sample of itinerary

 

Day 1 (OCT3): Depart for Lisbon

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

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Day 2 (OCT4): Arrive Lisbon

Upon landing at Lisbon Portela Airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour leader (look for a sign 81 Tours). You will be escorted to the bus and begin a panoramic sightseeing tour of the coastal city of Lisbon. We will stop at the St. Jerome's Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for guiding Vasco da Gama on his voyage that linked Europe and Asia. Continue on, and drive by the Belem Quarter that contains the iconic entryway to the Lisbon harbor, the Belem Tower. This important landmark has many beautiful sculptures, such as depictions of, St. Vincent and Our Lady of Safe Homecoming. We will continue and pass by the "25th of April Bridge", inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, California. The Ponte 25 de Abril is the oldest bridge that connects the Tagus River of Lisbon. Following, we will drive by the Discoveries Monument. This memorial commemorates the Great Explorers who, as a result of their explorations, brought Portugal to a standing of wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. This ship prow-shaped structure stands where the Great Explorers began their expeditions. Enjoy a view of the Basilica of the Star, the Rossio Square, Commerce Square, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony's Church to celebrate Mass. Although this patron Saint of lost things is known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), he was originally born in Lisbon, Portugal. This Church is built upon the site of St. Anthony's birth and is also where Saint John Paul II visited in 1982. The former Pope stopped at this Church, on his way to Fatima, to pray to Our Lady in thanksgiving. Saint John Paul II recognizes Our Lady as saving him from being killed when he was shot one year prior, in 1981. After Mass, we will check-in at the hotel and enjoy a welcoming dinner followed by a restful overnight.

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Day 3 (OCT5): Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima

Today, we will travel north to the old city of Santarem. In Santarem, visit and attend Mass at the Church of St. Stephen, which holds (13th century) Eucharistic Miracle: The Miracle occurred when a woman yearned to change the ways of her unfaithful husband and consulted a sorceress. The sorceress agreed that she would cure the husband's infidelity in exchange for a consecrated Host. The woman committed the sacrilege, but when she exited the church, the Host began to bleed. It bled so much that her fellow parishioners thought she had cut her hand. The woman ran home and hid the bleeding Host in a trunk. When her husband arrived home, the wife told him what she had done, and later that night there was a light emanating from the trunk. She and her husband began to kneel before the trunk. The following morning, the husband and wife brought the Host to the Parish Priest. It was then moved to the Church of St. Stephen where another miracle occurred; the miraculous Host was originally put in a wax container, however, when the Priest opened the tabernacle to view the Host, the container was found broken, and the Host was found enclosed in a crystal pyx. Return to Fatima with a visit to the Hamlet of Aljustrel, the home of the three shepherd children. Visit of the Parish Church and Fatima Parish Cemetery before returning to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

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Day 4 (OCT6): Fatima

Today will surely be a memorable experience, as you pray and meditate upon one of Our Blessed Mother's apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in true turmoil, Our Lady's most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. The destruction of the world at that point in history was also mentioned by Our Lady in her messages of Fatima, and more specifically, in her second secret to the children. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit to the stunning neoclassical church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the square. Due to Our Lady's consistency in Her messages to pray the Rosary, this Basilica also features fifteen altars, dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will be able to feel, through the Love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces that were received here. Visit the Museum with the exhibition: Fatima: Light and Peace. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ's unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. The "Sacred Way" marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions, and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's rest in Fatima.

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Day 5 (OCT 7): Fatima - Salamanca

After breakfast, Depart Fatima and head to Salamanca. Salamanca is a city in the Castilla y Leon region, and is known for its large University, the oldest in Spain that is still active, along with its prominent culture. Our walking tour will bring us by the most noteworthy sites such as; the grand Plaza Mayor, an iconic square filled with food, shopping and city events; La Clerecia, a church and college of the Jesuit Order that was constructed in the seventeenth century; La Casa de las Conchas, currently a public library but also, a monument noted and decorated by shells, which symbolizes the ever-famous pilgrimage to Santiago (El Camino); the University of Salamanca, the oldest University in Spain and the third oldest in Europe; the Roman Bridge, extends along the River Tormes, is a national monument and among one of Salamanca's sturdiest bridges; La Iglesia de San Marcos, constructed in the Romanesque style and contains breathtaking paintings that portray many scenes of Our Lady's life; La Iglesia de San Martin, a church devoted to St. Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony. Visit the inside of the two joint Salamanca Cathedrals (old and new), one of which is a Romanesque style and the other a Gothic style. Following this eventful day, you will return to your hotel for a delicious meal with your group and an overnight at your hotel in Salamanca.

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Day 6 (OCT 8): Salamanca

After breakfast, we will start our day with Holy Mass! Today on our itinerary it is Wine-tasting day! The history of wine production in the Castilla y Léon wine region can be dated back to Roman times although the wines of the region started gaining importance only during the eleventh century. Although the region's economy has traditionally focused on cereal crops, viticulture has been a significant economic activity in the area for more than 2000 years. Red wines rule in Castilla y Léon wine region, and the Tempranillo grape variety is unquestionably the king. It is known here by various synonyms including Tinta del Pais, Tinto de Toro, and Tinto Fino. Tempranillo is behind all of the region's finest wines and it is believed that monks of Cluny who came here through Santiago way brought this vine here. Generally, Tempranillo produces complex, full-bodied red wines with spicy and fruity flavors. In addition to Tempranillo, they also produce fruity mineral red wine Bierzo from the Mencia grape variety. The supporting cast includes the French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

White wines of Castilla y Léon wine region are far fewer in number than the reds, but only marginally less prestigious. They are made mostly from the white grapes Verdejo and Viura.

