ITINERARY:
Day 1: DEPARTURE FROM U.S.A.
Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2: ARRIVAL TO FRANCE-LOURDES
Upon arrival we will meet the tour guide and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight in Paris.
Day 3: PARIS
After breakfast, we celebrate mass at the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. We will see the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure whose guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin displayed a vision of the miraculous medal and later the green scapular wherein the Blessed Virgin promised bountiful graces for all the wearers of this. Guided tour of this beautiful city, which includes the Champs Elysees, L’Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Church of the Sacre Coeur and the Church of St. Vincent de Paul. In the evening, join the optional night show or boat trip to Seine River. Dinner and overnight in the most spectacular city on earth.
Day 4: PARIS, LISIEUX, PARIS
After breakfast, we will travel northwest by motor coach to the town of Lisieux, the home of St. Therese of Lisieux whom Pope Pius X called “the Greatest Saint of Modern times.” Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity comes alive as you visit the Basilica Cathedral of St. Peter, and Les Buissonets, her family home. On display are relics, clothing, and personal objects belonging to the “Little Flower.” View the statue depicting the Blessed Virgin who smiled at St. Therese during an ecstasy before curing her illness. Combine your prayers in the Carmel Chapel with the Carmelite sisters, just as St. Therese did before her death in 1897. Return to Paris and dinner overnight.
Day 5: PARIS, NEVERS, PARIS
After breakfast, we depart by motor coach for Nevers. St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as part of the congregation of the Sister of Nevers after taking the veil in 1867. Throughout her life she suffered and eventually died from asthma, at age 35. We will visit the convent of St. Gildard where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body reposes. Then, we return to Paris for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: PARIS, ROME, ASSISI
After breakfast we leave for Italy. After arriving Rome we will drive to the pilgrimage center of Assisi, where St. Francis tended the poor and sick and founded the Franciscan order. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 7: ASSISI, ROME
After breakfast we celebrate Mass at the tomb of St Francis. Explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St Francis, which still retains an unspoiled quality similar to the early 1200’s when he began his ministry. Contained within the huge 13th-century Basilica are many of his possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life. You may kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis, asking him to rebuild His church. It was St Mary of the Angels Basilica, where St Francis spent most of his life. Here we visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the Saint retired for prayer. Stroll the medieval streets of the compact little town. Drive to Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: ROME, PAPAL AUDIENCE, MAJOR BASILICAS
After breakfast we go to Vatican City to attend the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. This largest religious temple in the world has housed 264 popes. Unsurpassed in beauty, importance and history, pilgrims from around the world are welcome to the most grandiose, sacred church in the world. View historical treasures such as a piece of the true cross, the lance that pierced Christ’s side and numerous papal tombs.
Afternoon we will tour the major Basilicas: St Mary Major, this is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, after she appeared to Pope Liberius in 358 requesting a church be built in her honor. This shrine contains a relic from the manger where the infant Jesus was laid. Visit the Church of Holy Stairs. Visit The Basilica of the St John in Lateran, the former residence of all the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. Five ecumenical councils were held in this cathedral housing the remains of 4 saints. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 9: ROME
After breakfast we will drive through the sites of Rome, including the Roman Forum passing the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We conclude our day with Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St. Paul under the main altar. Many relics are displayed, along with the chains that once bound the apostle while a prisoner in Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 10: ROME, USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flight to the US.
If you don't see an itinerary you like, tell us and we'll gladly customize one to meet your requirements.
Reservation Request Form |
