Queen of the Levant
A Marian Pilgrimage Through Zaragoza, Montserrat, Tortosa & Valencia
10 Days / 8 Nights | Madrid, Zaragoza, Montserrat, Barcelona, Tortosa & Valencia
A Journey Through the Great Marian Devotions of Eastern Spain
Eastern Spain preserves some of the country’s most beloved Marian shrines and devotions.
This pilgrimage brings them together in one continuous journey.
We begin in Madrid, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Almudena, before traveling to Zaragoza, where the ancient devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar is intimately connected with St. James the Apostle and the earliest Christian traditions of Spain.
From there, we continue to the mountain sanctuary of Montserrat, home to the Black Madonna affectionately known as La Moreneta, patroness of Catalonia.
Our route then takes us through Tortosa, where we encounter devotion to Our Lady of the Cinta, before reaching Valencia, where Marian spirituality culminates in the beloved image of Our Lady of the Forsaken — Virgen de los Desamparados, patroness of the city and region.
Valencia also adds another extraordinary spiritual dimension: the opportunity to pray before the Holy Chalice, traditionally associated with the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.
This is a pilgrimage of Mary, the Apostles, the Eucharist, sacred art and the living Catholic traditions of Spain’s Mediterranean lands.
Why “Queen of the Levant”?
The Mediterranean coast of eastern Spain has developed a rich network of Marian devotions over the centuries.
Zaragoza, Catalonia, Tortosa and Valencia each preserve a distinctive relationship with Mary.
Different titles.
Different histories.
Different images.
But the same Mother.
This pilgrimage allows us to experience that diversity within one journey.
At Zaragoza, Mary encourages the mission of an Apostle.
At Montserrat, she is venerated as the Black Madonna of Catalonia.
At Tortosa, she is honored as Our Lady of the Cinta.
And in Valencia, she is the Mother of the Forsaken, close to those who are vulnerable, forgotten or in need.
The title “Queen of the Levant” therefore gives the pilgrimage a geographical and spiritual identity: a journey through the Marian heart of eastern Spain.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Our Lady of Almudena — begin the pilgrimage at Madrid’s Cathedral and the shrine of the city’s patroness.
- Our Lady of the Pillar — pray at one of Spain’s great Marian sanctuaries in Zaragoza.
- St. James the Apostle — discover the ancient tradition linking him with the apparition of Our Lady of the Pillar.
- Montserrat — pilgrimage to the Benedictine monastery and the Black Madonna, La Moreneta.
- Barcelona — possibility of incorporating the Sagrada Família or other Catholic and cultural highlights.
- Our Lady of the Cinta — visit Tortosa and discover one of Catalonia’s historic Marian devotions.
- Our Lady of the Forsaken — pray before the patroness of Valencia in her Basilica.
- Holy Chalice of Valencia — venerate the relic traditionally associated with the cup of the Last Supper.
- Church of San Nicolás — discover one of Valencia’s most spectacular sacred interiors.
- Marian Museum of Valencia — deepen the group’s understanding of the city’s Marian traditions.
- Holy Mass, prayer and spiritual reflection may be incorporated throughout the pilgrimage.
Important Information and Terms and Conditions
The published program is a general description and may be adjusted due to availability, operational requirements, local conditions, or the group’s needs. By registering, each traveler confirms that they have reviewed and accepted our Terms and Conditions.
Confirmed trip details, payment information, official meetings and presentations, updates, and final travel documentation will be provided through the official WeTravel page, the final itinerary, and other communications from Pilgrim Groups Travel. Travelers are responsible for reviewing all documents, insurance provisions, entry requirements, and travel instructions provided.
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.
Overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 — Arrival in Madrid
Welcome to Spain
Upon arrival in Madrid, we will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to our hotel.
This first day will be intentionally light after the international journey.
Depending on arrival time, we may celebrate our opening Holy Mass, enjoy a panoramic introduction to the city or simply have time to rest.
Welcome dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 3 — Madrid
Our Lady of Almudena & Catholic Madrid
After breakfast, we begin at the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena, dedicated to Our Lady of Almudena, patroness of Madrid.
