RTA started this pilgrimage in 1986. 2009 is our 23rd year of guiding pilgrims to numerous shrines around the world personally. Let us take you to Lourdes to rejoice the year after the 150th Anniversary of the Apparition

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Thursday/21 May (USA/Paris)

Depart USA to Paris via Lisbon. Meals on board.

Day 2 Friday/22 May (Paris)

Welcome to Paris, the 'City of Lights'. Meeting assistance and transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon panoramic tour of Paris highlighting the famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, Invalides and concludes with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. Informal orientation. Thanksgiving Mass followed by our welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 3 Saturday/23 May (Lisieux)

Travel to the home of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower. In 1997, the Holy Father proclaimed her Saint and Doctor of the Church. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica and explore all things and places associated with St. Therese's life.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 4 Sunday/24 May (Paris/Versailles

Mass at St. Paul Church.

Then, we'll travel about 11 miles southwest of Paris to visit Versailles, best known as the site of the magnificent Palace of Versailles, built by King Louis XIV during the 1600's and was the royal residence for more than 100 years.

In the afternoon, enjoy the astonishing Seine River Cruise.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 5 Monday/25 May (Paris/Lourdes)

Early morning Mass at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where our Lady appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830. Immediately after Mass, we'll proceed to the train station for our TVG TRAIN ride to Lourdes via the picturesque Bordeaux wine region and the Chateaux country.

Late afternoon arrival in Lourdes (birthplace of Bernadette). The Grotto of Massabielle, where our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858; the Basilica; the Baths, where thousands of miraculous cures have taken place are the most respected shrine and sanctuary in France. After dinner, we can join the amazing 'candlelight procession' where millions of people pray the Rosary and sing hymns in honor of 'The Mother of God'.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 6 Tuesday/26 May (Lourdes)

Celebrate Mass at the Grotto. After Mass and before our guided tour is our official group photo in front of the Basilica. Then our guided walking tour of Lourdes' sanctuaries. Highlighting the Basilica of the Rosary; the Upper Basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world largest underground church.

We'll also visit sites associated to the life of St. Bernadette. Boly Mill (where she was born); Locale Mill (residence of her parents); Cachot (formerly used as jail where she lived at the time of apparitions); Chapel (where she received her first Holy Communion); Parish Church (containing the Baptismal font of when she was baptized).

In the afternoon, our group will participate in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the Sick.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 7 Wednesday/27 May (Lourdes)

Mass at the Upper Basilica. Immediately after is the Way of the Cross.

"The way of love, which does not fear to pass through suffering and death, because our trust is in God, the Master of Life."

Today like millions of Pilgrims we will honor Mary, the purest of all women, Mother of Christ, and Mother of all people. The afternoon is for your own private devotions an/or participation in any spiritual activities your heart desire.

Suggestions: confession, candle light offering, miraculous bath, drinking and/or taking home of the spring water. Or even just wander in silence in this sacred ground where one feels oneself surrounded by an invisible presence.

"To say nothing, to look at your face, to be with you Blessed Mary, in this place where you are..."
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 8 Thursday/28 May (Lourdes/Zaragoza/Barcelona)

Early departure for Barcelona through the Pyrenees Mountains. Mass at the 18th century Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar in Zaragoza, one of the world's largest Marian Shrines. this place is reminiscent of the Holy Land,as this was visited by Our Lady before Her Assumption. Late arrival in the leading industrial city of Spain, Barcelona.
(Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 9 Friday/29 May (Barcelona)

Mass at the Crypt of the Barcelona Cathedral. This young and energetic city is best see with a wandering face and an absorbing eye. The gothic magnificence of the Cathedral and art nouveau fantasies of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia are revealed on our sightseeing city tour which will also include the monument of Christopher Columbus and venues from the 1992 summer Olympics.

In the afternoon we will have a chance to explore this lovely city perhaps by taking a stroll along Las Ramblas - a mile long pedestrian boulevard line with shops, cafes, food and flower markets, bar and street performers, and/or go shopping at 'El Corte English' for Lladro and souvenirs.

Plus: Late afternoon special visit to the 'Black Madonna of Monserrat', the monastery amongst the strange rock formations
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 10 Saturday/30 May (Barcelona/Fatima)

Early Mass. After breakfast transfer to the airport for our short flight to Lisbon (Lisboa to the Portuguese people). Lisboa lies at the estuary of the Tagus River - one of Europe's most important natural harbors.

Our guided tour of the city includes: Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Lisbon Cathedral, the gothic Monastery of St. Geronimo and the ancient Tower of Belem, built in the early 1500's to honor the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama.

Then, on to Fatima in time for the Rosary and Candlelight procession.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 11 Sunday/31 May (Fatima/Batalha/Nazare)

Celebrate and participate Holy Mass on the outdoor altar. Co- celebration of the Eucharist, blessing of sick, consecration and Adeus - Farewell Fatima.

After lunch, on to Batalha to visit the Monastery of St. Mary of the Victory. Then on to the coast to the village of Nazare.
(Breakfast/Dinner)

Day 12 Monday/1 June (Fatima/Santarem)

Mass at the Church of the Holy Miracle, where we'll view the venerated relic of the Bleeding Host (Renewal of Wedding Vows). After lunch we'll visit Aljustrel, the village where the three children lived; Valinhos, where our Lady appeared to the children after their return from prison and the Chapel of Calvary overlooking all of Fatima. Then, walking tour of the Basilica.
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 13 tuesday/2 June (Fatima/USA)

Thanksgiving Mass and time to say....."Farewell Fatima"

"Remember, O most gracious Lady of Fatima, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly to you, O Virging of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the World Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy here and answer me. Amen."

Transfer to the airport for our flight back home.
(Breakfast)

"Home Sweet Home"