Marian Shrines Pilgrimage
This 13-day pilgrimage journeys through the great Marian shrines of Portugal, Spain, and France, where Our Lady has appeared throughout the centuries to call her children to prayer, penance, and conversion. Venerate the Bleeding Host of Santarem, walk where the shepherd children encountered Our Lady at Fatima, pray at the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, and immerse yourself in the healing grace of Lourdes. Visit Garabandal and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, where Mary appeared while still living on earth, and return home by a different way—transformed by these powerful encounters with our Blessed Mother.
Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Lisbon. Meals and drinks served aloft.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our tour manager who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Journey north to the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem to see one of the greatest Eucharistic Miracles, “The Bleeding Host.” In the 13th century, a woman stole the Host to take to a fortune-teller, but as she was taking it out of church the Host began to bleed profusely. Afraid, she put it in a trunk at her home only to be awakened in the middle of the night to a bright light coming from the trunk. She took the Host back to the priest, who put it in a wax pyx. Another miracle happened the next morning when they found that the wax had turned into its own crystal pyx, where it can be venerated to this day. After time for prayer here, continue to Fatima, our home for the next three nights. (D) Overnight Fatima
A full day is ours in Fatima, where in 1917 three young shepherd children were graced with apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The message of Fatima has inspired generations of Catholics to pray the rosary daily for peace and reparation. Visit the Chapel of Apparitions before praying at the graves of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, and Venerable Lucia. Explore the tiny village where the three children lived and continue to Valinhos where Our Lady appeared to the children after they were unjustly imprisoned. It is here she encouraged them and told them they must still come every 13th of the month to see her. This evening, we participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima
Today we will take an excursion outside of Fatima. We travel to the town of Alcobaca to visit the 12th century Monastery of Alcobaca, the largest church in Portugal and one of the most prestigious monasteries in medieval Europe. After time for prayer, return to Fatima where we will have the balance of the afternoon free. This evening we will again participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima
Depart Fatima this morning and drive across the border and through the Spanish countryside to Santiago de Compostela. Tradition tells us that St. James the Apostle journeyed to Spain in 40 A.D. to spread the Gospel as far as possible. He died a martyr’s death after returning to Jerusalem, and his remains were eventually returned to Spain and buried in this city. Pending our arrival time, enjoy some free time in this charming city. (B, D, Mass) Overnight in Santiago
This morning we visit the impressive Cathedral which is considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe. After Mass, climb up the stairs behind the altar to visit the crypt, where a silver urn contains the relics of St. James. See the Portico de la Gloria (Gateway to Heaven), an unparalleled masterpiece. Walk to the top of the Cathedral for a panoramic view of this glorious city. Afterwards we depart for Garabandal, the location of alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel that occurred in the 1960s and our home for the next three nights. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Garabandal
After breakfast, visit “The Pines,” where many of the apparitions are said to have taken place. Walk the village and spend time reflecting on the messages of conversion, penance, and the importance of the Eucharist in our lives. After some free time, head back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Garabandal
Take another full day in Garabandal. Spend the day exploring the surrounding trails of the Nansa valley, which vividly illustrate the region’s historic isolation. Wander through the village interior to see the preserved stone architecture and the homes where the four visionaries lived. Spend time in prayer and reflection on your own. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Garabandal
Depart Garabandal for San Sebastian. After lunch, cross the border into France on our way to Lourdes. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass. Visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 and had her dig for the spring that is now known the world over for its healing waters. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. This evening, join hundreds of other pilgrims in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Candlelight Procession that has endured since 1863. Lourdes will be our home for the next two nights. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes
Enjoy a full day on your own in the peaceful setting of Lourdes. Visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions or revisit a favorite site from yesterday, explore somewhere new, or just sit in awe and wonder and contemplate the events that happened here and the miracles that still occur. Participate one last time in the evening pilgrim activities. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes
This morning we depart Lourdes and cross the border back into Spain on our way to Zaragoza. Upon arrival we will break for lunch before we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It was here the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James the Greater in 40 A.D. This is the only known instance of the Virgin Mary appearing to someone while she was still alive—bilocating from Jerusalem—to encourage St. James in his preaching of the Gospel in Spain. We then check into our hotel before we enjoy a dinner out together. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Zaragoza
Today we will have some free time to explore the historic city of Zaragoza. It is the chief city of Aragon, has traditions connected with the story of St. James, and is the birthplace of the great Spanish painter Francisco Goya. Visit the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, the Basilica of Santa Engracia, or walk the historic center of Zaragoza, known as the Casco Antiguo; a compact and highly walkable district where 2,000 years of history are layered together. This afternoon we make our way to Madrid where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid
Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport for the return trip home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime.
Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Lisbon. Meals and drinks served aloft.
