Walk the camino with faith based tours

The history of the Camino de Santiago goes back to the 9th Century, when the tomb of the evangelical apostle St. James was discovered in what is today Santiago de Compostela. Since then, pilgrims from all over the world have walked St. James' Way, originally seeking forgiveness for their sins, and nowadays often just to spend time on a journey of personal growth. This is a challenging experience as it involves a significant physical effort as you walk through forests and along busy roads for many miles each day for a total of approximately 71 miles. 

This combination of our popular faith-based vacations, “Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain” and “Spiritual Highlights of Italy,” is ideal to experience the most treasured shrines of Europe. Start your journey with the visit of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon; experience the peacefulness of the Fátima sanctuary, and the monumental stairway of the Bom Jesus du Monte Sanctuary in Braga. Continuing to Spain, take in the spiritual atmosphere of the pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela and of the Burgos Cathedral. Hear the story of St. Ignacio, founder of the Jesuit Order, in Loyola and Monresa, where he lived and worked. Take advantage of the opportunity to collect in prayer at the Marian Sanctuaries of Lourdes, France and Montserrat, Catalonia, before witnessing the lively beauty of Barcelona and flying to Rome, the center of Christianity. Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) and see Rome’s four major basilicas, along with the Holy Steps and the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Follow in the footsteps of the most celebrated Italian saints: St. Francis in his hometown, Assisi, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina in San Giovanni Rotondo. Spend time at the Marian Sanctuary of Loreto and discover the hillside town of Cascia, St. Rita’s hometown. Mass will be celebrated at most shrines with many opportunities for reflection and prayer. 

Rediscover the wonders of nature and the stillness of the mind on this scenic blend of the Portuguese and the Spiritual routes of the Camino de Santiago. The walk will cover a total of approximately 75 miles. Take time to reect, contemplate, meditate, and give this challenge the meaning you prefer, whether spiritual, religious, physical, or just an opportunity to meet like-minded people. After landing in Porto, start your journey by walking across the Portuguese-Spanish border on the bridge over the Minho river. Drive to the coastal town of Baiona and walk the Portuguese Way skirting the Atlantic Ocean to Pontevedra. From there, join the Spiritual Variant towards the Ulla River in Cambados and experience a boat cruise to Padrón. 

On this inspirational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the  Catholic icons of Rome, such as the four major Basilicas, the Scala  Sancta and the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo; attend the  Papal Audience, learn about some of Italy’s beloved Saints, and  celebrate Mass. Learn about St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern-day saint,  visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, gather in prayer at the Sanctuary  of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, reflect in the Holy House of  the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and admire the timeless beauty of the  Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi. Italy is a must for  Catholic travelers and art lovers.

Catholic heritage in Italy extends well beyond the Vatican. Discover the  inspiring Catholic Italian icons of northern Italy. From Milan’s St.  Ambrose to Turin’s St. John Bosco and Padua’s St. Anthony, you’ll  collect memories and inspiration that will remain with you for life.  Visit the Holy Shroud Museum in Turin and the Gothic Duomo in Milan, and  marvel at the unique beauty of the Carthusian Monastery of Pavia.  Discover the history of musical notes at the Abbey of Pomposa and admire  in awe the early Christian works of art of the Byzantine era in  Ravenna. Spend two full days in Rome, focusing on the Papal legacies.  Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability), visit the four  major Basilicas of Rome, join Mass, and collect in prayer at many  inspiring places of worship instilling a sense of solemnity and  serenity. Enjoy a special treat as you visit the Papal summer residence  in Castel Gandolfo and its gardens, the perfect spot to meditate  surrounded by beauty.

On this inspirational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the  Catholic icons of Rome, such as the four major Basilicas, the Scala  Sancta, and the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo. You will also  attend the Papal Audience, learn about some of Italy’s beloved Saints,  and celebrate Mass. Learn about St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern-day  saint; visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, gather in prayer at the  Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, reflect in the Holy  House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and admire the timeless  beauty of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi. Italy is  a must for Catholic travelers and art lovers. By spending an additional  couple of days in the atmospheric pilgrimage site of Medjugorje,  complete an even more memorable spiritual experience, visiting the town  where the Virgin appeared to some visionaries to send a message of  peace.