Lourdes
Since 1858, when the Apparitions appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous, pilgrims have flocked to Lourdes in their thousands. Each one has their own personal reason for their journey, but one thing unites all who visit the Shrine, and that is the sharing of the experience. That is why most who travel to Lourdes do so as part of a group. The comradeship and fellowship are what heighten the experience of the gift of Lourdes.
Whilst there, pilgrims can visit the Basilicas and the Grotto and take part in the Processions, and during spare time, there are excursions which can also be taken away from the town of Lourdes.
The two itineraries shown below, for a tour of 5 days and a tour of 7 days, are merely samples. Your tour will be entirely tailor-made to your own specifications.
Sample 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1 Fly from the UK to France and transfer by coach to our hotel in Lourdes. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2 After breakfast we have an introduction to the Domain and Sanctuary of Lourdes, followed by a walking tour of the town. In the afternoon we take an excursion to Bartres, the town where Bernadette spent two periods of her life. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 After breakfast we follow the Way of the Cross which overlooks the Sanctuary. In the afternoon we take an excursion to the Caves of Betharam. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 After breakfast we have a full day to relax and explore Lourdes on our own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 After breakfast we leave for the airport and our flight home.
Sample 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1 Travel by coach from home and take a short sea ferry crossing to France. We continue to the Tours area for our overnight stop. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 2 After breakfast we continue our journey to Lourdes where we settle into our hotel. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 3 After breakfast we have an introduction to the Domain and Sanctuary of Lourdes, followed by a walking tour of the town. In the afternoon we take an excursion to Bartres, the town where Bernadette spent two periods of her life. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 4 After breakfast we follow the Way of the Cross which overlooks the Sanctuary. In the afternoon we take an excursion to the Caves of Betharam. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 5 After breakfast we have a full day to relax and explore Lourdes on our own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 6 After breakfast we leave Lourdes and begin our journey home, stopping in the Tours area. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Day 7 We continue our journey, taking a short sea crossing to England, and home.
Throughout these tours we will have opportunities of attending Mass, following the Blessed Sacrement and Torchlight Processions and visiting the grotto. Alternative excursions are also available.