Compare Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel by Cosmos vs Rome to Nice and Barcelona Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 20 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 3,988 | $ 1,772 |
| Price Per Day | $ 199 | $ 197 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
4 Breakfasts |
| Description | This combination of our popular faith-based vacations, “Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain” and “Spiritual Highlights of Italy,” is ideal to experience the most treasured shrines of Europe. Start your journey with the visit of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon; experience the peacefulness of the Fátima sanctuary, and the monumental stairway of the Bom Jesus du Monte Sanctuary in Braga. Continuing to Spain, take in the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela and of the Burgos Cathedral. Hear the story of St. Ignacio, founder of the Jesuit Order, in Loyola and Monresa, where he lived and worked. Take advantage of the opportunity to collect in prayer at the Marian Sanctuaries of Lourdes, France and Montserrat, Catalonia, before witnessing the lively beauty of Barcelona and flying to Rome, the center of Christianity. Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) and see Rome’s four major basilicas, along with the Holy Steps and the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Follow in the footsteps of the most celebrated Italian saints: St. Francis in his hometown, Assisi, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. Spend time at the Marian Sanctuary of Loreto and discover the hillside town of Cascia, St. Rita’s hometown. Mass will be celebrated at most shrines with many opportunities for reflection and prayer. |
Discover ancient Rome and Vatican, walk around beautiful Florence, explore the Italian Riviera of Cinque Terra, enjoy the beaches of Nice, visit Monaco and explore Gaudi's Barcelona with its amazing architecture and nightlife. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (Dinner)
Day 2: LISBON–SANTARÉM–FÁTIMA
On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th –century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the Cathedral La Sé, where St. Anthony was baptised, and St. Anthony Church, where it is said he was born. Admire the beauty of St. Mary of Belem Church, part of the Jeronimos Monastery Complex. This building dates back to the mid 1400s and was built as thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Leaving Lisbon, head north and stop in Santarém to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle, to then arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the Tomb of the Visionaries and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared several times to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at Our Lady of Fátima Basilica. Today’s Distance: 118 mi / 190 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 3: FÁTIMA
Today, spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Upon return to Fátima, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 4: FÁTIMA–BRAGA–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN
Stop in Braga to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, where the cultural landscape evokes Christian Jerusalem, recreating a sacred mount crowned with a church. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Attend the [M] Pilgrim Mass. Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 5: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
This morning, spend some time on your own or join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). (Breakfast)
Day 6: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–BURGOS
Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. The visit takes you to the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid. Today's Distance: 304 mi / 490 km (Breakfast)
Day 7: BURGOS–LOYOLA–LOURDES, FRANCE
Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect at the 17th-century Sanctuary of Loyola, built in honor of St. Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, another world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 8: LOURDES
During today’s orientation of Lourdes, you will see the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. See Bernadette’s birthplace, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend [M] Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening. (Breakfast)
Day 9: LOURDES–MANRESA–MONTSERRAT, SPAIN
Head for the France/Spain border. Spend time in the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo, but more importantly for Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of St. Ignacio of Loyola. See the architectural compound of Santa Cova, the sanctuary home of St. Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, when he stayed in the city. Reach the beloved Marian shrine of Montserrat, located on top of a monumental massif, and spend the night next to the Monastery. Today's Distance: 249 mi / 400 km(Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 10: MONTSERRAT–BARCELONA
Visit the Sanctuary of Montserrat this morning, where the Benedictine monks dedicate their life to prayer, providings helter and work. Life in the monastery follows a set rhythm in which work and prayer both play a part, according to Saint Benedict’s motto, Ora et labora. Spend time in prayer, admire the image of Our Lady of Montserrat, and attend Mass [M]. Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat, and driving through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia.Today's Distance: 37 mi / 59 km(Breakfast)
Day 11: BARCELONA
Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour, including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire some of Gaudi’s eccentric work, as well as his Sagrada Familia, an unfinished architectural masterpiece and modern consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. Attend Mass [M]. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 12: BARCELONA–ROME, ITALY
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 13: ROME
This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St Paul the Apostle and one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas, St. John Lateran Basilica, and the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass.* (Breakfast)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 14: ROME. EXCURSION TO CASTEL GANDOLFO
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Rome or join an optional excursion.* Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (Breakfast)
* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 15: ROME–PIETRELCINA–SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO
On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born. Then, head towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today's Distance: 255 mi / 410 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 16: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. EXCURSION TO MONTE SANT’ANGELO
Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio’s Friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterward, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated shrines, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 17: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO–LANCIANO–LORETO–ASSISI AREA
Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 18: ASSISI
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226. (Breakfast)
Day 19: ASSISI AREA–CASCIA–ROME
Travel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km (Breakfast)
Day 20: ROME
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Day 1: Rome
Accommodation: Starhotel Rome or similar.
Today you will explore Vatican museums, see St.Peters Basilica and marvel at masterpieces of Michelangelo and Bernini. Later in the afternoon enjoy a walking tour to see Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain, admire beautiful Piazza Navona and exterior of the historic Pantheon.
Day 2-3: Florence
Accommodation: AC Florence by Marriott or similar.
Enjoy walking tour around Florence, see the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio and the Medici Chapels. Additionally you can travel to the wineries located nearby.
Day 4-5: Cinque Terre
Accommodation: NH La Spezia or similar.
Explore the amazing towns of Cinque Terre (5 lands), marvel the spectacular views of small towns of Manarola, Portofino, Portovenere and dine at the seafront restaurant enjoying italian pizza/or pasta or local seafood with wine.
Day 6-7: Nice/Monaco
Find out why many artists found their inspiration from the Mediterranean landscapes of Nice. You will have a tour to Monaco and enough free time to explore the old town of Nice, beaches and museums and then go on to visit the rest of the Riviera.
Day 8-9: Barcelona
Today you will fly to Barcelona, exploring this beautiful city, visiting Sagrada Familia, afterwards explore the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Parc Güell and in the evening go to try tapas and Spanish wine.
