Where Heaven Touches Earth: Lourdes, Loyola & Fátima
Diocese of Rockville Centre Pilgrimage

This sacred journey is more than travel — it is an immersion into faith, beauty, and culture across France, Spain, and Portugal. Designed for pilgrims who long for spiritual depth without sacrificing the richness of place, the itinerary weaves prayer, history, and discovery into a seamless experience. From the quiet mountain sanctuary of Lourdes to the luminous shores of San Sebastián and the sun-washed streets of Lisbon, each destination invites you deeper into the story of faith lived in real landscapes.

You will walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette in Lourdes, celebrating Mass at the Sanctuary and joining pilgrims from around the world in the moving candlelight procession. You’ll ascend to panoramic views over the Pyrenees, pray the Stations of the Cross overlooking the valley, and carry a pilgrimage candle that symbolizes shared intentions and enduring hope. Crossing into Spain, you’ll visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius at Loyola before savoring the elegance of San Sebastián — where Belle Époque architecture meets Basque culinary artistry along the curve of La Concha Bay.

For those continuing on to Portugal, the journey unfolds further in Lisbon and Fátima. At the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, you will stand where three shepherd children witnessed an apparition that changed the modern Church. In Lisbon, faith and culture intertwine — from the Church of Saint Anthony to the grandeur of Jerónimos Monastery and the sweet pause of Pastéis de Belém.

This pilgrimage moves in a sacred rhythm: devotion and beauty, reflection and laughter, quiet prayer and shared tables. It is not simply a tour of holy places, but a journey of grace and community — one that continues to echo long after you return home.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Special Features

Enter into the sacred rhythm of Lourdes, with guided visits to the Grotto, the miraculous spring, and the humble places of St. Bernadette’s life
Celebrate private Mass at the Sanctuary of Lourdes and participate in the nightly candlelit Rosary procession alongside pilgrims from around the world
Ascend together by funicular to Pic du Jer, taking in sweeping panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the valley below
Pray the Stations of the Cross overlooking Lourdes and carry our group pilgrimage candle — an enduring symbol of shared prayer and intention
Cross the majestic Pyrenees Mountains from France into Spain, pausing in the charming seaside town of St. Jean de Luz, where Louis XIV was married
Explore the elegant coastal beauty of San Sebastián, from crescent-shaped La Concha Bay to its Belle Époque architecture and vibrant Basque culture
Evening walking experience through San Sebastián’s Old Town, one of Europe’s great culinary capitals
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Loyola, birthplace of St. Ignatius, with prayer and reflection in the Holy House where his conversion began
Optional Portugal extension featuring a centrally located stay in Lisbon
Full-day pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, including the Chapel of the Apparitions, both basilicas, and the shepherd children’s village of Aljustrel
Discover historic Lisbon, including the Church of Saint Anthony, Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, and the beloved Pastéis de Belém
Memorable culinary experiences throughout: regional French cuisine in Lourdes, Basque pintxos in San Sebastián, and vibrant Portuguese flavors in Lisbon

Tour Package Includes

6 nights’ accommodations in hand-selected hotels in Lourdes and San Sebastián (pilgrimage-friendly, centrally located, and comfortable)
Optional 3-night extension in Lisbon at a centrally located hotel; most travelers will choose the full 9 night package including Portugal
Daily breakfast plus included lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary, including a welcome dinner in Lourdes and a farewell celebration in Lisbon (extension participants)
All hotel taxes and service charges
Private motor coach transportation throughout France, Spain and Portugal, including airport transfers for group air passengers
Round-trip airfare on TAP Air Portugal (for those selecting the group flight option)
Professional English-speaking tour manager plus local expert guides at select sites
All sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary
Full access to pilgrim services in Lourdes, including participation in processions and scheduled sanctuary activities

Pricing & Options

Full Spain, Lourdes & Lisbon Journey

July 21–31, 2026 (11 Days / 10 Nights)

With Group Airfare from New York (JFK):
• $3,399 per person (based on double occupancy)
• Single Room Supplement: +$500
• Total with private room: $3,899

Special Grant for Diocese of Rockville Centre Educators

All teachers, faculty, staff, and administrators of the Diocese of Rockville Centre — along with their spouses and children — are eligible to receive a $150 grant applied to their final balance when registering for the full pilgrimage with group airfare. With this grant applied, the total cost for participants sharing a room is just $3,249 per person for an 11-day journey through France, Spain, and Portugal — including round-trip airfare. This is a remarkable opportunity to experience a spiritually rich, culturally immersive pilgrimage at an exceptional value, designed especially for our diocesan community and their families.

