This morning, we journey into stunning Montserrat. The renowned 11th century sanctuary of Our Lady of Montserrat lies at the top of a 4,000-foot-high mountain and is one of Spain’s most popular pilgrimage destinations. The shrine is home to a 12th century miraculous statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, lovingly known as the “Black Madonna”, discovered in the Santa Cova or Holy Cave. Here at Montserrat St Ignatius kept vigil with a coarse sackcloth and a pilgrim staff.

Our pilgrimage begins with a visit and Mass in the Basilica, the construction of which began in the 16^th century, and a viewing of the beautiful Holy Image of Our Lady of Montserrat, known affectionately as the “Black Madonna.”

We will then board the Santa Cova funicular railway and after a short ride, enjoy a walk down the sacred path passing modernist sculptures of the Mysteries of the Rosary (all worked on by Llimona and Gaudi among others). Almost hanging from the rock’s edge at the end of the route is the Chapel where the image of Our Lady of Montserrat was found by young shepherds in the 13th century after seeing a bright light which led them to the grotto. We take time here at the Holy Cave for prayer and reflection before taking the funicular railway back up to the Sanctuary.

At midday, we will take our place among the privileged to hear the heavenly sounds of the Montserrat Boys Choir (The Escolania), one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe.

Returning to Barcelona we experience the cultural canvas that underpinned many of Picasso’s artworks and view the unique and colorful architecture of Antonio Gaudi dispersed throughout the city. We commence with a visit to Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu), a celebrated example of Catalan Gothic architecture dating from the 14^th century. The elevated site occupied by the cathedral has always been the spiritual centre of Barcelona.

We will be awe-struck visiting Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia Basilica, before a leisurely stroll to Guell Park where we can view Gaudi’s house (now a museum) as well as enjoying spectacular vistas over the city.

Barcelona overnight (BD)

After an early breakfast we farewell Barcelona and travel to the town of Manresa where St Ignatius came on retreat for 11 months between 1522 and 1523. Each day he spent seven hours in prayer in a cave and then helped the sick in the village with the time he had left over. Here too Ignatius began to develop the method for seeking God’s will and where he wrote his renowned Spiritual Exercises. We come as pilgrims to this amazing place with St Ignatius and pray in the actual cave where his life and spirituality developed.

We later travel through the scenic foothills of the Pyrenees, crossing into Southern France before continuing to Lourdes. It was in this small town that Our Lady first appeared to St Bernadette in 1858.

Lourdes overnight (BD)

This morning, we will celebrate a group Mass at the Grotto, before meeting our guide for a walking tour of Lourdes including the Sanctuary area: Upper & Lower Basilicas, the Grotto, and the Baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. We continue our visit of the main sites associated with St Bernadette including the Boly Mill where she was born in 1844, the original parish church and the Cachot (prison) where the family was forced to live due to misfortune during the time of the apparitions.

We then visit the little village of Bartres, and the farm where St Bernadette was nursed and later returned in adolescence to help her foster mother. We will visit the Sheepfold and the Parish Church where she spent so many hours in prayer.

We then return to Lourdes for free time this afternoon for a visit and prayers for the sick at the miraculous Baths where the water has continued to flow since 1858. During her 9^th apparition to Bernadette, Our Lady said “Go drink and wash yourself at the spring”.

Optional afternoon Eucharistic Procession (4:30pm)

Optional evening Candlelight Procession (9pm)

Lourdes overnight (BD)

We set out for our travel day, passing through the foothills of the Pyrenees and crossing the border back into northern Spain. En route we visit Loyola where St Ignatius was born and where he later found his conversion. In Loyola pilgrims will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Sanctuary of St Ignatius, including the Casa Santa (Holy House) – 13^th century tower house – where he was born and spent many of his early years. Visit also the ornate monastery complete with shrine and relics of the saint and a 65m dome, which can be seen from a great distance. See the sparse room where he lived and recovered from his injuries and developed his spiritual life.

Finally, we arrive at the quaint village of Santo Domingo de Silos, home to the great Benedictine Abbey famous for its beautiful Romanesque cloister and for spreading the finest tradition of Gregorian chant throughout the world.

After dinner we will proceed up to the Abbey for evening prayer.

Santo Domingo de Silos overnight (BD)

This morning, we will attend the chanted High Mass at the Abbey. We then rejoin our coach and journey to Caleruega, the home of Bl Jane of Aza and Felix Guzman and birthplace of their sons, St Dominic, Bl Mannes and Anthony. Here we see the Dominican Nuns Convent, formerly the home of the Guzman family. A highlight here is the Crypt where a well marks the spot where Dominic was born around 1170. It is now the centrepiece of a chapel which is adorned with exquisite mosaics depicting scenes from Dominic’s life. 

