Portugal - France - Italy Tour |
18 days / 17 nights
Lisbon - Fátima - Santiago de Compostela - Santander - Lourdes - Tours - Paris - Milan - Padova - Venice - Florence - Assisi - Lanciano - San Giovanni - Rotondo - Rome
Day 1 Lisbon
Arrive Lisbon airport and transfert to the city center for a panoramic city tour including among others Barrio de Alfama, Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Accommodation in hotel.
Day 2 Lisbon - Fátima (130km/1,30h)
In the morning, depart for Fatima where in 1917, Our Lady appeared 6 times to three children (Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco). Arrival and accommodation in hotel. Time at leisure for religious activities within the Sanctuary. In the evening, we can participate in the Candlelight Procession.
Day 3 Fátima - Santiago de Compostela (420km/4,30h)
After breakfast, leave for Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important religious destination in Spain. Arrival and accommodation.
Day 4 Santiago de Compostela - Santander (500km/6h)
Panoramic city tour passing through Obradoiro Square, where we found the Colegio San Jerónimo, the Rajoy Palace, the Gelmirez Palace, el Parador de Los Reyes Católicos and the Cathedral, which every day receives numerous pilgrims coming from the famous "Camino de Santiago" pilgrimages. Afterwards, on to Santander for accommodation and overnight at hotel.
Day 5 Santander - Lourdes (400km/4,30h)
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Lourdes. Arrival and accommodation. Possibility to participate in the evening "Candlelight Procession".
Day 6 Lourdes
Breakfast. Day dedicated to the visit of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes: the Basilica, the Crypt, the Apparition Grotto, the healing baths, the Esplanade, the family home of Bernadette Soubirous "the Boly Mill", where at the ground floor it is possible to see the room where Bernadette was born. In the evening, we can take part in the Candlelight Procession again.
Day 7 Lourdes - Tours (600km/6,30h)
Depart for Tours region across the beautiful landscapes of the French countryside. Arrival and accommodation in hotel.
Day 8 Tours - Lisieux - Paris (470km/5h)
After breakfast, depart for Lisieux, typical city of Normandy region, important centre of pilgrimage, where St. Therese of the Child Jesus is venerated. Free time to visit the Basilica. At proper time, depart for Paris, the French capital. Arrival and accommodation in hotel.
Day 9 Paris
Today full-day city tour with local guide to visit the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Elisées, the Triumph Arch, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Opera, etc. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10 Paris - Milan (flight)
According to the schedule, transfer to the airport to take your flight to Milan. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for accommodation.
Day 11 Milan - Padua (240km/3h)
In the morning, city tour featuring the Duomo square, the Scala Theatre, the elegant street Corso Vittorio Emanuele etc. Continue to Padua for accommodation in hotel.
Day 12 Padua - Venice (100km/3h) - Padua (50km/1,30h)
Visit the center of Padua and the Basilica of St. Anthony, which contains the mortal remains of the Saint. Then on to Venice for a half-day panoramic city tour of St.Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs etc. Return to Padua for overnight.
Day 13 Padua - Florence (240km/3h)
After breakfast, on to Florence where we explore the city during a half-day panoramic city tour, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza Della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio etc. Accommodation and overnight at hotel.
Day 14 Florence - Assisi (170km/2,30h)
Depart to Assisi for a half day city tour to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria (where the "Portiuncola" is located) and the Basilicas of St. Clare and St. Francis (including the Tomb of the Saint). Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 Assisi - Lanciano (290km/4,30h) - San Giovanni Rotondo (440km/6h)
Depart for Lanciano, where we will visit the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, hometown of St. Padre Pio. Arrival and visit the places related to the life of the Saint. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16 San Giovanni Rotondo - Rome (380km/4h)
After breakfast and some time at leisure in San Giovanni Rotondo, we continue our journey to Rome. Arrive and accommodation in hotel.
Day 17 Rome
After breakfast enjoy a full-day guided city tour of Ancient and Modern Rome: visit St. Peter's Basilica, St Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums (with Sistine Chapel), Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Catacombs, where early Christians were buried. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18 Rome
Transfer to the Airport.