What is a Pilgrimage?
The Catholic Encyclopedia defines pilgrimage as “a journey made to some place with the purpose of venerating it, or in order to ask there for supernatural aid, or to discharge some religious obligation.” Jubilee 2025 calls each of us “to set out on a journey and to cross boundaries,” noting that “when we travel, we do not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves.” Read More…
Annual Local Pilgrimages
There are three annual pilgrimages locally:
Travel Pilgrimages
Various trips to the Holy Land and other significant destinations are offered by parishes throughout the year. We list below various pilgrimages that have been sent to us by parishes:
You can right-click and choose “Save As…” on any poster you wish to download.
September 8: Departure from Canada – Afternoon departure from Edmonton to Milan in Italy.
September 9: Milan – Late morning arrival in Milan. Upon arrival we enjoy a short orientation tour of Milan with views of the imposing 14th century Duomo (Cathedral) and Corso Vittorio Emanuelle II. After lunch we continue to Turin for dinner and overnight.
September 10: Turin – La Sallette – We start the day with a walking tour of Turin including Piazza San Carlo, Piazza Castello, Royal Palace and Monte dei Cappuccini. After lunch we travel to La Sallette in the heart of the French Alps, the second most important pilgrimage destination in France, where in 1846 the Virgin Mary appeared in tears to two local shepherd children. Mass, dinner and overnight in the local guesthouse.
September 11: La Sallette – Ars-Su-Forman – After some free morning time in La Sallette, we travel to the Shrine of St. John Vianney in Ars-sur-Forman where we celebrate Mass. Dinner and overnight in Macon/Lyon area.
September 12: Paray-le-Monial – Cluny – Taiz – Today we travel to Paray-le-Monial where we visit Romanesque church of the Sacré-Coeur, a major pilgrimage destination. Continue to the famous Benedictine Abbey of Cluny and then to nearby Taize, a center of ecumenical movement. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
September 13: Loire River – Nevers – Burges – After breakfast we travel to the Chateau Country along Loire river. En route we stop in Nevers and visit the chapel at St. Gildard church where St. Bernadette died in 1879 and was buried. We celebrate Mass in the basilica. Continue to Burges where we visit a spectacular 13thcentury Gothic cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Chateuroux area.
September 14: Loire Valley – Amboise – Today we visit the Château de Chenonceau, one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire valley. Continue to Amboise for a tour of the royal Château, a favoured royal residence of French kings. Mass and return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
September 15: Tours – Vitre – Caen – This morning we visit Tours and its cathedral and St. Martin’s basilica where he was buried in 397. Continue to Vitre, known for its castle, charming old streets and restored half-timbered houses where we celebrate Mass. Dinner and overnight in Caen area.
September 16: Mont St. Michel – Juno Beach – After breakfast we travel to Mont St. Michel. Upon arrival we tour the ancient strategic fortifications of this island-town, the monastery and medieval buildings. After Mass continue to Juno Beach memorial commemorating Canadians’ landing on the D-Day in 1944. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
September 17: Lisieux – Paris – Today we travel to Lisieux, city of St. Thérèse, “The Little Flower”. We visit the Basilica dedicated to St. Thérèse and celebrate Mass. Continue to Paris for dinner and overnight.
September 18: Paris – Full day in Paris. Our city tour will take us to views of Eiffel Tower, Place de La Concorde and Champs-Élysées. We visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Miraculous Medal chapel where we celebrate Mass. Some free time for leisure. Farewell dinner and overnight.
September 19: Return to Canada – After breakfast we are transferred to the airport in Paris for our flight back to Canada. Afternoon arrival.
COST $5,790.00 INCLUDES:
- air transportation from Edmonton (unless specified otherwise), incl all taxes and surcharges
- hotel accommodation first class or superior tourist class based on double occupancy – single supplement $990.00
- 2 meals daily (breakfast and dinner)
- all sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide
- all tips for drivers, guides, in restaurants and hotels.
HOW TO BOOK:
Please book online or call us. A non-refundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required at time of booking. Insurance must be purchased at time of booking.
PAYMENT:
Please send e-transfers to: accounting@ihtours.com
Please put the code ‘DK3136’ in the notes for us to match to the payment.
You may also pay by credit card or personal cheque payable to: International Heritage Tours
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200, Thornhill, ON, L4J 2J6
BALANCE OF PAYMENT:
Balance due is payable 60 pays prior to departure. For late bookings (within 60 days) full payment is due immediately.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TOUR:
- meals not specified
- insurance, documentation
CANCELLATION:
If cancellation is necessary, please advise IHT immediately in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows:
- 60 days before departure or earlier – $300.00 per person
- between 60 and 45 days before departure – 50% of the total cost
- 45 days or less – 100% of the total cost
TRAVEL INSURANCE PLANS OFFERED BY IHT:
– All Inclusive, Non-medical and Ultimate All Inclusive. Contact us for rates.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
International Heritage Tours,
7117 Bathurst Street, Suite 200, Thornhill, ON, L4J 2J6
Tel: 1-877-999-8868, 905-886-0232
Stan ext. 339 or 647-463-9057 stan@ihtours.com
Liliana ext. 324 liliana@ihtours.com
Alex ext. 317 alex@ihtours.com
