Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Spiritual Highlights of Iberia, Lourdes & Italy - Faith-Based Travel
20 Days
Visiting: Lisbon, Santarem, Fátima, Braga, Santiago de Compostela, Burgos, Loyola, Lourdes, Manresa, Montserrat, Barcelona, Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant'Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto Aprutino, Assisi, Cascia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5315-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4675
$4238 (USD)
Operator discount: -$436
Tour Overview
This combination of our popular faith-based vacations, “Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain” and “Spiritual Highlights of Italy,” is ideal to experience the most treasured shrines of Europe. Start your journey with the visit of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon; experience the peacefulness of the Fátima sanctuary, and the monumental stairway of the Bom Jesus du Monte Sanctuary in Braga. Continuing to Spain, take in the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela and of the Burgos Cathedral. Hear the story of St. Ignacio, founder of the Jesuit Order, in Loyola and Monresa, where he lived and worked. Take advantage of the opportunity to collect in prayer at the Marian Sanctuaries of Lourdes, France and Montserrat, Catalonia, before witnessing the lively beauty of Barcelona and flying to Rome, the center of Christianity. Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) and see Rome’s four major basilicas, along with the Holy Steps and the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Follow in the footsteps of the most celebrated Italian saints: St. Francis in his hometown, Assisi, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. Spend time at the Marian Sanctuary of Loreto and discover the hillside town of Cascia, St. Rita’s hometown. Mass will be celebrated at most shrines with many opportunities for reflection and prayer.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Lisbon,Portugal
Location: Lisbon
Welcome to Portugal! Check into your hotel, and tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2 : Lisbon,Santarém,Fátima
Location: Lisbon, Santarem, Fátima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On your guided sightseeing tour of the capital of Portugal, see the enormous monument dedicated to Henry the Navigator, as well as the 16th –century Belém Tower, the Moorish citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square. Visit the Cathedral La Sé, where St. Anthony was baptised, and St. Anthony Church, where it is said he was born. Admire the beauty of St. Mary of Belem Church, part of the Jeronimos Monastery Complex. This building dates back to the mid 1400s and was built as thanks to the Virgin Mary for Vasco de Gama’s successful voyage to India. Leaving Lisbon, head north and stop in Santarém to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Holy Miracle, to then arrive in Fátima, home to one of the most famous Catholic shrines. Enjoy an orientation walk and visit the Tomb of the Visionaries and the Chapel of the Apparitions, where the Virgin Mary appeared several times to three shepherd children in 1917, culminating in her revelation of the Three Secrets of Fátima. This evening, join pilgrims from around the world for the Rosary and candlelight procession at Our Lady of Fátima Basilica. Today’s Distance: 118 mi / 190 km
Day 3 : Fátima
Location: Fátima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, spend the day at the Sanctuary at leisure, or join an optional excursion to Tomar with a visit to the Monastery-Fortress of the Knights Templar. Upon return to Fátima, attend Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady with time to wander on your own. This evening, perhaps join the Rosary.
Day 4 : Fátima,Braga,Santiago De Compostela,Spain
Location: Fátima, Braga, Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in Braga to visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, where the cultural landscape evokes Christian Jerusalem, recreating a sacred mount crowned with a church. Continue into Spain and head for Santiago de Compostela. On arrival, an orientation walk introduces you to the old city center. Attend the Pilgrim Mass. Today's Distance: 273 mi / 440 km
Day 5 : Santiago De Compostela
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, spend some time on your own or join an optional excursion to Cabo Finisterre, where pilgrims have traditionally completed their walk and burned their robes. Later, return to Santiago de Compostela, known throughout history for the key 9th century pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James).
Day 6 : Santiago De Compostela,Burgos
Location: Santiago de Compostela, Burgos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, travel to Burgos, historic capital of Old Castile. The visit takes you to the magnificent Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and burial place of Spain’s national hero, El Cid. Today's Distance: 304 mi / 490 km
Day 7 : Burgos,Loyola,Lourdes,France
Location: Burgos, Loyola, Lourdes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the Basque region toward Lourdes. En route, pause to reflect at the 17th-century Sanctuary of Loyola, built in honor of St. Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit religious order. Cross into France and stay overnight in Lourdes, another world-famous pilgrimage destination. Join the nightly Rosary and candlelight procession for a memorable spiritual experience. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Day 8 : Lourdes
Location: Lourdes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
During today’s orientation of Lourdes, you will see the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, the grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. See Bernadette’s birthplace, and her family home. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this little market town. According to the schedule, attend Mass at the Sanctuary either early in the morning or in the evening.
Day 9 : Lourdes,Manresa,Montserrat,Spain
Location: Lourdes, Manresa, Montserrat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head for the France/Spain border. Spend time in the town of Manresa, known for its Basilica of Saint Mary of Seo, but more importantly for Pont Vell, a bridge associated with the worship of St. Ignacio of Loyola. See the architectural compound of Santa Cova, the sanctuary home of St. Ignacio of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, when he stayed in the city. Reach the beloved Marian shrine of Montserrat, located on top of a monumental massif, and spend the night next to the Monastery. Today's Distance: 249 mi / 400 km
Day 10 : Montserrat,Barcelona
Location: Montserrat, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the Sanctuary of Montserrat this morning, where the Benedictine monks dedicate their life to prayer, providings helter and work. Life in the monastery follows a set rhythm in which work and prayer both play a part, according to Saint Benedict’s motto, Ora et labora. Spend time in prayer, admire the image of Our Lady of Montserrat, and attend Mass . Leave the idyllic scenery of Montserrat, and driving through the countryside dotted with celebrated vineyards, reach Barcelona, the lively capital of Catalonia.Today's Distance: 37 mi / 59 km
Day 11 : Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get to know the city on a guided sightseeing tour, including a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a panoramic view of the port and city. Continue to the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire some of Gaudi’s eccentric work, as well as his Sagrada Familia, an unfinished architectural masterpiece and modern consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. Attend Mass . This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate faith, life, and friendship.
