Infos

1. Arrival

2. Fátima and Nazaré
The journey begins in Fátima, one of the most important Marian pilgrimage sites in the world. Nestled in the Portuguese countryside, this town rose to global prominence after the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima serves as the spiritual heart of the town, offering space for reflection within its expansive esplanade, the Chapel of the Apparitions, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of the visionaries rest. The atmosphere is one of reverence, marked by candlelight, prayer, and the quiet footsteps of pilgrims from around the world.
In the afternoon, the tour continues westward to Nazaré, where faith meets the sea. Set atop the cliffs of Sítio, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré overlooks the Atlantic and holds a long-standing local legend of miraculous protection. A small statue of the Virgin, believed to be one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, draws visitors seeking both devotion and a connection to the deep roots of Marian tradition in the region.

3. Porto and Braga
The day begins in Porto with a guided walking tour through its historic center, where medieval streets, tiled façades, and riverside views reveal the character of this northern city. Highlights include the Cathedral of Porto, a landmark of both history and devotion, offering insight into the city’s spiritual roots. Along the way, the blend of cultural richness and everyday life gives pilgrims and visitors alike a sense of Porto’s enduring traditions.
From Porto, the journey continues to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most vibrant cities, often called the “Portuguese Rome.” Here, the visit focuses on the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, famous for its striking baroque stairway that winds upward through chapels and fountains. Both a site of architectural beauty and religious importance, it represents the deep Christian heritage that has shaped the city. Braga’s atmosphere, with its many churches and monuments, connects the past with the present in a meaningful way. The day concludes with travel north into Galicia and arrival in Santiago de Compostela.

4. Santiago de Compostela and Holy Mass
The day is fully devoted to Santiago de Compostela, the historic endpoint of the Camino pilgrimage routes. The morning begins with a guided walking tour of the city’s UNESCO-listed old town, where cobbled streets, quaint squares, and centuries-old buildings reveal the city’s rich history and vibrant local culture. Pilgrims explore the architectural and cultural heritage of Santiago, gaining insight into its importance as both a spiritual and historical center.
The tour continues with an interior visit to the Romanesque Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Inside, travelers admire intricate stonework, sacred chapels, and devotional art, culminating in a visit to the tomb of St. James. The day includes the celebration of Holy Mass***, offering a moment for communal worship and personal reflection.

5. Lugo, Oviedo and Covadonga
In Lugo, pilgrims walk along the ancient Roman walls and through the historic center, discovering medieval churches and religious landmarks that reflect the city’s deep Christian heritage. The visit provides an introduction to the spiritual traditions of the region and the continuity of faith through the centuries. In Oviedo, attention turns to the Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa), a UNESCO World Heritage site, where treasured relics and sacred artifacts illustrate Asturias’ rich religious history. Pilgrims gain insight into the devotion that has shaped this city and its cultural identity over time.
The journey continues to the Covadonga area in the Picos de Europa, a site of profound significance in Spanish Christian tradition. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, pilgrims visit the sanctuary and have the opportunity for quiet reflection on the spiritual legacy of the site. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Covadonga.

6. Garabanal and celebration of Mass
The group visits Garabandal, a small village in northern Spain renowned for the reported Marian apparitions of the 1960s. The quiet streets and sacred sites offer time for reflection on the messages associated with the apparitions. A celebration of Mass at the site allows travelers to participate in a moment of devotion and prayer, connecting with the faith traditions that have drawn pilgrims here for decades. After the visit, the journey continues southward toward Lourdes, passing through scenic regions of northern Spain and southern France.

7. Lourdes
In Lourdes, pilgrims experience one of the world’s most celebrated sites of Marian devotion. The visit includes the Grotto of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, and the faithful can spend time in prayer and reflection at this sacred site. The tour also includes St. Pius X Basilica, an impressive modern church designed to accommodate the many pilgrims who gather in Lourdes each year, as well as the surrounding chapels and devotional areas.
Throughout the day, travelers have the opportunity to connect with the spiritual atmosphere of Lourdes, witnessing pilgrims from around the world engage in prayer, candle offerings, and personal devotion. At 5 pm from April to October, pilgrims in Lourdes join the Blessed Sacrament procession, ending at the Basilica of St. Pius X. The highlight of the evening is the candlelight procession, when thousands of candles light the sanctuary in a moving act of faith and unity.

8. Aínsa and Montserrat
Returning to Spain, the tour includes a stop in Aínsa, a picturesque medieval town nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Pilgrims can wander its cobbled streets, admire the historic plaza, and explore churches and landmarks that reflect the town’s rich Christian heritage. From Aínsa, the route continues toward Barcelona, leading to the striking Montserrat mountain range and its renowned monastery. At Montserrat, admission to the Chapel of the Black Madonna allows travelers to venerate the revered statue of the Virgin, witness the devotional traditions of pilgrims from around the world, and absorb the serene and sacred atmosphere of this iconic sanctuary. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Barcelona.

9. Barcelona highlights
In Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia with its unique character and panoramic views, the group enjoys a guided walking tour of the historic center. The tour highlights the Gothic Quarter with its narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and remarkable churches, as well as lively plazas and bustling avenues that showcase the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Barcelona’s mix of history, culture, and local life offers pilgrims a rich experience of both spiritual reflection and urban discovery, with iconic landmarks visible throughout the cityscape, including the world-famous yet still unfinished La Sagrada Familia.

10. Sagrada Familia, Holy Mass and free time
The morning begins with a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, including skip-the-line admission and access to one of the cathedral’s iconic towers. Guests discover Gaudí’s architectural genius, exploring the intricate façades, striking interiors, and the fascinating history behind this world-famous landmark. The guide provides insight into the symbolism and design that make the Sagrada Familia a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Pilgrims also have the opportunity to celebrate a Eucharist for their group at the crypt of the basilica***. In the afternoon, the group has free time to wander the streets of Barcelona, taking in its lively squares, charming neighborhoods, and unforgettable landmarks. Travelers can explore at their own pace, enjoy local cafés, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this mesmerizing city, making for a perfect blend of guided discovery and personal exploration.

11. Departure