Shrines of Our Lady
Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, and more
Lourdes, France
This beautifully balanced Marian pilgrimage traces a sacred path across Europe, drawing pilgrims into a deeper relationship with Christ through the loving intercession of His Mother. Traveling through France, Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans, the journey weaves together renowned Marian shrines, historic Christian cities, and time-honored pilgrimage routes that have shaped the faith of generations. Pilgrims visit Lourdes, where prayer at the Grotto of Massabielle invites quiet reflection on Mary’s call to humility and trust, before continuing through regions long associated with Marian devotion. In Portugal, time is set aside at Marian sanctuaries along the Atlantic coast, including the revered Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, a centuries-old shrine associated with protection at sea and enduring devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The pilgrimage then unfolds with prayerful days at Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where pilgrims are invited to slow the pace of daily life through Mass, the Rosary, and moments of personal devotion. The journey continues to Medjugorje, a place that has become a spiritual home for millions seeking renewal, reconciliation, and peace. Here, pilgrims experience a powerful atmosphere of conversion through communal prayer, Eucharistic adoration, confession, and time on Apparition Hill or Cross Mountain. Thoughtfully designed to nurture both the heart and the soul, this pilgrimage offers not simply a journey to holy places, but an invitation to encounter Mary’s gentle guidance at every step—drawing pilgrims more deeply into the life of faith and the abiding presence of Christ.
Your trip includes
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Round-trip airfare from Dulles International Airport
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Motorcoach transportation from your parish to Dulles (IAD) and back.
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All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
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Hotel accomodations:
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3 nights: Lourdes, France
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1 night: León, Spain
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3 nights: Fatima, Portugal
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3 nights: Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Single supplements, while available
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Transfers as per itinerary
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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Wine and mineral water with dinners
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Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
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Tour escort throughout
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Assistance of professional local Catholic guide(s) as appropriate
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Sightseeing and admission fees as per Itinerary
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Mass daily and spiritual activities
Not included:
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Lunches and beverages not mentioned
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Travel Insurance
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Tips to your guide & driver. (est. $100 total)
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Church donations (budget $2.00-$5.00 per Mass)
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Passports, visas, and any required travel documentation
Itinerary
Dulles International Airport
Day 1
After a pilgrimage Mass at your parish, transfer by coach bus to Dulles International Airport to catch an evening flight for arrival in Toulouse, France.
Day 2
Upon arrival in Toulouse, you will be warmly greeted by your local representatives and board a private motorcoach for a scenic two-hour drive through the foothills of the Pyrenees to Lourdes. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and gather for an early dinner as a group.
As evening approaches, enjoy free time before walking to the Sanctuary to participate in the renowned Candlelight Rosary Procession—a profoundly moving experience in which pilgrims from around the world unite in prayer, processing with candles as the Rosary is prayed in many languages. This beautiful and reverent tradition offers a powerful introduction to Lourdes and its spirit of faith and devotion. Following the procession, return to the hotel for a peaceful and restorative overnight stay.
Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, Spain
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Day 3
Spend your first full day in the serene pilgrimage town of Lourdes, nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. This sacred place invites prayer, reflection, and quiet contemplation at the very site of the Marian apparitions. Here in 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared eighteen times to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, a humble young girl, and revealed herself as “The Immaculate Conception.” During the first two apparitions, Bernadette prayed the Rosary silently with Our Lady, while in later visits the Blessed Mother spoke of God’s great love for humanity and called all people to penance, prayer, and conversion of heart.
While in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto where Our Lady appeared, drink from the miraculous spring whose waters have brought healing to countless pilgrims, and—if you wish—participate in the water gesture or bathe in the healing waters. Each evening, following dinner, you may join the beautiful Candlelight Rosary Procession, a profoundly moving expression of faith as pilgrims from around the world process together in prayer. Return to the hotel afterward for a peaceful and restorative overnight stay.
