Daily Itinerary for the 19 May 2025


Monday, 19th May

Overnight flight from Las Vegas to Lisbon.

Tuesday, 20th May Fatima - Guided tour of the sanctuary

Awaiting us this morning in the arrival's hall will be our Marian Pilgrimages representative who will accompany us to Fatima. Upon arrival at our hotel, we will have lunch and afterwards check into our rooms. This afternoon, accompanied by our guide, we will enjoy a tour of the sanctuary which will include visits to the following: - Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary - It was barely a decade after the apparitions that construction began on this church with its stirring Neo-Baroque architecture. It is now home to the tombs of the shepherd children. - Chapel of the Apparitions - considered as the heart of the Marian Shrine and where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917 - Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity - built to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims arriving in Fatima. The basilica can accommodate more than 8,000 pilgrims and boasts some magnificent works of liturgical art. After dinner we can return to the sanctuary to attend the Candlelight Procession and Rosary which take place each evening at 9 pm.

Wednesday, 21st May Fatima - Hungarian Way of the Cross, Valinhos & Aljustrel

Winding a way through the olive and cork trees of the Fatima countryside the Way of the Cross is the path taken each day by the three shepherd children as they went to graze their herds. Today we will visit the sites associated with the apparitions and the three shepherd children. - Loca do Cabeco As the site of the first and third apparitions of the Angel of Peace to the children of Fatima, Loca do Cabeco is a true place of reflection and prayer. - Valinhos Between the 8th and 9th station of the Way of the Cross in the Path of the little Shepherds, there is the place where the fourth apparition of Our Lady took place, on August 19th, 1917. - Aljustrel Here we will see the late 19th century family houses of the children. In the backyard of Lucia's house, we will see the famous well associated with the second apparition of the Angel, in the summer of 1916. Our morning will end with the celebration of Mass in the church dedicated St. Stephen, King of Hungary. We will return to Fatima for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. After dinner we can return to the sanctuary to attend the Candlelight Procession and Rosary.

Thursday, 22nd May Fatima - Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem

This morning, we will depart Fatima and drive to the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem. The Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem which dates to 1247, is considered amongst one the most important Eucharistic Miracles. We will celebrate Mass and afterwards venerate the relics of this Eucharistic Miracle which have been carefully preserved for centuries in the church dedicated to St. Stephen. We will return to Fatima for lunch and have the afternoon at leisure. After dinner we can return to the sanctuary to attend the Candlelight Procession and Rosary.

Friday, 23rd May Balazar & Braga

After breakfast in Fatima, depart for the serene village of Balazar. Upon arrival, visit the Shrine of Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa, a revered mystic and visionary. Spend time in prayer and reflection at the sanctuary, exploring the chapel where Blessed Alexandrina spent her life in deep devotion to Christ. Continue onto Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal and known for its multitude of finely constructed baroque churches, with its history and livelihood tied to Christianity dating to the 3rd century. One of the highlights without doubt is the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Monte, with its striking Baroque stairway. In the afternoon we will celebrate Mass at the shrine and afterwards learn of the history behind this impressive sanctuary. We will have time for private prayer before driving to our hotel. Upon arrival we will have time to relax before dinner.

Saturday, 24th May Santiago de Compostela

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Braga before departing by coach to Santiago de Compostela. The journey will take approximately two hours as you travel through the picturesque landscapes of northern Portugal and Galicia. Upon arrival in Santiago, head straight to the Santiago Cathedral, the destination of countless pilgrims from around the world. Begin your visit with quiet reflection and prayer at the tomb of St. James the Apostle. If possible, attend the Pilgrim’s Mass, a beautiful service that celebrates the spiritual journey of those who have walked the Camino de Santiago. After exploring the cathedral, enjoy a hearty lunch in a local restaurant nearby. Take the opportunity to taste regional Galician dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (octopus) or tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of Santiago’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the cobblestone streets, charming squares like the Praza do Obradoiro, and the medieval monasteries and churches that define the city’s spiritual character. Later, have some free time for personal prayer, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking in the unique atmosphere of this holy city. Before departing, visit the Pilgrim’s Office to collect your Compostela certificate, a testament to your journey. Depart Santiago in the late afternoon and return to Braga for dinner and an overnight stay.

Sunday, 25th May Braga

This morning, we will celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sameiro, one of the most frequented places of Marian devotion in Portugal, the complex itself surpassed in size only by the Sanctuary of Fátima. Monte Sameiro, more than 350 metres above Braga, provides a fine view over the city and the valley of the Minho. Fr. Frank Yncierto– Shrines of Portugal 2025 In the afternoon our guide will take us on a tour of Braga where we will hear the history of the town and afterwards have time to relax in the extensive gardens.

Monday, 26th May Coimbra

This morning, we will depart Braga and drive to Coimbra, one of the most monumental cities in central Portugal, with more than 30 UNESCO world heritage classifications. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra-Alta and Sofia has grown and evolved over more than seven centuries to form its own well-defined urban area of two components within the old town of Coimbra. Created initially as an academy in the late 13th century on the hill above the town, it was established in the Royal Palace of Alcáçova in 1537 before developing as a series of colleges. The university's highlight is King João's Library, one of Europe's best surviving Baroque libraries, displaying 40,000 books in 18th-century splendour. This afternoon our guide will take us through the university, which is an exceptional example of a university city, often referred to as the “Oxford of Portugal.” Our guide will take us on a tour through the old town with its maze of narrow streets, timeworn shops, and tiny tascas (budget eateries).

Tuesday, 27th May Carmelite convent of St. Teresa Coimbra

After morning Mass, we will visit the Carmelite convent of St. Teresa where Sr. Lucia 1948 on, as a cloistered nun in the convent of Discalced Carmelites. In the afternoon we will have time at leisure for private sightseeing. Coimbra is a lovely medieval city with a bustling atmosphere and all the vibrancy that you would expect from somewhere filled with young people. In addition to the University, Coimbra has a charming historic centre, crucial historical significance, present-day cultural relevance, and an abundance of tranquil green spaces.

Wednesday, 28th May Lisbon & Church of St. Anthony

After breakfast we will depart Coimbra and drive to Lisbon. Upon arrival, we will visit the Tower of Belém, the 16thcentury fortification that served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, truly symbolizing Portugal's maritime and colonial power in early modern Europe After free time for lunch, we will celebrate the closing Mass of our pilgrimage in the Church of St. Anthony, built on the site where St. Anthony was born in 1195, and dedicated to the saint, known as a matchmaker and patron saint for the recovery of lost items. He has always been the most popular saint in Lisbon, and his statue, blessed by Pope John Paul II on his visit to Lisbon in 1982, stands outside the church.

Thursday, 29th May Lisbon Touring and the Sanctuary of Christ the King

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel, then set out to explore the historic and cultural landmarks of Lisbon. Your first visit will be to the Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rei), an iconic monument inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Located on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, the sanctuary offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. Take time to reflect and pray at this majestic site dedicated to peace and gratitude. Following this visit, you will return to Lisbon for a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine. (not included) The afternoon will include leisure time to explore Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods such as Alfama or Bairro Alto, known for their narrow streets, unique character, and vibrant atmosphere. Return to the hotel for your final farewell dinner.

Friday, 30th May Depart Lisbon

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Lisbon airport for our flight home.