Land-Only Option (No Group Airfare):
• $2,099 per person (based on double occupancy)
• Single Room Supplement: +$500

Land-only participants are responsible for arranging their own flights and meeting the group at the hotel in Lourdes at the start of the pilgrimage. Return airfare and transfers at the conclusion of the tour is also the traveler’s responsibility.

Lourdes & San Sebastián Only

(Return Home on Day 8)

Guests selecting this option will depart on an earlier flight from Bilbao to Lisbon in order to connect with the Lisbon → JFK return flight.

With Group Airfare from JFK:
• $2,899 per person (based on double occupancy)

Land-Only Option:
• $1,699 per person (based on double occupancy)
• Single Room Supplement: +$300

Land-only participants are responsible for booking their own flights and meeting the group at the hotel in Lourdes at the start of the pilgrimage. Return airfare and transfers at the conclusion of the tour are also the traveler’s responsibility.

Please note: This pilgrimage is limited to a maximum of 40 participants, and spaces are expected to fill quickly.

Payment deadlines:

1. $1000 Deposit due at time of registration

2. Friday, April 24, 2026 - $1000 is due

3. Final balance due Friday, May 29, 2026 (including airfare and any single room

What is included?

Group transfers and all ground transportation
6 or 9 nights' accommodations (depending on itinerary selected) based on double occupancy
Daily breakfast, lunches in Lourdes, and Dinners as listed in the itinerary
All Entrance Fees & Excursion Fees

What's not included?

Airfare (for land-only participants who opt out of the group flights)
Lunches outside Lourdes and 1–2 independent dinners (depending on itinerary selected)•
Beverages with dinner (water, coffee, and tea are included)
Tips for bus driver and guides
Single room supplement
Travel Insurance or Trip Protection (Click Here for More Information)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 ✠ Tuesday – July 21, 2026 | Departure for Lourdes, France
Our journey begins at JFK Airport as we gather to board our evening flight to Toulouse, gateway to southern France and the storied Pyrenees. Anticipation hums through the terminal as fellow travelers become companions on the way, setting out together toward the sacred sanctuary of Lourdes — a place where faith, history, and human longing beautifully converge.

Day 2 ✠ Wednesday – July 22, 2026 | Arrival in Lourdes
Arriving in France, we travel from Toulouse into the Pyrenees to Lourdes, a small mountain town known around the world for grace-filled encounters. After settling into our hotel, we gather for a welcome reception and dinner, our first shared table together. For those with energy to spare, an evening walk to observe the luminous candlelight procession offers a gentle introduction to Lourdes’ nightly rhythm of prayer. (D)

Day 3 ✠ Thursday – July 23, 2026 | Following St. Bernadette
We walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette on a guided visit to the humble places where her life unfolded and where the apparitions changed the world, celebrating Mass at the Sanctuary and entering into the spiritual heart of Lourdes. The afternoon is free for the healing baths, quiet prayer at the Grotto, Reconciliation, or simply lingering beside the river, and as evening falls we join pilgrims from every continent in the candlelight procession — a river of light moving reverently through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 ✠ Friday – July 24, 2026 | Mass Together & The Heights of Lourdes
This morning we celebrate our own private Mass at the Sanctuary, offering our shared intentions in a more intimate setting before ascending together to Pic du Jer by funicular, where sweeping views of the Pyrenees and valley below invite wonder and reflection. The afternoon allows time to return to the Grotto, visit the baths, receive Reconciliation, or enjoy a quiet café along the river before once again participating in the candlelight Rosary procession that defines the evenings in Lourdes. (B, L, D)

