Overview
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On this tour to Lourdes, 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 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 believed to have healing waters. Every evening, you can join other pilgrims in the Candlelight Marian Procession and attend the evening 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.
Accompanied by a dedicated Tour Director and other savvy, value-minded travelers desiring an inspirational journey, this pilgrimage to Lourdes is the perfect way to reaffirm your faith.
Highlights
CHATEAU-FORT Visit the Castle and the Pyrenean arts and culture exhibition;
A local expert will accompany you on some of the activities for a deeper understanding of the Marian message
M MASS SERVICES: Daily Mass, Rosary and candlelight Processions to be attended with the group or at leisure (all in local language and venues subject to change).
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners
ARRIVE IN LOURDES, FRANCE
Day1
Check into your hotel, then meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey.
LOURDES.
Day2
Start your experience by meeting other pilgrims by the statue of the crowned Virgin, La Vierge Couronnée, where your local spiritual expert will unveil the meaning of the message of Lourdes. Later attend the M 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 candlelight Procession, which takes place every evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LOURDES
Day3
Time for introspection and silence and the possibility to further explore on your own or follow the WAY OF THE CROSS on a wooded hillside area with other pilgrims. Attend M 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LOURDES
Day4
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 the Marian 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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LOURDES
Day5
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.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LOURDES.
Day6
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Toulouse.)
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
The daily sequence of activities is subject to change.Departure February 9 Anniversary of the first Lourdes Apparition; Departure April 13 feast of St. Bernardette.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Mercure Lourdes Imperial
Superior Tourist-Class
Occupying a fantastic central position alongside the river Gave and just a few minutes' walk away from the sanctuaries, this 1940s style hotel has 88 comfortable, well-equipped air-conditioned guest rooms with coffee/tea-making facilities and free Wi-Fi access. Traditional cuisine is served in an Art Déco setting in the main restaurant and there is also a 24 hour easy-access bar providing snacks and drinks.
Location
3 Av. Du Paradis, Lourdes, France
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Window Opens
- Phone
- Wake-Up Calls
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
