Madeira Island, Santiago de Compostela, Spain Lisbon, Braga & Fatima, Portugal
May 1-11, 2008
with Fr. Neal Nichols, FSSP
His Imperial and Royal Apostolic Majesty
Blessed Emperor KARL I
By the Grace of God
Emperor of Austria
Prince of Trent
Travel itinerary
Day 1 - Evening departure from Newark onboard a nonstop flight to Lisbon.
Day 2 - Welcome to Portugal, one of Europe’s oldest countries, situated on the southwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. Although small in size, Portugal was once one of the most powerful nations in the world, changing the course of history during the Age of Exploration with their discovery of such faraway lands as India, Brazil, China and Japan. With deep roots in Catholicism, Portugal is one of the most traditional countries of Europe today. Enjoy a tour of this old world city set on seven low hills along the River Tejo. Stop at the magnificent Monastery of Jeronimos (16th Cnt.), built to commemorate Vasco Da Gama's famous voyage to India and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success. Then drive into the ancient Alfama district where St. Anthony (of Padua) was born and raised. Visit the church built over his birthplace and the 12th Cnt. Se Cathedral where he was baptized. Overnight at the Hotel Miraparque in Lisbon.
Day 3 - Morning departure from Lisbon on a flight to Madeira Island, "Floating Garden of the Atlantic", situated 500 miles southwest of mainland Portugal. Mid-morning arrival in Madeira's capital city of Funchal and transfer to the Regency Palace, a colonial style hotel on the western edge of the city with stunning views of the mighty Atlantic and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe. Afternoon tour of Funchal and the mountainous area surrounding the city (the Monte). Learn of the exile to this island of Blessed Karl I, last emperor of the Hapsburg Dynasty in Austria-Hungary, a true apostle of the reforms of social justice called for in the papal encyclical, Rerum Novarum, and the only ruler in Europe to support Pope Benedict XV’s peace initiative during WWI. See the home where he and his family lived and where he died a holy death in 1922 and the Church of Our Lady of the Monte where he is buried. Then take an exciting wicker-back toboggan ride down to the historic center of Funchal to visit a beautiful 15th Cnt. cathedral and a vibrant city market where we will learn of Madeira’s most famous exports; wine and embroidered linens. Overnight in Funchal.
Day 4 - Set out on an unforgettable island excursion! Beginning along the coastal road, drive to the fishing villages of Camara Dos Lobos (a favorite of Winston Churchill) and Ribeiro Brava. See the fascinating laurissilva forest, with its lush vegetation. Drive to Porto Moniz, noted for its natural rock pools for lunch. Return to Funchal by way of the mysterious plateau and uplands of the Paul da Serra. Overnight in Funchal.
Day 5 - Morning at leisure before departing on a flight to northern Portugal. Mid-afternoon arrival in Oporto and transfer to the ancient city of Braga; known as the "Portuguese Rome" on account of its many beautiful churches, Baroque religious architecture and long ecclesiastical influence. Overnight at the Hotel do Elevador, a hillside villa next to the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with beautiful views overlooking Braga.
Day 6 - After a visit to the holy Sanctuary of Bom Jesus with its famous Baroque stairway, set out northwards along an ancient pilgrim route, the Camino Portugues, to the Shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain (Galicia). Late afternoon arrival and overnight at the Parador Dos Reis Catolicos, one of the oldest hotels in the world, originating in 1499 as a hospital built by Queen Isabella next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Day 7 - Morning visit to the 1000 year old cathedral with its magnificent Baroque facade and graceful Romanesque interior. Descend into the crypt to pray in front of a reliquary containing the bones of St. James the Apostle and learn the amazing story of how his tomb was discovered. Afternoon departure southwards for Fatima, Portugal. Evening arrival in Fatima and check-in at the Casa Dominicanas for the next four nights.
Day 8 - Morning visit to the Fatima Sanctuary where three shepherd children, Bl. Jacinta & Francisco Marto and their cousin, Lucia Santos, were visited by the Virgin Mary in 1917, when Europe was in the midst of WWI. Along with Pope Benedict XV and Bl. Emperor Karl, Our Lady also spoke of peace, and beseeched the children to pray the Rosary daily to attain it. Visit the chapel of apparitions and the basilica wherein are the shepherds tombs. Afternoon free. Nightly Rosary & candlelight procession.
Day 9 - Full day excursion through the Portuguese countryside to the Atlantic coast. Along the way, visit two historic landmarks attesting to the ages of faith in Portugal: the gothic Monastery of Batalha (built to fulfill a promise made to Our Lady) and the Monastery of Alcobaca (established by St. Bernard). Upon reaching the Silver Coast, visit Nazare, famous for its stunning beaches, typical fishermans houses and steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 10 - Morning walking tour to the hamlet of Aljustrel where the shepherd children lived with their families. See their humble homes and the places where the Angel of Portugal visited the children in 1916. Afternoon free.
Day 11 - Morning departure for Lisbon Airport to board a flight to Newark.
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Details
Dates: May 1-11, 2008
Cost: $2640 + $305 in airport taxes
and fuel surcharge includes:
- R/T airfare from Newark, NJ on TAP Air Portugal
- Land travel by luxury coach
- 9 nights 3/4* hotel accommodations w/ private bath
- Breakfast & dinner daily and four lunches
- All guided touring (as on itinerary)
- Daily Traditional Holy Mass
Cost is based on dbl. room occ.
<for single room occ. add $495>
To download a brochure, click here
To reserve a space, please
fill out the application on the brochure
and send it with a $300 deposit to:
SYVERSEN TOURING
The Village Centre - P.O Box 509
Bangall, NY 12506 /Ph: 1-800-334-5425