Santiago De Compostela
A Journey through Portugal to the grave of St. James, the Galilean fisherman.
Under the leadership of
Fr. Huebert Miranda M.S.F.S.
2 - 9 JUNE 2012
The Old City & The Via Dolorosa
In the Middle Ages Santiago de Compostela was one of the three major pilgrimages, along with Jerusalem and Rome. Pilgrims came here, to this remote north–western corner of Spain, to venerate the body of St. James the Great.
St. James, the Galilean fisherman, son of Zebedee and brother of John, became the first of Christ’s Apostles to be martyred when King Herod Agrippa I ordered his execution in Jerusalem in AD 44. He is remembered today as one of the brethren of Jesus, with family connections and was a man of vital theological importance as the leader of the First Synod of the young church in Jerusalem.
Although no evidence has ever been produced to back the claim that the bones found in a stone coffin were those of the saint, King Alfonso III had a church built on the spot in the early 10th century and Santiago soon became an immensely popular place of Pilgrimage, drawing thousands of people from all corners of Europe. By the 11th century Compostela was rated as highly by pilgrims as Rome and Jerusalem., and those that had made the arduous journey there wore the scallop shell proudly on the brims of their hats.
We will follow the southern route and, like our predecessors, find the places of interest along our way and, like them, enjoy the holiday.
It promises to be a rich and rewarding journey.
Father Huebert Miranda
Itinerary
Day 1 Saturday 2 June
London - Lisborn - Fatima
Meet at London Heathrow to join an afternoon flight to Lisbon, where on arrival we will be met by our guide and driven to the Church of St Anthony of Padua for Mass. The church is built on the site of his birth place. We then leave Lisbon and drive north to Fatima and our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fatima.
Day 2 Sunday 3 June
Fatima
After breakfast we begin with Mass followed by our guided visit to the Sanctuary of Fatima, including the Chapel of the Apparitions, the tombs of Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia and also the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. After a break for lunch we spend the afternoon visiting the Byzantine Chapel inn Domus Pacis and tour to Valinhos (spot where the Angel appeared, Hungarian Calvary, etc); Return to our hotel for dinner. After dinner, we have the option to participate in the Rosary and in the candlelight procession at the Shrine. Overnight stay in Fatima.
Day 3 Monday 4 June
Fatima and surround
We begin our day with Mass at the Capelina followed by time for private worship and time to explore the Basilica. Follow the stations of the Cross. In the afternoon we drive to Aljustrel, the homes of the children and the well, the place of the second apparition of the Angel. Finally we visit the village of Fatima itself, the Parish Church where the children were baptised and the graveyard. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. After dinner, we have another opportunity to participate in the Rosary and in the candlelight procession at the Shrine.
Day 4 Tuesday 5 June
Alcbaca - Batalha - Nazare
This morning we leave Fatima after Mass and an early breakfast for a full day excursion. We begin our programme with a visit to Obidos, for a brief visit of this ancient walled medieval town, before continuing on to Alcobaca to visit the Cistercian Monastery founded in 1153 by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Visit the huge church and monastery, the largest in Portugal including the Chapter House, two storied cloister of Dom Dinis, monk’s hall, refectory and kitchen which are amongst the finest examples of medieval religious architecture in Europe. From Batalha we continue to the picturesque fishing village of Nazare where we will enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue Sardine lunch (lunch is included). In the afternoon we continue to Batalha to visit the great Dominican monastery built by Joao, in homage to the Virgin after his victory over the Castillian army at Ajubarrota in 1385. The highlights are the beautiful Royal Cloisters and the Founder's Chapel with the Tomb of Joao I, his English wife Philippa of Lancaster and their son, Henry the Navigator. Late afternoon we leave Batalha and return to Fatima and our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 Wednesday 6 June
Coimbra - Ofir
Today we leave Fatima after mass and a leisurely breakfast and drive to Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and the Church of the Holy Cross with its tombs of the first and second kings of Portugal. Coimbra, the most important city to the south of the River Douro, it was for some time the residence of the Count Dom Henrique and Dona Teresa, the parents of the first king of Portugal. Coimbra was the capital of Portugal during the Middle Ages, but it was the Renaissance that transformed the city into a place of knowledge, when Dom João III (1521-57) moved the University to the city. After a break for lunch we continue Ofir on the Costa Verde and our hotel on the Atlantic coast. Dinner and overnight stay in Ofir.
Day 6 Thursday 7 June
Oporto - Douro - Guimaraes - Braga
This morning we visit Oporto, majestically situated on the estuary of the Douro River and famous for its fortified wines. The colourful Caravelas which carry the port barrels of Portugal's most famous industry were adapted in the shipyards of Oporto to take Portuguese navigators around the world. Visit the old quarter and one of the famous Port houses. We then join a special boat for lunch (lunch is included). and a cruise on the Douro. In the afternoon we visit Guimaraes, visit the 11th century castle where Afonso Henriques was born. Outside its gates is the Romanesque chapel containing the font where the king was baptised. Enjoy the old world atmosphere of Guimaraes. Later we drive to Braga the ecclesiastical capital of Portugal until 1716.
Day 7 Friday 8 June
Santiago de Compostela
We leave Ofir after an early breakfast and drive north across the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela, the highlight of our tour for Mass in the Cathedral and to spend the day there. Santiago is one of Spain's most remarkable cities, where Medieval quarters surround the main square and the great Cathedral built over the grave of Saint James. Behind its magnificent Baroque facade is the 11th century Cathedral which can be seen today as it was by pilgrims in the Middle Ages. After a typical Spanish lunch (lunch is included). and time for a spot of shopping we return south to Ofir and our hotel. Farewell dinner and final nights stay in Ofir.
Day 8 Saturday 9 June
Ofir - Oporto - London
Morning at leisure to relax by the sea and late morning we leave for nearby Oporto Airport to join our return flight to London.
Tour Costs
Tour Cost
INCLUSIVE TOUR COST - £895
Lightline tours are carefully calculated to include all items
necessary to complete your tour at the advertised price.
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Scheduled flights from London Heathrow on Air Portugal. |
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London– Lisbon TP5153 12:20/14:50 |
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Please note all the above times are local and subject to change. |
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All present airport departure & passenger taxes (UK & Portugal) |
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7 nights accommodation at selected 4 star hotels |
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All rooms are fully air-conditioned and have en-suite facilities. |
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Fatima - TheHotel Cinquentenario. |
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Ofir - The Hotel Axis. |
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Half board basis with dinner, bed and breakfast. |
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3 lunches - including a cruise on the Douro River with lunch. |
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All entrance fees and local government taxes. |
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Qualified English speaking guide throughout the tour. |
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Comprehensive Travel Insurance. |
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All touring in modern air-conditioned tourist coaches. |
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