Our Lady of Meritxell & the Pyrenees
A Marian Pilgrimage Through Spain, Andorra & Lourdes
10 Days / 8 Nights | Madrid, Zaragoza, Andorra, Meritxell, the Pyrenees, Lourdes & Burgos
From Our Lady of the Pillar to the Virgin of Meritxell and Our Lady of Lourdes
Journey into the heart of the Pyrenees on a Catholic pilgrimage combining three remarkable Marian sanctuaries with some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe.
Our pilgrimage begins in Spain with Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, where an ancient Christian tradition holds that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. James the Greater while she was still living in Jerusalem, encouraging the Apostle in his mission of evangelization.
From Zaragoza, we travel into the tiny mountain nation of Andorra to discover a Marian devotion that remains little known to many international pilgrims: Our Lady of Meritxell, Patroness of Andorra. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Pyrenees, the Sanctuary of Meritxell provides a wonderful setting for prayer, reflection and Christian fellowship.
Our journey then crosses the mountains into France to reach Lourdes, where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Here we will join pilgrims from throughout the world in prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle.
The pilgrimage concludes in Burgos, one of the historic cities of the Camino de Santiago, before returning to Madrid.
It is a journey of Mary, mountains and pilgrimage — particularly suitable for parish groups looking for a different European pilgrimage combining profound Catholic heritage with the extraordinary natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
Three Marian Shrines Across the Pyrenees
One of the strengths of this pilgrimage is the spiritual progression connecting Zaragoza, Meritxell and Lourdes.
In Zaragoza, Mary encourages St. James in his apostolic mission.
In Meritxell, we discover how Marian devotion became deeply woven into the identity of a small Christian nation surrounded by the mountains.
And in Lourdes, Mary calls the Church once again toward prayer, conversion and trust in God through her encounters with St. Bernadette.
Between these sanctuaries stand the Pyrenees themselves, making the journey particularly suitable for groups seeking a pilgrimage where sacred places, nature, community and spiritual reflection come together.
Designed for Catholic Groups from America
This pilgrimage can be organized for parishes, dioceses, Catholic schools, ministries, families, youth groups and private Catholic communities traveling from the United States and the Americas.
The proposed itinerary is completely adaptable. Depending on the group, we can arrange additional opportunities for daily Mass, spiritual direction, parish activities, nature walks, cultural visits or free time.
Extensions can also be arranged to Barcelona and Montserrat, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid, Fátima or other destinations in Spain, France and Portugal.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza
- The tradition of Our Lady and St. James the Apostle
- Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell, Patroness of Andorra
- Time for prayer and, when arrangements permit, Holy Mass at Meritxell
- Discover the tiny principality of Andorra
- Experience the spectacular landscapes of the Pyrenees
- Optional mountain and nature excursions adapted to the group
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Grotto of Massabielle, site of the apparitions to St. Bernadette
- Opportunity to participate in the liturgical life and devotions of Lourdes
- Burgos Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Catholic spiritual accompaniment and opportunities for Holy Mass 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
Departure for Spain
At the appropriate time, we will meet at our designated U.S. departure airport and board our overnight flight to Madrid, Spain.
Overnight flight.
Day 2 — Arrival in Madrid
Welcome to Spain
Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, we will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to our hotel.
Depending on the arrival time, the remainder of the day will be available to rest after the international journey or enjoy a first introduction to the Spanish capital.
A welcome dinner may be arranged for the group.
Overnight: Madrid
Day 3 — Madrid – Zaragoza
Journey to the City of Our Lady of the Pillar
After breakfast, we depart Madrid and travel northeast toward Zaragoza, capital of Aragón and one of Spain’s great historic cities.
Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy some free time to explore the historic center and begin discovering a city whose identity has been profoundly shaped by its devotion to Our Lady of the Pillar.
Depending on arrival time, an introductory walk or additional cultural visits may be arranged.
Overnight: Zaragoza
Day 4 — Zaragoza
Our Lady of the Pillar & St. James the Apostle
Today we pilgrimage to the magnificent Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of the great Marian sanctuaries of the Catholic world.
According to ancient Christian tradition, while St. James the Greater was evangelizing Hispania, the Virgin Mary appeared to him on the banks of the Ebro River, standing upon a pillar and encouraging him in his apostolic mission.
