PILGRIMAGE TO FRANCE . SPAIN . PORTUGAL Paris . Versailles . Lourdes . Zaragoza . Barcelona . Montserrat Lisbon . Fatima . Batalha . Nazare . Santarem 13 Day Journey for only US$2,499.00 May 22 - June 03, 2008 RTA TRAVEL started this pilgrimage in 1986, 2006 is our 20th year of guiding pilgrims to numerous shrines around the world personally. Share with us this special year! Experience the joy that thousands before you have known. SEATS ARE LIMITED, BOOK NOW!!! Itinerary What is included? Reservation & Payments Cancellations Insurance What is not included? Itinerary: Day 1 - (USA/Paris) Depart USA to Paris via Lisbon. Meals on board. Day 2 - (Paris) Welcome to Paris - "The City of Lights." Meeting, assistance & transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon panoramic tour of Paris including the famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and Invalides and of course a guided tour of a stunning example of Gothic architecture that took two centuries and armies of medieval workers to complete - The Notre Dame Cathedral. Short informal orientation, Thanksgiving Mass followed by our Welcome Dinner. [dinner] Day 3 - (Lisieux) Travel to 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. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 4 - (Paris/Versailles) Mass at the Sacre Coeur Basilica, located in the heart of Montmarte, overlooking the city. 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. In the afternoon, enjoy the astonishing Seine River Cruise. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 5 - (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 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 thousand 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'. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 6 - (Lourdes) Mass of the sacred Grotto of Massabielle. Official group photo in front of the Basilica, followed by our guided tour of Lourdes: The sanctuary of the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world's largest underground church. Also, to be visited are sites associated with the life of Saint Bernadette, like the Boly Mill - where she was born; the Locale Mill - residence of her parents; the Cachot - formerly used as a jail where she lived at the time of the Apparitions; the Chapel - where she received her first Holy Communion; and the Parish Church - containing the baptismal font where she was baptized. In the afternoon our group will join the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Blessing of the sick. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 7 - (Lourdes) Mass at the Upper Basilica, followed by The way of the Cross - "Is 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 and millions of Pilgrims we will honor Mary the Purest of all women, Mother of Christ and Mother of all people, we come to you as Bernadette did and we pray through you full of confidence to Jesus you Son that His grace He may free us from sin and strengthen us in Faith, Hope and Love making us joyful witnesses of his Gospel. The afternoon is for your private devotions and/or participation in any spiritual activities your heart desire like: Confession, Candle lighting, Miraculous Batch, 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, Mary, in this place where you are..." [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 8 - (Lourdes/Zaragoza/Barcelona) Early departure for Barcelona by motorcoach 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 to the leading industrial city of Spain, Barcelona. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 9 - (Barcelona) Mass at the Crypt of the Barcelona Cathedral. This young and energetic city is teh best seen with a wandering face and an absorbing eye. The gothic magnificence of the Cathedral and art nourveau fantasies of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia are revealed on our sightseeing city tour, which also includes the monument of Christopher Columbus, Picasso Museum and venues from the 1992 Summer Olympics. Later, we will have the 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 for Lladro. Plus: In the afternoon a special visit to the "Black Madonna of Monserrat" The Monastery, built upon a flat shelf on the mountain, rises amongst the strange rock formations. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 10 - (Barcelona/Fatima) Early Mass. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our short flight to Lisbon. Lisboa (Portuguese name for Lisbon) lies at the estuary of the Tagus River - one of Europe's most important natural harbors. Our guided tour of the city will include: Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Lisbon Cathedral and then 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 - (Fatima/Batalha/Nazare) Celebrate and participate Holy Mass on the outdoor altar. Co-celebration of the Eucharist, blessing of sick, consecration and Adeu-Farewell Fatima. After lunch, on the Batalha to visit The Monastery of St. Mary of the Victory. Then on the coast, to the Village of Nazare. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 12 - (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 children lived; and onto Valinhos where our lady appeared after the children's return from prison; the Chapel of Calvary overlooking all of Fatima. Then, walking tour of the Basilica. [Breakfast/Dinner] Day 13 - (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 you intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence I fly to you, O Virgin 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 hear and answer me. - Amen." Transfer to the airport for our fight back to... Home Sweet Home [Breakfast] Tour Cost plus taxes of: US$299.00 Your 13 Day Tour Includes: Air Fare: USA/Paris-Barcelona/Lisbon/USA Hotel accomodation TGV Train - Paris/Lourdes Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary Christian-English speaking guide Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner as per itinerary Baggage Handling (one piece per person) All spiritual activities coordinated RTA Travel bag Reservation & Payments: A reservation is confirmed only upon receipt of a US$500.00 (per person) deposit. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure date. Cancellations: All cancellations must be in writing. Deposits are refundable up to 100 days prior to departure with US$50.00 cancellation charge. Cancellations made after final payment date are non-refundable. No shows and usused portions are non-refundable as well. Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance and medical coverage is available. We strongly recommend it. Not Included: Cost of passport, visas, health documents, laundry, insurance, optional sightseeing & items of personal nature such as foor & beverage not on the regular d'hote menu. Please be guided accordingly Book Now! Name: Address: Address 2: City: State: Zip: Telephone: Email: Comments: RTA Travel of NJ, Inc. 2713 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306 US (201) 434-8282 | Fax: (201) 434-0880 39-85 65th Place, Woodside, NY 11377 US (718) 507-2500 | Fax: (718) 478-8683 © Copyright 2008 RTA Travel of New Jersey, Inc. All Rights Reserved.