Seville & Our Lady of El Rocío
A Catholic Pilgrimage to the “Blanca Paloma” and the Heart of Andalusia
6 Days / 4 Nights | Madrid · Seville · El Rocío · Almonte · Cádiz · Jerez de la Frontera
Faith, Marian Devotion & the Soul of Andalusia
Journey into the heart of Andalusia on a Catholic pilgrimage centered on one of Spain’s most beloved Marian devotions: Our Lady of El Rocío, affectionately known as the Blanca Paloma — the White Dove.
The devotion to Our Lady of El Rocío is deeply woven into the Catholic identity and traditions of southern Spain. Each year, confraternities and pilgrims travel from towns and cities across the country toward the small village of El Rocío, creating one of the most distinctive expressions of popular Catholic faith in Europe.
Designed especially for parishes, Catholic organizations and groups traveling from the United States, this shorter pilgrimage combines the spirituality of El Rocío with the magnificent Christian and cultural heritage of Seville, Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera.
Rather than simply visiting Andalusia, we will encounter a living expression of Spanish Catholicism — where pilgrimage, confraternities, Marian devotion, music, family and community remain intimately connected.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Our Lady of El Rocío — encounter one of Spain’s great living Marian devotions.
- Sanctuary of El Rocío — pilgrimage to the famous shrine of the Blanca Paloma.
- Almonte — discover the town at the heart of the centuries-old Rocío tradition.
- Seville Cathedral — visit one of the world’s great Gothic cathedrals.
- La Giralda & Historic Seville — experience the extraordinary Christian and cultural heritage of Andalusia’s capital.
- Cádiz — discover one of Europe’s oldest cities overlooking the Atlantic.
- Jerez de la Frontera — explore its churches, historic center and Andalusian traditions.
- Traditional Jerez winery — optional visit and tasting introducing groups to an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.
- Holy Mass & Spiritual Activities — opportunities for Eucharist, prayer and spiritual reflection according to the needs of the group.
- Andalusian Culture — combine pilgrimage with the architecture, history, gastronomy and traditions of southern Spain.
What Is the Romería del Rocío?
The Romería del Rocío is much more than a festival.
It is a pilgrimage.
For generations, Catholic confraternities known as hermandades have traveled toward the Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Rocío, following traditional routes through the countryside of Andalusia.
Pilgrims travel together as communities — praying, singing, celebrating and accompanying the processional standards or simpecados representing their confraternities.
At the center of everything is Our Lady of El Rocío, the Blanca Paloma.
For an international Catholic pilgrim, El Rocío therefore offers something particularly valuable: an opportunity to encounter Spanish popular Catholicism as a living tradition, rather than simply visiting the monuments it has left behind.
Come and Meet the Blanca Paloma
Some of Europe’s greatest pilgrimage destinations are known throughout the Catholic world.
Others remain treasures waiting to be discovered.
El Rocío is one of them.
Here, faith is not confined to the walls of a historic church. It extends onto the roads leading toward the sanctuary, into the confraternities, families, songs and traditions that have carried devotion to the Virgin from one generation to the next.
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 – Spain
Our Pilgrimage Begins
At the appropriate time, we will meet at our designated U.S. departure airport and board our overnight flight to Spain.
Meals and refreshments will be served according to the airline’s schedule.
Overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2 — Arrival in Spain – Seville
Welcome to Andalusia
Upon arrival in Spain, we will be welcomed by our local team and accompanying guide and continue toward Seville, the magnificent capital of Andalusia.
Depending on the final flight arrangements, groups may fly directly or connect to Seville, or arrive through another Spanish gateway with onward transportation arranged accordingly.
After check-in and time to refresh, we begin our introduction to this extraordinary city.
Our visit may include the monumental Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic churches in the world, together with the famous Giralda, historic squares and streets of the old city.
Subject to arrival times and ecclesiastical arrangements, we may celebrate our opening Holy Mass in Seville.
Welcome dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Seville
Day 3 — Seville – El Rocío – Almonte – Seville
Pilgrimage to the Blanca Paloma
Today is the spiritual heart of our journey.
After breakfast, we depart Seville and travel toward El Rocío, one of the most remarkable pilgrimage destinations in Spain.
The village is intimately associated with the devotion to Our Lady of El Rocío, popularly known as the Blanca Paloma.
Each year, the famous Romería del Rocío brings confraternities and pilgrims from across Andalusia and beyond, many following traditional pilgrimage roads that have been traveled for generations.
We will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Rocío, with time to pray and discover the history and traditions surrounding this deeply rooted Marian devotion.
Depending on the date of travel, the location of the sacred image and the liturgical calendar, our pilgrimage may also incorporate Almonte, the town whose history and identity are inseparable from the Virgin of El Rocío.
Subject to ecclesiastical arrangements, we will seek the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass during our pilgrimage.
After lunch and time in the area, we return to Seville.
The remainder of the afternoon or evening may be available for personal exploration of the city.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Seville
Day 4 — Seville – Cádiz – Jerez de la Frontera – Seville
The Atlantic Coast & Andalusian Heritage
After breakfast, we depart for Cádiz, dramatically situated on the Atlantic coast.
Known affectionately as La Tacita de Plata, Cádiz possesses an extraordinary history stretching back to the ancient Mediterranean world.
Our guided visit will introduce us to its historic center and may incorporate landmarks such as the Cathedral of Cádiz, Puerta de Tierra, Parque Genovés and the beautiful streets and plazas overlooking the sea.
After lunch, we continue toward Jerez de la Frontera.
Jerez reflects the many civilizations that have shaped Andalusia, while its churches and historic center testify to the city’s Christian history following the Reconquista.
Depending on the final program, we may visit Jerez Cathedral and explore landmarks around the historic center, including the beautiful Plaza de la Asunción and the Church of San Dionisio.
For groups interested in experiencing another aspect of Andalusian culture, an optional visit to a traditional Jerez winery, such as Bodegas Fundador or similar, may be incorporated, including an introduction to the region’s historic winemaking tradition and a tasting for adult participants.
Return to Seville.
Dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Seville
Day 5 — Seville
Catholic Seville & the Traditions of Andalusia
After breakfast, we dedicate another day to Seville, allowing the pilgrimage to explore the city at a more comfortable pace rather than treating it simply as an overnight base.
Our program can be adapted to the interests of each parish and may incorporate additional Catholic and cultural sites associated with Seville’s remarkable religious heritage.
We may explore historic churches, Marian devotions and the city’s famous religious confraternities, whose traditions are particularly visible during Holy Week but remain active throughout the year.
Additional possibilities include the Royal Alcázar, Plaza de España, Barrio de Santa Cruz, the Guadalquivir riverfront and other important monuments.
Subject to arrangements, Holy Mass may be celebrated at a local church.
The afternoon can remain partially free, or groups may choose to incorporate an optional cultural experience such as a traditional flamenco performance, additional guided visits or a special farewell dinner.
Overnight: Seville
Day 6 — Seville – USA
Return Home
After breakfast, at the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for our return journey to the United States.
We return home after experiencing not only the beauty of Andalusia, but one of its most characteristic expressions of Catholic faith.
From the great Cathedral of Seville to the Atlantic streets of Cádiz, and above all from our encounter with the Blanca Paloma at El Rocío, we carry home memories of prayer, fellowship and a Catholic tradition that continues to be lived and passed from generation to generation.
End of our pilgrimage services.
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