Loyola University Pilgrimage 2026

An Ignatian Pilgrimage to Spain & France
Loyola University Maryland

This Ignatian pilgrimage is more than travel—it is an invitation into faith, beauty, and shared reflection across Spain and France. Designed for students and faculty of Loyola University Maryland, the journey weaves prayer, community, and cultural encounter into a single unfolding experience. From the Basque highlands to the Mediterranean coast, each destination opens a new chapter in the story of Ignatian spirituality, inviting pilgrims to slow down, listen deeply, and discover God at work in place and people.

You will walk in the footsteps of St. Ignatius at Loyola and Manresa, celebrate Mass daily at sacred sites, and experience Lourdes as a retreat within the pilgrimage—a space of healing, joy, and encounter alongside pilgrims from around the world. Along the way, you’ll explore the elegance of San Sebastián, cross the Pyrenees into France, venerate the Black Madonna at Montserrat, and stand within the luminous interior of the Sagrada Família, a sacred masterpiece nearing completion and shaped by generations of faithful pilgrims before you.

As the pilgrimage concludes in Barcelona, the journey turns toward integration and thanksgiving. Through shared prayer, reflection, and conversation, the Loyola community gathers the graces of the road—friendships formed, questions raised, and insights gained. This is more than an academic or cultural experience; it is a formative pilgrimage that invites you to carry Ignatian imagination, discernment, and hope into life beyond the journey itself.

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Special Features

Begin the journey in community at Loyola University Maryland, departing together as pilgrims on an overnight transatlantic flight
Celebrate Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu, where ancient Marian devotion meets striking modern sacred art in the Basque highlands
Walk in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola at his birthplace, visiting the Holy House, convalescence room, and Conversion Chapel
Experience the seaside elegance and renowned pintxos culture of San Sebastián, with time to stroll La Concha beach and explore the historic old town
Cross the Pyrenees Mountains into France, pausing in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where King Louis XIV wed Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660
Enter Lourdes as a retreat within the pilgrimage, with guided visits to the Grotto of Massabielle, St. Bernadette’s home, and sanctuary sites
Join pilgrims from around the world for nightly candlelight Rosary processions in Lourdes, with opportunities for the baths, Eucharistic Procession, and personal prayer
Stay at the Manresa retreat center, celebrating Mass at the Cave of St. Ignatius near the River Cardoner, where the Spiritual Exercises took shape
Conclude in Barcelona, encountering Ignatian history at Casp Jesuit High School and standing within La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s sacred masterpiece nearing completion, followed by a festive farewell dinner

Tour Package Includes

10 days / 9 nights’ accommodations in carefully selected, high quality pilgrimage-friendly hotels and retreat houses in San Sebastián, Lourdes, Manresa, and Barcelona
Daily breakfast plus select lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary, including a welcome dinner in San Sebastián and a farewell celebration in Barcelona
All hotel taxes and service charges
Private motor coach transportation throughout Spain and France, including scheduled airport transfers for group air travelers
Professional English-speaking tour manager throughout the pilgrimage, a bilingual Jesuit priest who will serve as spiritual director, plus local expert guides at key pilgrimage and cultural sites
All sightseeing, shrine visits, and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, including scheduled group Masses
Pre-departure materials and on-tour support to help pilgrims prepare spiritually and practically for the Ignatian journey

PRICING & SCHOLARSHIPS

Total Tour Cost: $3,800 per person
Pricing is based on double occupancy
Single Room Supplement: +$500

Loyola Participant Scholarship
Loyola University Maryland is offering a $2,080 scholarship for participants. With this scholarship applied, the total out-of-pocket cost is $1,720, which includes both the tour and round-trip airfare from Washington, DC.

Total Tour Cost with Scholarship: $1,720 per person

Why this is a great value: With Loyola’s $2,080 scholarship applied, participants receive a 10-day international pilgrimage—including airfare, lodging, daily Mass, most meals, and guided experiences—for just $1,720 out of pocket.

AIRFARE INCLUDED

Round-trip economy airfare from Washington Dulles (IAD)
One checked bag and one carry-on included
Group economy seating; Business Class upgrades are available at the fare difference

IMPORTANT NOTES

Pricing is based on double occupancy
Single rooms are limited and available for an additional $500
Participation is limited to 30 travelers, and spaces are expected to fill quickly

What's not included?

