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Marian Shrines &...
 

Marian Shrines & the Way of St. James

14 days |  16 days with Lisbon extension
14 days |  16 days with Lisbon extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

66
Physical activity
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Trace the route devout pilgrims have walked since the middle ages.

Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims as you make your way through France, Spain, and Portugal on this immersive tour. As you go, admire some of the holiest sites in Christendom and step inside soaring churches where people have prayed for centuries. From bustling Toulouse and historic Lourdes to the ancient streets of Santiago de Compostela, spirituality comes to the forefront on this memorable journey.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 7 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • Basilica of St. Sernin
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
  • The Way of St. James
  • Burgos Cathedral
  • Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
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Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Toulouse today.

Toulouse2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Toulouse
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Toulouse
Included meal: Breakfast

Set out with a local guide for a walking tour of Toulouse.

  • Explore the Place du Capitole, a square lined with grand government buildings
  • Browse fresh flowers as you stroll through the outdoor market (seasonal)
  • Step inside the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Admire the imposing Church of the Jacobins, the  city’s historic Bernuy Mansion, and the Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques
Lourdes2 nights
Day 4: Transfer to Lourdes & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer to Lourdes, France’s most sacred Christian pilgrimage site, for a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Visit the houses of Bernadette
  • Enter the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to see the Rosary Basilica and the Grotto of Massabielle, a healing site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared
  • Step inside the Basilica of Saint Pius X, completed in 1957

Enjoy a free evening to attend the Marian Procession, which has occurred every night since 1872, ending at a mass in the Grotto of the Apparition.

Day 5: Free day in Lourdes
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free day in Lourdes. If you choose, attend an international mass in the Basilica of St. Pius X during the morning. This afternoon, you may spend free time attending the Blessed Sacrament Procession at an open-air altar.

Please note: The procession lasts one hour. In the event of inclement weather, the procession will take place inside the Basilica of St. Pius X.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Zaragoza1 night
Day 6: Zaragoza via Jaca
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to Zaragoza, Spain, driving along a French portion of the Way of St. James in the Pyranees Mountains as you go. Stop in the Spanish town of Jaca for free time before arriving in Zaragoza, the capital of the historic Aragon region.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Burgos2 nights
Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Zaragoza
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a tour of Zaragoza.

  • See the Plaza de las Catedrales and La Seo, an architecturally impressive cathedral
  • Enter the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a major pilgrimage center that was built after a Marian apparition appeared on the bank of the Ebro River

This afternoon, transfer to Burgos, another important city along the Way of St. James.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Burgos
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Burgos.

  • Stroll through the city center and take in the beauty of Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Step inside the enormous Gothic structure to admire the architecture of its chapels
  • See the tombs of El Cid and his wife, both buried in the cathedral in 1919

Enjoy a free afternoon in Burgos or add an excursion.

Burgos & the Way of St. James Walk

From $89 per person

León1 night
Day 9: Transfer to León & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, continue on to León for a guided walking tour.

  • View Plaza Mayor and the 14th-century Palace of Count Luna
  • Admire the Palacio de los Guzmanes and the striking Casa de los Botines, designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí
  • Step inside León Cathedral, which was built over ancient Roman baths
  • Enter the Romanesque Basílica de San Isidoro, which dates back to the 11th century

Sit down for an included dinner.

Santiago de Compostela2 nights
Day 10: Transfer to Santiago de Compostela
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Santiago de Compostela, the UNESCO-listed destination of medieval pilgrims. Stop along the way at the Monte de Gozo, or “Hill of Joy,” which is the site where pilgrims can first look at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in the distance.

Spend a free afternoon in Santiago de Compostela or add excursions.

Melide & the Way of St. James Walk

From $105 per person

Traditional Galician Dinner

From $125 per person

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Santiago de Compostela
Included meal: Breakfast

Walk through Santiago de Compostela, a town that once ranked just behind Jerusalem and Rome as one of Christendom’s most important pilgrimage sites.

  • Stroll along the ancient city’s narrow streets and stop at Parque de la Alameda
  • Enter the Gothic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which marks the end of the Way of St. James

Enjoy free time in Santiago de Compostela or add an excursion.

