Day 1 Overnight Flight
Travel overnight to Portugal, one of Europe’s most hospitable countries. Here, you can enjoy a superb climate, historic sites, and beautiful scenery.
Day 2 Fatima, Portugal
Hotel: Hotel Estrela de Fatima
Arrive in Fatima, Portugal’s world-famous religious center. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. You may want to join the candlelight procession tonight.**(D)
Day 3 Fatima - Aljustrel - Fatima
Hotel: Hotel Estrela de Fatima
You may celebrate Mass* before traveling to Aljustrel, the quaint village of the three shepherd children to whom Our Lady appeared. Here, you can visit their humble homes and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of their daily lives. Continue to Valinhos, the site of the fifth apparition, where you can reflect on the profound events that took place. Later, return to Fatima** to enjoy free time for personal worship and to explore the basilica and its grounds. You may want to join an optional experience to return to the centuries-old capital of Lisbon.(B, D)
Day 4 Fatima - Burgos, Spain
Hotel: Abba Hotel
Attend a morning Mass* before traveling along the long Pilgrim’s Road to arrive in Burgos later this afternoon, a city that gracefully straddles the banks of the Rio Arlanzon. The slender, elegant spires of its famous cathedral rise majestically into the sky, a testament to its rich history and architectural splendor. In the evening, you may have the opportunity to attend another Mass,* allowing for further reflection and spiritual enrichment.(B)
Day 5 Burgos
Hotel: Abba Hotel
Join a local expert on a walking tour of Burgos’ medieval town center. Spend time at Burgos Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral, the third largest in Spain, offers such masterpieces as the filigree work in the spires of the towers, the starry dome, the choir, the sarcophagi, and the golden staircase. Next, visit a monastery and learn about monastic life and architecture. Mass* is available this evening.(B, L)
Day 6 Burgos - Lourdes, France
Hotel: Mercure Imperial Hotel
Today, travel northeast through the Pyrenees mountains to Lourdes. This is where the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabielle to the poor shepherd girl Bernadette a total of 18 times between February 11 and July 16, 1858. Since then, this little market town has been a world-renowned pilgrimage site. Tonight you may wish to partake in a candlelight procession.**(B, D)
Day 7 Lourdes
Hotel: Mercure Imperial Hotel
After morning Mass,* enjoy a walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: the “Boly Mill" (the site of her birthplace), the "Cachot" (the former prison where she and her family lived), and the parish church housing the saint’s baptismal font. Later, enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town's rich historical and natural heritage. Become immersed in the atmosphere of the time of the apparitions and revel in the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today.(B, D)
Day 8 Lourdes - Barcelona, Spain
Hotel: Occidental 1929 Hotel
Celebrate Mass* before crossing back into Spain on your way to Barcelona, one of Europe's most fascinating cities. Prepare yourself for a long journey through Spain’s beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, get your first taste of this vibrant city with a walk around the area of your hotel.(B)
Day 9 Barcelona
Hotel: Occidental 1929 Hotel
Get to know Barcelona with a panoramic tour showcasing the Columbus Monument and Parc de Montjuic, which offers breathtaking views of the city. Continue the morning exploring the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter with your local guide, and discover the Barcelona Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. Spend this afternoon at leisure exploring the city further or you may choose an optional** excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a dinner celebrating the end of a memorable tour.(B, D)
Day 10 Barcelona - Tour Ends
Return home eager to share vivid memories of a beautiful land with an old, rich, and diverse cultural heritage.(B)
Barcelona
Barcelona, the self-confident and progressive capital of Spain, is a tremendous place to be. Though it boasts outstanding Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, and some great museums – most notably those dedicated to Picasso and Catalan art – it is above all a place where there's enjoyment simply in walking the streets, stopping in at bars and cafés, drinking in the atmosphere. A thriving port and the most prosperous commercial centre in Spain, it has a sophistication and cultural dynamism way ahead of the rest of the country. In part this reflects the city's proximity to France, whose influence is apparent in the elegant boulevards and imaginative cooking. But Barcelona has also evolved an individual and eclectic cultural identity, most perfectly and eccentrically expressed in the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Scattered as Barcelona's main sights may be, the greatest concentration of interest is around the old town (La Ciutat Vella). These cramped streets above the harbor are easily manageable, and far more enjoyable, on foot. Start, as everyone else does, with the Ramblas.
Excursions
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Your chauffeur and your guide will
be waiting for you at the port. They will be at disposal for 8 hours. Your chauffeur will drive you to the city center of Barcelona.
A Walk Through Barcelona
You will start your day by an exciting 2-hour walking tour of the oldest parts of Barcelona: the Barri Gothic and Born neighborhoods. You will follow your guide as he/she leads you into the small, narrow streets to discover the vibrant, trendy ambiance of Born and the historical atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter. You will see the Santa Maria Del Mar church, the Royal Palace and the world famous “Las Ramblas” avenue. The fun facts and stories
told by our guide will keep your children highly engaged. The children will each get a game booklet to keep them engaged and entertained. After this tour, you will enjoy a
lunch break. Your guide will be there to give recommendations depending on your taste.