Some lunches and 2 independent dinners
Tip for bus driver and guide
Single room supplement
Travel Insurance or Trip Protection (Click Here for More Information)

Detailed Itinerary

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 — The Adventure Begins
The journey begins not at the airport, but in community. Departing from Loyola University Maryland, we set out together as pilgrims—students, faculty, and companions—bound for Europe on an overnight flight. This threshold moment marks the beginning of a shared Ignatian journey shaped by curiosity, faith, and expectation. (D)

Thursday, June 4, 2026 — Arantzazu & San Sebastián
Welcome to Spain. After arrival and lunch, we journey into the Basque highlands to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Arantzazu, one of northern Spain’s most dramatic pilgrimage sites. Suspended on a rocky cliff and surrounded by forested peaks, Arantzazu was already a living shrine in the lifetime of Ignatius of Loyola. Here, we celebrate our first Mass of the pilgrimage, praying within a sanctuary where ancient Marian devotion meets bold modern sacred art. From the mountains, we descend to the coast and arrive in San Sebastián. The evening is free to stroll the promenade, enjoy La Concha beach, and sample the city’s celebrated pintxos culture—small plates meant for sharing, conversation, and delight. (L, D)

Friday, June 5, 2026 — Loyola & the Basque Coast
Today we pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Loyola, birthplace of Ignatius and the spiritual heart of the Jesuit tradition. We visit the Holy House, Ignatius’ convalescence room, and the Conversion Chapel, entering the spaces where injury, imagination, and grace quietly reshaped a life. Mass is celebrated at the Sanctuary of Loyola, grounding the day in prayer at the very place where the Jesuit tradition took shape. The afternoon returns us to San Sebastián for rest, reflection, beach time, or further exploration of the city’s cafés and old town—an Ignatian balance of depth and joy. (B, ID)

Saturday, June 6, 2026 — Over the Pyrenees to Lourdes
Leaving Spain behind, we travel north through the Basque Country and cross the Pyrenees into France, arriving in the seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Set along a calm harbor and shaped by a distinctive Basque-French identity, the town offers a graceful pause for lunch and wandering before we visit the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Behind its understated exterior lies a place of remarkable history: in 1660, King Louis XIV of France married Maria Theresa of Spain here, a royal union that helped secure peace between the two nations. The church’s royal gallery and sealed doorway—closed forever after the wedding—stand as quiet witnesses to that moment where faith, ceremony, and history converged. From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, we continue onward to Lourdes, arriving by evening in a place that feels immediately different in pace and spirit. Mass is celebrated upon arrival, gently marking our transition from travel to stillness, and after nightfall we join pilgrims from around the world in the candlelight procession—an atmosphere of reverence, beauty, and quiet joy that draws people back year after year. (B, D)

Sunday, June 7, 2026 — Lourdes: Grace, Healing & Prayer
Lourdes unfolds as a retreat within the pilgrimage—a few days where the pace slows and interior space opens. We celebrate Sunday Mass within the Sanctuary, joining the global Church in prayer at one of its most beloved pilgrimage sites. A guided walk brings us to the Grotto of Massabielle, Bernadette’s family home, and the parish church of her baptism. The afternoon is unstructured by design, inviting personal prayer, journaling, conversation, and encounter. Lourdes is deeply moving, but also surprisingly joyful—filled with shared meals, laughter, and friendships formed across cultures. In the evening, we return for the candlelight Rosary procession, an experience both intimate and universal. (B, L, D)

Monday, June 8, 2026 — Immersion & Exploration in Lourdes
Today continues the retreat-like rhythm of Lourdes. Pilgrims may choose immersion in the baths, explore the medieval fortress overlooking the town, or remain quietly at the Grotto. Mass is celebrated in Lourdes, offering a moment of grounding and gratitude amid a day devoted to healing, reflection, and discernment. Time here often becomes a spiritual anchor for the entire journey. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 — Manresa: The Heart of the Exercises
We return to Spain and travel to Manresa, where Ignatius lived, prayed, struggled, and experienced the illumination that would shape the Spiritual Exercises. At the Cave of St. Ignatius near the River Cardoner, we celebrate Mass, reflecting on how clarity often emerges slowly, through perseverance and honest self-examination. We stay overnight at the Manresa retreat center, entering into a quieter rhythm of prayer and shared reflection. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — Montserrat
Rising dramatically from the Catalan plain, Montserrat feels both wild and sacred. At the mountain monastery, we celebrate Mass and venerate the Black Madonna, a centuries-old symbol of hope and trust. The afternoon is free for mountain trails, funiculars, the museum, or quiet contemplation. We return to Manresa for dinner, prayer, and conversation, allowing the day to settle. (B, D)

Thursday, June 11, 2026 — Barcelona: Markets, Memory & Modernism
We travel onward to Barcelona, beginning the day amid the color and energy of La Boqueria Market. We then visit Casp Jesuit High School, where the original sword Ignatius laid down before Our Lady of Montserrat is preserved—a powerful symbol of inner transformation. Mass is celebrated in Barcelona before we walk through Plaça Catalunya and along Passeig de Gràcia, encountering the city’s modernist architecture and the creative imagination that defines it. The afternoon is free for wandering, shopping, or lingering in a café. Overnight in Barcelona. (B, ID)

