What a great experience, a wonderful educational opportunity to enhance one’s knowledge of the foundation of Christianity. I applaud you, Mark, for your tireless energy and willingness to do whatever it took to make every single person’s experience a positive one. We wish you continued success!”

– Mary Elizabeth Jones

Day 1 | USA Departure to Prague
Depart the USA for Prague. Dinner and breakfast are served aboard your flight.

Day 2 | Prague
Today we arrive in Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city. We enjoy dinner together and take the afternoon to relax after a long flight. (D)

Day 3 | Prague
After breakfast we begin to explore Prague. We will celebrate Holy Mass, pray and learn of the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. We will visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious, the Old Town, Lesser Town, St. Nicholas Church, Strahov Monastery, Wenceslas Square and the St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George Basilica and Loreto Church. This evening, enjoy a splendid dinner together. (B, D)

Day 4 | Prague – Altötting – Salzburg
Today we leave the Czech Republic for Germany’s most visited pilgrimage destination: Altötting. This is the oldest Shrine to Mary in Germany and the Black Madonna. Our Lady of Altötting is credited with a long history of miraculous healing. Pope Saint John Paul II visited here in 1980. Afterwards we continue to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Day 5 | Salzburg
The medieval city of Salzburg has several sites in store for us, from St. Peter’s Churchyard and the Archbishop’s Residence to the Nonnberg Convent of Benedictine Nuns and the Fortress Hohensalzburg. We will also visit the Schloss Hellbrunn Castle to enjoy its beautiful Baroque architecture and ‘trick fountains’. (B, D)

Day 6 | Salzburg – Mariazell – Vienna
Today we journey through the Alps to Austria. Our highlight will be Mariazell, one of Europe’s most visited Shrines. Pope Saint John Paul II visited here in 1983 to see the ’Lady Chapel’. It is here in 1157 that a Benedictine Monk named Magnus was walking in a forest and came to a large rock he could not pass. He prayed to Our Blessed Virgin who then split the stone in two, allowing him to pass. Magnus built a chapel here, and it was made larger and rebuilt several times after. After Holy Mass we continue to the capital of Austria, Vienna. (B, D)

Day 7 | Vienna
Our pilgrimage continues in Vienna where we visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the miraculous image of Our Lady of Mariapocs. The image of the Blessed Virgin wept before hundreds of witnesses in 1696. We will visit the Schonbrunn Royal Palace and Hall of Mirrors where Mozart played for many important figures. We will also see the Church of St. Charles Borromeo and Otto Wagner’s Stadtbahn pavilions. (B, D)

Day 8 | Vienna – Budapest
Today we drive to Budapest. On the way we stop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Gyor, where an image of Our Lady is found which came originally from Ireland. The image was brought to Gyor when Ireland was invaded and priests were being killed. The image of Our Lady wept tears of blood on St. Patrick’s Day in 1697. We continue to Budapest. (B, D)

Day 9 | Budapest
We explore the city of Budapest, the Basilica of St. Stephen, and head out to visit the miraculous image of Our Lady of Remete, which has cured many ailing pilgrims. Pope John Paul II prayed before the image in 1991. (B, D)

Day 10 | Budapest Departure to USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Budapest for our flight home. (B)

 

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com

 

Marian Shrines of Spain, Fatima and the Way of St. James

Marian Shrines of Spain, Fatima and the Way of St. James

The possibilities are endless!

Check out our 35+ sample itineraries and mix days from different ones to create a truly customized trip.

Marian Shrines of Spain, Fatima and the Way of St. James

Barcelona | Montserrat | Zaragoza | Madrid | Toledo | Santiago de Compostela | Fatima | Santarém | Lisbon

>> This may be one of the absolute best programs of Spain and Fatima where you begin by following St. Ignatius Loyola at the Shrine of our Lady of Montserrat, to Zaragoza where the Blessed Virgin Mary co– located and appeared to St. James. Continue through Madrid to Santiago de Compostela and walk a few miles of the famed Camino to the Cathedral of St. James. Finally end this journey with a few days in Fatima, where Our Lady appeared in 1917 to the three shepherd children calling for the people to pray for world peace.

