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Marian Pilgrimage 2
16 days / 15 nights

Day 1 Rome Arrival
Arrive at the Airport and transfer to hotel for check in and overnight.

Day 2 Rome – Mont Sant Angelo (400km/6h) -San Giovanni Rotondo (30km/1h)
Arrival Rome, today we do our homage to visit Padre Pio's Sacred Place. Enjoy the Panoramic drive on the way to San Giovanni Rotondo in FOGGIA, Padre Pio's hometown where he spent 50 years of his life (1916-1966). Padre Pio a simple & humble friar received stigmata on September 20, 1918 in the little friar church of San Giovanni Rotondo. The extraordinary charisms the Lord endowed him were many: bi-location, prophecy, healing, the power to read men's hearts, the gift of tongue and the fragrances which emanated from his wounds and frequently announced his invisible presence. One of the Fathers close to Padre Pio when he was still alive will guide us on our tour of sanctuary and the New Church that is now under construction. After the visit we depart for MONTE SANT' ANGELO for the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Prince of the Lord's host of Angels, Protector of God's People and Angel of Healing. It is said that on this site in 493, he appeared to the Bishop of Siponto and produced a spring of curative water, and that when he departed after his apparition, he left his red cloak there. Check in and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo

Day 3 San Giovanni Rotondo – Naples (220km/3h) – Capri (Ferry) – Naples (Ferry)
This morning we are headed to Capri. Take a jet foil and mini bus to Ana Capri. We take a funicular train up to Capri Town, where we have to wander the narrow alleys, ways and explore the numerous cafes, souvenir shops & boutiques. Take ferry back to Naples and transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 4 Naples – Rome (220km/3h)
We start our journey to the Eternal City of Rome. Highlights of the tour will be: to visit ST. PETER'S BASILICA (Sacred Holy Door); ST. MARY MAJORS BASILICA (Sacred Holy Door); BASILICA OF SAN GIOVANI de LATERNO (Sacred Holy Door); and the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Sacred Holy Door). In the afternoon, we continue our tour to see: Roman Forum; Piazza Narvonna; La Scala Santa, is a sacred relic from the medieval Papal Palace and is traditionally identified as the one Christ steps on upon descending from the Palace of Pontius Pilate. Visit Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain.

Day 5 Rome – Lisbon (Flight) – Fatima (120km/2h)
This morning after breakfast we proceed to airport for our flight to Lisbon. We proceed to Fatima for an overnight stay. This will allow us to join the nightly candlelight procession.

Day 6 Fatima- Santarem – Fatima (60km/1h)
The morning, after breakfast, we head south to SANTAREM to visit the Church of Miracle (Iglesia de Milagre), the place of miracle where the Sacred Host turned into Human Flesh. You have the chance to witness and view this miraculous event. Meditation and prayer time is allotted. We will have lunch at Santarem. We return back to Fatima for our Lucia's home and the two little shepherd children. We continue on our tour inside the Chapel of Apparition, where the “Six Vision” occurred as witnessed by the Three Shepherd Children. Rest of the day is free for private devotion. Return to hotel for Dinner & overnight.

Day 7 Fatima – Avila (500km/8h)
This morning, our group departs Fatima for a long-distance drive to the medieval walled city of AVILA, once said to be “a land of stones and saints.” We have time to visit the 11th century old Cathedral of St. Therese (declared by UNESCO as one of the world's heritage sites) and to visit other important sites of Avila. St. Therese of Avila was declared a Doctor of the Church. We will learn about her majestic life and teachings. Dinner & overnight.

Day 8 Avila – Toledo (130km/2h) – Madrid (70km/1h)
Today, we have the opportunity to go around Toledo spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. The ancient Castillan capital attracts more tourists from all over the world than any other Spanish Town. This is a walled city that was made famous by El Greco's paintings. We will continue our journey to one of the beautiful cities of Europe, MADRID. Our city tour will start at the Royal Palace (outside view only); Puerta del Sol; Cibeles Fountain; Piazza España; the Grand Via; Piazza Mayor and a stop at the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, right at the heart of the city center.

Day 9 Madrid - Zaragoza (300km/4h)
This morning, we are headed to Zaragoza, group visit the Miraculous Shrine of OUR LADY OF PILLAR in which it is said that the Virgin descended from heaven in an apparition before St. James, the Apostle. This Basilica is considered one of the biggest cathedrals in Spain. We have time for our own Eucharistic celebration inside one of the chapels of this basilica. Time is allotted for our visit to Our Lady of Pillar. Dinner & overnight.

