Rome has been one of history’s most powerful and important cities, along with home to the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, and the site of the Vatican City. First built in 337, St. Peter’s Basilica lies over the tomb of St. Peter. Contained within is a vast array of the most beautiful artwork ever assembled, reflecting the immensity, beauty, vastness, majesty, glory and awesomeness of God.

Saint Teresa and Saint Ingatius both hailed from Spain. Saint Teresa of Ávila, also called Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a prominent Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and writer. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a Spanish knight who became priest and found the Society of Jesus and became its first Superior General.

In 1917 the Mother of God appeared to three children at the same place on the 13th day of every month for 5 months. At her final appearance on Oct. 13th she told the children to build a chapel in her honor. A small chapel, the Capelinha, was built by local people on the site of the apparitions

DAY 1: DEPART USA: The group will depart from Albuquerque for an overnight flight to Rome. Meals will be served on board.

DAY 2: ROME: Upon arrival at the Rome Airport you will be met by your Holy Land Travel Center Representative. Take the evening to settle in and rest from your flight the hotel your first night in the “Eternal City.” Overnight in Rome.

DAY 3: ROME: The group will attend one of the highlights of the trip, the Papal Audience (if available). After the Audience enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Vatican Museums, featuring a visit to the Sistine Chapel, followed by a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Overnight in Rome.

DAY 4: ROME: After breakfast we depart for our full day guided sightseeing tour of the “Eternal City.” The highlights include the Catacombs and the Appian Way, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter in Chains, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Palazzo Venezia. We also visit three major basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the Saint’s burial place. Overnight in Rome.

DAY 5: ROME /SANTIAGO: Depart early morning for Santiago by air. We transfer to our flight to Santiago de Compostela, located in the region of Galicia in northwest Spain You will be met by a tour guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Fatima.

DAY 6: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: VISIT OF THE SHRINE: We will have our first full day at Spain’s Patron Saint’s and the most famous of the Spanish Shrines. The name “Compostela” from the Latin “field of the star” was named after the tradition of St. James (Santiago), the Patron Saint of Spain. We will delight in our walking tour on labyrinthine cobbled streets today of this medieval city, virtually intact since no man or natural upheavals have produced any damage to the city, a true national monument with its buildings built with the practically indestructible granite stone. We will visit the Plaza del Obradoiro and the great Cathedral that dominates the town. Its main entrance is two stories above the plaza. The statue of St. James smiles benignly down upon the faithful. The towers soar into the sky. The Portico de la Gloria, designed by Maestro Mateo and completed in 1188, is the finest example of Romanesque sculpture. Inside the Cathedral are more priceless architecture, statues and religious treasures. Behind the silver and gold main altar are the sarcophagi of St. James and two of his disciples. A statue of St. James stands above surrounded by an elaborate display of drapery and sculpture. We will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral. There will be time to browse through the quaint narrow streets and plazas, admiring such buildings as the Neoclassical Rajoy Palace, now the city hall, the Romanesque Colegio de San Jeronimo, and the utterly stunning Parador de Los Reyes Católicos – all buildings which surround the other three sides of this magnificent plaza. Dinner is at our hotel.

DAY 7: SANTIAGO / COIMBRA / FATIMA: Depart Santiago and make our way to the beautiful university town of Coimbra, where we will visit the Cathedral and University Library. After some time for strolling, we depart Coimbra and continue to Fatima. Dinner awaits us at our hotel.

DAY 8: FATIMA: VISIT OF THE SHRINE: This morning we begin with Mass at the Little Chapel of the apparitions. We will also visit the Tombs of the visionaries Francisco, Jacinto, and Lucia; the Aljustrel where the children lived; and the Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared after the children’s return from prison. We have the option of praying the Stations of the Cross, plus we have time for our own devotions. Tonight we enjoy our group dinner at the hotel.

DAY 9: FATIMA / SANTAREM / LISBON: We depart Fatima for Santarem, visiting the gothic Church of the Grace and the site of a traditional Miracle of the Eucharist. We continue to Lisbon, where we begin with a visit to ‘Santo Antonio Da Se’, marking the site where in 1195 St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of Portugal, was born. We continue to the Cathedral, housing the Saint’s baptismal font. Here we celebrate the Closing Mass of our pilgrimage. Our tour continues to view the Belem Tower and the gothic monastery of St. Jeronimo. This evening we gather at a local restaurant for a festive farewell dinner.

DAY 10: FATIMA: In the morning, visit some of the highlights of Fatima including the Capelinha (also known as the “Chapel of the Apparitions”) as well as the Basilica. This Basilica contains, among other things, the tombs of two of the children of Fatima, Jacinta and Francisco. Enjoy the remainder of the evening free.

DAY 11: FATIMA / BURGOS: After breakfast at the hotel depart Fatima for the journey to Spain. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of Burgos where one of the highlights will be a visit to the Basilica of Burgos, one of the grandest and most breathtaking basilicas in the country. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and overnight in Burgos.

DAY 12: LOURDES / ZARAGOZA: Depart in the morning for Zaragoza, considered to be one of the world’s largest Marian Shrines. It is referred to as “Our Lady of the Pillar.” It is said to be a place visited by The Blessed Mother before her Assumption. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Zaragoza.

DAY 13: ZARAGOZA / MADRID: After breakfast depart for Madrid, Spain’s capital city. The group will have an orientation tour of the Madrid from the motor coach and will pass by such sights as the Prado and the world famous Royal Palace. Overnight in Madrid. (B,D)

DAY 14: MADRID (OPTIONAL AVILA): Enjoy a day to explore Madrid on your own or you may decide to take part in an OPTIONAL side trip to the walled city of Avila, most famous for being the home of St. Teresa, one of only three female doctors of the Church. Upon returning to Madrid take some time to explore the city on your own, shop or just relax. Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

DAY 15: MADRID / USA: Depart for Madrid Airport in the morning for return home.