tour 2
Lourdes 
8  days

AT THE FOOT OF THE PYRENEES MOUNTAINS in southwestern France, nestled between the spectacular mountain river, Gave de Pau, is Lourdes. One of the most important pilgrimage sites for over 140 years, Lourdes is the birthplace of St Bernadette to whom Our Lady appeared in 1858 near the Grotto of Massabielle. Our 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 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 nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Daily mass at the Grotto will be followed by a video presentation telling the miraculous story of Lourdes. Each year 5 million pilgrims from around the world visit Lourdes, experiencing a spiritual journey from which many return home cured and converted. We offer you a modern version of a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Day 1  Boston or New York - Paris
Evening departure from Boston’s Logan Int. Airport or New York's JFK airport (or from your home town) for the overnight flight to Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2  Paris - Lourdes
Upon your arrival in Paris this morning, we connect to the flight to Lourdes. Arrive in Lourdes and transfer to your hotel. Relax or explore before dinner, followed by a candlelight procession before retiring. Dinner and overnight.

Days 3 to 7 Lourdes
During your stay in Lourdes you will have a chance to celebrate daily Mass at the Grotto, enjoy a video presentation telling the story of Lourdes, and walk in the footsteps of St Bernadette. See Boly Mill where St Bernadette was born, and the 'Cachot,' an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived. Join your prayers with those of pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring or submerge yourself in the healing baths. Experience Christ's love as you walk the life-sized Stations of the Cross overlooking the holy Grotto. Kneel in the chapel built on the very rock of the Grotto, in obedience to the request of the 'Immaculate Conception. Evenings are free for optional Blessed Sacrament Procession before dinner. Your role in the universal church will have new meaning as you join the candlelight procession and group rosary. On one of the free days you may want to take advantage of some of the optional tours (Biarritz, Val D'Aran or Betherram) available through our local agent at a minimal additional cost.

Day 8  Lourdes - Paris - USA
 Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States.


YOUR TRIP INCLUDES:
Round-trip flight from Boston or New York via Paris to Lourdes
6 nights at the 4-star Hotel Gallia Londres or De La Grotte or similar in Lourdes
Transfers by private motor coach
Breakfast and dinner daily
Assistance of local guide and sightseeing
Luggage handling
Flight bag & portfolio of all travel documents