10 Day Pilgrimage to Italy and France

Upon arrival in Milan you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. They will transport you to your hotel where we will take a moment to relax and unpack before enjoying a warm welcome dinner in Italy. Enjoy a relaxing evening with your fellow pilgrims in Milan. 

Today we explore Milan, a metropolis in Italy's northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its high-end restaurants and shops. The Gothic Duomo di Milano Cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, housing Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” testify to centuries of art and culture. Enjoy your visit and spend some time on your own for last minute shopping and browsing.

This morning, we wake up in the city of Turin, capital of the Piedmont region and home of the famous Shroud of Turin. Although the shroud is not being shown, we will visit its home - the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist where Blessed Giorgio Frassati in buried. Visit Corpus Domini - site of the Eucharistic Miracle.

Following lunch visit the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice, The Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, completed in 1868. This Church in Turin was originally part of a home for poor boys founded by Saint John Bosco, which now contains his Tomb with the relics of St Dominic Savio and other saints. Castelnuovo Don Bosco, the birthplace of St. John Bosco in the province of Asti.

Today, you will have early breakfast and then board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass, enjoy a tour of the "city paved with water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries.

Upon arriving at Pau or Toulouse airport, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver. Embark on scenic drive to Lourdes. Check-in to your hotel and relax or explore before dinner. Following dinner, you will have free time to pray the Rosary and attend a candlelight procession.

Over the next two days, you will wake up in a small town that is nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another site of Our Lady's apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself as "The Immaculate Conception", near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady and left without any exchange of words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God's love for us, penance and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette; watch a video presentation that explains, in detail, the story of Lourdes; drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many; and submerge yourself in the healing baths. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love, as you meditate upon the "life size" Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle.

Also, while in Lourdes, you will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. Your group will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary before a restful overnight.

In Paris you will visit and celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. Afterwards, we will visit the famous Eiffel Tower. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity during your free time to ascend a staircase to the Dome where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Following this visit, we will depart for Lisieux. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the "greatest saint of modern times." Her extraordinary love for God and service to humanity will come alive as you walk in the great Saint's footsteps. During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese, and the magnificent mosaics and stained glass that are contained within. In the evening, we return to our hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow pilgrims. Day

Today we board our return flight home. This concludes our services, thank you for traveling with Holy Travel.