Duration: Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 06, 2025
Price: 3,872

  • Included Features:

    • Organized transportation for those traveling from St. Bede Academy.
    • Social gathering to introduce the trip.
    • Social gathering pre-departure with packing and travel tips.
    • One arrival and departure airport transfer for the group flight.
    • Service charges, hotel taxes and mandatory tourist city taxes. Luggage handling at hotels (one piece per person).
    • All transportation with modern A/C motor-coach as per itinerary.
    • Customized travel log.
    • English-speaking guide with us the entire time.
    • English-speaking licensed local guides.
    • Accommodations in 4 star hotels.
    • Whisper technology enhanced touring.
    • Sightseeing tours and walking tours per itinerary.
    • Entrance fees included indicated in bold letters.

    Tour Highlights:

    • OTBP Welcome Dinner Party
    • Evening walking Pintxos dining experience.
    • Lourdes candlelight procession.
    • OTBP Farwell Dinner Party.
    • Daily breakfast and dinner.
    • Private Mass with Abbot Michael.

     

  • Itinerary:

    B – Breakfast | L – Lunch | D – Dinner

    DAY 1: DEPART THE USA
    Thursday, March 27, 2025 –
    Depart from the USA for an overnight flight to Bilbao, Spain.

    DAY 2: BILBAO, SPAIN
    Friday, March 28, 2025 –
    Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel in Bilbao. Welcome to the capital of the Vizcaya province, located in Spain’s vibrant Basque Country. Bilbao is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and its tradition of gastronomic excellence. After checking into your hotel, unwind and savor a delightful welcome dinner party. Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao (D)

    DAY 3: BILBAO & SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
    Saturday, March 29, 2025 – After enjoying breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on a morning guided tour of Bilbao. Key highlights include the iconic Guggenheim Museum, famous for its striking architecture and contemporary art collections, and the charming Old Town (Casco Viejo), where you’ll explore historic streets, the beautiful Church of San Nicolás, and the lively Plaza Nueva. Don’t miss the chance to admire the impressive bridges of Bilbao, offering scenic views of the city. In the afternoon, you’ll depart for San Sebastian, a stunning coastal city known for its beaches and world-class cuisine. Arrive in time for dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Donosti (B, D)

    DAY 4: SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
    Sunday, March 30, 2025 – After breakfast, attend Mass at a local church. Following the service, spend your day enjoying the beauty of San Sebastian, a sophisticated coastal city nestled on the crescent-shaped Bay of La Concha. Known for its elegance, San Sebastian is home to some of Spain’s most fashionable beach resorts. Take a leisurely stroll along the Paseo de la Concha, a pedestrian-only promenade that winds along the beach, adorned with decorative railings and charming street lamps. Just a short walk from the Bay of Concha is the lively Alameda del Boulevard, a tree-lined avenue brimming with shops, restaurants, and cafés, and a central hub of San Sebastián’s life. From here, explore the charming Old Town (Parte Vieja), where you’ll visit the impressive Basilica of Santa María del Coro, one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a must-see attraction. In the evening, immerse yourself in the local food culture with our walking pintxos tour, where you’ll experience the city’s renowned tapas culture. Enjoy a variety of delicious small bites paired with local drinks as you explore the best of San Sebastian’s culinary scene. Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Donosti (B, D)

    DAY 5: BIARRITZ & LOURDES, FRANCE
    Monday, March 31, 2025 – After breakfast and checking out of your accommodations, embark on your journey to Lourdes, France. Along the way, stop in Biarritz, a chic beach town in the Basque Country that has been a fashionable destination since Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoléon III, chose it for her summer holidays in the 19th century. Begin your visit with a stroll along the Quai de la Grande Plage promenade, a wide pedestrian walkway offering stunning views of the ocean waves crashing against the shore, with the Biarritz Lighthouse visible in the distance. Next, visit the Rocher de la Vierge, an iconic statue of the Virgin Mary set atop a dramatic, narrow rock in the ocean, connected to the mainland by the sturdy Passerelle Eiffel, a metal pedestrian bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. Continue your tour with a visit to the Chapelle Impériale, followed by the Russian Orthodox Church (built in 1890 by Russian aristocrats/immigrants), renowned for its Byzantine-style architecture. The church’s interior is adorned with gilded icons from Saint Petersburg, giving it the appearance of a glittering jewel box. After your time in Biarritz, continue your journey to Lourdes. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner before resting for the night. Overnight at Hotel Padoue (B, D)

