Day by Day

COLLETTE EXPERIENCES

Worship in the Basilicas of Fatima and Lourdes, two of the world's most revered pilgrimage centers.
Visit the magnificent cathedral of Burgos.
Travel back in time in the amazing medieval city of Carcassone, France.
Visit Barcelona's masterpiece, Gaudi's incredible "La Sagrada Familia".

Day 1: Monday, September 8, 2008 Overnight Flight

Travel overnight to Portugal, one of Europe's most hospitable countries. Here you can enjoy a superb climate, historic sites, and beautiful scenery .

Day 2: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 Fatima, Portugal

Your tour begins in Fatima, Portugal's worldfamous religious center. Dinner will be included.

Day 3: Wednesday, September 10,2008 Fatima

Join the local parishioners in celebrating Mass before exploring the Basilica to see the Tombs of Francisco and Jacinta and its grounds.Travel to Aljustrel, where the children lived, and the Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children's return from prison. This afternoon, travel to one of the most picturesquespots in all of Portugal, the coastal village of Nazare. Witness the architectural splendor of the massive Alcobaca Monastery. This evening, enjoy time for devotion and worship. Breakfast and dinner will be included.

Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Attend an early morning Mass before traveling east to Burgos, known as the cradle of the Castile region. The town stands on the banks of the Rio Arlazon with the slender, elegant spires of its famous cathedral rising into the sky. Upon arrival, visit the Cathedral of Burgos, the third largest church in Spain. Breakfast and dinner will be included.

Mass is available before you travel northeast through the Pyrenees to Lourdes. This is where the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabielle to the poor shepherd girl, Bernadette, a total of 18 times between February 11 - July 16,1858. This little market town has been a pilgrimage site of world renown ever since. Tonight you may wish to partake in a candlelight procession. Breakfast and dinner will be included.

After morning Mass enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: the Holy Hill, the local mill, the parish church and the "Cachot", the chapel where she received Holy Communion. Later, at leisure, explore the town's rich historical and natural heritage and be submerged in the atmosphere that reigned during the apparitions and the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Celebrate Mass before traveling through southern France's Pyrenees Mountains to Carcassone. Enjoy some leisure time to explore this beautiful, historic town and its medieval atmosphere. Later, cross back into Spain and travel to fascinating Barcelona, one of Europe's most popular cities. Breakfast will be included.

Get an in-depth look at Barcelona with a tour that showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Pare Montjic, Mila House and Parc Guell. Your tour concludes with a visit to Antonio Gaudi's masterpiece, "La Sagrada Familia." The afternoon is at leisure for independent exploration. You may join an optional excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a memorable tour. Breakfast and dinner will be included.

You're eager to share vivid memories of a beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. Breakfast will be included.

Day by Day Itinerary