About The Event:

FRANCE AND IBERIAN PILGRIMAGE

Two weeks in Barcelona, Lourdes, Leon, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima and Lisbon

APRIL 16 – 29, 2024

Led by Rev. Fr. Raja SDB

Total Tour Package CDN $6300 per person based on twin room

Payment due by Jan. 10, 2024

(AIR AND LAND TOUR PACKAGE IS NON REFUNDABLE THEREAFTER)
AIR TRAVEL IS WITH AIR CANADA AND IN ECONOMY CLASS.
LAND TOUR IS THROUGH TRAFALGAR TOURS.
INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE NON REFUNDABLE.

CALL LOBO TRAVEL AGENCY AT 780 485 6170 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

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DAY 1 – WELCOME TO BARCELONA (2)
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Barcelona – Spain
On this journey, give thanks to God in a city that embraces religious tolerance; a city that celebrates
the Glory of God in some of the world’s most inspiring churches. You’ll have free time to explore
Barcelona before joining your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Dinner and
orientation of the city to kick-start your pilgrimage.
MEAL(S): Welcome Dinner
HOTEL: NH Sants Barcelona Hotel

DAY 2
EXPLORE BUSTLING BARCELONA
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Barcelona – Spain
Spend the morning exploring the spiritual side of Barcelona in the company of your Local Specialist.
We Dive Into Culture for an opportunity to see the city’s most celebrated religious monument, La
Sagrada Família, stepping through its intricately carved doors, into the creative genius of Gaudí’s mind
and his breath-taking gift to God (subject to availability). The soaring spires and exquisitely told stories
reflected on its outside walls cannot prepare you for the beauty within. The rest of the day is yours to
follow in the footsteps of the faithful. You may consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat to
see the shrine of the Black Madonna, affectionately known in Catalonia as ‘La Moreneta’, followed by
an optional evening of clapping and castanets at an evening Flamenco show. As you watch the twirling
skirts and hear the trill of the guitar, you’ll feel the energy of this fiery UNESCO-listed tradition adored
by the Spanish.
MEAL(S):Breakfast

DAY 3
JOURNEY TO ANCIENT CARCASSONNE
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Carcassonne – France
We journey north, across the Pyrenees and Cathar landscapes bound for the fortified city of
Carcassonne. Here we’ll join a Local Specialist to explore this ancient town, which you’ll learn was once
the stronghold of pious believers of the Cathar faith from the 12th century until they were persecuted
and expelled by the Inquisition. Visit the Cité, you’ll understand why it’s said to have inspired Walt
Disney for his Castle of Sleeping Beauty, and you’ll know that the same double-ring of ramparts and
52 towers you see today are those pilgrims like yourself have seen for many centuries. Learning all
about the city’s spiritual significance, you’ll get to relive all the highlights and share your spellbinding
stories this evening as you relax over a traditional dinner featuring some of the hearty cuisine for which
the region is particularly well known.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: Hotel Mercure La Cite Carcassonne

DAY 4
ONWARDS TO LOURDES (2)
Friday, April 19, 2024
Lourdes – France
A leisurely start to our day sees us journey west to Lourdes, the global centre of the Marian pilgrimage
and the holy place where St. Bernadette was said to have had visions of Mary in a cave. Embark on an
orientation tour with your Travel Director to gain a real sense of the devotion that pilgrims over the
centuries have felt for this place. As the sun sets, you’ll have an opportunity to share in this devotion
first-hand as you Dive Into Culture for the mesmerising Torchlight Procession, which has moved
through the city’s streets since 1858. Join believers from all over the world in singing the Ave Maria of
Lourdes – a spine-tingling experience that will touch you forever. Moved by this evening’s fellowship,
you’ll want to sample some of the Pyrenees’ flavourful culinary specialities, perhaps the local trout and
some of the local cheeses paired with the region’s celebrated Madiran or Jurançon vintages.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Mercure Hotel Lourdes Imperial

DAY 5
SEE THE WONDRUS SIGHTS IN LOURDES
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Lourdes – France
Start your sightseeing visit of Lourdes’ noteworthy religious sites with pilgrims from all over the world.
You’ll trace the story of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, who witnessed the Marian apparitions of the
Immaculate Conception and was canonised in 1933 eventually becoming the patron saint of bodily
illness. A Local Specialist will accompany you on a visit to St. Bernadette’s Grotto, the shrine and her
birthplace, and you’ll learn how millions of pilgrims come to this holy place to pray and drink its
miraculous water, following the same instruction of our Lady of Lourdes to ‘drink at the spring’. You’ll
feel the spiritual importance of this sacred place as you explore the Domain and contemplate the
miracles that have occurred since the Virgin Mary’s apparition here.
MEAL(S): Breakfast

