Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - October 11th
Depart Newark International Airport on a nonstop United Airlines flight to Paris.
Day 2 - October 12th
Morning arrival into Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport. Meet our guide and coach for a transfer into the city center taking us first to the steps of Montmartre. From here ascend to the magnificent Basilica of Sacre Coeur for a visit and take in the spectacular view of the city. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of highlights of Paris by bus passing by the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Champs-Elysees to the Place de la Concorde. Embark on a boat ride on the River Seine to enjoy the sites with historical commentary. Experience incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Neuf and Notre Dame Cathedral from the fantastic vantage point on the water. Mid-afternoon check-in and overnight in Paris.
Day 3 - October 13th
This morning visit Sainte-Chapelle (magnificent stained-glass windows). Make a stop at the famous 13th century Church of San Sulpice in the Latin Quarter and pass by the Sorbonne University. Then make a stop the Place de Nation and nearby Picpus Cemetery to celebrate the Carmelites of Compiegne. Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris. You may want to take the opportunity to explore Louvre Museum or ascend the Eiffel Tower. Overnight in Paris.
Day 4 - October 14th
This morning visit the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac and the Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul. Afternoon departure on the TGV (fast train) from Paris Montparnasse to Lourdes with an early evening arrival (in time for dinner). Candlelight and evening Rosary and Procession. Overnight in Lourdes.
Day 5 - October 15th
Full day to enjoy Lourdes. Morning orientation tour of the Shrine followed free time to experience the healing water of Lourdes by participating in the "Water Gesture" prayer. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour in the footsteps of St. Bernadette to see sites connected to her life. Evening Rosary and candlelight Procession. Overnight in Lourdes.
Day 6 - October 16th
Morning departure from Lourdes. Travel east with the Pyrenees Mountains in view. Late morning arrival in Toulouse to visit the Couvent des Jacobins, the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas (author of the Summa Theologica and Doctor of the Church). Then continue to the ancient city of Avignon, passing by the walled City of Carcassonne where St. Dominic preached the Rosary and quelled the Albigensian heresy. Overnight in Avignon.
Day 7 - October 17th
Full day to enjoy Avignon, city of the Popes from 1309 to 1377. Situated on the Rhone River, the origins of this city date back to pre-Christian times and it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This morning take a tour of the Papal Palace and the ancient streets of the city. Afternoon free to explore the city or to take a walk on the Pont Saint-Benezet. Overnight in Avignon.
Day 8 - October 18th
Morning departure from Avignon as we travel north to the Village of Ars for Mass at the Basilica of Ars (resting place of incorrupt St. Jean Vianney). Here learn about the heroic life of St. Jean Vianney (Patron of Parish Priests). Continue north to the province of Burgundy to check in to our hotel in quaint city of Beaune (surrounded by exquisite vineyards). Overnight in Beaune.
Day 9 - October 19th
Today travel a short distance to Dijon, Capitol of Burgundy (one of the most important wine producing areas of France). Our first stop will be at the Carmel of Flavignerot (located in the hills overlooking Dijon) for Mass and to meet the sisters and learn about the life of young St. Elizabeth of the Trinity. She was canonized in 2016. Enjoy some free time in Dijon city center and visit the 15th century Church of San-Michel (containing the relics of St. Elizabeth). On the return to Beaune, pass by the ancient Abbey of Citeaux (where St. Bernard of Clairvaux, reformer of the Cistercians and Doctor of the Church resided). Our final stop today will be at the magnificent Hotel-Dieu (Hospice de Beaune and former hospital) founded by the Chancellor of Burgundy in 1443 to care for patients (noble and commoners alike). Overnight in Beaune.
Day 10 - October 20th
Morning departure from Beaune. A beautiful day to make a pilgrimage stop in Paray-le-Monial also known as the city of the Sacred Heart. Late morning arrival with time to visit the Convent of the Visitation where, in 1674 for 13 months, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received revelations from Christ asking for reparation for sins committed against His Sacred Heart. Also visit the Chapel of St. Claude Colombiere, a Jesuit priest who was the spiritual director to St. Mary Alocoque. Then continue on to Saint-Blaise in the French Alps overlooking looking Lake Geneva, Switzerland for overnight.
Day 11 - October 21st
This morning travel southwest to Chartreuse to see the Carthusian Monastery founded by St. Bruno in 1084. It was this monastery that inspired the filming of the movie, “Into the Great Silence”. Here visit the modern-day museum and then take a walk up to the Monastery to experience "the silence". On our return to St. Blaise we will make our last but very important stop in the colorful city of Annecy (known as the Venice of the Alps) situated on beautiful Lake Annecy. Here visit the Basilica of the Visitation which houses the tombs of St. Francis de Sales (Bishop of Geneva) and St. Jane de Chantal (Founder of the Visitation Order that St. Margaret Mary Alacoque joined). Tonight enjoy our farewell dinner to reminisce all the beautiful sites.
Morning departure for nearby Geneva, Switzerland Airport to board a nonstop flight to Newark (United). Early afternoon arrival.