Embark on a transformative spiritual journey through the heart of Europe with this unique pilgrimage itinerary. Spanning a total of seven days, this soul-enriching experience takes you to some of the most sacred sites in Bilbao, and Garabandal, Spain; Lourdes, and Toulouse, France. View the Pilgrimage Overview and our 2-page flyer on our Inside the Vatican pilgrimage website. 

The pilgrimage begins in Bilbao, Spain. Known for its modern architecture, cultural treasures, and warm hospitality, Bilbao offers a perfect starting point for reflection and prayer. Damian Migallo, who led us on our 2023 Garabandal and Lourdes pilgrimage, will be leading this pilgrimage as well.  Damian lived in Garabandal for several years and is considered to be an expert on Garabandal.  Here is a short video with Damian speaking about Garabandal.

From Bilbao, the journey continues along the Camino del Norte, stopping in San Vicente de la Barquera for lunch, then traveling to Garabandal, Spain, a place of profound religious significance. You will spend three nights in Garabandal, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to four young girls in the 1960s. We also will attend Mass and explore the sacred sites associated with the apparitions.

After Garabandal, we will head to Lourdes, one of the most visited shrines in the world.  On our way to this sacred place of healing of body and soul, we will visit Loyola, Spain, the birthplace of  St. Ignatius of Loyola.  In addition to founding the Society of Jesus, St. Ignatius is remembered for his contribution to contemplative prayer through his Spiritual Exercises, a series of prayers, meditations and mental exercises published in 1548. Also along the way to Lourdes, we will stop at San Sebastian, the beginning point of the “Northern Way” Camino.

We will spend two nights in Lourdes visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette. Also, we will take part in the celebrated candlelight processions, experience the healing waters of the Grotto, and join fellow pilgrims in prayer and reflection.

Finally, after almost 2 full days in Lourdes, the pilgrimage concludes in Toulouse, France, where we will spend our last night and visit the tomb of St. Thomas Aquinas. 

This carefully curated itinerary provides an opportunity for spiritual growth, introspection, and connection with fellow pilgrims.

With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 

Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass.

Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages.  And our pilgrims appreciate the fact that we never exceed 33 pilgrims!  For our custom pilgrimages, we may exceed 33 pilgrims only at the client's request. 

Crafting an Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage is about knowing firsthand what makes a place extraordinary, knowing personally the people involved, understanding how best to experience it and then finessing the countless details, moments and encounters both planned and spontaneous. Our thoughtful trip design, flexible pace and local connections are just a few of the reasons why our pilgrims often return to join us again for other pilgrimages.

Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages, or Classic Pilgrimages with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience and an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim. 

This is a Signature Pilgrimage which averages 12 pilgrims. Signature Pilgrimages are impossible to mass produce.  They are like a product of an artisan, a work of art that reflects the painstaking commitment of an artist to create something of great and unique beauty.

Call our U.S. Office: +1.202.536.4555  Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET. If you call after hours, leave a message. You can email our office: [email protected]. 

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions

Call us to inquire about any applicable discounts: U.S. Office +1 202.536.4555  Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET. You can email our office: [email protected].