11 Day Spain and Portugal

*** DAILY MASSES INCLUDED ***

Day 1: USA - SPAIN. Depart for Spain. Our flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment.

Day 2: MADRID. Upon arrival in Madrid, we are met and transferred to our accommodations. On the way, we enjoy a panoramic tour to view the classical and modern squares of the city. We see the Oriente, España, University Campus, Casa de Campo, Mayor Street, Villa and Mayor Squares, Puerta del Sol, Neptuno, Atocha, memorial Retiro Park, the Bullring and the Colón.  Celebrate Mass at St. Isidore Church.   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: MADRID - ESCORIAL - VALLEY OF THE FALLEN - SEGOVIA. Guided visit: This morning, we drive to the Monastery of El Escorial, one of the most impressive monuments of the 16th century. The Valley of the Fallen is a monument commemorating those who died in the Spanish Civil War and its architecture is considered one of the marvels of our century. We then drive to Segovia where we see the Roman Aqueduct which dominates the town and is still active. We celebrate Mass in the Carmelite Convent at the tomb of St. John of the Cross before visiting the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Return to Madrid for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: MADRID - AVILA - SALAMANCA. Early morning departure for Avila, a near-perfect 11th century walled town and a national monument, where we arrive in time for the procession of Santa Teresa. The untouched medieval character of the town is its primary attraction; a walk through its narrow streets and along the battlements of its incredible walls provides an unforgettable experience. Guided visit the Cathedral and Santa Teresa Convent before continuing to Salamanca for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: SALAMANCA - ZAMORA - LEON. This morning, Guided visit the Cathedral and also the University, and a panoramic tour of the city. Then, we depart for Zamora on the way to the provincial capital of Leon. This afternoon, Guided visit the Cathedral, a wonderful building in Gothic style, and see the city walls with their Roman towers and also the Palace de los Guzmanes. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 6: LEON - ASTORGA - SANTIAGO. We celebrate Mass in the Santiago Chapel of Leon Cathedral before driving via Astorga, where we see the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. Depart to Villafranca del Bierzo: Start walking Camino de Santiago at La Fava to O Cebreiro at 5 Km walking distance.  Continue to Santiago de Compostela, (on the way, we will visit the La Magdalena Monastery in Sarria), the regional capital of Galicia and a religious and cultural center whose Cathedral is the spiritual capital of Spain. Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as the ornate spires above the town, their backdrop the vast open skies of Galicia. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 7: SANTIAGO. Today's Mass is celebrated in the San Pelayo Church. Our morning sightseeing includes a guided visit to the cathedral, an outstanding example of baroque architecture. We stroll across the square of the Platerias, so called because it was traditionally here that the silversmiths (plateros) guild was located. See the other squares surrounding the Cathedral before enjoying a walk through the old quarter as we explore the maze of arcaded streets and alleys that surround the splendid Obradoria Square. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or other pursuits on our own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. 

Day 8: SANTIAGO - FATIMA. Some time at leisure this morning before we attend the Pilgrims Mass in the Cathedral, where we see the famous Botafumeiro - the giant incenser. Early afternoon departure for the drive to Fatima. Along the way, we stop in Coimbra for dinner and arrive mid-evening in Fatima.

Day 9: FATIMA. This morning, a guided visit the Basilica of our Lady, the Chapel of Apparitions and the House of Francisco and Jacinta. The afternoon is at leisure with dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 10: FATIMA - SANTAREM - LISBON. We drive to Santarem. Take a short walk down the narrow streets to the Church of St. Stephen and then continue to the site of the Blessed Sacrament known as the Holy Miracle of the “Bleeding Host”. Continue to Lisbon for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: LISBON - USA. Transfer to the airport for our flight home - the end of our Pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal.