Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 — USA – Madrid

Our Pilgrimage Begins

Today we begin our pilgrimage to the Iberian Peninsula.

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 – Trujillo

Welcome to Spain

Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, we will be welcomed by our Pilgrim Groups Travel representative and accompanying guide and board our private motorcoach.

We begin our journey toward Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain and one of the country’s most extraordinary historic cities.

Depending on our international flight schedule, we will enjoy a panoramic or introductory visit to the city, with the possibility of seeing some of its most important landmarks, including the magnificent Cathedral of Toledo, the historic Jewish Quarter and sites associated with El Greco.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue through the landscapes of central Spain toward Trujillo, a beautiful historic town in Extremadura.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Trujillo

The extent of today’s sightseeing will be adapted to the group’s international flight arrival time.

Day 3 — Trujillo – Fátima

Arrival at the Sanctuary of Our Lady

After breakfast, we leave Spain and cross into Portugal, traveling toward Fátima.

Upon arrival, we will have lunch and begin our encounter with one of the most important Marian pilgrimage destinations in the Catholic world.

It was here in 1917 that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the three shepherd children — Lucia dos Santos and Sts. Francisco and Jacinta Marto — entrusting them with a message centered upon prayer, conversion and peace.

We will begin discovering the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, including the Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the principal sacred spaces of the sanctuary.

Time will be provided for personal prayer and participation in the religious activities taking place during our stay.

Depending on the season and sanctuary schedule, pilgrims may have the opportunity to participate in the evening Rosary and candlelight procession.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Fátima

Day 4 — Batalha – Alcobaça – Nazaré – Fátima

Faith, History & the Atlantic Coast

After breakfast, we depart for an excursion through some of the most beautiful destinations of central Portugal.

Our first stop will be Batalha, where we visit the magnificent Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, commissioned by King John I following the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota.

We continue toward Alcobaça, famous for its monumental Cistercian monastery, one of the great medieval religious complexes of Portugal.

Later, we travel to the Atlantic coast and the picturesque town of Nazaré.

Today famous for its dramatic coastline and enormous Atlantic waves, Nazaré also possesses a centuries-old Marian tradition centered around Our Lady of Nazaré. Depending on timing and the final program, we may incorporate its sanctuary into our visit.

Time will be available to walk through the town and enjoy its distinctive coastal atmosphere before returning to Fátima.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Fátima

Day 5 — Porto – Coimbra – Fátima

The Heritage of Portugal

After breakfast, we depart for a full-day excursion exploring two of Portugal’s most important historic cities.

Our journey takes us first to Porto, beautifully situated along the banks of the Douro River.

During our panoramic and guided exploration, we will discover the city’s historic center and some of its most recognizable landmarks, potentially including the Cathedral, Clérigos Tower and the famous bridges spanning the Douro.

After lunch, we begin our return journey with a stop in Coimbra, Portugal’s historic university city.

Rising above the Mondego River, Coimbra has played an important role in Portuguese intellectual and religious history.

Depending on timing, our visit may incorporate the historic University of Coimbra, the Old Cathedral, New Cathedral and Monastery of Santa Cruz.

Coimbra also has an important connection with the story of Fátima: Sister Lucia, the longest-lived of the three visionaries, spent much of her religious life as a Carmelite here. Groups particularly interested in the Fátima story may incorporate additional sites associated with her, subject to availability and the final itinerary.

Return to Fátima.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Fátima

Day 6 — Fátima – Lisbon – Mérida

Lisbon & the Portuguese Age of Discovery

After breakfast, we say farewell to Fátima and travel toward Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital.

Our guided panoramic visit will introduce us to some of the city’s most important landmarks.

We will discover the monumental Belém district, with exterior views or visits according to the final program to landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries.

Our exploration may also take us through areas such as Praça do Comércio, Avenida da Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal.

For groups wishing to place greater emphasis on Catholic heritage, the program may be adapted to incorporate sites associated with St. Anthony of Padua, who was born in Lisbon, including the church traditionally associated with his birthplace.

After lunch, we leave Portugal and cross back into Spain, continuing toward Mérida.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mérida or surrounding area

Day 7 — Mérida – Guadalupe – Madrid

Our Lady of Guadalupe

After breakfast, we depart for Guadalupe, where our pilgrimage reaches another of its great Marian destinations.

We will visit the magnificent Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for centuries one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Spain.

Here we will venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose devotion occupies a remarkable place in the history of Spain and would later become a name of profound significance throughout the Americas.

We will discover the monastery and the beautiful historic village that surrounds it, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture and mountain setting.

Time will be provided for prayer and, subject to arrangements, the possibility of celebrating Holy Mass.

After lunch, we continue toward Madrid.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Madrid

Day 8 — Madrid – USA

Return Home

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

We return home after a journey that has taken us across Spain and Portugal, but whose spiritual heart has remained firmly centered upon Mary and her invitation to lead us closer to Christ.

From the Chapel of the Apparitions at Fátima to the ancient sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we carry home memories of prayer, fellowship and the faith we have shared together.

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