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Religious Tours

Catholic Pilgrimages

CATHEDRALS & SAINTS OF SPAIN

13 NIGHTS/12 DAYS

Including Monserrat, Barcelona, Zaragoza, Loyola, Santiago de Compostela, Avila, Madrid, and more

Church of the Holy Family

DAY 1: DEPART U.S.A.

Depart on an overnight flight to Barcelona.

DAY 2: BARCELONA

Welcome to Spain. Afternoon at leisure and opportunity to become acclimated to this wonderful Catalan city. (D.)

DAY 3: BARCELONA– MONSERRAT

This morning celebrate Mass, followed by a city tour, including the famous Sagrada de Familia Church. In the afternoon travel to the Monastery of Monserrat to visit the Royal Basilica and view the venerated Black Madonna, which according to tradition was carved by St. Luke. Overnight Barcelona. (B.D.)

DAY 4: ZARAGOZA–LOYOLA

Today motor west to Zaragoza to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Pillar where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James, Patron Saint of Spain in 40 A. D., and celebrate Mass. Continue to the home of the St. Ignatius de Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus and the Jesuit Order. Overnight Loyola. (B.D.)

DAY 5: BURGOS–SANTO DOMINGO

Depart for Burgos, where we tour the third largest cathedral in Spain, which took over four hundred years to complete. It contains the tomb of El Cid, as well as, numerous chapels including the chapel with an image of Christ endowed with real human hair and nails. Time permitting we stop at the monastery of La Cartage de Mira Flores with its alterpiece made of gold shipped from American colonies. In the late afternoon we travel to Santo Domingo, where you have the rare privilege to hear the ethereal singing of the “Gregorian Chant” by the monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. Overnight in Burgos. (B.D.)

DAY 6: WAY OF THE PILGRIM

Today you take up the most famous pilgrimage route “The Way of St. James.” St. James was known as the first pilgrim. Every year when July 25, the feast of St. James, falls on a Sunday, it is Holy Year of St. James. For centuries many pilgrims traveled this route, some for spiritual reasons, some for purification and many for the pure adventure of it. Continue to Fromista, an important stop along the Way, where you see the most important relics of the Way, before proceeding to Leon. Here you visit the old town and follow the steps of all the pilgrims before you go to the Churches of Santa Ana, and Santa Maria del Mercado, and the Convent of Conception. The highlight of this exploration is the remarkable Cathedral, built in pure Gothic style. Tradition requires that all pilgrims rest their hands on a small pedestal in the church, so as to receive special protection for their pilgrimage. Overnight Leon. (B.D.)

DAY 7: LEON–GALICIA-SANTIAGO

We stop in Astorga for a visit to its Episcopal Palace, built by Antonio Gaudi, whose work you saw in Barcelona, and the village of O Cebreiro, where the miracle of the “holy grail” is said to have occurred. We visit the church of Santa Maria, and see the typical houses with straw thatched roofs. Overnight Santiago. (B.D.)

DAY 8: SANTIAGO

Start your tour of the Pilgrims Way, and participate in the Pilgrim’s Mass. You visit the old city, the Cathedral and the Crypt of St. James. You see the Bell Tower and the urn representing the life and work of the Apostle. Visit the Church and the Convent of San Francesco commemorating the pilgrimage made here by St. Francis of Assisi between 1213-1215. Overnight Santiago. (B.D.)

DAY 9: SANTIAGO– ALBA de TORMES–SALAMANCA

Depart for the small village of Alba de Tormes, where St. Theresa died. Visit the Carmelite Convent where her incorrupt body reposes. Our next stop is the great University city of Salamanca. See the Cathedral built of shells in honor of St. James and the great University. Overnight Salamanca. (B.D.)

DAY 10: AVILA–SEGOVIA

Today visit medieval Avila, the City of Kings and of Saints, completely encircled by 11th century walls. This is the birthplace of St. Theresa, one of the greatest mystics of the Church, and the city is dedicated to her. Celebrate Mass at the Convent of St. Theresa, where Theresa was born. Visit the first convent she founded, as well as, the convent of the Incarantion, where she occupied a cell. Continue to Segovia for overnight. (B.D.)

DAY 11: SEGOVIA–MADRID

Segovia, is home of the impressive Roman acqueduct, and the Cathedral which was the last one constructed in the Spanish gothic style. We enter the famous Alcazar, perhaps the inspiration for many a fairy tale castle. Outside of Segovia we visit a convent near the Vera Cruz church where St. John of the Cross is buried. A bit further on we see the monastery where Saint Domingo of Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order, sought penitence. Overnight Madrid. (B.D.)

DAY 12: MADRID

This morning the tour of Madrid includes a visit to Puerta del Sol, Retiro Park, Plaza de Espana, and the Royal Palace. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Madrid. (B.)

DAY 13: MADRID
This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight home (B.)