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Pilgrimage to France, Spain and Portugal
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Paris, Versailles, Lourdes, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Montserrat, LIsbon, Fatima, Santarem, Batalha and Nazare
May 20- June 1, 2010 (13 Day Journey)
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ITINERARY:
Day 1, Thursday, May 20 (USA/Paris)
Overnight flight to Paris. Meals on board.
Day 2, Friday, May 21 (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 Notre Dame Cathedral. Evening starts with a Thanksgiving Mass, brief orientation, followed by a welcome dinner. (Dinner)
Day 3, Saturday, May 22 (Nevers)
The city of Nevers is located in a rural part of France on the banks of the River Loire. Visit the Convent of Saint Gildard to see the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette Soubirous. Celebrate Mass and explore all things associated with the "Sleeping Saint of Nevers". (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 4, Sunday, May 23 (Paris/Versailles)
Sunday Mass at Saint Paul - Saint Louis Church, one of the oldest examples of Jesuit architecture in Paris. Then we'll travel 11 miles southwest of Paris to visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles - one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. The waters of the River Seine have always been the heart and soul of Paris, we'll then enjoy the astonishing Seine River Cruise. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
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Day 5, Monday, May 24 (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 the mass we will proceed to the train station for our TVG Train ride to Lourdes via the picturesque Bordeaux wine region and the Chateaux country. Afternoon arrival in Lourdes - a small town in Hautes-Pyrenees departement in of Southwest France with only 17,000 inhabitants but receives more than 5 million pilgrims and tourist each year. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or perhaps a good time to start exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes that incorporates 52 hectares of property and 22 places of worship, including a sacred grotto, 2 basilicas, and a variety of buildings for pilgrims and the sick. 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)
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Day 6, Tuesday, May 25 (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 the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Highlighting the Grotto of Massabielle - where our Lady appeared to Bernadette in 1858, the Basilica of the Rosary, the Upper Basilica dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, and the Basilica of St. Pius X - the world's largest underground church. We'll also visit sites associated to the life of St. Bernadette like Body Mill (where she was born), Locale Mill (residence of her parents), Cachot (formerly used as a jail
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where she lived at the time of the 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, May 26 (Lourdes)
Today like millions of pilgrims we will honor Mary - the purest of all women, Mother of Christ, and Mother of all people. Celebrate Mass at the Upper Basilica. Immediately after the Mass is the Way of the Cross. The afternoon is for our own private devotions and/or participation in any spiritual activities our heart desire.
Suggestions: confession, candlelight offering, drinking and/or taking home of the spring water, bath - where thousands of miraculous cures have taken place. Or just wander in silence in this sacred ground where one feels oneself surrounded by an invisible presence. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 8, Thursday, May 27 (Lourdes/Zaragoza/Barcelona)
Early departure for Barcelona through the Pyrenees Mountain. Mass at the 18th century Basilica of Our Lady of Pillar in Zaragoza - one of the world's largest Marian Shrine. This place is a reminiscent of the Holy Land, as this was visited by Our Lady before her assumption. Late arrival in Barcelona. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
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Day 9, Friday, May 28 (Barcelona/Montserrat)
Celebrate Mass at the Crypt of the Barcelona Cathedral. Highlights of this young and energetic city is the gothic magnificence of the cathedrals and art nouveau fantasies of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. Our tour also includes the Monument of Christopher Columbus and venues of the 1992 Summer Olympics. After lunch we'll have the chance to maybe stroll along Las Ramblas - a mile long pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafes, food and flower markets, street performers and/or shop at the famous El Corte English. Later in the afternoon a special visit to the Black Madonna of Montserrat in the monastery amongst the strange rock formations. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 10, Saturday, May 29 (Barcelona/Lisbon)
Early Mass at the hotel. Short flight to Lisbon. Our guided tour of the city includes: Church of St. Anthony, Lisbon Cathedral, the gothic Monastery of St. Geronimo, the ancient Tower of Belem - built in the early 1500s to honor the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama. Then on to Fatima in time for the Rosary and Candlelight procession. (Buffet Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
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Day 11, Sunday, May 30 (Fatima/Batalha/Nazare)
Walking tour of the Basilica. Celebrate and participate on the International Holy Mass. Celebration of the Eucharist, Blessing of the Sick, Consecration and Adeus - 'Farewell Fatima'. After lunch on to Batalha to visit the Monastery of St. Mary of Victory. Continue on to the coast to visit the village of Nazare. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 12, Monday, May 31 (Santarem)
Mass at the Church of the Holy Miracle, where we'll also view the venerated relic of the bleeding host. Highlight: Renewal of Wedding Vows. In the afternoon we'll visit Aljustrel - the village where the 3 children lived, Valinhos - where our Lady appeared to the children after their return from prison and the Chapel of Calvary that is overlooking all of Fatima. (Buffet Breakfast/Dinner)
Day 13, Tuesday, June 1 (Fatima/USA)
Thanksgiving Mass and time to say "Farewell Fatima" -
O Mother of the World Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.
Airport transfer for our flight back home. (Buffet Breakfast)
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Very Important Information
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Tour Cost: US $2,999.00
Plus: US$495.00
US departure, security fees , fuel surcharge and taxes per person (subject to change)
Your 13 Day Tour includes:
- All air USA/Paris - Barcelona/Lisbon - Lisbon/USA
- Hotel Accommodations
- TGV Train - Paris/Lourdes
- Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary
- Christian English speaking guide
- Meals as per itinerary
- All spiritual activities coordinated
- Baggage handling (1 piece per person)
- RTA Travel amenities
Reservations and Payments:
A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of $500.00 deposit per person. Final payment is usually due 90 days prior to departure.
Cancellations:
All cancellations must be in writing. Deposits are refundable up to 100 days prior to departure with a cancellation charge of US$50.00. Cancellations made after final payment and/or within 90 days of departure are non-refundable. Trip interruptions and no-shows are non-refundable as well.
Insurance:
Trip cancellation insurance and medical coverage is available. We very strongly recommend it.
Not included:
Cost of passport, visas, health documents, insurance, optional sightseeing, items of personal nature such as food and beverage not on the regular d'hote menu.
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Book Now! Seats are Limited!
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