Day 1: DEPARTURE DAY — (A) Dinner and breakfast are served on your trans-Atlantic flight to Italy

Day 2: ROME — On arrival in Rome you are met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet the other members at dinner. - (D)

Day 3: ROME / VATICAN — Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Square, explore the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, site of the recent election of our new Holy Father, Benedict XVI, and see Michelangelo’s celebrated ‘The Last Judgment’ . After time for lunch and the opportunity to purchase of religious articles, visit the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs and St. Paul Outside the Walls, erected over the Apostle’s tomb. - (B, D)

Day 4: ROME / PAPAL AUDIENCE / CATACOMBS — Today attend an Audience and Blessing by the Holy Father. Later drive along the ancient Appian Way past the Chapel of “Domine Quo Vadis?” to the Catacombs, where the early Christians buried their dead. Stop to view the Colosseum and the Forum, center of Imperial Rome. Then, explore Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. - (B, D)

Day 5: ASSISI - FLORENCE — Depart for Assisi. Visit the Church of San Damiano before entering the walled, medieval part of town. Following Mass at St. St. Francis’ crypt, explore the huge basilica above. At St. Mary of the Angels Basilica visit the Porziuncola; the thorn-less rosebush; the statue of St. Francis, adorned by a pair of live doves; and the cave where the saint retreated for prayer. Continue to Florence. Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular view over the Tuscan capital and see a replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’. A guided walk illuminates Florence’s riches of the Renaissance: The marble Duomo and the Bell Tower by Giotto; the Baptistry with its ‘Doors of Paradise’; and cross the Arno on the famed Ponte Vecchio. - (B, D)

Day 6: PISA - MONACO - NICE — Motor via the Chianti wine region to Pisa’s ‘Leaning Tower’. Then, journey past Genoa, the hometown of Columbus, to Monaco. Stop for a splendid view of the distinct harbor; the well-groomed parks flanking the ornate cathedral; the famed Casino and the Palace, once the domicile of Princess Grace Kelley. On to Nice, where you may like to take an evening stroll in lively Old Town. - (B, D)

Day 7: FRENCH RIVIERA - LOURDES — Journey along the Mediterranean Sea coast and past medieval Carcassonne to Lourdes. Tonight join other pilgrims in a torchlight procession. - (B, D)

Day 8: LOURDES — Mass at the Grotto is followed by a guided walking tour, including St. Bernadette’s childhood home; the Basilica of the Rosary; the Upper Basilica, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception; and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X. In the afternoon you have opportunity to visit the Baths, the site of many miracles

Day 9: ZARAGOZA - MADRID — Cross the scenic Pyrenees on your way to Zaragoza to pay homage to the revered statue of Our Lady of the Pilar, adorned with precious jewels, the gifts of many kings over the centuries. Continue to the Spanish capital. - (B, D)

Day 10: MADRID — Morning drive along broad, tree-lined boulevards and El Retiro Park. Visits include the Royal Palace and the modern Plaza de Espana with its Don Quichote monument. Your afternoon is free. If you wish the coach will let you off at monumental Plaza Mayor, which is lined with many traditional restaurants and shops abounding with local crafts. - (B, D)

Day 11: AVILA - ALBA DE TORMES - FATIMA — Depart for Avila, a city encircled by formidable walls. Visits here include the cathedral, the monument marking St. Teresa’s birthplace and the Carmelite convent, where the saint spent most of her life. Continue to the small town of Alba de Tormes which brings up many memories of St. Teresa who died here in the Carmelite convent. Enter through the Renaissance doorways to visit the room where she spent her last days and vew her remains in the reliquary above the magnificent altar. Later cross into Portugal en route to Fatima. - (B, D)

Day 12: FATIMA — After Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions, guided visits of Basilica, the site of Francisco’s and Jacinta’s graves; the hamlet of Aljustrel, where the children lived; and Valinhos, site of Our Lady’s appearance after the children’s return from prison; and concluding with a walk on the Via Sacra to the Chapel of Calvary. Tonight join pilgrims from all continents in tonight’s Candlelight Procession. - (B, D)

Day 13: SANTAREM - LISBON — Motor to Santarem and the Church of the Holy Miracle. After devotions at the venerated relic of the Bleeding Host, proceed to the Portuguese capital. Here, visit St. Anthony of Padua’s birthplace. Also view the gigantic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ and continue along Avenida Liberdade to Belem Tower. Time for leisure and browsing. - (B, D)

Day 14: LISBON - U.S.A. — Arrive home later today. - (B)