DAY 6
OFF TO UNCOVER THE TREASURES OF BURGOS
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Burgos – Spain
Our spiritual interlude with France at its end, we pass through the Basque Country and continue to
Burgos, the historic capital of Castile founded as an outpost of the expanding Christian frontier. Meet
your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of its medieval centre, with the highlight being a visit to the
UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Here you’ll have time
to spend a quiet moment of contemplation and prayer amidst the many extraordinary works of
Renaissance artists and see the tomb of El Cid, the celebrated Castilian nobleman and a national hero.
Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant, discovering just what a delight Castilian cuisine is. Perhaps
you’ll sample some regional favourites such as lechazo, succulent lamb, or nibble on tasty pinchos
(tapas) with a glass of the local Ribera del Duero to complete the perfect meal.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: Puerta de Hotel Burgos

DAY 7
BURGOS TO LEON
Monday, April 22, 2024
Leon – Spain
This morning we arrive in Leon, located on the Bernesga River. Here we visit the Basilica De San
Isidoro de Leon, an important Romanesque building. Later we see the Convento de San Marcos and
Iglesia San Marcelo.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Occidental Hotel Leon Alfonso V

DAY 8
PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (2)
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Santiago de Compostela – Spain
Follow in the footsteps of Saint James, crossing the Spanish ‘North’ to Santiago de Compostela.
Imagine the thousands of pilgrims who have embarked on this spiritual path, as you travel west through
the rolling countryside, as they have in devotion for centuries. On arrival, your Travel Director will
provide a brief orientation of this famous pilgrimage site after which you’ll have some time at leisure to
explore on your own, strolling through Alameda Park and admiring views of the Santiago de
Compostela Cathedral and the Old Town or getting lost in its historic centre in search of the perfect
plaza. Perhaps you’d like to soak up the architecture and atmosphere of the city’s winding streets,
sample the Pilgrim’s menu at the San Franciscan convent-turned hotel and restaurant or simply relax
in the tranquil greenery of Alameda Park, with its wonderful views of the cathedral and Old Town to
really get a sense of what it must be like to live in this sacred city.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL: Santiago Plaza Hotel affiliated by Melia

DAY 9
DISCOVER SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Santiago de Compostela – Spain
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the Cathedral of
Santiago de Compostela, the final resting place of St. James, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The
Romanesque medieval cathedral in the heart of old Santiago also marks the end of the Camino de
Santiago and you’ll feel the spiritual significance it still has for pilgrims many centuries after it was
completed in the 13th century. This afternoon, explore Santiago de Compostela at your leisure, perhaps
a more in-depth visit to the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its festive atmosphere and a chance to stop
in at one of the cosy coffee shops for a slice of almond-filled heaven, the local Tarta de Santiago. You
may also consider joining an Optional Experience to the coastal centre of Rías Baixas where you’ll
discover the deep fjord-like estuaries of Galicia with our Local Specialist, stopping in O Grove Port and
the village of Cambados, before enjoying a refreshing boat trip to sample mussels and Ribeiro wine
fresh from the local farms, leaving some space for dinner later at your hotel.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10
VENTURE TO FATIMA (2)
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Fatima – Portugal
Our trip through Spain at its end, we continue our spiritual journey south to Portugal, to the Catholic
pilgrimage site of Fátima. Walk the path followed by millions of pilgrims to the shrine where three young
shepherds famously saw the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Your orientation tour will give you an
overview of the history and religious significance of this holy place and you’ll watch how devotees pray
for health, happiness and repentance. This evening, peace will fill your heart as you join worshippers
from all over the world reciting the Rosary in the hushed and magnificent surrounds of the famous
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.
MEAL(S):Breakfast, Dinner
HOTEL:Fatima Hotel