Day 5 ✠ Saturday – July 25, 2026 | Stations of the Cross & Pilgrim Traditions
We begin the day praying the Stations of the Cross along the hillside overlooking Lourdes, where each step becomes both physical and spiritual movement, followed by a relaxed afternoon for Adoration, reflection, shopping, or conversation before our group carries its own pilgrimage candle in procession — a simple yet powerful symbol of the prayers we lift together and will carry home. (B, L, D)

Day 6 ✠ Sunday – July 26, 2026 | Across the Pyrenees to San Sebastián
After Sunday Mass, we journey westward across the majestic Pyrenees, pausing in the charming seaside town of St. Jean de Luz, where pastel façades line the harbor and history echoes in the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, site of the royal wedding of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain. Crossing into Spain, we arrive in San Sebastián, a jewel of the Basque coast known for its Belle Époque elegance, crescent-shaped La Concha Bay, and vibrant culinary culture, gathering that evening for dinner in one of Europe’s great gastronomic capitals. (B, D)

Day 7 ✠ Monday – July 27, 2026 | Loyola & San Sebastián
We travel into the lush Basque countryside to the Sanctuary of Loyola, birthplace of St. Ignatius, pausing in the Holy House where his conversion began and reflecting amid the mountain landscapes that shaped his spiritual imagination, before returning to San Sebastián for a free afternoon to enjoy the beach, boutique-lined streets, café terraces, or the region’s artful pintxos, with the evening at leisure. (B, ID)

Day 8 ✠ Tuesday – July 28, 2026 | San Sebastián to Lisbon – Journey Continues or Return Home
After a relaxed morning exploring San Sebastián, we transfer to Bilbao for our flight to Lisbon, where some pilgrims conclude their journey and return home while others continue on for the optional Portugal extension, transferring to a centrally located hotel and gathering for a relaxed welcome dinner that introduces us to Portuguese hospitality and cuisine. (B; D for extension participants)

Day 9 ✠ Wednesday – July 29, 2026 | Fátima: A Marian Sanctuary
We depart Lisbon for a full-day pilgrimage to Fátima, visiting the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Basilica of the Holy Trinity before celebrating Mass and traveling to Aljustrel, home of the shepherd children, returning to Lisbon in the late afternoon with the evening at leisure. (B, ID)

Day 10 ✠ Thursday – July 30, 2026 | Lisbon: Faith, Culture & Farewell
We explore Lisbon’s Alfama district, visiting the Church of Saint Anthony and Lisbon Cathedral before continuing to Belém, home of the Jerónimos Monastery and Portugal’s Age of Discovery heritage, pausing for the iconic Pastéis de Belém before gathering for a celebratory farewell dinner that honors the friendships formed and the grace experienced along the way. (B, D)

Day 11 ✠ Friday – July 31, 2026 | Return Home
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to New York, carrying home not only photographs and souvenirs but a deeper sense of pilgrimage, community, and grace discovered together. (B)

Dining Codes: B = Breakfast | D = Dinner | ID = Independent Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages typically travel in the group?
Our groups are diverse, with participants ranging from young adults to seniors. As long as you are healthy and able to meet the physical demands of the tour, you’ll enjoy the experience.

How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour requires participants to be physically active. You can expect 3-4 hours of walking daily, including standing for extended periods. The terrain may include uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, steep steps, and slopes. To prepare, we recommend walking daily. Before you depart on the tour you should be comfortable walking 3-5 miles over the course of a day.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
This tour is not recommended for individuals who have difficulty walking or require mobility aids. Participants should be in good health and ready for the physical demands of the trip, including walking on uneven terrain, navigating steep steps, and exploring cobblestone streets. The tour involves pedestrianized areas around historic sites and museums, requiring a good level of mobility and stamina. We welcome travelers of all ages who are prepared for these physical requirements.

What is included in the tour cost?
The tour cost includes accommodations, transportation during the trip, guided experiences, and most meals. Airfare is not included but will be clearly communicated as soon as it become available.

Will you book my flights, or do I need to arrange them myself?
We are working with the organizers to provide a group flight option for the pilgrimage. If you choose to fly independently, it will be your responsibility to meet the group on the scheduled day of arrival. Please note that you will also be responsible for your own airport transfers if your travel does not align with the group’s transfers.

Can I bring my teenager on this trip?
Unfortunately, this program is limited to adults (18+) at the request of the organizers.

