Shrines of France

Your introduction to France begins in beautiful Paris. Unpack for a 2-night stay in the heart of the city before enjoying a sightseeing cruise along the Seine River, taking in the shining “City of Light” from the river. Get to know your fellow travelers over dinner at a Parisian bistro. (D) Stay: Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel (2 Nights)

Start your day at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure and requested the creation of the Miraculous Medal. Attend Mass before continuing on a panoramic tour of the city. Pause at Notre Dame Cathedral, an awe-inspiring medieval marvel that has served as a religious icon for centuries. Admire the city's most famous sights including Les Invalides, the Paris Opera House, the Louvre, and Concorde Square.

Visit Sacre-Coeur, a basilica perched upon a hill in Montmartre, and explore the sacred halls while admiring unparalleled views of the city below. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you wish. Perhaps you will join an optional tour to the Louvre, where an expert guide takes you through the museum's religious art. (B)

Depart Paris for Lisieux. This holy town was the home of St. Thérèse, the “Little Flower” – a modern saint known for her eternal love of humanity through her work of the Lord. Discover the city with a local guide who will highlight the life of the young 19th-century saint. Explore the Carmelite convent, where Thérèse became a nun at the age of 15.

Then, visit Les Buissonnets, St. Thérèse's family home, to get a glimpse into the teenage saint's upbringing. Continue on to the Basilica of St. Thérèse to attend Mass in the crypt – a beautifully adorned room of marble and mosaics. Enjoy French cuisine at a charming local restaurant before settling into your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Le Grand Hotel de l'Esperance

Travel to Chartres and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (UNESCO), a towering Gothic cathedral believed to be the home of the Virgin Mary's veil. After your visit to the cathedral, enjoy some free time to explore the town on your own. Then, see the science behind the artistry of church windows at the International Stained Glass Center, providing insight into the techniques used for age-old cathedrals and contemporary buildings. Your journey takes you to Nevers, the final resting place of St. Bernadette. Displayed in a glass tomb, kneel in prayer before the preserved saint. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Kyriad

Begin the morning on a spiritual journey with a local guide and walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette. A native of Lourdes, St. Bernadette interacted with apparitions of the Virgin Mary from the age of 14. This afternoon, arrive in Paray-le-Monial, where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received messages from Jesus Christ. Visit the Chapel of the Visitation where Jesus exposed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret. Make your way to Lyon and experience the city's traditional cuisine. Enjoy dinner at a bouchon – a local restaurant that highlights why the city is the gastronomical capital of France. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Charlemagne (2 Nights)

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a towering citadel overlooking the city of Lyon. Then it's your choice! Explore Old Lyon's cobblestone streets with a local guide -OR- make your way through the Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse food market for tastings of local delicacies. With the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps you will join an optional tour to Ars and visit the Shrine dedicated to St. Jean Marie Vianney, the Cure of Ars and patron saint of the priesthood. (B)

Your path continues to La Salette, where you'll stand in awe before the stone basilica reaching for the heavens among the surrounding mountains. The cathedral was built to honor the site where two French children received a vision and message from the Virgin Mary, serving as a pilgrimage in modern day. After Mass, enjoy time at leisure to explore this revered area. This afternoon, travel to Avignon (UNESCO), a fortress city along the Rhône that served as the seat of the papacy in the 1300s. (B) Stay: Avignon Grand Hotel

Make your way to Carcassonne (UNESCO), a storybook brought to life replete with drawbridges, towers and cobblestone streets. Step back to medieval times on an independent exploration of this breathtaking city. As the afternoon sun starts to head toward the horizon, make your way to Lourdes, a humble town that draws visitors from every corner of the world. Nestled against the Pyrenees Mountains, Lourdes is the site of 18 miraculous appearances by the Virgin Mary to St. Bernadette. After dinner, join the Marian Procession at the Sanctuary, where verses of Ave Maria and the Holy Rosary drift over the candle-lit crowd. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Mercure Imperial (2 Nights)

After morning Mass, embark on a walking tour of the city with an expert guide. Recount the life of St. Bernadette, including her birthplace and baptismal font. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the legendary town as you wish, and feel the town's resilient faith and undeniable spirit. This evening, relish in another opportunity to join the Sanctuary's procession. Reflect on your poignant journey and gather for a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Depart for home, carrying your spiritual journey within your heart. (B)