Published in Best of Balkans and Europe, Europe Tours
Destination: Rome
Meal Plan: Dinner
Arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, a place where ancient history, art, and culture meet. Known for its awe-inspiring monuments, ancient ruins, and vibrant life, Rome is a city that has played a central role in world history for over two millennia. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the serene beauty of St. Peter's Basilica, Rome offers a living museum of history.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Rome
Destination: Rome
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Rome's Vatican City is the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. This microstate within Rome holds treasures of art, architecture, and history, with the famous Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica being highlights. This day is devoted to exploring the Vatican’s remarkable sights.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Rome
Destination: Rome – San Giovanni Rotondo
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for San Giovanni Rotondo, home of the famous St. Padre Pio. The town’s spiritual importance stems from the presence of the Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Church of St. Pio, dedicated to one of the most beloved saints in Catholic history.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo
Destination: San Giovanni Rotondo – Assisi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is a serene and sacred town nestled in the rolling hills of Umbria. Known for its medieval charm, Assisi is a pilgrimage site for Catholics and an excellent example of Italy’s timeless beauty.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Assisi
Destination: Assisi – Pisa
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower, but the city also boasts a rich history and many architectural gems. Pisa’s cathedral square is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse of its medieval past.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Pisa
Destination: Pisa – Nice
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Nice, located on the French Riviera, is known for its Mediterranean charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene. With its colorful Old Town and sophisticated promenades, Nice offers a blend of French and Italian influences.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Nice
Destination: Nice – Avignon
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Avignon, a historic city in the Provence region of France, is famous for the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), which was the residence of several popes in the 14th century. The city’s medieval charm is alive in its streets and landmarks.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Avignon
Destination: Avignon – Lyon
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, is a city rich in history and culinary delights. With its Roman ruins and medieval Old Town, Lyon offers a unique mix of ancient and modern influences.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Lyon
Destination: Lyon – Nevers
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Nevers is a town with a deep religious history, home to the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette. A peaceful town filled with spiritual significance, Nevers is a place of reflection for many pilgrims.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Nevers
Destination: Nevers – Paris
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Paris, the City of Light, is a place where history, culture, and romance come together. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, Paris offers some of the world’s most famous landmarks, blending the old and the new in a city that has inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Paris
Destination: Paris – Poitiers
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Poitiers, a town in western France, is known for its Romanesque architecture and beautiful churches. It’s a place where history comes alive, offering a calm and reflective atmosphere.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Poitiers
Destination: Poitiers – Lourdes
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Lourdes, one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world, is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Today, Lourdes is a place of healing and prayer for millions of pilgrims.
Destination: Lourdes – Zaragoza
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Zaragoza is known for its Basilica del Pilar, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world. The city’s rich cultural and religious history makes it an essential stop for pilgrims.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Zaragoza
Destination: Zaragoza – Madrid – Avila
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Madrid, Spain’s bustling capital, is a city of contrasts, where modern life blends seamlessly with centuries of history. From the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum, Madrid is a cultural treasure trove.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Avila
Destination: Avila – Fatima
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Fatima, in Portugal, is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, famous for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in 1917.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Fatima
Destination: Fatima – Lisbon
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, is a city where history, culture, and charm come together. Explore the city’s stunning architecture and picturesque streets, including the historic Sao Jorge Castle and Belem Tower.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Lisbon
Destination: Lisbon (Departure)
Meal Plan: Breakfast
As your pilgrimage comes to an end, reflect on the spiritual journey you’ve experienced, from Rome to Lisbon. You’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime as you head to the airport for your flight back home.
Accommodation: None