Are single accommodations available?
Yes, single rooms are available for an additional cost, ideal for travelers who prefer private accommodations.

What do I need to know before the trip?
A comprehensive predeparture webpage will be shared five weeks before departure. This will include updated information on group flights, hotels, and any itinerary modifications (e.g., changes due to unforeseen events like the Notre Dame fire). You’ll also find a packing list and helpful links to prepare for your journey.

Can I register if I don’t have a passport yet?
Yes! You can register using your legal name as it appears on your birth certificate. Make sure the name you use matches the one that will appear on your passport when issued.

Do I need a visa?

U.S. citizens do not currently need a visa to travel to the EU. However, in the near future, the European Union will require a new travel authorization called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This program is not yet in effect for travel. We will keep you updated.

For the latest updates, please visit our page on New European Travel Regulations.

What should I know about meals and dining?
While many meals are included, some will be independent to give you the opportunity to explore local dining options.

What if I want to come earlier or stay later?

Would you like to extend your stay, arriving earlier or departing later? Let us know during registration if you’d like to adjust your travel dates, and, pending availability, we can modify your airline reservations. Please note that additional fees will apply.

Ready to Join Us?

Thank you for choosing to embark on this unforgettable journey with us! Before proceeding to registration, please take a moment to review our Terms and Conditions. These outline important details about your trip, cancellation policies and traveler responsibilities.

Quick Tips for Registration:

The registration form typically takes about 7–10 minutes to complete.
You can use any device, but many people find it easiest on a smartphone or tablet/iPad.
Be sure to enter your legal name exactly as it appears (or will appear) on your passport. If you don’t yet have a passport, use the name on your birth certificate or the name that will appear on your passport once it is issued.

Payment Options:

After completing your registration, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page where you can choose to pay by check or credit card.
Regardless of which package you choose, the deposit amount is the same.
When you’re ready, click the button below to begin your registration. We can’t wait to travel with you!

Where will I stay?

Your hotels will be confirmed closer to departure. We carefully select accommodations with strong ratings on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, ensuring comfort, quality, and convenience for our travelers. You will be placed in these or similar hotels:

San Sebastián, Spain – Olarain
Just a short walk from the beach, Olarain offers a warm and contemporary stay with inviting common spaces and modern amenities. Its relaxed atmosphere and spacious rooms make it an ideal base for exploring the beauty and culinary delights of San Sebastián.

Lourdes, France – Hotel Jeanne d’Arc
Steps away from the Sanctuary, Hotel Jeanne d’Arc combines French hospitality with a welcoming, peaceful environment. Known for its attentive service and comfortable rooms, it provides the perfect retreat after a day of prayer and exploration in Lourdes.

Lisbon, Portugal
Coming Soon!

What is Lourdes Like?

Lourdes is one of the world’s most unique and spiritually moving destinations. Known as a place of healing and miracles, it draws millions of pilgrims each year to the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858. Yet beyond its sacred atmosphere, Lourdes is also a vibrant town nestled in the breathtaking foothills of the Pyrenees. The air carries both the stillness of prayer and the joyful hum of pilgrims sharing meals, laughter, and stories from around the globe.

What makes Lourdes so extraordinary is the way it blends the sacred and the everyday. By day, pilgrims can bathe in the spring waters, join in international Mass, or walk the Stations of the Cross that climb the hillside. By night, the torchlight Rosary procession unites thousands in a sea of flickering candles, lifting voices in many languages as one. And while deeply spiritual, Lourdes is also lively and welcoming—full of cafés, markets, and the natural beauty of the mountains that surround it.

For Catholics, Lourdes is a profound place of prayer, grace, and encounter with God. But even those who are not Catholic, or not religious at all, often describe Lourdes as life-changing. It is a place where the human spirit is lifted, where hope is tangible, and where the peace of Mary’s presence can be felt by all.