Subject to arrangements, we may celebrate Holy Mass here.
We then continue through the monumental heart of the capital, with visits or panoramic views of the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía.
Depending on the interests of the group, additional Catholic sites may also be incorporated.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 4 — Madrid – Zaragoza
Journey to Our Lady of the Pillar
After breakfast, we leave Madrid and travel toward Zaragoza.
Upon arrival, we will have time to begin discovering a city deeply marked by devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar.
Depending on arrival time, we may enjoy an introductory walk through the historic center, time for personal prayer or an early visit to the Basilica.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Zaragoza
Day 5 — Zaragoza
Our Lady of the Pillar & St. James the Apostle
Today is dedicated to the spiritual heart of Zaragoza.
We visit the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in Spain.
According to ancient Christian tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared here to St. James the Greater while he was preaching the Gospel in Hispania, encouraging him in his mission.
We will have time for prayer before the Holy Pillar and, subject to ecclesiastical arrangements, the possibility of celebrating Holy Mass.
We may also visit the Cathedral of the Savior — La Seo — and explore the historic center.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Zaragoza
Day 6 — Zaragoza – Montserrat
The Black Madonna of Catalonia
After breakfast, we travel toward the spectacular mountain sanctuary of Montserrat.
Here we will visit the Benedictine monastery and Basilica, home to the venerated image of Our Lady of Montserrat, known as La Moreneta.
For centuries, pilgrims have come to this mountain to seek Mary’s intercession and experience the unique atmosphere created by monastic prayer and the surrounding landscape.
Subject to arrangements, we may celebrate Holy Mass and spend time in personal prayer.
Depending on the monastery schedule, there may also be opportunities to experience the liturgical life of the Benedictine community.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Montserrat
Day 7 — Montserrat – Barcelona – Tortosa – Valencia
From Catalonia to Valencia
After breakfast, we leave Montserrat and continue toward Barcelona.
Depending on the final program, we may enjoy a short panoramic or guided visit, with the possibility of incorporating the Sagrada Família or another important Catholic and cultural site.
We then continue south toward Tortosa.
Here we will visit the historic Cathedral of Santa María and encounter the devotion to Our Lady of the Cinta, one of the city’s most important Marian traditions.
After time for prayer and exploration, we continue toward Valencia.
Arrival, dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Valencia
Day 8 — Valencia
Our Lady of the Forsaken & the Holy Chalice
Today we dedicate ourselves to the Catholic heart of Valencia.
Our principal Marian destination will be the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken — Virgen de los Desamparados, patroness of Valencia.
Her devotion is deeply woven into the religious identity of the city, and we will have time to pray before her image and learn more about this beloved tradition.
We may also visit the Marian Museum of Valencia, which helps place the devotion within the wider history of the city.
The day then acquires an important Eucharistic dimension at Valencia Cathedral, home to the Holy Chalice, traditionally associated with the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper.
Time will be provided for prayer before the Chalice.
Subject to ecclesiastical arrangements, we may celebrate or attend Holy Mass in the Cathedral.
We may also visit the extraordinary Church of San Nicolás, sometimes called the “Valencian Sistine Chapel” because of its richly decorated interior.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Valencia
Day 9 — Valencia – Madrid
Final Day in the Mediterranean
After breakfast, we enjoy additional time in Valencia.
The morning may remain free or be adapted with optional experiences such as additional churches, the historic center, the Central Market, the City of Arts and Sciences or a special Eucharistic or Marian activity.
Later, we transfer back toward Madrid.
Arrival and check-in at our hotel.
The evening may remain free or conclude with a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 10 — 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 a journey shaped by some of the great Marian devotions of Spain:
Our Lady of Almudena, Our Lady of the Pillar, Our Lady of Montserrat, Our Lady of the Cinta and Our Lady of the Forsaken.
And in Valencia, our pilgrimage has also brought us back to the Upper Room through the Holy Chalice.
Arrival in the United States and end of our pilgrimage services.
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