“In the Footsteps of St. Peter Claver” – Barcelona & Rome
Itinerary
Day 1 – US Departure.
Overnight Flight to Barcelona. Standard Departure DFW International Airport
Additional departure cities possible with 10 passengers or more.*
Day 2 – Arrive in Barcelona, Spain
Welcome to Spain! A group transfer is provided to the hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring.
Day 3 – Day-trip to Verdu & Montserrat!
First we head to VERDU, the birthplace of St. Peter Claver. Visit the famed VERDU CASTLE and THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA .
Visit MONTSERRAT , one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites for hundreds of years due to its famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of the Virgin Morenita (Black Virgin). Also see the impressive MUSEUM located inside and participate in a LIQUOR TASTING that includes handmade liquors made by the monks of the monastery.
Day 4 – Relax in Barcelona.
The rest of your time is at leisure to relax or finish exploring.
Return to Barcelona where guided sightseeing includes the city center’s Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire Gaudi’s eccentric Houses Batlló and Milà, as well as his SAGRADA FAMILIA, an unfinished architectural masterpiece that is still a consecrated expression of the Catholic faith. (Breakfast)
Day 5 – Off to Rome
A group transfer is provided to the airport for your early flight to Rome. Begin your discovery in Vatican City with a guided visit of the VATICAN MUSEUMS.
Day 6 – The Sights of Rome
This morning, visit with monumental ST. PETER’S SQUARE and attend the PAPAL AUDIENCE for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Visit ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas built by Constantine on the grave of St. Paul and explore the mysterious ancient CATACOMBS that run under the city.
Next, visit ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA and the HOLY STAIRS, brought from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD. Then, visit the hallowed halls of ST. MARY MAJOR BASILICA, its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value, and represent the Church’s role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome.
*Papal audience is subject to the Popes availability*
Day 7 – Rome
Rome is at leisure to relax or continue to explore. See the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, site of military processions, elections, trials, and the overall center of Roman public life for centuries. (Breakfast)
Day 8 – Depart from Rome
Your final day in Rome, relax and prepare for departure. (Breakfast)