Day 4
Enjoy a second full day in Lourdes, beginning with a guided tour of the sites connected to the life of St. Bernadette, followed by the celebration of Mass. Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own and a free afternoon to further experience the grace and peace of Lourdes. You may participate in the Water Gesture or baths, pray the Rosary at the Grotto, spend quiet time in one of the beautiful churches, or meditate along the life-size Stations of the Cross overlooking the Grotto of Massabielle.
During your stay, you will also have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette, visiting Boly Mill—her birthplace—and the “Cachot,” the former prison where her family once lived in poverty.
At 5:00 p.m., join the Blessed Sacrament Procession, followed by Adoration and the Blessing of the Sick in the St. Pius X Underground Basilica. The evening concludes with dinner and the moving candlelight Rosary procession before a peaceful final night in Lourdes.
The Grotto of Massabielle
Shrine of Our Lady of Aránzazu
Day 5
Depart Lourdes after breakfast and begin your journey toward Fátima, traveling through the scenic landscapes of southern France and northern Spain. Shortly after crossing into Spain, arrive at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aránzazu, one of the most important Marian shrines in the Basque Country. Dramatically set high in the mountains, this striking sanctuary has been a place of devotion for centuries and offers time for prayer and reflection amid its peaceful natural surroundings. Lunch is enjoyed following the visit before continuing the journey westward.
In the afternoon, arrive in León to visit the Cathedral of León, dedicated to Saint Mary of Regla, and then to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Way, also known as Virgen del Camino. This beloved Marian shrine stands along the historic Camino de Santiago and has welcomed pilgrims for centuries as they journey toward Santiago de Compostela. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared here in the early 16th century, offering guidance and protection to travelers on the road. Today, the modern basilica—marked by its striking façade and profound sense of devotion—continues to serve as a spiritual refuge for pilgrims seeking Our Lady’s intercession and safe passage. Today, the modern basilica—marked by its striking façade and profound sense of devotion—continues to serve as a spiritual refuge for pilgrims seeking Our Lady’s intercession and safe passage. Following this meaningful visit, check into your local hotel in León, gather for dinner as a group, and enjoy a restful evening at the close of a rich day of pilgrimage.
Day 6
Begin the day with a scenic drive south to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro, one of Portugal’s most important Marian shrines and a place of deep national devotion. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of Braga, the sanctuary offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for prayer and reflection. Time is reserved to visit the basilica, learn about the devotion to Our Lady of Sameiro—closely associated with the Immaculate Conception—and enjoy the serenity of this beautiful pilgrimage site before continuing onward.
Following lunch, continue westward to the dramatic Atlantic coast and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, famed for its ancient Marian devotion and striking seaside setting. Here, pilgrims visit the shrine that houses the revered image of Our Lady of Nazaré, long venerated by fishermen and sailors who entrusted themselves to her protection. After time to explore the sanctuary and take in the breathtaking coastal views, travel inland to Fátima. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and gather for dinner together, preparing spiritually for the profound experiences awaiting at one of the world’s most significant Marian pilgrimage destinations.
Sameiro Sanctuary, Braga, Spain
Fatima, Portugal
Day 7
Begin your day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, the sacred place where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in 1917 to three shepherd children—Saint Francisco Marto, Saint Jacinta Marto, and Sister Lúcia. Ample time is provided for prayer at the Chapel of the Apparitions, the spiritual heart of Fátima and the exact location of Our Lady’s appearances. Celebrate Mass within the Sanctuary and reflect prayerfully on Mary’s enduring call to conversion, penance, and peace.
In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where Saints Francisco and Jacinta are laid to rest, followed by time at the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Enjoy free time for private devotion, confession, or quiet reflection across the vast esplanade. After dinner, return to the Sanctuary for the unforgettable Candlelight Rosary Procession—a deeply moving experience as pilgrims from around the world unite in prayer, lifting candles in reverent honor of Our Lady of Fátima.
Day 8
Begin the day with Mass, then travel to Valinhos, where Our Lady appeared in August 1917. From here, pilgrims set out on the Stations of the Cross along the serene Via Sacra, following the quiet path that leads to the Chapel of St. Stephen. This contemplative walk through olive groves and open countryside provides a profound setting to meditate on Christ’s Passion while reflecting on the sacrifices willingly embraced by the Fatima children in response to Our Lady’s call.
