Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 — USA – Madrid

Our Pilgrimage Begins

Today we begin our pilgrimage to Spain.

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

Dinner and breakfast will be served on board according to the airline’s schedule.

Overnight flight to Spain.

Day 2 — Madrid – Ávila

Welcome to Spain

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

We begin our journey through the beautiful landscapes of Castile toward Ávila, one of Spain’s great spiritual cities and the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will have our first opportunity to become acquainted with this extraordinary medieval city, whose magnificent walls remain among the best preserved in Europe.

Dinner and overnight in Ávila.

Overnight: Ávila

Day 3 — Ávila

In the Footsteps of St. Teresa

After breakfast, we dedicate the day to Ávila and the life of St. Teresa of Jesus, the great Carmelite reformer, mystic and Doctor of the Church, born here in 1515.

Accompanied by our local guide, we will discover the places that shaped Teresa’s life and spirituality.

Our pilgrimage will take us to important Teresian sites such as the Convent of St. Joseph, the first monastery founded by Teresa as part of her Carmelite reform, and the Monastery of the Incarnation, where she lived for many years and experienced some of the defining moments of her spiritual journey.

We will also explore Ávila’s magnificent historic center, with opportunities to admire its celebrated medieval walls, Cathedral and Castilian architecture.

Time will be provided for prayer, personal exploration and enjoying the atmosphere of this remarkable city.

Dinner and overnight in Ávila.

Overnight: Ávila

Day 4 — Ávila – Alba de Tormes – Salamanca – Ávila

The Final Journey of St. Teresa

After breakfast, we depart for Alba de Tormes, where St. Teresa completed her earthly pilgrimage in 1582.

Here we will visit the Basilica and Convent of the Annunciation, where the tomb and important relics of St. Teresa are venerated.

We will discover the town’s rich Carmelite heritage and may also visit its Teresian Museum, accompanied by a local guide.

After lunch, we continue to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful historic cities and another important location in the life of St. Teresa.

Teresa arrived here in 1570 to establish a new Carmelite foundation. We will discover the places associated with her presence while also exploring Salamanca’s extraordinary historic center.

Our visit may include the magnificent Plaza Mayor, House of Shells, University of Salamanca, Cathedral and Convent of San Esteban.

At the appointed time, return to Ávila.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Ávila

Day 5 — Ávila – Guijuelo – Peña de Francia – Ciudad Rodrigo

Our Lady of Peña de Francia

After breakfast, we leave Ávila and continue through the landscapes of western Castile.

We will make a brief stop in Guijuelo, surrounded by the traditional dehesas of Salamanca and internationally renowned as one of the great centers of Spanish Ibérico ham production.

We then ascend toward the spectacular Peña de Francia, a mountain sanctuary overlooking the countryside of Salamanca.

Here we will visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peña de Francia, founded in the 15th century and home to a deeply venerated image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its remote mountain setting and magnificent views make this one of the most memorable Marian sites of our journey.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue toward Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful historic fortified city near the Portuguese border.

We will discover its remarkable heritage, including its medieval walls and Cathedral of Santa María.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Ciudad Rodrigo

Day 6 — Ciudad Rodrigo – Plasencia – Cáceres – Guadalupe

Through Historic Extremadura

After breakfast, we journey south toward Plasencia.

Here we will discover the city’s remarkable cathedral complex, where the Old and New Cathedrals stand side by side, preserving centuries of sacred art and architecture.

We will also have an opportunity to walk through the historic center and encounter landmarks such as the Episcopal Palace and Plaza Mayor.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue toward Cáceres, whose exceptionally preserved medieval and Renaissance center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through its ancient streets, we will discover some of the city’s most important religious and civic monuments, which may include the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and the Church of San Mateo.

Our journey then continues to Guadalupe, one of the great Marian pilgrimage destinations of Spain.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Guadalupe

Day 7 — Guadalupe – Talavera de la Reina – Toledo

Our Lady of Guadalupe & Imperial Toledo

After breakfast, we begin our day at the magnificent Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in Spain.

