Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, we will be transferred to Avila to check in to the hotel. Later visit the Convent of the Incarnation where St. Theresa lived, wrote books and experienced mystical revelations. Visit the museum that is built upon the home of St. Teresa that contains her relics and that of St. John of the Cross.

This morning we will visit Sepulcher of St. John of the Cross, Segovia Cathedral and the Alcazar Castle.

We continue our journey to Fatima and check-in to the hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight stay in Fatima (B D)

This morning we visit the Tombs of the visionaries of Fatima; the Aljustrel where the children lived; and the Valinhos; where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. We have time for praying the Stations of the Cross and for our own devotions. We will visit the Little Chapel of Apparitions and join for the Rosary and participate in the candlelight processions in the evening.

Today continue our journey to Santiago to see the Cathedral built in honour of St. James, the apostle of Jesus Christ. Then we will visit the tomb of the Apostle, and his disciples St. Theodore and St. Athanasius. We will join with pilgrims from all over the world in celebrating the Pilgrim’s Mass. Continue to the Church of San Francisco, that built in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, after his pilgrimage to this land. Rest of the day spent in leisure.

Overnight stay in Santiago (B D)

After breakfast, drive towards Oviedo, capital of Asturias to visit the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador. We will visit the Holy Chamber of Oviedo, a Roman Catholic pre-Romanesque church that dating back to 802 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later we will arrive in Santander and check in to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Santander (B D)

Today we depart Santander and drive to Loyola, the birthplace of Saint Ignatius where he later experienced a deep spiritual conversion. We will visit the Loyola Manor where Ignatius was born; St. Sebastian de Soreasu where Ignatius was baptized, the hermitage of Our Lady of Olatz, where Ignatius used to pray. After lunch, we journey to Lourdes through the beautiful landscape of the Pyrenees in southern France. Upon our arrival at Lourdes, we will check-in to our hotel.

Overnight stay in Lourdes (B D)

This morning we begin with a walking tour of Lourdes to visit the Upper & Lower Basilicas; the Grotto of Massabielle; Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette; and Cachot, the home of St. Bernadette at the time of the apparitions. The rest of the day is free for Adoration, Confessions, and a time of private devotion, reciting the Rosary and bathing in the miraculous spring. This evening we may again participate in the candlelight procession.

Overnight stay in Lourdes (B D)

This morning, we will awaken feeling well refreshed! Following breakfast, we will journey to the medieval city of Avignon, a city where the Popes resided for a time and which and remained under papal rule until becoming part of France. Then proceed to Palais des Papes, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and Pont d’Avignon that contains the remains of the Saint-Bénezet.

Overnight stay in Avignon (B D)

Today we depart Avignon and continue with our scenic drive along the French Riviera. A relaxed walking tour of Nice’s enchanting old town, indulging in delicious local cusine while taking in the sights, colours and stories of historic Nice.

Overnight stay in Milan (B D)

This morning, we will visit Milan’s beautiful Cathedral, the “Duomo” and Basilica of St. Ambrose, where St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine and the saint’s relics can be found. Later, we will journey Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, where the patron saint of lost things is honoured.

Overnight stay in Padua (B D)

Today we will continue to Venice, for some of the greatest wonders you will ever see: St. Mark’s Square, the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and have a see to the Doges’ Palace from outside. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore Venice on your own and do some shopping. Later we will journey to Assisi for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Assisi (B D)

In the morning, travel to Assisi and visit St. Francis’ Basilica – Tomb of St. Francis. We will later enjoy a walking tour of town, including the Church of San Rufino, and the Basilica of St. Clare, where her incorrupt body lies in repose. Later in the afternoon, we stop at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, here we view the Porziuncola, the tiny church contained inside the Basilica and the cross of San Damiano. Drive to Rome for overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Rome (B D)

After breakfast visit Catacombs of St. Callixtus and Chiesa Del Domine Quo Vadis. Then visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, Mary Major, St. John Lateran and ‘Scala Santa’. Then we will visit St. Peters Basilica and the Tomb of St. John Paul II. If opened, we will also see the Tombs of the Popes including St. Peter the Apostle. Later proceed to an inside tour of Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill and many more

Overnight stay in Rome (B D)

We begin our day with an optional Papal Audience at St. Peters Square. Later we will continue with a walking tour to see the Pantheon, Novona Square and Trevi Fountain.

Overnight stay in Rome (B D)

This morning visit of Vatican Museum to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, Tapestries Gallery and conclude our tour with a visit to St Peters Basilica. Later, we will transfer to Rome International Airport for our return flight to Australia. (B)