Inclusions

  • Round trip air transportation from major airport near your parish
  • Superior tourist class hotel accommodations double occupancy with bath or shower (single supplement extra)
  • Breakfast daily, most group dinners, with wine and beer, as indicated in Itinerary (B, D)
  • Special events, entertainment, and comprehensive sightseeing programs as indicated in itinerary
  • Transportation by private deluxe motor coach Tour escort and local guides
  • Hotel Service Charges and Taxes
  • US airport taxes, fuel surcharges included** **subject to change in the rare occasion that government/airline fees and fuel costs increase drastically
|

“All of those added stops and surprises you gave us along the way made the trip so special!”

–Edward P.

Day 1 | USA – Barcelona, Spain Depart the USA for Barcelona, Spain. Dinner and breakfast will be served during your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Arrival in Barcelona, Spain
Upon arrival in Barcelona we meet our Escort and check into the hotel. After dinner, we have the evening to rest after our long flight. (D)

Day 3 | Barcelona – Montserrat
We begin our day with a morning trip to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat following the pilgrimage taken by St. Ignatius Loyola to pray before the Virgin of Montserrat. After enjoying Escolanía, one of the oldest and most renowned boys’ choirs in Europe, sing “Salve Regina” and the “Virolai” (hymn of Montserrat) in the basilica before we depart for a city tour of Barcelona. During the tour, we will have the opportunity to see La Sagrada Familia, the Basilica which began construction under Antoni Gaudi in 1882 and is still under construction today. (B, D)

Day 4 | Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid
This morning we enjoy a filling breakfast and depart Barcelona for Madrid. On the way, we explore the Basilica de Pilar where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. James in Zaragoza. Around 44 AD while the Virgin Mary was still alive, she appeared to St. James upon a pillar carried by angels while he was spreading the Gospel in Spain. It is believed that this pillar is the same as the one in the Basilica. We continue to Madrid for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 5 | Madrid – Toledo
Today we will make a panoramic city tour of Madrid. We will see many of the most famous sites of the capital of Spain, including Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol and the Royal Palace. Our journey continues to the ancient city of Toledo, city–museum, and the oldest capital of Spain. The historic city center is one of the largest in the country. You will see many beautiful sites including a 13th Century Cathedral, medieval castle, and more. In the afternoon, you have a chance to shop for local art. In the evening we return to Madrid for overnight. (B, D)

Day 6 | Madrid – Astorga – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we board our coach for the journey to Santiago de Compostela. En route, we will stop along the Way of St. James in Astorga- famed for its Cathedral and Episcopal Palace designed by Antoni Gaudi. After lunch we continue to Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, we join the evening Pilgrim’s Mass at the Cathedral where we hope the famed Botafumeiro will swing (this is subject to the Cathedral’s changing schedule). Fun Fact: The swinging Botafumeiro is a famous thurible, one of the largest in the world, which tradition says was put in place to reduce the stench coming from tired and unwashed pilgrims in addition to use during Mass. Afterwards, enjoy a group dinner and rest before tomorrow’s day of exploration. (B, D)

Day 7 | Santiago de Compostela
This morning we will join other pilgrims and walk the last few miles of the Camino de Santiago to the Cathedral of St. James. Here we will celebrate Holy Mass and explore, ascending the stairs behind the altar to visit the crypt where the relics of St. James are preserved. Today we have the afternoon to ourselves to take in all that this beautiful place has to offer. (B)

Day 8 | Santiago de Compostela – Fatima
After breakfast we depart Santiago de Compostela and head to Fatima. Upon arrival we will join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B, D)

Day 9 | Fatima
Today we are in and around Fatima. We will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica with the tombs of Francisco, and Jacinta– Perpetual Adoration Chapel. In Aljustrel we will see the two homes of the little shepherds and then return to Fatima. In the evening, join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B, D)

Day 10 | Fatima – Santarém – Lisbon
After Holy Mass, we leave Fatima for our trip to Lisbon where we will visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, St. Jeronimos Monastery, and the famous Belem Tower. On our way south to Lisbon, we will stop in Santarém and the Church of St. Stephen, the place of the oldest known Eucharistic miracle on display since 1269 AD. Enjoy an exquisite farewell dinner together sharing our memories and experiences with one another. (B, D)

Day 11 | Lisbon – USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return to the United States. (B)

 

John Paul Pilgrimages and Tours, Inc.

7730 E. Greenway Rd. STE 104 Scottsdale AZ 85260

1-480-626-1266
info@johnpaultours.com