Day 10 Zaragoza – Lourdes (240km/3h)
This morning we have a long journey to Lourdes. Upon arrival, group will meet with local guide. We will meet our local guide for our tour of Lourdes which includes a visit to the House of Bernadette. No visit to Lourdes would be complete without including the Basilica, the MIRACULOUS GROTTO, where the vision took place and the ESPLANADE, where the daily procession takes place and the famous Underground Cathedral of Lourdes. You may take a bath if your wish. You may visit the GROTTO OF THE BLESSED MOTHER for your personal prayer and meditation. It is reserved for your PRIVATE DEVOTION or MEDITATION.

Day 11 Lourdes
After breakfast, you have free time to explore Lourdes on your own. *Suggested activities are: Take a bath in the curative spring water flowing from the Miraculous Grotto; Do the WAY OF THE CROSS; listen or view the AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATION of the STORY OF THE APPARITION in Lourdes; Hear Mass at the famous Underground Cathedral or do other religious activities available for you at the Grotto and in the other churches located within the Esplanade. Do your shopping for souvenir items especially if you want to bring bottles of spring water from the GROTTO. But don’t miss the nightly CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION which starts at 9:30 pm. Return to hotel for overnight.
  • Note: Dinner will be on your own to give you more free time.

Day 12 Lourdes – Paris (TGV Train)
This morning we board the TGV (train) to Paris. Arrive in Paris. We will have a city tour with a local guide who will take us to the “Ile de la Cite”, where we will see Notre Dame Cathedral, with its magnificent rose window by modern contrast. We then drive along the elegant Champs Elysees with its designer boutiques and marvel at the Arch of Triumph, The Place de la Concorde and Garnier's splendid Opera House. After tour enjoy Seine River Cruise

Day 13 Paris – Brussels (300km/4h)
In Paris, we continue our tour to Montmartre, a hill in Paris, on the right bank of the Seine River. The highest point of Paris, it is topped by the famous Church of Sacré-Coeur. Parts of the ancient quarter on its slopes were long a favorite residence of the bohemian world. Until the 20th century, Montmartre retained a rural look and provided material for Van Gogh, Pissarro, Utrillo, and other artists. Montmartre is also famed for its nightlife; among its many nightclubs is the Moulin Rouge. We visit the Church of Sacré-Cœur (aka Basilica of Sacred Heart), a popular spot, especially at sunset where locals and tourists watch the lights of the city below from the steps. We visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and see the incorruptible body of St. Catherine Laboure. Proceed to Brussels for overnight stay.

Day 14 Brussels – Bruges (100km/1h30min)
In the morning, we proceed nearby Brussels, capital of Belgium. Today is a Belgian treat, a seafood lunch, among picturesque restaurant rows. Then to the Grand Plats of illuminated middle age structures that will make you want linger by. Visit the statue of the Mannekin Pis. Perhaps, no other plaza in the world is worth a visit. On our journey, we pass by the Atomium Model, a famous landmark of Brussels, for a photo stop. Then continue the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bruges. We will have plenty of time to explore this stunning city, known as the “Venice of the North.” Described by many as the fairytale city, marvel at the labyrinth of canals that break up the medieval charm. Take a boat trip through the meandering canals taking in some of the wonderful museums and galleries that Bruges has to offer. Visit the Markt, the main market area, the Basilica of the Holy Blood – see a phial supposedly containing a few drops of Jesus' blood, the Groeninge Museum, Bruges' most celebrated art gallery, or a tour of the Half Moon Brewery.

Day 15 Bruges – Amsterdam (300km/4h)
Proceed to Amsterdam. Arrive in Amsterdam, the City of Canals. First, visit the Church of Our Lady of All Nations. Meditate on her messages delivered during the apparitions and be amazed at her predictions, which have all materialized. See the many canals and bridges, the Old Gabled Houses, Rijks Museum, Heineken Brewery, Van Gogh Museum, Leidseplain Royal Palace, Dam Square and other sites. See the famous windmills and dikes as we pass along the countryside of Netherlands.

Day 16 Amsterdam Departure
Breakfast. Free time until pick up time for our transfer to the airport.