Tour Overview
7 days/6 nights. Begin your pilgrimage to Fatima with a night in cosmopolitan Lisbon then continue to Santarem and the Church of St Stephen, home to the oldest recorded Eucharistic miracle, before arriving in Fatima for the next 5 nights. Airfare from your U.S. home city is available. Daily breakfast and dinner are included.
Note:
This pilgrimage was designed for those who would like to pray, reflect, and spend more time in Fatima. As a result, your itinerary is planned accordingly: The first three days will be sightseeing with your group, spiritual director and guide. The following three days will be dedicated to private prayer and reflection. During the latter part of your trip, you will have full discretion over how your time is spent in order to have the fullest spiritual experience possible.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Lisbon
Upon landing at Lisbon Airport, and after claiming your baggage, proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. This afternoon we will enjoy Panoramic tour of Lisbon, which will include St. Jerome's Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary, we will drive by the Belem Tower and many landmarks including the 25th of April Bridge, Basilica of the Star, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony's Church. Patron Saint of lost things is best known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), but he was born and baptized here in Lisbon, Portugal. The Church where we will celebrate Mass is built upon St. Anthony's birth. Welcome dinner and overnight in Lisbon.
Day 2 - Lisbon - Santarem – Fatima
Today, we will head to Fatima, on the way will stop in town of Santarem for Mass at St. Stephens Church, and to venerate the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to Fatima, a Hamlet of Aljustrel, the birthplace and home of the three shepherd children. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.
Day 3 - Fatima
Today will surely be a memorable experience, as you pray and meditate upon one of Our Blessed Mother's apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in true turmoil, Our Lady's most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. The destruction of the world at that point in history was also mentioned by Our Lady in her messages of Fatima, and more specifically, in her second secret to the children. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit to the stunning neoclassical church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the square. Due to Our Lady's consistency in Her messages to pray the Rosary, this Basilica also features fifteen altars, dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will be able to feel, through the Love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces that were received here. Visit the Museum with the exhibition: Fatima: Light and Peace. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ's unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. The "Sacred Way" marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 1917 apparition and the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions, and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's rest in Fatima.
Days 4 to 6 - Fatima
This pilgrimage was designed for those who would like to pray, reflect, and spend more time in Fatima. As a result, your itinerary is planned accordingly: the first three days will be sightseeing with your group, spiritual director and guide, the following three days will be dedicated to private prayer and reflection. During the latter part of your trip, you will have full discretion over how your time is spent, so that you may have the fullest spiritual experience possible.
*Note: There will not be a Spiritual Director and guide accompanying you for the last three days.
Day 7 - Departure
Today you will enjoy an early morning breakfast, followed by a transfer to Lisbon airport for your return flight(s) home.