    DAY 6: LOURDES, FRANCE (Pilgrimage and Prayer)
    Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – After breakfast, begin your day with an orientation tour of Lourdes, followed by the sacred Water Gesture. Pilgrims in Lourdes partake in drinking and washing at the invitation of the Virgin Mary, a tradition that began after February 25, 1858, when the Virgin Mary revealed to Saint Bernadette the location of the spring. Flowing at the base of the Grotto, this holy spring is where Our Lady of Lourdes calls us to “drink and wash ourselves.” Later, gather for a prayerful moment at the Grotto, where you will join others in praying the rosary. Through this simple yet profound prayer, offered through the Virgin Mary, we entrust our lives, trials, joys, and loved ones into God’s hands. As you recite the Our Father and Hail Mary, meditate on the key moments in Christ’s life, beautifully depicted in the mosaics adorning the Rosary Basilica. Conclude your day with the Torchlight Procession, held at 9:00 p.m., a luminous and moving experience as you walk in prayerful reflection. Overnight at Hotel Padoue (B, D)

    DAY 7: CARCASSONE, FRANCE (A Journey into the Middle Ages)
    Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – After breakfast and checking out, embark on your journey to Carcassonne, a breathtaking medieval town known as La Cité, straight out of a fairy-tale. This remarkably preserved (and restored) fortified city offers an immersive experience into the Middle Ages and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the city, starting with its most iconic feature: the double-circuit ramparts with 52 towers, a majestic sight that transports you back in time. As you explore, visit the Basilique Saint-Nazaire et Saint-Celse, famous for its stunning 13th-century stained-glass windows, offering a glimpse into the artistic beauty of the era. Overnight at Hotel Les Chevaliers (B, D)

    DAY 8: PERPIGNAN, GIRONA & BARCELONA, SPAIN
    Thursday, April 3, 2025 –
    This morning, begin your journey to Barcelona, making two wonderful stops along the way. Your first stop is Perpignan, where you will visit the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Next, continue to Girona, the sparkling crown jewel of Catalonia, renowned for its ancient ruins, vibrant old town, and impressive cathedral. Explore the Old Town, including Força Vella and the Medieval Quarter, before visiting the magnificent Cathedral de Girona, which boasts stunning architecture and breathtaking views. After your exploration of Girona, continue your journey to Barcelona. Overnight at Hotel Les Chevaliers (B, D)

    DAY 9: BARCELONA, SPAIN (The Heart of Catalonia)
    Friday, April 4, 2025 – Enjoy a full day exploring Barcelona, Catalonia’s vibrant capital and a stunning seaside city that showcases its beauty and sunny lifestyle. With gorgeous scenery, breathtaking architecture, and superb cultural attractions, Barcelona is a truly alluring destination, enhanced by its balmy Mediterranean climate. Begin your day with an orientation tour, driving from the port directly to Montjuïc Mountain for a panoramic “bird’s-eye view” of the city. From there, pass by Plaza España as you approach the city center, renowned for its Modernist architecture. Antoni Gaudí has left an indelible mark on Barcelona with his avant-garde, surrealist buildings, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will see Casa Milà (known as “La Pedrera,” meaning “The Stone Quarry”), built between 1906 and 1912, as well as visit Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s surrealist masterpieces. Next, marvel at Casa Batlló, yet another iconic creation by Gaudí.

    No visit to Barcelona would be complete without a tour of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s magnum opus, still under construction after more than a century. Stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s social hub, where flowers, music, live shows, cafes, shops, mimes, and vibrant terraces bring the street to life. Explore the atmospheric medieval quarter, the Barri Gòtic, which exudes an almost magical old-world charm. To cap off your day, enjoy a Flamenco dinner at a traditional local restaurant, immersing yourself in the rich culture and vibrant spirit of Spain. Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Gracia (B, D)

    DAY 10: MONSERRAT & BARCELONA, SPAIN
    Saturday, April 5, 2025 – This morning, get ready for an exciting half-day excursion to Montserrat. Board a bus from Barcelona and set off toward the magical Montserrat Mountain. Once you arrive, you can choose to scale the mountain on the cogwheel train or the “Aeri” cable car, both offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Upon reaching the Montserrat Monastery, admire the breathtaking architecture and learn about its famed Black Madonna statue. Accompanied by your local guide, explore the site and delve into the rich history and architectural styles of the monastery, noting the beautiful Gothic and Renaissance details of the basilica and sanctuary. Discover the legend of the miraculous apparition of the Black Madonna and Child in the Santa Cova cave, and take a moment to visit the Church and see the Black Madonna in person. During your time in Montserrat, there will be an opportunity to attend Mass. Afterward, enjoy some free time to sample the finest local liquors, shop for locally produced treats, or visit the audiovisual exhibition once your guided tour concludes. In the late afternoon, return to Barcelona. In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner featuring live music at your hotel or a local restaurant, celebrating the wonderful experiences you’ve shared during your journey. Overnight at Hotel Catalonia Gracia (B, D)

    DAY 11: DEPART FOR HOME
    Sunday, April 6, 2025
    – Enjoy our last breakfast before we check out from the hotel and take the transfer to Barcelona Airport. (B)

  • 2025 Departure Date & Price

    Start Date
    End Date
    Per Person (USD) based on Double Occupancy
    Single Supplement
    March 28, 2025 April 5, 2025 $ 3,872 $1,280
  • Hotels:

    The following hotels are subject to change based on availability.

  • Tour Map:

     

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