MARIAN SHRINES

DAY 1: MADRID / CORIA / FÁTIMA

Departure towards Coria where upon arrival, we will make a brief stop in the city. In the city of Coria, one of the most important relics of Christianity is safeguarded, which according to tradition was the tablecloth used during the Last Supper of Christ, before His Passion, the origin of the Church and the institution of the Holy Mass. We will then continue to Fátima. Upon arrival, we can participate in the Holy Rosary, Mass, and the Candlelight Procession (*see note). Accommodation.

DAY 2: FÁTIMA / ALJUSTREL / FÁTIMA

Breakfast. In the morning, we will walk the Via Crucis along the Valihos path from the roundabout of the shepherds to the village of Aljustrel, where we can visit the homes of the shepherds with a local guide. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sanctuary with time to attend religious events. Candlelight Procession. Accommodation.

DAY 3: FÁTIMA / OPORTO / SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Breakfast. Departure to Porto, where upon arrival, we will have a guided tour of this beautiful Portuguese city. We will see the Don Luis I Bridge, the Church of Commerce, the Church of San Francisco, among other iconic monuments. In the afternoon, we will continue our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Arrival and accommodation.

DAY 4: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Breakfast. In the morning, we will have a guided tour of the city of Santiago, passing through its traditional streets of the old town to see its traditional architecture and through the historic center where the most famous monuments are located, such as the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, Pazo Raxoi, Colegio San Xerome, Monastery of San Martín, Antealtares, Casa del Cabildo, etc. Then we will continue to the Cathedral with its impressive exterior facades and its 4 monumental squares: Obradoiro, Platerías, Quintana de Mortos, and Azabachería. Free time to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass and venerate the tomb of St. James, as all pilgrims do when they arrive in Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation.

DAY 5: SANTIAGO / COVADONGA / LOYOLA

Breakfast. Departure to Covadonga to visit this beautiful Sanctuary nestled in a place of great natural beauty located in the Picos de Europa. A sanctuary of utmost importance for the history of Spain and Christianity in Europe as a Marian center of pilgrimage, where the Basilica and the Holy Cave with the image of the Virgin of Covadonga are located. Continuing to Loyola. Accommodation.

DAY 6: LOYOLA / SAN SEBASTIAN / LOURDES

Breakfast. In the morning, we will visit Loyola, where we will see the House-Castle where Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born and lived his early years, and the Baroque Basilica built by the Jesuits. Then we will continue to San Sebastian to stroll through the old town, La Concha Beach, The Good Shepherd Cathedral, the Town Hall area, and the rest of the heritage of this historic city. In the afternoon, we will head to Lourdes. Arrival and accommodation. In the evening, we can visit the cave where the Virgin appeared and participate in the Torchlight Procession (from Easter to October).

DAY 7: LOURDES

Breakfast. This day will be dedicated to a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. We will visit the Basilica of San Pio X, capable of hosting thousands of pilgrims, the Lower Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, the grotto, and the rest of the Sanctuary’s facilities. We will also have time to leave the Sanctuary and discover the most significant places in the life of Saint Bernadette, such as the mill where she lived with her family, the jail where she had to stay for a while, or the Parish Church she attended. In the afternoon, we will enjoy free time to continue exploring on our own. Accommodation.

DAY 8: LOURDES / TORRECIUDAD / ZARAGOZA

Breakfast. In the morning, we will visit the Sanctuary of Torreciudad, where we can see the audiovisuals created to welcome pilgrims and the videomapping that highlights the spectacular altarpiece in the Basilica and the galleries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Barbastro to visit the Museum of the Claretian Martyrs. We will then continue to Zaragoza. Accommodation.

DAY 9: ZARAGOZA / MADRID

Breakfast. Free morning to stroll through the city and see its monuments such as the Alfarería Palace, a monument declared a World Heritage Site that reflects the splendor of the Muslim kings who inhabited it, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the first Marian Shrine in History. In the afternoon, we will depart to Madrid, arrival.

INCLUDES

• Bus or minibus throughout the entire tour.
• 8 nights stay in selected hotels or similar with bed and breakfast.
• Visits to Fátima, Oporto, Santiago de Compostela, and Lourdes with a local guide in English.
• Entrance to the House of Loyola.
• Group registration in Lourdes.
• Entrance to Torreciudad-Video.
• Tour guide in English and Spanish.
• Accompanying priest or clergyman for religious/eucharistic activities with 20 or more passengers.
• Basic travel insurance without cancellation coverage. (Consult for supplemental insurance that includes cancellation fees, extended medical coverage, and COVID).

NOT INCLUDED

• Drinks during meals.
• Tips and personal expenses.
• Anything not described in “INCLUDES”.

PLANNED HOTELS:

• Fátima: Cruz Alta 3*
• Santiago: Exe Area Central 3*
• Loyola: Loyola 2*
• Lourdes: Paradise 4*
• Zaragoza: Exe Boston 4

Important Notes:

• The Candlelight Procession in Fátima takes place daily from April to October and only on Saturdays from November to March (subject to weather conditions).
• The Torchlight Procession in Lourdes occurs daily from April to October. During the winter from November 7th to April 9th, a Rosary with torches is prayed at the Grotto of Apparitions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 8:30 p.m.
• The Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago is subject to confirmation of schedules.
• Check itinerary for departures from other cities.
• Prices are subject to availability and the formation of a group of 15 passengers; departure will be confirmed 40 days before with the exact number of passengers.
• Group prices are subject to a minimum occupancy of 50 passengers. Consult prices for smaller groups.
• The first night always excludes dinner, even if the tour is booked with half-board.
• An English-speaking driver during transfers is not guaranteed.
• Transfers are only included on the days of arrival and departure of the circuit. Any other day will be charged as an additional transfer.

LA MERCA COMPANY LLC and its subsidiary TIERRA SANTA TRAVEL reserve the right to change the program sequence and hotels without prior notice.

There will be no refund for unused hotel nights, excursions, or meals during the itinerary.