Cape Finisterre Coastal Pilgrimage

From $89 per person

Fátima2 nights
Day 12: Transfer to Fátima
Included meal: Breakfast

Cross the border into Portugal as you journey to Fátima. Enjoy free time or attend an afternoon mass or evening candlelight rosary procession.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Fátima
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Join a local guide for a tour of Fátima, the famous Catholic site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared six times to three young shepherds.

  • Step inside the Houses of Jacinta to learn more about the three Secrets of Fátima
  • Enter the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and explore its grotto

Later, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Lisbon airport for your flight home or continue your journey in the Portuguese capital.

Extension to Lisbon
Continue your trip and keep exploring some of Portugal’s most important sacred sites. With stops in the cities of Tomar and Santarém, along with a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, it’s the perfect addition to your journey.
Lisbon2 nights
Day 14: Lisbon via Tomar & Santarém
Included meal: Breakfast

Continue on to Lisbon, making two stops along the way.

  • Join a local guide during a visit to the city of Tomar, where you’ll enter the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ
  • Enjoy a brief visit to Santarém, a city located on the Portuguese Way of St. James

Enjoy a free afternoon in the city or add an excursion.

Fado Show & Dinner

From $145 per person

Day 15: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide.

  • Admire views of the city from Eduardo VII Park and pass the Praça Marquês de Pombal as you travel along Avenida da Liberdade
  • Stop at the waterfront to discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belém
  • Enter the church at Jerónimos Monastery, built to honor voyagers
  • Walk from Praça do Comércio into the Alfama district
  • Step inside Santo António Church, the site where many believe Saint Anthony of Padua was born

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 66 authentic traveler reviews
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    4 out of 5 stars

    France, Spain, Portugal
    10/18/23 by 5th-time traveler Barbara

    Excellent food and wine, great tours, memorable trip. Met many nice people!

    5 out of 5 stars

    Marian Shrines
    9/6/23 by 5th-time traveler Tim

    The tour director was excellent; Raul was easygoing, yet totally engaged. His knowledge of various encounters, was extremely impressive. Raul treated each participant with respect; yet, as if we were long time friends. I unexpectedly needed wheelchair assistance, he was professional and genuine in...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 10/27/23

    We are so glad that your Tour Director went above ...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Marian shrines
    9/6/23 by 3rd-time traveler Linda

    We really enjoyed the whole tour. Raul was absolutely wonderful. He was there for all of us if we had a problem. The tour itself was inspiring. I bonded with every one because of (L think) of the people and the tour.

    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Hôtel Mercure Toulouse Centre Wilson Capitole
    Hôtel Mercure Toulouse Centre Wilson Capitole

    This modern hotel is located in downtown Toulouse. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, bar, and sun deck. Nearby, you'll find the Basilica of St. S...

    Read more +
    Mercure Lourdes Imperial
    Mercure Lourdes Imperial

    This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Lourdes. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find the Gave de Pau River, the San...

    Read more +
    Hotel Catalonia El Pilar
    Hotel Catalonia El Pilar

    This modernist style hotel is located in Zaragoza's Old Town. Guests enjoy the fitness center, on-site coffee house, and restaurant. Nearby you'll fin...

    Read more +
    Abba Burgos Hotel
    Abba Burgos Hotel

    This well located hotel is right next to the historic center of Burgos. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and bar. Nearby you'll find Burg...

    Read more +
    AC Hotel Leon San Antonio
    AC Hotel Leon San Antonio

    This modern hotel is located in León City Center. Guests enjoy bicycle rentals, a Turkish bath, and fitness center. Nearby, you'll find The Cathedral ...

    Read more +
    Compostela Hotel
    Compostela Hotel

    This modern hotel housed in a historic building is located in Santiago de Compostela's Plaza de Galicia. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, bar and ...

    Read more +
    Hotel Santa Maria
    Hotel Santa Maria

    This spacious hotel is located around the corner from the Sanctuary in Fátima, Portugal. Guests enjoy the artwork featuring Portuguese artists, on-sit...

    Read more +
    Hotel Sana Malhoa
    Hotel Sana Malhoa

    This comfortable atmosphere hotel is located on Avenida José Malhoa in the heart of Lisbon. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, ...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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