Women of SiriusXM Radio "Family of Saints" Pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain, and France

ITINERARY

Day 1: Friday, July 3 - Departure

Depart the USA on overnight flights to Lisbon, Portugal.

Day 2: Saturday, July 4 - Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive in the capital city of Lisbon and enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon, which includes St. Jerome’s Monastery, the Belem Tower, the Navigation Monument, and more. Finally, celebrate Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, built upon St. Anthony’s birthplace. This patron saint of lost things is best known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), but he was born and baptized in Lisbon. Welcome Dinner and overnight in Lisbon.

Day 3: Sunday, July 5 - Santarem | Fatima | Porto

After breakfast and hotel check-out, depart for Fatima, stopping at the Church of The Holy Miracle in Santarem. Then proceed to the world-famous Marian Shrine to celebrate Mass at the Chapel of Apparitions. Visit the church where the children were baptized and take time for personal devotions. Continue to Porto for hotel check-in and dinner on your own.

Day 4: Monday, July 6 - Porto

Porto, built on staggered hills along the river, invites us to stroll through its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, Baroque churches, fountains, and bell towers, Beaux-Arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods. Embark on a tour of the remarkable Cathedral of Porto, followed by Mass. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride along the Douro River to take in the sights of this seaside town. Then, depart for an enchanting wine-tasting lunch at a local winery to sample the finest varietals of the region. The evening is free to explore Porto.

Day 5: Tuesday, July 7 - Bom Jesus | Santiago de Compostela

Before leaving Portugal behind, visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, Portugal’s most photographed church. Continue on to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of the important medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James. Check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 6: Wednesday, July 8 - Santiago de Compostela

This morning visit the beautiful cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Partake in the morning Pilgrim Mass and see the swinging “botafumeiro”, a three-foot-high iron censer that is suspended by a two hundred foot rope and swung over the heads of the congregation. The relics of St. James the Apostle, repose in the high altar. Pilgrims can follow the centuries-old tradition of climbing the stairs behind the altar to kiss the shells that rest on the golden statue of the saint. Below the statue is the crypt that contains the bones of St. James in a silver reliquary. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and dinner on your own. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 7: Thursday, July 9 - Camino Walk | Burgos

This morning, depart Santiago, with a brief walk on the famous “Camino” pilgrim walk. Continue to Burgos, which is a major stop along the Camino and celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Burgos. Enjoy time at leisure for strolling along the “Paseo del Espolon,” a tree-lined promenade consisting of a landscaped walk with sculptures, fountains and manicured gardens. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the “gastronomic capital of Spain”. Overnight in Burgos.

Day 8: Friday, July 10 - Loyola | Lourdes

Depart for Lourdes, France through the Pyrenees Mountains, stopping in Loyola, Spain, the birthplace of St. Ignatius. Visit the 17th-century basilica and celebrate Mass in the room where Ignatius experienced his conversion. Proceed to Lourdes and, upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Tonight, join pilgrims from around the world in the candlelight procession requested by Our Lady. Dinner on your own and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 9: Saturday, July 11 - Lourdes

Today, walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Take time for personal prayer or see Boly Mill where St. Bernadette was born and the Cachot, an abandoned prison where Bernadette’s impoverished family lived. Pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring or submerge yourself in the healing baths. Walk the life-sized Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto. Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto, in obedience of the request of the Immaculate Conception. Celebrate a vigil Mass before the Farewell Dinner with a presentation by the medical office that records, studies and judges the hundreds of healings and cures reported by pilgrims at the Shrine of Lourdes (pending availability). Enjoy a Farewell Dinner to commemorate the end of a beautiful pilgrimage. Overnight in Lourdes.

Day 10: Sunday, July 12 - Return to USA

Very early departure to Toulouse, France for your flights back to the USA.

Paris Post-Trip ITINERARY

Day 10: Sunday, July 12 - Depart for Paris | Montmartre

Depart for Paris via high-speed train. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Sacre Coeur. Located in the heart of the artist’s quarter, there has been perpetual adoration at this basilica since 1885. From the gallery of the dome there is an incomparable panorama of the whole metropolitan area. Check-in to hotel before a lovely group dinner. Overnight in Paris.

Day 11: Monday, July 13 - Notre Dame | Chapel of the Miraculous Medal | Free Evening

The color and excitement of Paris come to life during a half-day guided city tour. See the magnificently restored Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. Celebrate Mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. View the incorrupt body of St Catherine Laboure whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal and later the green scapular. Nearby, visit the tomb of St. Vincent de Paul. Continue exploring Paris at your leisure by walking down the Champs-Élysées, relaxing in the Gardens of Luxembourg, climbing up the Eiffel Tower, enjoying French delicacies or visiting one of Paris’ numerous city museums. Overnight in Paris.

Day 12: Tuesday, July 14 - Lisieux Day Trip | Farewell Dinner

This morning, depart for an optional trip to Lisieux to visit the places relating to the life of St. Therese. Celebrate Mass at the Carmelite Convent to venerate her tomb. Take time for personal devotions or visit Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the “little flower.” View the statue depicting the Virgin Mary who smiled at St. Therese during an ecstasy before curing her illness. Return to Paris for an evening boat ride along the Seine. Gather for a special Farewell Dinner, with an overnight in Paris. 

Day 13: Wednesday, July 15 - Depart for USA

Transfer to the Paris airport for return flights home after a memorable pilgrimage.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change