Included:
- A Walk Through Barcelona:
- Private certified guide
- 2 hour walking tour
- Game booklet for
- each child
- 2-hour experience
The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 3-hour tour inside the two iconic Gaudi sites in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell. You will follow your guide inside the
jaw-dropping and daring church and listen to the stories about its architecture, construction and future. After 1,5 hours spent in the Sagrada Familia, you will head out to
Park Güell. There you will witness the beauty of Gaudí’s mosaics as well as enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Barcelona. To keep the children entertained during this 3-hour tour, they will all get their own fun-filled game booklet. A perfect way to combine both educational discovery and fun!
The Sagrada Familia and
- Park Güell:
- Private certified guide
- Skip-the-line tickets to
- Sagrada Familia and
- Park Güell
- Transfer in a private
- mini van
- Game booklet for
- each child
- 3-hour experience
At the end of the tour, depending on your cruise departure time, your chauffeur will drive you back to the port.
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Highlights:
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028!
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.
- Walk the labyrinthine alleys of the medieval Gothic Quarter to find architectural gems like the Church of Santa Maria del Mar
- Admire the Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum, where some of the artist's earliest works are housed.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Gaudi’s Barcelona (4 hours)
Gaudi’s Barcelona (4 hours)
Highlights:
Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!
Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.
- Visit the impressive, but still unfinished Sagrada Familia, masterpiece of the Catalan architect
- Wander through Parc Guell, the UNESCO World Heritage Site considered Gaudi's most colourful creation
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Not Included:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Authentic Barcelona by Bike
Authentic Barcelona by Bike
Overview: Uncover the most authentic side of Barcelona riding the world's best folding bike, a Brompton. Be led by an expert bike guide and venture into a unique and exclusive experience. Connect with your local guide by sharing and listening to trivia stories about Barcelona. Embark on a ride to explore the least touristy Eixample and Gracia districts. Glimpse the Plaça d'Espanya, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, Sant Pau, and modernist estates.
Duration: 3 Hours
Barcelona Sailing Journey
Barcelona Sailing Journey
Overview: Experience the thrill of sailing the Barcelona Coastline. Glimpse the Barcelona skyline from a different perspective and spot some landmarks, including Frank Gehry Golf Fish Sculpture and the Twin Towers", Torres Venecianas. Immerse yourself in the serene deep blue while seeping your glass of wine. Weather permitting, anchor and venture in a short swim.
Duration: 4 Hours
Exploring Cavas' Origin
Exploring Cavas' Origin
Overview: Uncover the dedication of a biodynamic winegrowers family committed to excellence in long-aged wines. Venture on a stroll around the winery's iconic vineyards to discover the distinctive features of a unique spot in the Penedès region. Sheltered by the woods, taste a base wine paired with a light snack. Elevate your experience by savoring three long-aged sparkling wines, a limited-edition white wine, and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Duration: 4 Hours
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Overview: Led by a top Chef who graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris, embark on an exclusive gourmet journey at her private penthouse. Head to a 19th-century local market and thoroughly select the finest ingredients for your recipe. Dare to partake in the cooking process while you uncover some secrets of high-end cuisine. Savor the combination of flavors paired with a premium selection of Spanish Wines.
Duration: 4 Hours
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Overview: Step away from the bustling Barcelona and embrace Catalonia's unique landscape with La Garrotxa and Fageda d'en jordà. Venture into an exciting 7,5 miles hike through the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Engage in a circular route through La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ascend to the inside of Santa Margarita volcano and discover a chapel lying on its crater. Dive into Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on the lava flow of Croscat Volcano. Finalize your trail with a stop at the Croscat Volcano grederes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Overview: Ancient Wonders and hidden gems await you on the famous needles of Montserrat Mountain. Venture into an exciting and intimate hike connecting you to Montserrat's outlandish and most authentic elements. Uncover the region of Agulles and the north face of Montserrat, passing between the needles, having to take some steps climbing ropes, and ending up visiting emblematic places such as Cadireta or Foradada.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat from the Skies
Montserrat from the Skies
Overview: Marvel at Montserrat Mountain's impressive scenic views. With a bird' s-eye view, witness these massive conglomerates, which form unexpectedly imposing sculptures due to their geological evolution. They all have names related to their shapes, and we find caves, chasms, and torrents in their shelter.
Flying over the Montserrat mountain, the spiritual Center of Catalonia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising and impressive experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour
Lourdes
In the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes receives more than 5 million visitors from all over the world every year. Spirituality, whether belonging to history or legends, is part of the present through the depth and beauty of the sight, the marks of the past, the serenity of the Sanctuaries. Lourdes was just a small market town in 1858, when Bernadette Soubirous met, along the River Gave, the “Lady” that made the town a Marian city. Bernadette saw many more of these apparitions. Many now come on religious pilgrimages. Today Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels in France with 270 establishments. Its geographical position, at the foot of the mountains, makes it an ideal starting-point of excursions to the Pyrenees. The Fortified Castle rises at the middle of the city, leaning on the escarpment. Visit the Sanctuaries, Fortified Castle, Pyrenan Museum and more while visiting Lourdes.
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