Friday, June 12, 2026 — Sagrada Família & Farewell
Our final full day centers on Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família—one of the most extraordinary sacred buildings in the world. Still under construction for more than a century, the basilica is now approaching completion, and our visit places us within a living moment of history. To walk its interior is to step into a theology of light, nature, and incarnation rendered in stone and color. Gaudí intended the building to be finished by future generations, and in being here, we become part of that unfolding story. Today, we celebrate our final Mass of the pilgrimage, a moment of thanksgiving and sending forth. The evening brings a festive farewell dinner, honoring friendships, insights, and shared experience. (B, D)

Saturday, June 13, 2026 — Return Home
We depart Barcelona and return home, carrying with us the prayers, places, questions, and relationships of an Ignatian pilgrimage—one that continues long after the journey itself. (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 the flights from Washington DC (WAS), accommodations, transportation during the trip, guided experiences, and most meals.

Will you book my flights, or do I need to arrange them myself?
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. You will need permission from Loyola for this option.

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?

If you are interested in extending your stay by arriving earlier or departing later, please contact the Loyola organizers to discuss available options and next steps.

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 process typically takes about 7-10 minutes to complete.
You can use any device, but many find it easier 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, please use the name on your birth certificate or the name that will appear on your passport when issued.

Payment Options:

After completing your registration, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page.
You have the option to pay by check or credit card.
When you’re ready, click the button below to begin your registration. We can’t wait to travel with you!

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

Flight Information

GROUP FLIGHTS — TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Washington, DC (IAD) ↔ Spain
June 2026

OUTBOUND: WASHINGTON, DC → BILBAO

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

IAD → Lisbon (LIS)
Depart 5:45 PM
Arrive 6:10 AM (+1 day)
Flight: TAP TP 232

Layover in Lisbon
6:10 AM – 8:55 AM (2h 45m)

Lisbon (LIS) → Bilbao (BIO)
Depart 8:55 AM
Arrive 11:30 AM
Flight: TAP TP 1062

Total travel time: approx. 11 hours

RETURN: BARCELONA → WASHINGTON, DC

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Barcelona (BCN) → Lisbon (LIS)
Depart 11:25 AM
Arrive 12:25 PM
Flight: TAP TP 1031

Layover in Lisbon
12:25 PM – 4:40 PM (4h 15m)

Lisbon (LIS) → IAD
Depart 4:40 PM
Arrive 8:05 PM
Flight: TAP TP 233

Total travel time: approx. 14 hours

Our Airline Partner: TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal is a well-established international airline known for its reliable service, comfortable cabins, and strong safety record. As Portugal’s flagship carrier, TAP consistently earns favorable ratings for overall customer satisfaction, on-time performance, and its welcoming onboard experience. Travelers appreciate the airline’s modern fleet and convenient connections between the United States and Iberia, including our group routing through Lisbon to Spain. Flying with TAP gives our pilgrimage community both ease of travel and the confidence that comes with a highly regarded global 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.

Fr. Hugo

Fr. Hugo Nelson Gomez Sevilla, SJ, is a Colombian Jesuit and the current President/Principal of San Pedro Claver School in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Previously, he served as the President of the Jesuit School Network in Colombia (ACODESI) and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. His research focuses on innovation and change management in Jesuit schools.

Fr. Hugo holds degrees in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Philosophy, and Theology, as well as a Doctorate in Education from Loyola University Chicago. He also earned a Licentiate in Theology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Fr. Hugo is known for his dynamic personality, warm sense of humor, and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. An avid traveler, he has spent many years working in Spain and Italy, where he has led and facilitated numerous groups, sharing his deep knowledge of history, culture, and faith. His leadership makes every journey both enriching and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impact on those he encounters.

Fr. Steve
Fr. Steven Spahn, S.J. was born in Denver Colorado, the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from Georgetown University where he met the Jesuits, entering the Maryland Province in August of 1993. He holds Masters degrees in International Politics and Philosophy from Georgetown and Fordham Universities respectively and the MDiv., ThM and STL degrees from Boston College.

Ordained a priest in June of 2014, Fr. Spahn has served as Province Vocation Promoter, Parochial Vicar at Georgetown’s Holy Trinity and Baltimore’s St. Ignatius Parishes and Director of Ignatian Programs at Georgetown University. He presently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in Loyola University Maryland’s Theology Department and Assistant to the Director of its Office of Mission Integration.

Among his passions are Jesuit history and Ignatian prayer and spirituality. At Loyola University he co-directs the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life retreat program that has helped several hundred colleagues and community members experience the long retreat pioneered by St. Ignatius. Helping others come to know the depth God’s love for them and the freedom that follows is arguably the greatest blessing of his Jesuit life and priesthood.

Special Features

Tour Package Includes

What is Lourdes Like?

Featured Videos

Flight Information

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info@afarandawaytravel.com