Embark on a transformative spiritual journey through the heart of Europe with this unique pilgrimage itinerary. Spanning a total of seven days, this soul-enriching experience takes you to some of the most sacred sites in Bilbao, and Garabandal, Spain; Lourdes, and Toulouse, France.
The pilgrimage begins in Bilbao, Spain. Known for its modern architecture, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality, Bilbao offers a perfect starting point for reflection and prayer.
From Bilbao, the journey continues along the Camino del Norte, stopping in San Vicente de la Barquera for lunch, then traveling to Garabandal, Spain, a place of profound religious significance. You will spend three nights in Garabandal, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to four young girls in the 1960s. Here, we plan to spend time with one of the seers, Jacinta, and her husband, if they are available. We will also attend Mass and explore the sacred sites associated with the apparitions.
Next, the pilgrimage takes you to Lourdes, France, renowned worldwide as a destination for healing and spiritual renewal. Spending two nights in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette. Take part in the celebrated candlelight processions, experience the healing waters of the Grotto, and join fellow pilgrims in prayer and reflection.
Finally, after almost 2 full days in Lourdes, the pilgrimage concludes in Toulouse, France, where we will spend our last night.
This carefully curated itinerary provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, introspection, and connection with fellow pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Overview
Day 1: Thursday
We will arrive in Bilbao and board a private transfer to the hotel. Along the Camino del Norte and in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao is home to the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum. Feel free to visit this world-renowned museum on your own before we gather together for a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Friday – Garabandal, Spain
After breakfast at the hotel, we will attend morning Mass. You will have a determinate amount of time to explore the city before we depart for Garanbandal, stopping at 2 seaside cities along the way – Santander and San Vicente de la Barquera where we will have lunch on the sea. Both of these cities are on the Camino del Norte, the northern route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. We will touch this historic pilgrimage route as we make our way to Garanbandal.
Day 3: Saturday
We will spend the weekend in the small town of Garabandal (estimated population of 300.) We will learn about the miracle that occurred in the 1960s. We will also attend the weekly rosary in The Pines, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the children.
Day 4: Sunday
Today we will attend Sunday Mass in Garabandal and have time for personal prayer and reflection. We will meet with some of the villagers and with some of the seers’ families. (If Jacinta, one of the 4 seers, is in Garabandal, we will meet with her.)
Day 5: Monday
On our way from Garabandal to Lourdes we will stop in Loyola, Spain, the birthplace of St. Ignatius and home to one of the most stunning Baroque Basilica of Europe, overlooking a pristine valley in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. The Basilica is part of a series of buildings that surrounds the “Holy House,” the actual birthplace of St. Ignatius. We will visit the room where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion.
From Loyola, we will continue to the seaside town of San Sebastian, the beginning point of the Camino del Norte, the northern route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Here, we will stroll along the pedestrian-only seafront promenade, visit the gothic 16th-century church, Iglesia de San Vicente, and the 18th-century Baroque church, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, one of the most visited places in San Sebastian. From San Sebastian, we will head to Lourdes.
Day 6: Tuesday
For two days, you’ll experience the message left by Holy Mother Mary to Bernadette during the time of the apparitions in Lourdes. There will be time for Mass, prayer, confession, rosary, stations, museum, and processions.
Day 7: Wednesday
We will depart in the late afternoon for Toulouse where we will visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Day 8: Thursday
Depart from Toulouse for the U.S.