Day 12 : Barcelona,Rome,Italy
Location: Barcelona, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Rome.
Day 13 : Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St Paul the Apostle and one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas, St. John Lateran Basilica, and the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend Mass.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 14 : Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo
Location: Rome, Castel Gandolfo
Meals Included: Breakfast
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Rome or join an optional excursion.* Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 15 : Rome,Pietrelcina,San Giovanni Rotondo
Location: Rome, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born. Then, head towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today's Distance: 255 mi / 410 km
Day 16 : San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant'Angelo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Attend Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio’s Friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterward, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated shrines, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km
Day 17 : San Giovanni Rotondo,Lanciano,Loreto,Assisi Area
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, Loreto Aprutino, Assisi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Day 18 : Assisi
Location: Assisi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226.
Day 19 : Assisi Area,Cascia,Rome
Location: Assisi, Cascia, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km
Day 20 : Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Belem Tower in Lisbon|Burgos Cathedral|Historic Centre of Rome - various properties Vatican City|Pyrenées|Rome (St. Paul Outside the Walls)|Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)|The properties of the Holy See in Rome enjoying extraterritorial rights and San Paolo outside the Walls|Vatican City|Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 11 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Barcelona
Notes
Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change.The Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availability.
Accommodation
Roma
Located on one of Lisbon's main avenues, Avenida de Roma, which is an important residential and shopping area, Hotel Roma provides a range of exclusive, high-quality services that are unique in a unit of this category.
Coracao de Fatima
This family-run hotel offers fresh modern décor and is located in the heart of Fatima within the immediate vicinity of the Sanctuary. Its restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere where you can savor the delicious Portuguese cuisine and a bar where guests can relax sipping a refreshing drink is also available. To keep in touch with your friends and family a computer is at disposal in the business corner. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Gran Hotel Los Abetos
Gran Hotel Los Abetos is a cosy and comfortable hotel in Santiago de Compostela, located just 10 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of the city centre. With a classic and elegant atmosphere, the hotel counts 148 rooms fully equipped. It is perfect for leisure or business trips, because it has 9 meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, shuttle service to the city centre and free parking area. A garden, swimming pool, gym...Also, its privileged location, next to the stadiums of the city, make it the ideal place for sports teams, and for pilgrims we are at 100 meters from the Camino de Santiago.
Corona de Castilla
Mid-sized hotel offering modern facilities in warm atmosphere is situated near the Cathedral; the staff is multilingual.
Mercure Lourdes Imperial
Occupying a fantastic central position alongside the river Gave and just a few minutes' walk away from the sanctuaries, this 1940s style hotel has 88 comfortable, well-equipped air-conditioned guest rooms with coffee/tea-making facilities and free Wi-Fi access. Traditional cuisine is served in an Art Déco setting in the main restaurant and there is also a 24 hour easy-access bar providing snacks and drinks.
Christina
Quality Hotel Christina is located in the heart of Lourdes, 5 minutes' walk from the Sanctuaries. You will enjoy the quiet area, along the river Gave de Pau facing the Pyrénées.
Abat Cisneros
Hotel Abat Cisneros sits in the very heart of the Montserrat Monastery, housed in a building that has been the provider of accommodation for pilgrims to the monastery since 1563. In the late-1950s, the old monastery building was converted into a hostel, then, in 2000, further conversions were made to the building, turning it into the 82-room Hotel Abat Cisneros of today. The hotel offers impressive views of the Montserrat Monastery, Montserrat mountain, and the surrounding Llobregat valley, has a restaurant and bar, and offers free Wi-Fi access in the public areas.
Porta Fira
Hotel Santos Porta Fira is considered the best skyscraper in the world and has been awarded the prestigious "EMPORIS AWARD 2010" architectural award.
Catalonia Park Putxet
Featuring a sunroof terrace with a pool and views over Barcelona, Catalonia Park Putxet offers tranquil rooms and a modern fitness centre onsite. There is free WiFi available throughout. You can enjoy a varied buffet breakfast at the Putxet's dining room or at the hotel's terrace on summer months. Light meals are prepared at the hotel snack bar; and room service, including sushi room service, is available.
Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Ibis Styles Rome Aurelia with its colorful and joyful style features a restaurant serving healthy local specialties, a bar where happy hour with Italian aperitifs and cocktails can be enjoyed and a cozy garden. All 229 modern guest rooms are functionally equipped including air-conditioning, flat screen TV with international channels and Free high-speed Wi-Fi- internet access. Located in a quite area just a few miles from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter¿s Square & Basilica, a metro station is available within walking distance.
Parco Delle Rose
This family-run, 205-room hotel boasts a large outdoor area with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wonderful sun terrace and a room with a grand piano. The in-house restaurant offers both traditional and international cuisine and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
Casa Leonori
Casa Leonori is located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, facing the Subasio Hills on which lies the Assisi Basilica. This 60-room hotel is set in its own courtyard and boasts a a gourmet restaurant and spacious communal areas. The adjacent courtyard offers a nice alternative to relax with its green and peaceful location. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
BV Oly Hotel
This 103-room property is located in a quiet area of Rome's business district, just a short walk away from San Paolo Metro Station. A smart contemporary dining room offers typical regional dishes and Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Dates & Availability
Friday - Wednesday
Apr 18, 2025 - May 07, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.