The tradition is especially remarkable because the apparition is believed to have occurred while Mary was still living in Jerusalem.
We will have time to visit the Basilica, venerate the sacred image of Our Lady of the Pillar, pray before the Holy Chapel and, subject to availability and liturgical arrangements, celebrate Holy Mass.
Our day may also include some of Zaragoza’s other important sites, such as La Seo Cathedral, the historic center and the banks of the Ebro.
Overnight: Zaragoza
Day 5 — Zaragoza – Andorra – Meritxell
Into the Pyrenees & Our Lady of Meritxell
After breakfast, we leave Zaragoza and travel north as the landscape gradually changes from the plains of Aragón to the magnificent peaks of the Pyrenees.
We enter the Principality of Andorra, one of Europe’s smallest countries, hidden among the mountains between Spain and France.
The spiritual heart of our visit will be the Sanctuary Basilica of Our Lady of Meritxell, dedicated to the Patroness of Andorra.
The devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell has been deeply rooted in Andorran life for centuries. The original Romanesque sanctuary was largely destroyed by fire in 1972, after which a striking modern sanctuary was constructed alongside it. Today, the complex brings together Andorra’s ancient Marian tradition and its contemporary Catholic life.
We will have time to visit the sanctuary, learn about the devotion to Our Lady of Meritxell and spend time in prayer. Holy Mass may be arranged, subject to confirmation.
Overnight: Andorra
Day 6 — Andorra & the Pyrenees
Creation, Prayer & the Mountains
Today offers something different from the traditional city-based pilgrimage: a day surrounded by the extraordinary natural beauty of the Pyrenees.
Depending on the season, weather conditions and the physical abilities and interests of the group, we can organize a program exploring some of Andorra’s valleys, mountain viewpoints, villages and natural areas.
Rather than treating this simply as a sightseeing excursion, the day can be incorporated into the spiritual character of the pilgrimage, allowing time for prayer, reflection and fellowship amid God’s creation.
For parish, family and more active groups, optional gentle walks or more substantial hiking experiences can be incorporated. For groups preferring a less physically demanding program, panoramic excursions by private motor coach can be arranged.
The program can therefore be adapted to the age and mobility of each group.
Overnight: Andorra
Day 7 — Andorra – Lourdes
Across the Pyrenees to Lourdes
After breakfast, we leave Andorra and continue our journey through the Pyrenees toward France.
Our destination is Lourdes, one of the most visited Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world.
Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and have our first opportunity to enter the Sanctuary and experience its unique atmosphere of prayer.
Depending on our arrival time and the Sanctuary’s official schedule, pilgrims may have the opportunity to participate in the Rosary and evening candlelight procession.
Overnight: Lourdes
Day 8 — Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes & St. Bernadette
We dedicate the entire day to Our Lady of Lourdes.
In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to the young St. Bernadette Soubirous at the Grotto of Massabielle. Lourdes subsequently became one of the great international centers of Marian pilgrimage, prayer and care for the sick.
We will visit the Grotto of Massabielle, the heart of the Sanctuary, and the principal basilicas and places associated with the apparitions.
Our program may also include places connected with the life of St. Bernadette, helping us understand the humble young woman to whom Our Lady entrusted the message of Lourdes.
There will be time for Holy Mass, personal prayer and participation in the devotions and liturgical celebrations of the Sanctuary, according to the official schedule.
Overnight: Lourdes
Day 9 — Lourdes – Burgos
From the Pyrenees to the Camino de Santiago
After breakfast, we say farewell to Lourdes and cross back into Spain.
Our journey takes us to Burgos, one of the great historic cities along the French Way of the Camino de Santiago.
At its heart stands the spectacular Cathedral of Santa María de Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture in Spain.
Depending on our arrival time, we will visit the Cathedral and enjoy a walk through the historic center, where pilgrims have passed for centuries on their journey toward the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
A special farewell dinner may be arranged for our final evening together.
Overnight: Burgos
Day 10 — Burgos – Madrid – USA
Return Home
After breakfast, we depart Burgos and travel to Madrid International Airport for our return flight to the United States.
We return home having encountered three distinctive Marian traditions — Our Lady of the Pillar, Our Lady of Meritxell and Our Lady of Lourdes — and having crossed the magnificent Pyrenees in a journey of faith, fellowship and discovery.
Return flight and end of our pilgrimage services.
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