Short Overview

his 16-day Europe Pilgrimage & Leisure Tour is a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive journey across Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and Portugal. The tour combines visits to major Catholic pilgrimage sites with iconic European landmarks and scenic landscapes.

In Italy, pilgrims explore sacred sites in Rome and Vatican City including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Papal Audience. The journey continues to Assisi, Pisa, Padua, Venice, and Milan, blending religious heritage with historic architecture.

The tour then moves to Switzerland for breathtaking alpine experiences at Mt. Titlis and Lucerne, followed by Germany and the Netherlands where travelers visit Cologne Cathedral, Amsterdam’s canals, and Brussels’ historic landmarks.

In France, enjoy the charm of Paris with a Seine River cruise and Eiffel Tower visit before heading to the spiritual sanctuary of Lourdes. The pilgrimage continues to Fatima in Portugal via Madrid, offering time for prayer, candlelight processions, and Mass celebrations.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Rome

Arrival at Rome International Airport. After immigration, begin a guided pilgrimage tour visiting the Holy Steps (Scala Santa), St. John Lateran Basilica, and an outside view of the Colosseum. Visit St. Paul’s Outside the Walls (time permitting). Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 02 :

Papal Audience – Vatican Tour

Breakfast and transfer to St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience (subject to the Pope’s schedule). After lunch, explore Vatican City including the Vatican Museums, Galleries, Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo frescoes, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 03 :

Rome – Assisi – Pisa

Depart for Assisi, the town of St. Francis. Visit St. Clare’s Church, Basilica of St. Francis, and Santa Maria degli Angeli (Porziuncola Chapel). Continue to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower. Dinner and overnight in Pisa.

Day 04 :

Pisa – Padua – Venice

Travel to Padua to visit the Shrine of St. Anthony (Mass celebration if possible). Continue to Venice Island by ferry, visit St. Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge area, and witness glass-blowing demonstrations (time permitting). Dinner and overnight in Venice.

Day 05 :

Venice – Milan – Engelberg

Proceed to Milan for a visit to the famous Duomo Cathedral (if time permits). Continue to Engelberg, Switzerland. Dinner and overnight in Engelberg.

Day 06 :

Mt. Titlis – Lucerne City Tour

Ascend Mt. Titlis via the Titlis Rotair revolving gondola for snow and alpine views. Later visit Lucerne for a city tour including Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, and shopping time. Dinner and overnight in Engelberg.

Day 07 :

Zurich – Rhine Falls – Black Forest – Heppenheim

Travel to Zurich for a short orientation, then visit the spectacular Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen. Continue through Germany’s Black Forest with a stop at a cuckoo clock factory before reaching Heppenheim. Dinner and overnight in Heppenheim.

Day 08 :

Heppenheim – Cologne – Amsterdam

Drive to Cologne and visit Cologne Cathedral and key churches including Great St. Martin. After lunch, continue to Amsterdam. Dinner and overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 09 :

Amsterdam – Madurodam – Brussels

City tour of Amsterdam covering canals, Dam Square, and windmills. Visit Madurodam miniature park. Proceed to Brussels for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 :

Brussels – Paris

Morning city tour of Brussels including Grand Place, Town Hall, and Cathedral of St. Michael. Continue to Paris. Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Day 11 :

Paris Sightseeing

Half-day panoramic tour covering Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and other landmarks. Enjoy a Seine River Cruise and visit the Eiffel Tower (2nd level, subject to availability). Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Day 12 :

Paris – Lourdes

Long scenic drive to Lourdes. Evening Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary (optional). Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 13 :

Lourdes Pilgrimage Activities

Full day for prayer and religious activities. Visit the Grotto, Basilica of St. Pius X, Rosary Basilica, and Bernadette’s home. Attend Mass in English if available. Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 14 :

Lourdes – Madrid

Drive to Madrid with packed lunch en route. Panoramic tour including Almudena Cathedral and key landmarks (subject to time). Dinner and overnight near Madrid.

Day 15 :

Madrid – Fatima

Travel to Fatima. Visit the Sanctuary where Our Lady appeared to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. Participate in the Candlelight Procession in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Day 16 :

Fatima – Lisbon – Departure

Morning Mass (time permitting). Proceed to Lisbon for a panoramic tour before airport transfer for departure flight.