Featured Videos

Zac Efron in Down to Earth
In this popular Netflix travel series, actor Zac Efron visits Lourdes as part of his exploration of global wellness. Though not Catholic, Efron is visibly moved by the candlelit Rosary procession and the palpable sense of peace and unity. His experience is a beautiful reminder that Lourdes touches people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
▶️ Watch on YouTube

60 Minutes: Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
In this recent 60 Minutes feature, viewers are given a powerful look into the heart of Lourdes. The segment captures the miracles, the faith of pilgrims, and the enduring hope that draws millions each year. For anyone curious about why this town in the Pyrenees continues to inspire and heal, it offers an unforgettable perspective.
▶️ Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes – 60 Minutes

Group Flight Information

GROUP FLIGHTS — TAP AIR PORTUGAL

OUTBOUND: NEW YORK (JFK) → TOULOUSE (TLS)

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
JFK → Lisbon (LIS)
Depart 10:05 PM
Arrive 10:15 AM (+1 day)
Flight: TAP TP 210
Aircraft: Airbus A330

Layover in Lisbon
10:15 AM – 3:00 PM (4h 45m)

Lisbon (LIS) → Toulouse (TLS)

Depart 3:00 PM
Arrive 5:55 PM
Flight: TAP TP 492
Aircraft: Embraer 190

Total travel time: approx. 12 hours 50 minutes

MID-JOURNEY FLIGHT: BILBAO → LISBON

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Bilbao (BIO) → Lisbon (LIS)
Depart 6:50 PM
Arrive 7:30 PM
Flight: TAP TP 1065
Aircraft: Embraer 190

Flight time: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes

RETURN: LISBON → NEW YORK (JFK)

Friday, July 31, 2026
Lisbon (LIS) → JFK
Depart 5:00 PM
Arrive 8:05 PM
Flight: TAP TP 209
Aircraft: Airbus A330

Total travel time: approx. 8 hours 5 minutes

Our Airline Partner: TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal is a well-established international airline recognized for its reliable service, comfortable cabins, and strong safety record. As Portugal’s flagship carrier, TAP consistently earns favorable ratings for customer satisfaction, on-time performance, and its welcoming onboard experience. Travelers value the airline’s modern fleet and seamless connections between the United States and Europe, including our group routing through Lisbon.

As a proud member of the Star Alliance network, TAP also benefits from global partnerships that enhance connectivity, operational reliability, and international standards of service. Flying with TAP gives our pilgrimage community both ease of travel and the added confidence that comes from partnering with a respected global alliance carrier.

NOTES

Cabin: Economy
Tickets are issued in your name exactly as shown on your passport.
Trip Protection applies to the land package only; airfare is governed by airline terms.

Spiritual Leadership — Coming Soon

We are honored that a priest from the Diocese of Rockville Centre will serve as the spiritual leader for this pilgrimage. He will accompany us throughout the journey, celebrating daily Mass, offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, providing spiritual reflections, and walking with our group as both shepherd and fellow pilgrim.

Having a diocesan priest present allows this pilgrimage to unfold not only as travel, but as a true spiritual retreat on the road. From the quiet prayer of Lourdes to the birthplace of St. Ignatius at Loyola and the Marian sanctuary of Fátima, our spiritual leader will help us enter more deeply into each sacred site — grounding the experience in prayer, sacrament, and pastoral care.

We look forward to announcing the priest who will accompany us very soon. His presence will ensure that this pilgrimage is not only beautifully organized and culturally rich, but spiritually guided at every step.

Where Heaven Touches Earth: Lourdes, Loyola & Fátima
Diocese of Rockville Centre Pilgrimage

Pricing & Options

Full Spain, Lourdes & Lisbon Journey

Lourdes & San Sebastián Only

Please note: This pilgrimage is limited to a maximum of 40 participants, and spaces are expected to fill quickly.

Where will I stay?

What is Lourdes Like?

Featured Videos

OUTBOUND: NEW YORK (JFK) → TOULOUSE (TLS)

MID-JOURNEY FLIGHT: BILBAO → LISBON

RETURN: LISBON → NEW YORK (JFK)

Spiritual Leadership — Coming Soon

+1-941-301-8709

info@afarandawaytravel.com

Where Heaven Touches Earth: Lourdes, Loyola & Fátima Diocese of Rockville Centre Pilgrimage

+1-941-301-8709

info@afarandawaytravel.com

Where Heaven Touches Earth: Lourdes, Loyola & Fátima
Diocese of Rockville Centre Pilgrimage