Embark on a spiritually enriching religious pilgrimage across Europe and experience walking on the paths of ancient religious sites, marveling at the beauty and majesty of ancient architecture that has stood as a testament to faith for centuries.
Your long-awaited pilgrimage experience begins today! As we depart from Manila on Emirates Airline, enjoy first-class in-flight amenities, meals, and entertainment.
Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival, take a short city visit, which will provide you with a wealth of information about Lisbon's culture, history, and way of life. Stop by Rossio Square, the heart of modern and historic Lisbon, and learn how the entire city was destroyed in the 18th century and then rebuilt. Afterwards, we will also stop to visit the famous San Antonio de Padua Church. Then, continue on your way to Fatima to check in at the hotel and stay for the night.
After breakfast, depart for Fátima, stopping in Santarém to see the Church of the Holy Miracle, the site of a famous Eucharistic miracle. Then, pay a visit to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, which houses the visionaries' tombs, as well as the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in 1917. At night, join the rosary and candlelight procession at the Our Lady of Fátima Shrine. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay after a full day of sightseeing.
Today, the holy pilgrimage kicks off with a morning orientation after breakfast. Today, we will visit the parish church where the visionaries were baptized. Then, we will also make a stop to visit their homes in nearby Valinhos. The rest of your afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. At night, you may wish to join a memorable evening rosary and candlelight procession.
After a hearty breakfast, take a guided exploration of Santiago de Compostela, one of the Middle Ages' most popular pilgrimage sites alongside Rome and Jerusalem. Stop by the cathedral and take in the sight of the magnificent high altar, where the relics of St. James the Apostle, brother of St. John the Evangelist, are placed. Attend the mass as you wish. Then, get some dinner and enjoy the rest of the night to explore the place at your leisure.
After breakfast, those who wish to walk the Camino de Santiago will be driven to the picturesque town of Arca to join a local expert who will lead them on this famous pilgrimage route that dates back more than a thousand years. Afterwards, head back to Santiago and join the special pilgrim’s mass in the cathedral as you wish. Enjoy a hearty meal after your long day of sightseeing.
After breakfast, proceed to travel to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. Enjoy and take in the sights as we visit the magnificent cathedral with a local English-speaking guide. Following that, transfer to the restaurant for a hearty dinner before proceeding to the hotel for check in.
Today, a scenic drive along the Basque coast brings you to Lourdes, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. Upon arrival, you will be led on a walking experience that will take you to the city's religious sites, such as the Grotto, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, and the Birthplace of St. Bernadette.
The evening rosary and candlelight procession are an experience to behold.
As part of today's activities, you may wish to participate in the powerful healing baths, the "Blessing of the Sick," and one of the daily masses after breakfast. You are also welcome to participate in an optional excursion to the nearby Pyrenees if you wish.
The excursion begins with a crossing of the Pyrenees Mountains to Zaragoza. Enjoy sightseeing with a local guide and visit Spain’s most famous Marian shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, home to a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. According to local tradition, on January 2 of the year 40, the Mother of God appeared upon a pillar to the Apostle St. James the Greater while he was preaching the gospel. Today, the pillar continues to be revered and preserved in the basilica.
After breakfast, head on to Madrid for a guided excursion to see the city's top landmarks, including the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espaa, the Parliament, the Cibeles Fountain, the elegant Calle Alcala, the Paseo de Castellana, and the Pontifical Basilica of St. Michael. After that, we'll check out the Prado Museum and its priceless treasures of art. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure.
This day marks the end of your memorable pilgrimage vacation. Get ready to leave for the airport after breakfast to catch your flight back home.
Home sweet home! Arrive in Manila after a very memorable and enjoyable pilgrimage experience.