7 day itinerary for Europe Pilgrimage

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Rome, Italy

Welcome to the Eternal City! Start your pilgrimage by visiting the Vatican City, the spiritual center of Catholicism. Explore St. Peter's Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel, and attend a Papal audience if available. Take a stroll through the historic streets of Rome, visiting iconic sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

Day 2: Assisi, Italy

Travel to the picturesque town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the charming streets lined with medieval buildings. Take a moment to reflect at the Porziuncola, the small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order.

Day 3: Lourdes, France

Fly to Lourdes, a renowned pilgrimage site in the Pyrenees Mountains. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a young girl named Bernadette. Attend a mass, participate in the candlelight procession, and take a healing bath in the holy waters of the Grotto.

Day 4: Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Travel to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Explore the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James the Apostle are said to be buried. Attend the Pilgrim's Mass and witness the swinging of the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner.

Day 5: Fatima, Portugal

Fly to Fatima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, where three shepherd children reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Attend a mass at the Basilica, walk the Stations of the Cross, and light a candle at the Chapel of Apparitions.

Day 6: Mont Saint-Michel, France

Travel to Mont Saint-Michel, a mystical island commune in Normandy. Explore the medieval abbey perched atop the rocky island and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding bay. Attend a prayer service in the abbey and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this unique pilgrimage site.

Day 7: Return to Rome, Italy

Return to Rome for your departure. Take some time to reflect on your pilgrimage journey and visit any sites you may have missed on your first day. Enjoy a final Italian meal and bid farewell to the beautiful continent of Europe.

Remember, this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your preferences and time constraints. Safe travels on your pilgrimage!