Nearby is the Torreon, or Tower which now houses an interesting museum and offers a wonderful view from its top. Continue to the Church of San Sebastian where Dominic was baptised.  The original twelfth century apse is still preserved, even though the church has undergone numerous reconstructions. 

We to Segovia, between the Eresma and Clamores Rivers. We will visit the stunning Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Spain. Marvel too at the best conserved aqueduct of the Imperial Roman Empire. Outside the walls, we will visit the convent where the mortal remains of Saint John of the Cross are buried. View here the famous Alcazar.

Departing Segovia, travel west to the historic walled town of Avila. The atmosphere has changed little since the days of St Teresa to whom the city is dedicated. It was here that she entered the Carmelite convent and encountered many mystical experiences during her time.

Avila overnight (BD)

We begin our day with a visit to the Convent of Saint Teresa built over the saint’s birthplace and located just inside the South Gate of the old town. Most of the convent remains in cloister but you can see the very spot where she was born, now a chapel in the Baroque church. 

We then visit Avila’s Cathedral which was started in the 12th century before entering the Monastery of the Incarnation for Mass where St Teresa’s cell can be seen as well as other relics of her life.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to soak in the prayerful atmosphere and medieval charm of this holy town. 

Avila overnight (BD)

After breakfast we farewell Avila and journey to Salamanca, known as the ‘Golden City’ owing to the colour of its historic sandstone buildings.

We arrive at Fatima where in 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three peasant children as ‘a lady in white’.

Tonight, the Anniversary Vigil ceremonies begin with an international rosary followed by a candlelight procession and concelebrated Mass on the steps of the Rosary Basilica. From midnight to dawn an optional all-night vigil is held for the spiritual enrichment of pilgrims.

Fatima overnight (BD)

We awake to the sound of pilgrims from all over the world enroute to the morning’s Anniversary celebrations. Commence with a Rosary followed by the procession of Our Lady’s statue to the altar on the steps of the Basilica. Celebrate the International Anniversary Mass followed by the Blessing of the Sick and Consecration. The ceremonies will close around midday with the touching ‘Adios’ spectacle (waving of the white handkerchiefs in tribute to Our Lady) as her statue is carried back to the Capelinha.

We will then enjoy a tour of the Square (the largest square in Christendom) including the site of the Apparitions, Rosary Basilica with the Tombs of the visionaries, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and other main sites.

In the afternoon we will walk and pray the Stations along the beautiful Way of the Cross (the Sacred Way) culminating in the Chapel of Calvary which overlooks all of Fatima. Continue to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s appearance after the children’s return from prison before we proceed onto the little village of Aljustrel to visit the homes where the children lived. Enter the original parish church and see the Baptismal font where the children were baptised.

Fatima overnight (BD)

After breakfast we farewell Fatima and journey to Lisbon airport for our flight to Rome.

Tonight gather with your fellow pilgrims for our first group dinner in the Eternal City.

Rome overnight (BD)

We start our pilgrimage today with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Wander the spectacular chambers leading to the Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment. Continue through to the awe-inspiring St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world for an informative exploration. Our guided tour will feature among other highlights Michelangelo’s stunning Pieta, the tomb of Pope St John Paul II, the great Confessional and the Crypt containing the tombs of several Popes.

In the afternoon we enter into the most visited attraction in Rome – the Colosseum. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a sacred site, as it was a place where early Christians had been martyred. View also the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum en route.

Rome overnight (BD)

Today we visit the impressive St Mary Major Basilica, the largest Catholic Marian Church in Rome, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, which also contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. Onwards to the Basilica of St John in Lateran (First Papal residence) and the adjacent Holy Stairs brought from Jerusalem to Rome in 326AD by St Helena (as a favourite of pilgrims, these steps may only be ascended on the knees). Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross) with its extraordinary collection of relics from the Holy Land.

Our afternoon is free to discover more sights of Rome – perhaps throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain before strolling to the Piazza Navona to soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in a gelato or enjoy a coffee while absorbing and admiring the history of this ancient city. Strolling through the streets is like walking through the pages of a history book.

Rome overnight (BD)

Return to St Peter’s Square this morning for a memorable Papal Audience with Pope Francis as we join with pilgrims from around the world. (Subject to the Pope’s presence in Rome).

Journey this afternoon out to the majestic Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. Originally consecrated in 324, the saint’s tomb is visible now under the Papal Altar. We will celebrate a wonderful Mass here as a special tribute to the Church’s greatest evangelist.

Continue then along the ancient Appian Way, the oldest road from Roman times to the ancient Catacombs for a memorable guided tour to marvel at these underground burial tunnels for Christians and Hebrews. On the way, drive by Domine Quo Vadis – the chapel that stands at the site where, according to tradition, St Peter met Christ when he fled from Rome to escape martyrdom.

This evening we will have our final group dinner at a local Trattoria.

Rome overnight (BD)