DAY 11
FATIMA YOUR WAY
Friday, April 26, 2024
Fatima – Portugal
We journey to the tiny village of Aljustrel, where the three shepherds once lived, to see their humble
home which stands to this day. You’ll have time to witness the power of faith in Fátima at your leisure
or consider joining an Optional Experience to Nazaré and Batalha, with its impressive Monastery of
Santa Maria da Vitória na Batalha built in the 15th century to pay homage to the Portuguese victory at
the Battle of Aljubarrota and thank the Virgin Mary for her intervention in their battle with the Castilians.
This beautiful Gothic-turned-Manueline honey-hued structure was home to Portugal’s first stained-glass
workshop, and you’ll see the radiant beauty all around you as you explore further. See the statue of
Nuno Álvares Pereira on his horse, learning how this military commander who was credited with winning
this battle and keeping Portugal independent. You’ll leave with a deep understanding of the events
leading up to its construction and know that through your visit, you help to support its preservation for
years to come.
MEAL(S): Breakfast

DAY 12
CONTINUE TO COLOURFUL LISBON
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Lisbon – Portugal
A short journey this morning takes us to Batalha where a Local Specialist takes us inside the Monastery
of Santa Maria de Vitoria. Later, we arrive in the capital city of Lisbon. You’ll meet a Local Specialist
who will accompany us on a drive through the lush avenues of the Portuguese capital, past the black
and white mosaic pavements, bound for Belém, a district on the River Tejo. You’ll see the Monument
to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower before we Dive Into Culture and visit the exquisite 16th-century
Hieronymite Monastery. The resident monks of the Order of Saint Jerome were tasked to give guidance
to sailors and pray for the soul of King Manuel I and beyond its spiritual significance, you’ll be
mesmerised by its beauty.
MEAL(S): Breakfast
HOTEL: Smy Hotel Lisbon

DAY 13
LISBON AT LEISURE
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Lisbon – Portugal
Today is a full day to explore the city further. In the evening, we enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest (subject
to availability) experience and Connect With Locals at their family home in Lisbon’s Terras Vedras for
a Farewell Dinner featuring some of the delicious local delicacies for dessert, along with the chance to
sample the local wine in the charming winery dating back to 1858. You’ll be so captivated by the whole
experience, you’ll want to take special note of all the favourite local recipes to try them out back home
with friends and family.
MEAL(S): Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

DAY 14
FAREWELL LISBON
Monday, April 29, 2024
Lisbon – Portugal
Say farewell to newfound friends after a memorable spiritual journey as we are transferred to the airport
for our onwards journey.
MEAL(S): Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights
• Visit La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Cite in Carcassonne,
Burgos Cathedral, St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of
Fátima, the Monastery of Santa Maria Vitoria in Batalha and the Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon
• Explore Barcelona, Carcassonne, Lourdes, Burgos, Santiago de Compostela, Batalha and Lisbon with
a Local Specialist
What’s included.
Dining Highlights
• 13 breakfasts & 7 dinners
First class travel Highlights
• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail
journeys)
• Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person.
• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver.
• Hotel tips, restaurant tips for included meals, and local taxes.
• A group airport transfer on the first and last day of your guided holiday.
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted (Hotels listed to be used as a guide only and are subject to
availability. If the quoted hotel is unavailable, we will secure another hotel in the same category).
• Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Drivers and Local Specialists.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• No early check in/late checkout included.
• Travel insurance, visas and items of a personal nature
EDMONTON-TORONTO-BARCELONA -15 APRIL 2024 DEPARTURES TO ARRIVE BARCELONA
ON 16 APRIL 2024.
LISBON – TORONTO-EDMONTON – 29 APRIL 2024 DEPARTURES TO ARRIVE SAME DAY.
1. AC 168 – 15APR YEGYYZ – 1135A 526P * E MO 1
2. AC 820 – 15APR YYZBCN – 805P 1000A+* E MO/TU 1
3. AC 811 – 29APR LISYYZ – 1250P 415P * E MO 2
4. AC 173 – 29APR YYZYEG – 655P 918P * E MO 2
TOUR PACKAGE COST: CAD 6300 PER PERSON BASED ON TWIN ROOM
FOR SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT – ADD CAD 1220 TO THE ABOVE RATES.
PAYMENT GUIDELINES
FULL PAYMENT IS DUE BY JAN 10, 2024
.AIR AND LAND TOUR PACKAGE IS NON REFUNDABLE THEREAFTER.
AIR TRAVEL IS WITH AIR CANADA AND IN ECONOMY CLASS.
LAND TOUR IS THROUGH TRAFALGAR TOURS.
INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AND INSURANCE PREMIUMS ARE NON
REFUNDABLE.
CALL LOBO TRAVEL AGENCY AT 780 485 6170 FOR FURTHER DETAILS