Day 1 Depart Louisville

Depart Louisville airport for your flight to Toulouse, France

Day 2 Arrive France

Following our arrival at Toulouse airport, we will make our way to the baggage claim area and collect our luggage. We will proceed to the arrivals hall, where our guide will be waiting to bring us to our coach for our transfer to Lourdes. On arrival in Lourdes, we will check-in to the 4 Grand Hotel Moderne and relax before dinner. After dinner we have an opportunity to participate in the evening procession at the sanctuary at 9pm.

Day 3 Lourdes

This morning after breakfast we will depart as a group and make our way to celebrate our first Mass in Lourdes. Over the next few days all our intentions, the intentions we carry from friends and family will be offered up at each Mass. Following Mass, we will make our way to the sanctuary area where we will have a detailed orientation tour and Our guide will explain where and why the Rosary Basilica was built and introduce us to the confessional chapel and the baths area. We will return to the hotel for Lunch which is usually served at 12 noon. After lunch we generally meet with our guide at our hotel to embark on the walking tour which follows in the footsteps of St. Bernadette. We begin at the cemetery where her parents are buried and walk back in time to visit the Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette and the Cachot an abandoned prison where she and her impoverish family lived. During the walking tour we will hopefully get the sense of how the apparitions had such an impact on the family and this small village of Lourdes. After our walk we can take some free time to go back to the sanctuary area for some time of personal prayer before attending the blessing of the sick. After dinner we will take part in the evening program as per the Sanctuary schedule which is optional for those who wish to attend the Rosary and the candlelight procession, beginning at 9pm.

Day 4 Baths & Bartres

Morning free to visit the baths. After lunch there is a trip to Bartres. Bernadette held a special place for Bartres in her heart as it was where she stayed and studied the Catechism to prepare to receive her first Holy Communion. As a group we will celebrate Holy Mass in the chapel where Bernadette prayed. We shall return to our hotel for dinner at 7pm. After dinner this evening we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening programme as per the Sanctuary schedule.

Day 5 Grotto

We will begin today at the most sacred site at the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the grotto where Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858. Here we can see the original spring which is still visible. There is also an intentions box situated within the Grotto area where we can leave our intentions. After Mass we will participate in the High or Low stations of the cross. The high stations are life size figures which re-enact the passion of Christ. They are located at the top of the Rosary basilica hill and will take approximately 1.5hr to complete. The low stations are located across from the baths area and have been designed to facilitate anybody who may have any walking difficulties. Both the high and low stations are an opportunity to experience Christs unconditional love for us all as we pray together on the passion through Our Ladys eyes. Return to the hotel for Lunch at 12 noon. Afternoon free. After dinner we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening programme as per the Sanctuary schedule.

Day 6 - Group Candle Lighting.

Our day begins with a delicious breakfast in our hotel. After breakfast we will proceed to the candle area where we will light our group candle and pray for everyones intentions on the pilgrimage. Return to our hotel for lunch. This afternoon will be free in Lourdes. After dinner we again have an opportunity to take part in the evening ceremonies.

Day 7 - City of the Poor

Enjoy breakfast and take the morning free. After lunch we visit the Cite of San Pierre and enjoy Mass in St. Bernadettes. After lunch you can visit the baths or take some free time to go back to the sanctuary area for some time of personal prayer and reflection before attending the Blessed Sacrament Procession at 5pm. After the procession you can return to the hotel for dinner. After dinner those who wish to attend the Rosary and the candlelight procession can do so at 9pm in the Sanctuary.

Day 8 - Toulouse

This southern French city was once a Roman colony and is home to numerous religious and historical treasures. While here, you will have the opportunity to view many of these rare artifacts, such as twenty historical pipe organs and the burial place of St. Thomas Aquinas at the St. Sernin Basilica. One of the finest Romanesque churches in France, its exterior is constructed of red brick, with white stone as a decorative accent. Standing majestically in the heart of Toulouse, France, is a huge Gothic structure of brick and stone. The main claim to fame of this building known as the Church of the Jacobins is the tomb of St Thomas Aquinas, whose remains are entombed in a golden reliquary beside the altar. Here we will have Mass.

Day 9 - Carcassonne, Fanjeaux and Prouille

Departing from Toulouse, discover the city of Carcassonne. You will encounter such sites as the Cit de Carcassonne, Comtal Castle, and the Saint Nazaire Basilica, among many other famous constructions. After lunch we will travel to Franjeaux the Dominican town where we will have Mass and do a little bit of sightseeing before we head back to Toulouse for our farewell dinner.

Day 10 - Farewell to Lourdes & Toulouse

Early morning transfer to Toulouse for your flight to Louisville via Charles De Gaulle.