For centuries, pilgrims have journeyed here to venerate Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose devotion would later cross the Atlantic and become deeply rooted throughout the Americas.

We will explore the monastery and its extraordinary artistic, historical and spiritual heritage before continuing toward Talavera de la Reina.

Known throughout Spain for its traditional ceramics, Talavera is also home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Prado, where we will encounter the beloved patroness of the city.

Lunch in Talavera de la Reina.

In the afternoon, we continue to Toledo, the ancient imperial capital and one of Spain’s most fascinating historic cities.

Our exploration may include the magnificent Cathedral of Toledo, one of the masterpieces of Spanish Gothic architecture; Santa María la Blanca, a former medieval synagogue; and the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s celebrated Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Optional Puy du Fou Experience

Depending on the interests of the group, season and performance schedules, the itinerary may be adapted to include a visit to Puy du Fou España, located just outside Toledo.

Through spectacular live performances, immersive historic settings and large-scale productions, Puy du Fou brings different chapters of Spanish history to life in a particularly memorable way.

Groups may also have the possibility of attending its spectacular evening performance, subject to availability and the final itinerary.

Transfer to our hotel.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Toledo

Day 8 — Toledo – Alcalá de Henares

From Imperial Spain to the World of Cervantes

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of Toledo, visiting important sites that time may not have allowed us to see the previous afternoon.

Our program may include the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, one of the finest examples of Isabelline Gothic architecture in Spain, together with panoramic views over this extraordinary historic city.

Later in the morning, we depart for Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we explore this historic university city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our visit may include the historic University of Alcalá, founded in 1499; the Cervantes Birthplace Museum; and the Magistral Cathedral of Saints Justus and Pastor, dedicated to the young Christian martyrs who gave their lives for the faith here during the Roman period.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Alcalá de Henares

Day 9 — Alcalá de Henares – Madrid

Welcome to Spain’s Capital

After breakfast, we depart for Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital.

Upon arrival, we begin our discovery of the city with a guided panoramic tour introducing us to some of Madrid’s most celebrated avenues, squares and monuments.

Our program will take us through the historic heart of the capital, where we may see landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza de España and the Cibeles Fountain.

An important spiritual highlight will be the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena, dedicated to Our Lady of Almudena, patroness of Madrid.

Located beside the Royal Palace, the Cathedral stands at the heart of the city’s Catholic life and provides an opportunity for prayer and, depending on arrangements, the possibility of celebrating or attending Mass.

We will also admire the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Europe’s great royal residences. Depending on the group’s interests and final schedule, an interior visit may also be arranged.

Dinner and overnight in Madrid.

Overnight: Madrid

Day 10 — Madrid

Faith, History & Spanish Culture

After breakfast, we dedicate a full day to Madrid, combining the city’s Catholic heritage with its extraordinary history, art and culture.

Together with our local guide, we will continue exploring the capital and some of its most important landmarks and historic neighborhoods.

Depending on the interests of the group and final arrangements, today’s program may include an interior visit to the Royal Palace, the historic Plaza Mayor, lively Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza de España and other important areas of central Madrid.

The day may also incorporate one of Madrid’s world-renowned cultural treasures, such as the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and many of the great artists of European history.

For groups wishing to emphasize the spiritual dimension of the pilgrimage, we may incorporate additional Catholic sites, time for prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist.

Free time may also be provided to experience Madrid independently — whether for shopping, exploring its historic neighborhoods, enjoying Spanish gastronomy or simply experiencing the atmosphere of the capital.

In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner, celebrating the experiences, friendships and spiritual journey we have shared together.

Overnight: Madrid

Day 11 — 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.

As our pilgrimage comes to an end, we return home carrying with us the example of St. Teresa of Jesus, our encounters with Spain’s great Marian sanctuaries, and the extraordinary Catholic, artistic and cultural heritage we have discovered together.

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