Spain and Lourdes: In the Footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola

ITINERARY

Day 1: Thursday March 5 - Depart the USA

Depart the USA on overnight flights to Barcelona International Airport (BCA).

Day 2: Friday, March 6 - Arrival in Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival, meet your local tour manager and transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to refresh. In the evening, gather for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and a welcome dinner to begin your journey in the footsteps of St. Ignatius. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 3: Saturday, March 7 - Catholic Barcelona

Today we explore the Catholic treasures of Barcelona, encountering the faith through the city’s magnificent sacred art and architecture. Begin with a visit to Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, a towering catechism in stone. Continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, then ascend to Tibidabo, where the Church of the Sacred Heart overlooks the city from its highest point— a perfect place for prayer and   breathtaking views. Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration. After lunch, visit the serene San Pau del Camp, one of Barcelona’s oldest churches, and the Gothic beauty of the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes. Dinner and overnight in Barcelona.

Day 4: Sunday, March 8 - Montserrat & Manresa

Journey into the heart of Ignatius’ conversion. Our first stop is the majestic mountain sanctuary of Montserrat, where Ignatius laid down his sword before the Black Madonna, renouncing his former worldly life. After time for prayer, continue to Manresa, where Ignatius spent nearly a year in solitude and penance, receiving the inspirations that would form the Spiritual Exercises. Visit the Cave of St. Ignatius and the Cardoner River, then Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration. Return to Barcelona for a special paella cooking class and dinner. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 5: Monday, March 9 - Ignatius’s Barcelona

Step back into the 16th century as we trace Ignatius’ time as a student in Barcelona. Walk down St. Ignatius Street where he lived, and visit the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor, where a providential encounter saved his life. At Santa Maria del Mar, see the spot where Ignatius would beg for alms. Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration. Continue to the Barcelona Cathedral, where Ignatius spent hours in adoration in the crypt, and the Casa de l’Ardiaca, linked to Francis Borgia and the early Jesuits (time permitting). End the day at the Church of the Sacred Heart, which currently houses the sword Ignatius left at Montserrat. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 6: Tuesday, March 10 - Zaragoza

Depart Barcelona for Zaragoza to venerate Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the oldest Marian shrines in   Christendom and a place of pilgrimage for Ignatius. Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration before exploring the historic city center. Dinner and overnight in Zaragoza.

Day 7: Wednesday, March 11 - Loyola | San Sebastian

Travel north to the Sanctuary of Loyola, Ignatius’ birthplace, where we will visit his childhood home and the   room where he converted, now a chapel. Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration. Overnight in the beautiful seaside city of San Sebastián.

Day 8: Thursday, March 12 - Journey to Lourdes

This morning, Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic adoration in a local church in San Sebastian. Then, we cross into France and make our way to Lourdes, one of the world’s most beloved Marian apparition sites. In the evening, join pilgrims from around the globe for the recitation of the Holy Rosary. 

Overnight in Lourdes.

Day 9: Friday, March 13 - A Day with Our Lady

Spend a full day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Celebrate Mass followed by a time of Eucharistic   adoration. Pray at the Grotto, walk the Stations of the Cross, and experience the healing waters of the Lourdes baths. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner and overnight in Lourdes.

Day 10: Saturday, March 14 - Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the Toulouse airport for your return flight home, carrying with you all the graces of your journey in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change