Arrive in Europe and transfer for our flight to Toulouse or Pau where we are greeted by our tour escort and board our deluxe motor coach to Lourdes. We arrive in Lourdes, birthplace of St. Bernadette. It is here in 1858 at the Grotto of Massabielle Our Lady appeared to the 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous calling herself the “Immaculate Conception.” Check into our hotel, balance of the day at leisure. After dinner we are invited to take part in the International Rosary Candlelight Procession (lf available). Overnight in Lourdes. (B, D)

After breakfast our morning starts with a walking tour tracing the life of St. Bernadette, which includes visits to the Boly Mills where Bernadette was born; the Locale Mill, residence of her parents; the “Cachot,” formerly used as a jail, where she lived at the time of the Apparitions; the Chapel where she received her First Holy Communion; and the Parish church containing the Font, where she was baptized. The afternoon is at leisure to pray at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary with it’s breathe taking murals or take part in the Eucharistic Devotion, Blessed Sacrament Procession, praying for the sick, drink water from the miraculous spring or submerge yourself in the “Healing Baths” . Tonight we are invited to participate in the International Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Dinner and overnight in Lourdes. (B, D)

Our journey tracing the life of St. Bernadette continues with a visit to the small village of Bartres, where Bernadette was sent to a wet nurse until the age of 2 and at 13 returned to Bartres to work as a farm hand. We will visit the small parish church, sheepfold and her nanny’s house. We continue to the valley of Betharram, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Betharram where many miracles took place, beginning in 1503. Bernadette frequently visited this shrine and Fr. Garicois, the priest of Betharram, listened to Bernadette’s confidences and was the only man who believed Bernadette’s accounts of the apparitions in Lourdes. It is said the rosary beads Bernadette used when praying with the Blessed Mother during the first apparition were from this shrine. St. Pius X was known for his devotion to Our Lady of Betharram. Return to Lourdes with time for personal reflection. Tonight we are invited to participate in the International Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). (B, D)

The last two days are at leisure for all pilgrims wishing to spend personal time to meditate, pray, and reflect on the spiritual beauty of Lourdes. Again in the evenings we are invited to participate in the International Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

The day is at leisure to persue personal interests and further immerse yourself in the beauty of Lourdes. Again in the evenings we are invited to participate in the International Rosary Candlelight Procession (if available). Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Depart for Toulouse or Pau’s airport for our return flight home, arriving the same day taking with us memories and blessings to last a life time.
*(B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 1-2 x sandals or flip flops for warmer-weather walking
• 1-2 pairs of comfortable walking/running shoes
• 1 x pair of more formal shoes
• 1 rain/wind-proof jacket
• 1 x umbrella and raingear
• 2-3 sweaters or other colder-weather gear
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• toiletries
• 1 x day bag
• European adapter
• Phone, camera and any other electronics needed
• passport and travel docs
• insurance

Specific packing notes for religious sites:
• Cover shoulders: avoid strapless tops, spaghetti straps tops and vests (both men and women)
• Avoid above the knee skirts and shorts (men and women)
• Avoid exposing excessive cleavage, a waist/belly or back
• Do not wear slogans or prints that may be perceived as offensive

Most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express to certain extent) are accepted, though do note that When making payments, some merchants may have a spending minimum — 10 euros for example. However, if you’re making a contactless payment, you can get away with purchases of just a couple of euros using your card.

Tipping is not obligatory, but is appreciated. Restaurants already include 15% for the servers, but feel free to add more if the service befits. At the coat check, at the bar, in the taxi, and with a tour guide – tips are more likely to be expected.

As for eating in France, you can rest assured knowing that if you do get stomach issues, it’ll far more likely be due to overindulging on delectable croissants. Of course, with that said, always taking sanitary precautions and carrying basic over the counter medicine for such issues is recommended.