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Day 7 (OCT 9): Salamanca - Alba de Tormes - Avila - Zaragoza

This morning, after breakfast, you will board the bus and enjoy a short transfer to the village of Alba de Tormes. This town is home to the Carmelite Monastery that Saint Teresa founded in 1571. Upon arrival in Alba de Tormes, your group will celebrate Mass at this Monastery where the saint died and was buried. Following Mass, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, which also holds her incorrupt heart and left arm. Your group will enjoy free time for lunch on your own, before continuing to the medieval city of Avila. Upon arrival in Avila, you will immediately notice the perfectly preserved eleventh-century walls that surround the old town. The conservation of architecture in this city, to which St. Teresa was born, deems its shrines, convents and churches necessary to visit on any Catholic pilgrimage. The Cathedral de Avila encompasses the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles of its time, within its artwork and architecture. La Basilica de San Vicente in Avila, stands on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent. Visit the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun. Saint Therese convinced Saint John of the Cross to reform the male Carmelite order, the reform she started when she met Saint John in Medina del Campo. After walking in the footsteps of St. Teresa, continue your journey to Zaragoza. Upon arrival enjoy dinner.

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Day 8 (OCT 10): Zaragoza - Lourdes

This morning, following breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar that was built upon the site of where Our Lady appeared to St. James. In 44 A.D. St. James the Greater was spreading the Gospel in Spain but, making very little progress and questioning his mission. According to Catholic Tradition, the Virgin Mary, who was still living in Jerusalem, bi-located and appeared to St. James the Greater to boost his morale. While inside the Basilica, you will view the pillar that was carried by angels and from atop Our Lady appeared. Following your visit to the Basilica del Pilar, you will visit La Seo Cathedral (Cathedral of Zaragoza). Formally known as the Church of San Vicente during the Visigoth period, it contains architectural elements of Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Continue to Lourdes. Arrive in time for dinner and overnight.

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Day 9 and 10 (OCT 11-12): Lourdes

Over the next two days, you will wake up in a small town that is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another site of Our Lady's apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself as "The Immaculate Conception", near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, 

Our Lady emphasized God's love for us, penance and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette; watch a video presentation that explains, in detail, the story of Lourdes; drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many; and submerge yourself in the healing baths. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love, as you meditate upon the "life size" Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. Also, while in Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary before a restful overnight.

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Day 11 (OCT 13): FLIGHT TO MEDJUGORJE

After an early breakfast, we will leave Lourdes and board a direct flight from Toulouse to Split. Upon arrival in Medjugorje we will check in in Pansion Elez or similar.

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Medjugorje

October 13 - 17, 2024

Day 12-13-14-15 (OCT 14-15-16-17):

Planning itineraries and activities in Medjugorje is different than most other locations. Many factors can impact plans, such as weather, special talks, prayer program, surprises, etc. For that reason, we encourage you to remain flexible, expect change, entrust everything to Our Lady and allow HER to guide you!

The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. Check the next page where you will find some of the activities in Medjugorje.

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Experience Medjugorje:

 

Daily Mass: English Mass is celebrated at St. James Church every morning at 10:00 am, except Sundays and Feast Days, when it is celebrated at noon in the Yellow Hall. After breakfast each morning, most choose to walk to Mass. If walking is not an option, cabs are always available.

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Evening International Program: This is the spiritual highlight of Medjugorje. Our Lady’s specific requests are fulfilled here - Confession / Rosary / Holy Mass / Adoration / Veneration. Each evening at 5:00 pm, the villagers and fellow pilgrims in praying the Rosary, as all anxiously await the arrival of Our Lady at 5:40 pm, when everyone kneels in silence for a few moments, welcoming Our Queen of Peace into Medjugorje. The International Mass is followed by the Blessing of the Sick, a Peace Rosary, and depending on the day, either Adoration, Veneration of the Cross or completion of the Daily Rosary. The International Program is held in Croatian, but a variety of radio stations translate the program into many different languages. Radio transmitters are available in Medjugorje for use during visits, but the sound quality is not always reliable. Pilgrims are encouraged to bring their own simple AM/FM radios with earphones, and extra batteries!

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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady always calls us to be close to her Son. For this, you will have opportunities to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the outside altar or inside of St. James Church on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings after Mass. Veneration of the Cross is held on Friday evenings. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, which is open for Adoration every afternoon.

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Parish Activities: A variety of talks are frequently scheduled at the Yellow Hall on the grounds of St. James Church by priests, visionaries and other special guests of Medjugorje. These are always worthwhile, often quite humorous, and on occasion, special concerts will also be performed.

 

Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1934, the villagers built a 30’ high cross atop this mountain to commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross. When climbing, the group is invited to pray the Stations of the Cross, pausing to pray at each of the 15 Stations.

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Apparition Hill: This rocky hill is where the six young visionaries first encountered Our Lady in 1981. On June 25, 1981, she identified herself as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, telling the children, “I have come to tell the world that God exists.” At the base of this hill is the Blue Cross, where Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the Communist police in the early days of the apparitions. When climbing, your group is invited to recite the Rosary, pausing to pray at each of the five bronze Joyful mystery stations. At the top of the hill, you will appreciate quiet, private time in prayer near the beautiful white statue of Our Lady, located where she first appeared. Bronze stations for the Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries are also on Apparition Hill, and as time permits, you are free to hike and pray any time you like.

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Meet with Visionaries: (Pending availability) We will do our best to schedule at least one private testimony with one of the 6 visionaries. Please remember that visionaries are leading private lives with their own families, and they should not be the reason for a pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

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Statue of the Risen Christ: Located on the grounds of St. James Church is the bronze statue of the Risen Christ. Many pilgrims find quiet comfort sitting and praying on the benches surrounding this peaceful statue. Directly surrounding this quiet area are beautiful Stations of the Cross.