pilgrimage to italy, france, spain & portugal
$4,490 CAD | 15 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
September 30
Departure for Rome
Afternoon departure from Ottawa to Rome.
October 1
Rome
Morning arrival in Rome, transfer to our hotel, time for rest, dinner and overnight.
October 2
Rome
After breakfast we visit the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Chains, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, St. John Lateran, view the Coliseum and Forum Romanum. Mass in one of the churches in Rome. Dinner and overnight.
October 3
Assisi
Today we visit the St. Peter’s Basilica and then travel to Assisi – the city of St. Francis. We celebrate Mass in the Basilica dedicated to St. Francis. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
October 4
Assisi / Florence
This morning Mass in Assisi and then we travel to Florence – the cradle of Renaissance and capital of Tuscany. Afternoon guided tour takes us to the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Flore, the famous Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Signoria and the Church of Santa Croce. Dinner and overnight.
October 5
Nice
After breakfast we depart Florence for France. We travel through the spectacular landscapes of Italian Riviera to Nice for dinner and overnight.
October 6
Monte Carlo / Avignon
Today we travel to Avignon. En route we stop in Monte Carlo where we visit its Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is now buried. Continue through the peaceful landscape of Provence to Avignon, residence of Popes in the 14th century. We visit the ancient walled old town and the Cathedral of Avignon before being transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
October 7
Carcassonne / Lourdes
After breakfast we travel through the splendid vineyards of Languedoc-Rousillon to Lourdes. En route we stop in Carcassonne and visit its beautifully preserved medieval fortified town with its massive defences encircling the castle. Continue to Lourdes for dinner, procession with candles and overnight.
October 8
Lourdes
Full day in Lourdes. Time to visit the Grotto and the Basilica; see a movie about Lourdes and St. Bernadette, Mass, Way of the Cross, time for individual prayer and bath, dinner, procession with candles and overnight.
October 9
Zaragoza / Madrid
After morning Mass we leave through Pyrenees to Spain and its capital of Madrid. En route we stop in Zaragoza and visit the Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar. Continue to Madrid for dinner and overnight.
October 10
Toledo / Madrid
Morning sightseeing tour of Madrid takes us to Puerta del Sol, Plaza Espana with its monument to Cervantes, Celebes fountain, elegant Calla Alcala and Paseo Castellana. We also view the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon excursion to Toledo. Situated on a granite hill surrounded on three sides by river Tagus, the ancient capital of Castille attracts more sightseers than any other Spanish town. We visit the 13th century Cathedral, where we celebrate Mass. Return to Madrid for dinner and overnight.
October 11
Avila / Salamanca
From Madrid we travel to university town of Salamanca. En route visit Avila, the city of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. After Mass in Avila we continue to Salamanca. Time for pleasurable stroll through mediaeval streets of Salamanca and its splendid Plaza Mayor and university founded in 1218. Dinner and overnight.
October 12
Fatima
From Salamanca we travel to Fatima in Portugal. Upon arrival Mass, dinner, rosary procession and overnight.
October 13
Fatima
Full day in Fatima. Mass, visit the site of apparitions, the old and the new basilica. We also visit the houses of the children, some free time for individual prayers, dinner, rosary procession and overnight.
October 14
RETURN TO CANADA
Morning transfer the airport in Lisbon for our flight back to Ottawa – evening arrival.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. We accept registration on a “first-come-first serve” basis. There is always a limited number of spaces available and as soon as we sell them – the group is completed. To avoid disappointment please register as soon as you decide.
When is the final payment?
Usually it is 60 days before departure, but there are some exceptions for non-standard tours. Your invoice will indicate clearly when your payments are due.
What happens with my deposit when you cancel a group?
In a very unlike situation when we have to cancel a group for reasons out of our control, your deposit is protected and fully refundable. When you cancel on your own please make sure that your non-refundable deposit is protected by your own insurance.
Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
For the group reservations the airlines don't give us an option of selecting specific seats. When your ticket is issued your seat is guaranteed, but usually not printed on the e-ticket. However, you can always check-in online 24 hours before departure and change your seat based on availability.
Tell me which hotels we will be staying?
We always book best, first-class hotels. We frequently check them for best quality. Hotels are confirmed about two months before departure and we will give you all details in the final itinerary
I'm traveling alone & don't have a roommate. What should I do?
Please register ASAP. We will take a note of your request and will try to match you with another passenger willing to share. Other options are single room (with a supplement) or forming a triple room if you know another two people willing to share.
I have several food allergies. Can I request a special menu?
Please let us know about your food restrictions. We will order special meals for your flights, if available. All breakfasts and some dinners at the destinations are buffets, so you can select food by yourself. The restaurants at the destinations will do their best to offer you individual alternate to standard set menus for the group. You will need to communicate your needs through tour leaders.
What is eTA? Does it apply to me?
If you are Canadian or US citizen – no need to worry. It applies to citizens of other countries. They will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Apply and get help at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start-int.asp
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**