Duration: 09 Days
Dates: November 25 - December 03, 2024
Departure City: Newark, NJ (EWR)

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Monday, November 25: Departure to France. 

Day 2 Tuesday, November 26: Arrival Marseille 
Upon arrival at Marseille Provence Airport, you will be greeted by guide and driver. A welcome mass will be celebrated at the historic Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, known as La Bonne Mère -The Good Mother, the second most visited site in all of Marseille. According to tradition, it is here that St. Mary Magdalene, along with Martha, Lazarus, Maximin, and other disciples were exiled, set sail from the Holy Land without sails or oars, and left to drown. Miraculously, they survived and began evangelization throughout Provence. Lazarus became the first bishop of Marseille, then he was imprisoned and beheaded. We will visit Abbaye Saint-Victor down by the old port and see Lazarus’ confessional. His relics, which we will also visit, are in the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure. Rest of the afternoon will be for personal prayer and leisure. Check in to your hotel in Marseille. Dinner and overnight in Marseille. 

Day 3 Wednesday, November 27: Marseille | Sainte-Baume | Avignon 
Breakfast and check-out from the hotel. Following breakfast at the hotel, we travel to Sainte Baume, to visit the cave and final home of St. Mary Magdalene. During her last 30 years, the great saint led a reclusive life here in the breathtaking wealth of French flora. Protected for centuries, this mountain houses magnificent and tranquil trails accessible only by foot. We visit the basilica within the cave and later walk a path to the top of the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire massif. We explore “The Kings’ Path” (walked by the greatest monarchs of France -including Louis XIV- to pay homage to St. Mary Magdalene). Mass is celebrated here. Afterwards we will drive to Avignon. In the afternoon we enjoy an guided visit of the Palais des Papes (entrance included). This former fortress and palace was the seat of western Christianity during the 14th century. Six papal conclaves were held at the “Pope’s Palace” until St. Catherine of Siena urged Pope Gregory (along with the convictions of Pope Urban V & Pope Gregory XI) to return the papacy to Rome at the tomb of St. Peter. As a result, Rome has been the seat of the faith since 1370. We visit the beautiful Rocher des Doms & Jardins des Doms, a charming park which has its feet in the Rhone and overhangs from a steep cliff 30 meters high. Check-in, dinner, overnight in Avignon. Attention:: The only way to get to the Saint-Baume Grotto is by foot. It takes approx. 45 minutes and requires certain level of fitness as you will be walking uphill. 

Day 4 Thursday, November 28: Avignon | La Salette | Lyon 
Following an early breakfast and check-out, we drive 3 hours north to La Salette. We visit the Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in the French Alps. It is on this site where the Virgin Mary appeared to two young shepherds in 1846. The children’s account maintains that the primary reason for Our Lady’s sorrow was due to a lapse in observing Sunday as a day of rest! Mass, lunch, and free time nearby prior to our 2-hour drive to Lyon. Check-in, dinner, and overnight in Lyon. 

Day 5 Friday, November 29: Lyon | Ars | Paray le Monial | Nevers 
Breakfast at the hotel prior to an half day Lyon visit - this historical and profoundly spiritual city in which Christianity took root in the second century. It is considered the second largest city in France and is known as the 3rd food capital of the world. We visit Cathedral de Lyon, dedicated to St. John the Baptist where Mass is celebrated this day. We also visit the impressive Our Lady of Fouvievre prior to lunch and our next destination. The small town of Ars, France, a short 20-mile journey north of Lyon, owes its fame to the saintly life and work of St. John Vianney, a much-loved figure. St. John Vianney's story shines a light on the notion that God often chooses the unnoticed and underestimated to inspire and provide wisdom to those perceived as wise by worldly standards. Despite being viewed as barely suitable for priesthood, he rose to sainthood. After we will visit the most valuable monument of Paray-le-Monial is the impressive church founded in 973 by the Benedictines. It is a faithful copy of the church of Cluny, which was demolished during the French Revolution. Pilgrims come to Paray-le-Monial for yet another reason. 150 metres from the Romanesque monument is the convent of the Visitation nuns, where events took place between 1673 and 1675 that profoundly influenced later Catholic piety. A young nun, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, had an apparition of Jesus. Dinner and overnight in Nevers. 

Day 6 Saturday, November 30: Nevers | Paris 
Following the breakfast we will visit Nevers. Start your journey with a spiritual visit to the majestic Cathedral of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, reverberating with history and religion. Strolling through the tranquil gardens of the Bishop’s Palace - Palais Ducal provides a serene retreat. A must-visit is the Saint Bernadette Soubirous, where you can gain deeper insights into the Catholic Saint’s history. Rounding off your tour, immerse in the tranquil beauty of Courthouse square - Place de la République, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere while appreciating the intricate medieval structures. Dinner and overnight in Paris. Attention: Eiffel Tower: in the package rate there is a ticket to the 2nd floor by lift included. 

Day 7 Sunday, December 1: Paris 
Today, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paris. We start with Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, where we celebrate Mass, after which we will have to opportunity to view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint's guardian angel led her to the chapel, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal, as well as the green scapular. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal and scapular will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following your prayerful and reflective experience, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church, than continue on tour of Paris. Our panoramic tour, will take us to the most recognizable symbol of the city of Paris, Notre Dame Cathedral (from outside), the Eiffel Tower (entrance to the 2nd floor included), Invalides, the L'Arch de Triomphe and the Champ-Elysees, one of the world's most famous boulevards. We will make a stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by angels. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paris.

Day 8 Monday, December 2: Paris 
Our second day in Paris will start with a visit and mass at the magnificent, Sacre Coeur Basilica that stands atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally built in 1914 as an act of penance for the infidelity that France was experiencing during that time. While on your visit, in addition to the extraordinary artwork and architecture that forms the Basilica, you will see the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ, and the remarkable Grand Organ. Celebrate Mass at the Crypt that contains the Tombs of many notable Cardinals. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity during your free time to ascend a staircase to the Dome where you may take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Paris. Enjoy free time for reflection and prayer. Dinner and an overnight at your hotel in Paris. 

Day 9 Tuesday, December 3: Departure 
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the Paris airport.