Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 — USA – Madrid

Our Pilgrimage Begins

At the appropriate time, we will meet at our designated U.S. departure airport and board our overnight transatlantic flight to Madrid, Spain.

Meals and refreshments will be served according to the airline’s schedule.

Overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2 — Madrid – Toledo – Ciudad Real

Welcome to Spain

Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, we will be welcomed by our local team and accompanying guide and board our private motorcoach.

Our journey begins toward Toledo, one of the great historic cities of Spain and for centuries an important center of the Spanish Church.

Depending on our international flight schedule, we may enjoy an introductory visit incorporating some of Toledo’s principal landmarks, with the possibility of visiting the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, walking through its medieval streets and enjoying panoramic views over the ancient city.

After lunch, we continue through the landscapes of La Mancha toward Ciudad Real.

Upon arrival, check-in at our hotel and, time permitting, guided introduction to the city.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Ciudad Real

Today’s sightseeing will be adapted according to the group’s international flight arrival time.

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Day 3 — Ciudad Real – Andújar

From La Mancha to Andalusia

After breakfast, we continue south, leaving the plains of La Mancha behind as we make our way toward Andalusia.

Arrival in Andújar, an ancient city overlooking the Guadalquivir and the gateway to the Sierra de Andújar.

Following lunch and check-in at our hotel, we will enjoy a guided exploration of the historic center.

Our visit will introduce us to Andújar’s religious and cultural heritage and, most importantly, to the profound relationship between the city and Our Lady of the Cabeza.

This is an opportunity to understand the devotion before making our pilgrimage to the mountain sanctuary the following day.

Depending on arrangements, the day may include Holy Mass at a local church.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Andújar

Day 4 — Marmolejo – Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Cabeza – Andújar

A Pilgrimage into the Sierra

After breakfast, we begin our day with an excursion to Marmolejo, a traditional town of the Jaén countryside situated near the Guadalquivir River.

Depending on the final program, we may discover sites such as the Parish Church of Our Lady of Peace, the historic bridge and other points of local interest.

We then return toward Andújar for lunch.

In the afternoon comes the spiritual centerpiece of our journey.

We ascend into the beautiful Sierra de Andújar toward the Basilica and Royal Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Cabeza.

Standing high above the surrounding countryside, the sanctuary has welcomed generations of pilgrims and is at the center of one of Spain’s most remarkable traditions of popular Marian devotion.

Here we will learn about the history of Our Lady of the Cabeza, the sanctuary and the great pilgrimage or romería associated with her.

Time will be provided to enter the basilica, venerate Our Lady and enjoy the remarkable natural environment surrounding the sanctuary.

Subject to availability and ecclesiastical arrangements, we may also celebrate Holy Mass at the sanctuary, making our visit a true moment of pilgrimage rather than simply a cultural excursion.

Return to Andújar.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Andújar

Day 5 — Andújar – Mérida

From Andalusia to Ancient Hispania

After breakfast, we depart Andújar and travel west toward Extremadura.

Our destination is Mérida, ancient Augusta Emerita and one of the most extraordinary Roman archaeological cities in Europe.

Following lunch and check-in at our hotel, we begin our guided exploration of the city.

Depending on the final program, our visit may include some of Mérida’s most celebrated monuments, such as the Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, Temple of Diana, Roman Bridge and other remains of the ancient city.

But Mérida is also important to the Christian history of Spain.

The city became an important center of early Christianity in Hispania and is particularly associated with St. Eulalia of Mérida, the young Christian martyr whose cult became widespread in Late Antiquity.

For groups wishing to place greater emphasis on the religious dimension of the journey, we may incorporate the Basilica of Santa Eulalia and other sites associated with the city’s early Christian heritage.

Dinner and overnight.

An optional evening walk through illuminated Mérida may also be arranged.

Overnight: Mérida

Day 6 — Mérida – Madrid

Roman, Christian & Spanish Heritage

After breakfast, we will have the opportunity to continue discovering Mérida.

Depending on what was visited the previous afternoon, our morning may incorporate additional archaeological or Christian sites, allowing us to understand how ancient Augusta Emerita developed from one of Rome’s great provincial cities into an important center of early Christianity.

Subject to arrangements, Holy Mass may be incorporated before departure.

After lunch, we begin our journey toward Madrid.

Upon arrival, check-in at our hotel.

Depending on arrival time, the evening may be left free to enjoy the Spanish capital or a farewell dinner may be arranged for the group.

Overnight: Madrid

Day 7 — Madrid – USA

Return Home

After breakfast, at the appropriate time, transfer to Madrid International Airport for our return flight to the United States.

We return home after having experienced a lesser-known but deeply rooted expression of Catholic Spain.

From the great ecclesiastical heritage of Toledo to the landscapes of La Mancha, from the mountain sanctuary of Our Lady of the Cabeza to the ancient Christian history of Mérida, our journey has allowed us to encounter faith across centuries of Spanish history.

Arrival in the United States and end of our pilgrimage services.