Overview
Operated by ?
Small Group Discovery
Each Cosmos faith-based vacation is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted vacation, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
2021 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