Upon arrival in Lisbon, we will be met by our tour manager who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Journey north to the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem to see one of the greatest Eucharistic Miracles, “The Bleeding Host.” In the 13th century, a woman stole the Host to take to a fortune-teller, but as she was taking it out of church the Host began to bleed profusely. Afraid, she put it in a trunk at her home only to be awakened in the middle of the night to a bright light coming from the trunk. She took the Host back to the priest, who put it in a wax pyx. Another miracle happened the next morning when they found that the wax had turned into its own crystal pyx, where it can be venerated to this day. After time for prayer here, continue to Fatima, our home for the next three nights. (D) Overnight Fatima
A full day is ours in Fatima, where in 1917 three young shepherd children were graced with apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The message of Fatima has inspired generations of Catholics to pray the rosary daily for peace and reparation. Visit the Chapel of Apparitions before praying at the graves of Sts. Francisco and Jacinta, and Venerable Lucia. Explore the tiny village where the three children lived and continue to Valinhos where Our Lady appeared to the children after they were unjustly imprisoned. It is here she encouraged them and told them they must still come every 13th of the month to see her. This evening, we participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima
Today we will take an excursion outside of Fatima. We travel to the town of Alcobaca to visit the 12th century Monastery of Alcobaca, the largest church in Portugal and one of the most prestigious monasteries in medieval Europe. After time for prayer, return to Fatima where we will have the balance of the afternoon free. This evening we will again participate in a beautiful Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra or the candlelight rosary procession in the heart of the shrine. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Fatima
Depart Fatima this morning and drive across the border and through the Spanish countryside to Santiago de Compostela. Tradition tells us that St. James the Apostle journeyed to Spain in 40 A.D. to spread the Gospel as far as possible. He died a martyr’s death after returning to Jerusalem, and his remains were eventually returned to Spain and buried in this city. Pending our arrival time, enjoy some free time in this charming city. (B, D, Mass) Overnight in Santiago
This morning we visit the impressive Cathedral which is considered to be one of the finest pieces of architecture in Europe. After Mass, climb up the stairs behind the altar to visit the crypt, where a silver urn contains the relics of St. James. See the Portico de la Gloria (Gateway to Heaven), an unparalleled masterpiece. Walk to the top of the Cathedral for a panoramic view of this glorious city. Afterwards we depart for Garabandal, the location of alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel that occurred in the 1960s and our home for the next three nights. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Garabandal
After breakfast, visit “The Pines,” where many of the apparitions are said to have taken place. Walk the village and spend time reflecting on the messages of conversion, penance, and the importance of the Eucharist in our lives. After some free time, head back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Garabandal
Take another full day in Garabandal. Spend the day exploring the surrounding trails of the Nansa valley, which vividly illustrate the region’s historic isolation. Wander through the village interior to see the preserved stone architecture and the homes where the four visionaries lived. Spend time in prayer and reflection on your own. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Garabandal
Depart Garabandal for San Sebastian. After lunch, cross the border into France on our way to Lourdes. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass. Visit the Grotto of Massabielle, where Our Lady first appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858 and had her dig for the spring that is now known the world over for its healing waters. It is also where the Blessed Mother announced she was the Immaculate Conception. This evening, join hundreds of other pilgrims in the Blessed Sacrament Procession and Candlelight Procession that has endured since 1863. Lourdes will be our home for the next two nights. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes
Enjoy a full day on your own in the peaceful setting of Lourdes. Visit the humble home where St. Bernadette lived during the apparitions or revisit a favorite site from yesterday, explore somewhere new, or just sit in awe and wonder and contemplate the events that happened here and the miracles that still occur. Participate one last time in the evening pilgrim activities. (B, D) Mass – Overnight Lourdes
This morning we depart Lourdes and cross the border back into Spain on our way to Zaragoza. Upon arrival we will break for lunch before we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It was here the Blessed Mother appeared to St. James the Greater in 40 A.D. This is the only known instance of the Virgin Mary appearing to someone while she was still alive—bilocating from Jerusalem—to encourage St. James in his preaching of the Gospel in Spain. We then check into our hotel before we enjoy a dinner out together. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Zaragoza
Today we will have some free time to explore the historic city of Zaragoza. It is the chief city of Aragon, has traditions connected with the story of St. James, and is the birthplace of the great Spanish painter Francisco Goya. Visit the Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, the Basilica of Santa Engracia, or walk the historic center of Zaragoza, known as the Casco Antiguo; a compact and highly walkable district where 2,000 years of history are layered together. This afternoon we make our way to Madrid where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D, Mass) Overnight Madrid
Today marks the end of a marvelous experience as we transfer to the airport for the return trip home, filled with memories and graces of this pilgrimage that will last a lifetime.
What's Included
Anticipated Weather · July
July across this itinerary spans a dramatic range — Portugal and the Spanish interior are intensely hot and dry, while the Atlantic north and the Pyrenean foothills are noticeably cooler and variable. Pack light breathable clothing and a hat for Fátima, Zaragoza, and Madrid; a light waterproof layer for Santiago, Garabandal, and Lourdes. Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are essential throughout. Modest attire is required at all churches and sacred sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Pricing Information
Pricing is estimated. Please note: Air taxes/fuel surcharges and gratuities are subject to change and will be updated on the final invoice. The final invoice will be emailed to you approximately 3 months prior to departure.