The pilgrimage continues to the nearby village of Aljustrel, where visits to the humble homes of the three shepherd children offer insight into their simple lives and extraordinary faith. Returning to the Sanctuary, time is provided for additional prayer and reflection on Fatima’s enduring message of repentance, devotion to the Rosary, and trust in God’s mercy. Enjoy free time in Fatima before dinner for personal devotion, journaling, or quiet prayer. In the evening, return once more to the Sanctuary to participate in a second Candlelight Rosary Procession—an unforgettable and prayerful farewell to Fatima before departing the following morning.
Fatima - Stations of the Cross
Day 9
After breakfast, depart Fátima and transfer to Lisbon Airport for your flight to Medjugorje, marking the transition from one great Marian shrine to another. As you leave Portugal, take time to reflect on the graces received at Fátima and the Blessed Virgin Mary’s enduring call to prayer, conversion, and peace.
Upon arrival, the pilgrimage continues toward Medjugorje, where pilgrims from around the world gather in response to Our Lady’s invitation to deeper faith, reconciliation, and trust in God. This travel day provides a natural moment of spiritual reflection, preparing hearts and minds for the unique prayerful atmosphere and experiences that await at this remarkable place of devotion.
Day 10
After breakfast, gather at St. James Church, the parish church that has become the spiritual heart of Medjugorje since the reported apparitions began in 1981. Here, an orientation is offered to introduce the history of Medjugorje, the visionaries, and the Church’s pastoral guidance regarding the site. Time is set aside for quiet prayer and reflection, allowing pilgrims to open their hearts to Our Lady’s messages of peace, conversion, fasting, and prayer.
In the evening, participate fully in the International Evening Prayer Program at St. James Church, which typically includes the Rosary, Holy Mass, and seasonal devotions such as Eucharistic Adoration or Veneration of the Cross. This communal prayer—shared with pilgrims from around the world—is one of the most powerful experiences of Medjugorje, emphasizing unity, reconciliation, and devotion to Christ. After dinner, pilgrims may remain in silent prayer, spend time journaling, or seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for which Medjugorje is especially known.
Day 11
Begin the day with an early ascent of Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), where the first reported apparitions of Our Lady occurred. Praying the Rosary along the rocky path, pilgrims pause at key points marked by reliefs depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, reflecting on Mary’s gentle call to faith, humility, and perseverance. Reaching the statue of Our Lady at the summit offers a powerful moment of personal prayer and consecration, often described by pilgrims as one of deep interior peace.
Later in the day, travel to Cross Mountain (Križevac) for the Stations of the Cross. This steep and penitential climb culminates at the large concrete cross erected in 1934, symbolizing suffering, redemption, and hope. Along the way, pilgrims meditate on Christ’s Passion, uniting their prayers and sacrifices with His. The afternoon may include a visit to a local prayer community or testimony of conversion, followed by free time for Adoration, confession, or personal prayer. The day concludes with a final pilgrims' dinner and a an evening of reflection, allowing pilgrims to internalize Medjugorje’s enduring call to peace, reconciliation, and trust in God.
Day 12
An early morning marks the start of our journey home as we depart for the return flight. Upon arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport, a private motorcoach will be waiting to transfer you back to the parish church from which the pilgrimage began, bringing this sacred journey to a peaceful and prayerful close.
AMDG Travel Disclaimer
From time to time, local religious or national holidays, weather, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to the sequence of activities or result in the omission of certain sites or events. While every effort will be made to operate the itinerary as planned, the itinerary should be understood as an indication of the planned schedule rather than a binding guarantee of specific stops or events. Hotels listed on the itinerary have been carefully selected and contracted in advance for this pilgrimage. However, due to availability changes, operational requirements, or circumstances beyond our control, it may occasionally be necessary to substitute a hotel. In such cases, AMDG Travel will secure accommodations of equivalent or higher quality, consistent with the overall standard, location, and character of the pilgrimage.
