Spain Pilgrimage from February 12 – 23, 2028
Every two years, I offer a pilgrimage with parishioners to deepen their life of faith and prayer. Magi Travel does a very nice job organizing and choosing guides for the pilgrimages. After a bit of discussion, we will offer a Spain Pilgrimage from February 12 – 23, 2028. Mark Hoffman at Magi provided me with a proposed itinerary below for the pilgrimage. I am very excited about this pilgrimage as it has a Carmelite feel with visits to Avila (St. Teresa) and Segovia (St. John of the Cross). It will also include a couple of days’ stop in Lourdes and end in Barcelona with a visit to the world-famous Sagrada Familia Cathedral. For those interested, save the date as more information will be forthcoming!
Day 1: USA to Madrid
Optional overnight flight across the Atlantic. Dinner and breakfast served on board.
Day 2: Madrid, Avila
Arrive at the Madrid Airport; meet your guide in the arrivals hall immediately after clearing immigration and customs. Board your private coach and travel to the center of the city. Enjoy a brief panoramic sightseeing tour to see landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Espana, El Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, and Las Ventas Bull Ring. Charles III of Spain, who reigned from 1759-88, believed that Madrid should boast the same amenities as Europe’s other fine capitals. There will be time for lunch before the drive to Avila. Dinner and overnight in Avila. (D)
Day 3: Avila
Avila is one of the oldest cities in Spain, surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls from the 11th-century. The old quarters hold an important number of Romanesque Churches, Gothic Palaces and its 12th-century Cathedral. The city is the birthplace of St. Teresa of Avila, a prominent Spanish mystic, Catholic saint and Carmelite nun. Enjoy a half-day guided tour. Visit the Cathedral and walk through the old streets to see the Convent of St. Teresa where we will have Mass. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Avila. (B,D)
Day 4: Segovia, Burgos
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and board the coach for the drive to Segovia. Segovia is an old roman-style city, rich in historical monuments. Visit St. John of the Cross Convent. There will be a private Mass for the group. Meet your local guide for a city tour. See the magnificent Roman Aqueduct from the time of Emperor Augustus. Continue on to the city of Burgos for overnight. Dinner is on your own. (B)
Day 5: Burgos
Burgos is famous for its impressive Gothic Cathedral, which is the third largest in Spain. This French Gothic Cathedral has three main doorways flanked by ornamented bell towers. There will be a private Mass for the group in the Cathedral. Inside is the Chapel of Condestable, decorated with figures of saints, and the tomb of El Cid, the 11th-century military commander. A wealth of medieval architecture, as well as numerous squares, fountains and statues characterizes this city. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city including the Cathedral and either the Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Las Huelgas or La Cartuja de Miraflores. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Burgos. (B,D)
Day 6: St. Ignatius of Loyola Sanctuary, Lourdes
Check out of your hotel in Burgos and drive to Lourdes via St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Sanctuary of Loyola and Basilica of Loyola consist of a series of edifices built in Churrigueresque Baroque style around the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Enjoy a guided tour of the Sanctuary where we will have Mass. There will be time for lunch before continuing your trip to Lourdes. Take part in the evening Candlelight Procession. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 7: Lourdes
Lourdes is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world. Over 6 million pilgrims come to Lourdes each year and 10,000 visit this site daily. Located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, Lourdes is the birthplace of St. Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our pilgrimage and tour of Lourdes includes visits to the sanctuary and the Basilica of St. Pius X, the world’s largest underground church. Drink from the spring that the Virgin directed Bernadette to locate at the base of the grotto, which has flowed uninterrupted since 1858. Wash yourself in the baths where hundreds of miraculous cures have taken place. Contemplate Christ’s Passion as you pray the unique three-dimensional Stations of the Cross. Attend the blessing of the sick, and participate in the nightly Candlelight Procession. Experience a spiritual journey from which many have claimed healing and conversion.
Overnight in Lourdes. (B)
Day 8: Lourdes
A second day in Lourdes for further touring and prayer.
Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B,D)
Day 9: Lourdes to Barcelona
Check out of your hotel in Lourdes. Board your coach for the drive to Barcelona. We will have several stops during this long journey and time for lunch at your own expense.
Dinner and overnight in Barcelona. (B,D)
Day 10: Barcelona
Morning sightseeing tour will be focused on Gaudi’s work. We will discover the impressive buildings created by Gaudi and other famous modernist architects who have filled the city with amazing shapes and colors. Enjoy the modernist side of Barcelona, discovering the distinctive places which made this city a unique place for architecture lovers. Our tour will include the visit of Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Park Güell. We will have private Mass at the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for lunch, shopping, etc. Dinner is on your own this evening. Overnight in Barcelona. (B)
Day 11: Barcelona
Half-day guided tour including a walking tour around the Gothic quarter and its Cathedral. We will have a private Mass at the Gothic Cathedral. This sightseeing tour will show you Mont Juic, the Olympic Park, Columbus Monument, the elegant tree-lined Las Ramblas and nearby Placa de Catalunya. Enjoy the narrow streets of this historic area. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Barcelona. (B,D)
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the Barcelona Airport for your journey home. (B)