Day 1 Tuesday: Depart USA

Today, you’ll depart the USA and head to Madrid to start your pilgrimage across Spain. Meals will be served on board your transatlantic flight.        

Day 2 Wednesday: Arrive in Madrid

Upon arrival in Madrid, you’ll go through customs, collect your luggage from baggage claim, and meet your tour guide and/or driver in the Arrivals Hall. The group will then head to the hotel, with a stop for Mass along the way. Enjoy some free time to get settled in and the opportunity to stroll through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol before the Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3 Thursday: Madrid

This morning, you’ll have breakfast at the hotel before departing for Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mary, also known as the Almudena Cathedral. Then, enjoy a tour of the city, which will include the Royal Palace and the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great. There will be time for lunch before continuing on to the Church of San Manuel and San Benito. After visiting the Church, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Museo Nacional del Prado, which contains some Catholic masterpieces, as well as the Royal Botanical Garden and the Parque de El Retiro. Head back to the hotel for dinner and your last night in Madrid.

Day 4 Friday: Madrid to Avila

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have Mass at the Church of Saint Nicholas, Madrid’s oldest Church. Then, you’ll make your way to the walled city of Avila, with some time for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the crypt of the Convento of La Santa, which is the site of Saint Teresa of Avila’s childhood home. Here, you’ll get to visit the museum dedicated to Saint Teresa’s life before visiting La Encarnacion Convent, which is the first convent she founded. Head to your hotel in Avila for check-in, dinner, and your night in Avila.

Day 5 Saturday: Avila to Alba de Tormes to Salamanca

Today, you’ll journey to Salamanca after breakfast, with a couple of stops. Before departing Avila, there will be a stop at the Cathedral of the Savior, which contains many of Saint Teresa of Avila’s relics. Here, you’ll have Mass and the opportunity to venerate the Saint’s relics before continuing on your journey. The next stop will be in Alba de Tormes to visit the Carmelite Convent of the Annunciation, which was founded by Saint Teresa of Avila in 1571. While here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the museum which contains her tomb as well as her incorrupt heart and her left arm.

You’ll then continue to Salamanca where you’ll have time for lunch before embarking on a walking tour of the city. The walking tour will include many remarkable sites, such as the Plaza Mayor, La Clerecia, the Roman Bridge, and La Iglesia de San Martin. You’ll also get to visit La Casa de las Conchas, which is a monument to the famous El Camino de Santiago; the University of Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university; and La Iglesia de San Marcos, which contains many paintings from the life of Our Blessed Mother. After this incredible sightseeing tour, head to the hotel for dinner and your night in Salamanca.

Day 6 Sunday: Salamanca to Burgos

Before departing Salamanca, you’ll have breakfast and visit the grandiose Salamanca Cathedral, with its ornate carvings. Then, you’ll head to Burgos, the historic capital of Old Castile. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch before having Mass and visiting the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Basilica Church of Saint Mary of Burgos. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this historic city. Dinner will be at the hotel and overnight in Burgos.

Day 7 Monday: Burgos to Loyola

This morning, you’ll have breakfast at the hotel before heading to Mass at the Basilica Church of Saint Mary. Then, you’ll head to Loyola, the birthplace of Saint Ignatius. Upon arrival, there will be time for lunch before heading to the Basilica dedicated to Saint Ignatius. This Basilica is one of many structures that surround the birthplace of Saint Ignatius, and you will have the rest of the afternoon to visit all of these Holy sites, including his “Room of Conversion”. Head to your hotel in Loyola to relax and freshen up before the Farewell Dinner.

Day 8 Tuesday: Loyola to Bilbao for departure flights home

This morning, you’ll grab a boxed breakfast and depart for the Bilbao Airport for your return flight(s) home.

Inclusions:

• 2 nights in Madrid with Porterage (1 piece per person)

• Petit Palace Puerta del Sol or similar 3*

• 1 night in Avila with Porterage (1 piece per person)

• Hotel Las Leyendas, or Hotel Las Moradas, or similar 3*

• 1 night in Salamanca with Porterage (1 piece per person)

• Hotel San Polo or similar 3*

• 1 night in Burgos with Porterage (1 piece per person)

• Crisol Meson del Cid or similar 3*

• 1 night in Loyola

• Retreat House at the Loyola Monastery

• Catholic, English-speaking tour guides

• Breakfast and Dinner Daily

• Bottled Water & ¼ Wine with dinners

• Transportation in Destination location via Air-Conditioned Motorcoach

• Free Wi-Fi and bottled water available onboard

• Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary

• Whisper Headsets where needed

• Daily Mass and Spiritual Activities Coordinated