Pilgrimage to France, Spain, & Portugal

Upon arrival in Paris, we are met by our guide and transfer by motor coach to our hotel. Time permitting, enjoy a brief orientation of the city. Dinner and overnight in Paris.

Overnight: Paris (D)

After breakfast we begin our day with a visit to the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most celebrated examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Although damaged by fire, the cathedral remains a powerful symbol of the Catholic faith in France.

We then visit Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on Rue du Bac where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830 and requested the creation of the Miraculous Medal. We celebrate Mass here if available.

Next we visit the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, famous for its extraordinary stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes. In the afternoon we drive along the famous Champs-Élysées and stop for photos at the iconic Eiffel Tower.

In the evening enjoy a relaxing Seine River cruise to admire the illuminated monuments of Paris. 

Overnight: Paris (B, D)

You will begin your journey at Porto and then we'll transfer to our beautifully crafted cruise ship that was just built in 2024. From the moment you board, the welcoming crew is at your service. Relax and settle into your accommodations before sitting down to our first delicious meal on board.

This afternoon, we’ll set sail for Regua, giving us the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ship’s five-star facilities – enjoy the scenery along the Douro whilst chatting with fellow explorers on the sun deck, take a dip in the refreshing splash pool or head to the bar for a cool drink.

After docking this evening in the charming town of Peso da Regua, we’ll visit a vineyard that dates back to the 18th century, Quinta da Pacheca. Here we will enjoy wine and dinner while viewing the 126 acres of stunning countryside that the estate is settled on.

Included experiences: Tour of Porto & dinner at Quinta da Pacheca

Cruise towards Pocinho

Enjoy a relaxing morning with a bountiful breakfast on the ship. We will explore the new accommodations provided for us while we get to see views that are reminiscent of Scotland’s lochs.

This afternoon we visit the historic 12th century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, tucked away in the picturesque highland ranges bordering Spain. The village is home to a well-preserved Gothic castle, a rare example of Leonese-style architecture. It is said that Saint Francis stayed here as the church was a resting place on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding countryside during our visit.

Included experience: A visit to Castelo Rodrigo

Today we head across the border and visit historic Salamanca, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. We will visit a beautiful Gothic cathedral built in the 12th century featuring a stunning fresco of the Final Judgement in the Apse. We will also view the 16th century cathedral built in baroque style that shares a wall with the older cathedral.

We will dine at a local restaurant where we can be treated to fine dining and to see flamenco dancing, a trademark of Spain’s culture. We will end the day with a walking tour at Plaza Mayor, where we will experience the very same grounds that men and women traditionally walked in opposite directions through the square during the mid-14th to the mid-20th century.

Included experiences: Walking tour of Salamanca & lunch with Flamenco show.

After lunch, we will visit the tranquil gardens of Mateus Palace, known worldwide for Mateus Rose wine. Here there will be time to explore the gardens surrounding the palace. Tonight enjoy a Portuguese folklore show on board.

Included experiences: Visits to Lamego and Mateus Palace Gardens & traditional Portuguese folk music show.

We continue to enjoy the five-star facilities available to us onboard our ship and develop friendships with people from around the world as we cruise back to Porto.

This afternoon we can choose to return to Vila Nova de Gaia, on the riverbank opposite Porto, for a port tasting or join the tour to Guimaraes, known for its foundational role in Portuguese history.

Alternatively, explore Guimaraes known as the birthplace of Portugal. The city is believed to be the hometown of Portugal’s first king who was born in the Romanesque castle which overlooks the city from its hilltop. On our tour we’ll visit the Paco dos Duques de Braganca. Once the home of the first Duke of Barganza, the palace has been beautifully restored.

Here we will find our lunch in one of the city’s cozy cafes. A local favorite that we can try is café com cheirinho. Coffee with a splash of wine, fruit, or pomace brandy is practically a requirement for a lazy afternoon in the city.

This evening we’ll enjoy a Chef’s dinner during our last night on board, expertly served by our restaurant staff under the supervision of the maître d’. 

Included experience: Port-tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia or a guided tour of Guimaraes. 

Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous shrines in the world where the tomb of St. James (brother of St. John the Divine) was discovered. St. James was given the task of spreading Christianity in the distant Hispanic lands and is known as the first pilgrim. Since the discovery of the tomb, numerous miracles have taken place here and every year thousands of faithful gatherers on July 25 to celebrate the Feast Day.

We begin with a visit to the Cathedral of St. James one of the finest examples of architecture in all of Europe. As pilgrims, we have the opportunity to see where St. James lays to rest, touch the central pillar (Portico de La Gloria), view the ‘botafumeiro’ and admire the wealth of medieval art inside of the Cathedral, before visiting the cloister museum. Enjoy a stroll through Santiago de Compostela and a final bountiful dinner to close our pilgrimage.