Pilgrimage to Portugal & Spain Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Joe Kim

Today we depart from the United States on our overnight international flight to Lisbon. Enjoy meals, in-flight services, and time to rest onboard as the excitement of this sacred journey begins.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, we are greeted by our tour escort and driver before departing for the holy town of Fátima, one of the world’s most beloved Marian pilgrimage destinations. Upon arrival in Fátima, we check in to our hotel and enjoy dinner together. After dinner, pilgrims will have the opportunity to participate in the beautiful candlelight rosary procession at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, joining pilgrims from around the world in prayer, song, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

After breakfast, we begin our day with Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, one of the world’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites, where Our Blessed Mother appeared to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in 1917 with her message of prayer, repentance, and peace. Following Mass, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, home to the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto and Sister Lucia, as well as the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. We then travel to Aljustrel, the village of shepherd children, and continue to Valinhos, site of one of Our Lady’s appearances, with time to walk part of the Stations of the Cross pathway. Throughout the day, pilgrims will have time for private prayer, candle lighting, shopping, and personal devotion at the sanctuary.

This morning we board our motor coach and make our way south to Santarem, where we visit the site of the Miracle of the Eucharist of Santarem. Here we celebrate Mass. We continue to Nazare, a striking seaside village. Here, we visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Nazare on a cliff overlooking the ocean, devoted to a statue of Our Lady which tradition says was carved originally in Nazareth (Nazare). After some time in Nazare, we will travel to the medieval town of Batalha including its mighty church and the Abbey of Alcobaça. Founded in 1152, the church and monastery are the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal.

After breakfast, we depart Fátima and journey north toward the beautiful city of Porto, one of Portugal’s most historic and charming cities. Upon arrival, we enjoy a brief visit of Porto, famous for its colorful riverside architecture, rich Catholic heritage, and world renowned port wine. We will see highlights such as the historic Ribeira District, the majestic Porto Cathedral, and the scenic Douro River waterfront. During our visit, we will enjoy a guided tour of one of Porto’s famous wine cellars, where we will learn about the centuries-old tradition of Port wine production and enjoy a tasting experience. We then continue our pilgrimage journey into Spain toward the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world and the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we begin our day in the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations and the final stop of the famous Camino de Santiago. We celebrate Holy Mass at the Cathedral of St. James, built over the tomb of St. James the Apostle, whose remains are venerated by pilgrims from around the world. Following Mass, we visit the tomb of St. James and explore the magnificent cathedral, known for its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Time permitting, pilgrims may witness the famous Botafumeiro incense burner used during special liturgies. We then enjoy a walking tour of Santiago’s charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic plazas, monasteries, and traditional Galician culture. There will also be free time for prayer, shopping, cafés, or personal exploration.

After breakfast, we depart Santiago de Compostela and journey through the beautiful Spanish countryside toward the holy city of Ávila, birthplace of St. Teresa of Ávila, one of the great saints and Doctors of the Church. Surrounded by remarkably preserved medieval walls, Ávila is one of Spain’s most treasured Catholic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we celebrate Holy Mass and visit important sites associated with St. Teresa, including the Convent of St. Teresa, built over her childhood home, and the magnificent Ávila Cathedral. Pilgrims will have time for prayer, reflection, and to walk through the charming medieval streets filled with deep Carmelite spirituality.

After breakfast, we depart for the historic city of Segovia, known for its rich Catholic heritage and stunning architecture. Here we visit sites connected to St. John of the Cross, the great Carmelite mystic and companion of St. Teresa. We will also admire the famous Roman Aqueduct and the beautiful Alcázar of Segovia rising above the city skyline. Following our visit, we continue toward Zaragoza, home of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the most important Marian shrines in Spain. According to tradition, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared here to St. James the Apostle to encourage him in his missionary work. Upon arrival, we celebrate Holy Mass and venerate the sacred pillar associated with Our Lady’s apparition.

After breakfast, we depart Zaragoza and journey toward the breathtaking mountain sanctuary of Montserrat Abbey, one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage destinations and spiritual treasures. Nestled among dramatic rock formations high above the Catalonian countryside, Montserrat has welcomed pilgrims for centuries seeking prayer, peace, and devotion to Our Blessed Mother. Upon arrival, we visit the famous Benedictine Monastery and venerate the beloved Black Madonna of Montserrat, affectionately known as “La Moreneta,” patroness of Catalonia. Pilgrims will have time for Holy Mass, private prayer, reflection, and to take in the peaceful beauty of this sacred mountain sanctuary. Time permitting, enjoy free time to explore the monastery grounds, religious shops, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys. We then continue to the vibrant Mediterranean city of Barcelona, renowned for its rich Catholic heritage, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. Upon arrival, we check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, we begin our full day exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona, rich in Catholic heritage, history, and breathtaking architecture. Our day includes a tour to the magnificent Sagrada Família, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí and one of the most inspiring churches in the world. Here we celebrate Holy Mass and admire the extraordinary symbolism, stained glass, and spiritual beauty woven throughout the basilica. We continue through Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, visiting the Barcelona Cathedral and walking through charming medieval streets filled with plazas, cafés, and centuries of Catholic history. We also visit the beautiful Church of Santa Maria del Mar and enjoy time along the famous Las Ramblas boulevard. Throughout the day, pilgrims will have free time for prayer, shopping, personal exploration, or simply enjoying the vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere of Barcelona.

After breakfast, we continue our exploration of Barcelona with visits to additional historic and spiritual sites throughout the city. Enjoy time for prayer, sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing along the beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration, cafés, and enjoying the rich culture of this vibrant Spanish city before our final evening together as a group.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight home. As our pilgrimage comes to an end, we depart with grateful hearts, carrying with us unforgettable memories.