Catholic Pilgrimage Tour of Lourdes (With Catholic Travel Center)

Feb - Sept 2019

On this religious tour of France, spend five nights in Lourdes, one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage sites located in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. Here, in 1858, a 14-year-old girl named Bernadette saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary 18 times. Today, pilgrims from all over the world flock to Lourdes for its spiritual powers.

Starting at $1029

About the Itinerary

On this Catholic pilgrimage tour to Lourdes, France, you’ll learn about St. Bernadette. You’ll visit her birthplace, her family home, and the Grotto where she witnessed the apparitions. A local religious expert will explain to you Bernadette’s life and visions, and explain the miracle of the healing waters. At your own pace, you can visit the Basilica, attend the Sanctuary’s official celebrations, pray, meditate the Rosary, attend Mass, visit the Grotto, follow the Way of the Cross, and visit the baths where the Holy Virgin asked Bernadette to “go drink at the spring and wash yourself there” and that are believed to have healing waters. Every evening, you can join other pilgrims in the Candlelight Marian Procession and attend the 11 pm Mass in the Grotto.

On this spiritual journey to Lourdes, you’ll also enjoy a guided visit of Chateau-Fort, a fortified castle built during Roman times and perched on a rocky outcrop with remarkable views. With its drawbridge, watchtowers, and walls, it is now a museum telling the history and culture of the area.

Accompanied by a dedicated Tour Director and other savvy, value-minded travelers desiring an inspirational journey, this Catholic pilgrimage to France is the perfect way to reaffirm your faith.

Day 1 - Arrive in Lourdes, France

Check into your hotel, then meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey.

Day 2 - Lourdes

Start your experience by meeting other pilgrims and your local spiritual expert by the statue of the crowned Virgin, La Vierge Couronnée, who will unveil the meaning of the message of Lourdes. Later attend the Pilgrim Mass. This afternoon, visit the GROTTO, the simple area where St. Bernadette witnessed the Holy Virgin’s apparitions in 1858. Join the Rosary (in French), take the opportunity to go to Confession, and join the evening candlelight Procession, which takes place every evening.

MASS

Our itineraries not only have time set aside for personal reflection, we also include religious services or Mass. Where services are not included, they may be available during free time.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 3 - Lourdes

Time for introspection and silence and the possibility to further explore on your own or follow the WAY OF THE CROSS on a wooded area on the hillside with other pilgrims. Attend Mass, if you wish. In the afternoon, you’ll have a chance to recite the Rosary and join the afternoon Eucharistic procession (The Blessed Sacrament) in the Prairie of the Sanctuary and walk to the Basilica of St. Pius X.

MASS

Our itineraries not only have time set aside for personal reflection, we also include religious services or Mass. Where services are not included, they may be available during free time.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 4 - Lourdes

This morning is dedicated to visiting the complex of the Healing Pools situated next to the Miraculous Cave, where the Virgin Mary was seen and where many healings took place. Later, hear the story of St. Bernadette’s life and of her apparitions. They started on February 11th, 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous was only 14 years old. While she was in the Grotto, she experienced the apparition of a girl, dressed in white and with a blue belt around her waist, who eventually introduced herself as the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Virgin appeared to Bernadette 18 times, after which her life completely changed.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast
Dinner

Day 5 - Lourdes

In the morning, join a guided visit of CHATEAU-FORT, strategically placed at the entrance of the seven valleys of the Lavedan. The castle was originally built in Roman times, but was reinforced several times over the centuries. Hear about the legend of Charlemagne and visit the exhibition about Pyrenean arts and culture. In the afternoon, spend some more time taking in the special atmosphere of Lourdes.

INCLUDED MEALS