Marian Pilgrimage

DAY 1 

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

• St. Paul Outside the Walls: The burial site of St. Paul, one of the most important basilicas in Rome.
• Trevi Fountain: A Baroque masterpiece and one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks.
• Spanish Steps: Famous for its grand staircase and vibrant atmosphere.
• Colosseum & Roman Forum: The heart of Ancient Rome, where gladiators once fought.

DAY 2

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

• St. Peter's Basilica: The largest church in the world, renowned for its Renaissance art and stunning dome.
• Sistine Chapel: Michelangelo’s frescoed masterpiece, depicting biblical scenes with striking detail.
• Vatican Museums: A world-class collection of art and ancient artifacts.

DAY 3

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

• Convento di Santa Maria delle Grazie: The spiritual home of St. Padre Pio.
• Chiesa di San Pio da Pietrelcina: A church dedicated to the life and work of St. Padre Pio.

DAY 4

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

• Basilica di San Francesco: The final resting place of St. Francis, featuring stunning frescoes by Giotto.
• Chiesa di Santa Chiara: A church dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Clares.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli: A serene church that houses the Portiuncula, where St. Francis lived.

DAY 5 

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

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: The iconic tower that leans dramatically over the Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Pisa Baptistery: A stunning example of Romanesque architecture.
• Cathedral of Pisa: The grand cathedral in Piazza dei Miracoli, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

DAY 6 

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

• Basilique Notre Dame: A Neo-Gothic church in the heart of Nice, offering stunning views.
• Promenade des Anglais: A scenic walkway along the Mediterranean coast.

DAY 7

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

• Palais des Papes: The grand papal palace, a symbol of medieval power and elegance.
• Pont Saint-Bénézet: The famous bridge of Avignon, known for the children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.”

DAY 8 

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

• Roman Ruins: The remnants of ancient Lyon, offering insight into the city’s Roman past.
• Vieux Lyon: The medieval Old Town, with its Renaissance architecture.

DAY 9

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

• Saint Gildard Convent: The convent where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body is kept, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

DAY 10

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

• Eiffel Tower: The iconic symbol of Paris, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Arc de Triomphe: A monumental arch honoring France’s military history.

DAY 11

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

• Cathedrale Saint-Pierre: A stunning cathedral with magnificent Romanesque architecture.

DAY 12 

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. 

Accommodation: 4* Hotel in Lourdes

• Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes: The centerpiece of the sanctuary, a place of healing and prayer.
• The Grotto of Apparitions: The site where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette.

DAY 13

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

• Basilica del Pilar: A major pilgrimage site with stunning artwork and architecture.

DAY 14 

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

• Royal Palace of Madrid: The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family.
• Prado Museum: Home to one of the world’s finest collections of European art.

DAY 15 

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

• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima: A major Marian pilgrimage site.

DAY 16

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

• Sao Jorge Castle: Offering sweeping views of Lisbon, this historic castle dates back to the Moorish period.
• Belem Tower: A symbol of Portugal’s Age of Exploration.

DAY 17 

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