PORTUGAL - SPAIN PILGRIMAGE

We invite you to join in our 14 day Pilgrimage to Portugal and Spain with Chaplain Fr. David Rivera

June 17 to 30, 2024 (14 days)
3,999.00 USD
INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES
    • the flight and airport fees
    • comfortable coach transport
    • 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, accommodation based on double occupancy, rooms with bathrooms
    • 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners, 11 lunches
    • assistance of a professional tour leader
    • travel insurance against medical expenses (KL) + Assistance including medical expenses coverage for chronic disease up to 20 000 EUR and accident insurance coverage NNW up to 15 000 EUR and up to 10 000 in Poland
    • admission tickets, audio tour guides, tolls, parking fees, local guides, other program expenses
... it really makes a difference who you travel with…
14 DAY OUTLINE PROGRAMME

LIZBONA · ALMADA · SINTRA · CABO DA ROCA · OBIDOS · FATIMA · ALJUSTREL · BATALHA · ALCOBAÇA · NAZARE · TOMAR · COIMBRA · PORTO · BRAGA · SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA · SALAMAKNA · AVILA · MADRYT · TOLEDO

DAY 1 - Mon 17 June 2024

Meeting at the airport and departure to Lisbon.

DAY 2 - Tue 18 June 2024

Arrival to Lisbon. Welcome drink with tour guide. Transfer to Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 - Wed 19 June 2024

After breakfast we will drive to Lisbon and go sightseeing in the city. Our first stop there will be the neighbourhood Alfama, where we will visit the Cathedral and Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Then, we will see the Belém Tower, the replica of the plane Fairey IIID, the Rose Compass, the Monument of the Discoveries, and finally the Church of the Hieronymites. Lunch. Then, we will enjoy a drive to the city of Almada across the architecturally spectacular suspension bridge over the Tagus river. There we will visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King, which boasts a magnificent panoramic view of Lisbon. After that we will drive back to Lisbon to see the districts Bairro Alto and Baixa de Lisbona reconstructed in the architecturally homogeneous style after the earthquake and tsunami in 1755. Festive dinner accompanied by the traditional Portugal Fado music. Return for an overnight stay.

DAY 4 - Thu 20 June 2024

Breakfast. Drive to Sintra, where we will go sightseeing in the city and visit the Palace of Sintra – the former royal residence in Portugal. Then, we will have lunch and head to Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of Europe located on cliffs that are 140 meters high. Then, we will drive to Obidos, which is a scenic town surrounded by medieval walls and where you can have a stroll down cobbled streets, admire colorful houses and a castle towering above the breathtaking landscape. Drive to Fatima. Dinner and candlelight procession. Overnight stay.

DAY 5 - Fri 21 June 2024

Breakfast. A visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima located in the place of the Marian apparitions. We will see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, and the exhibition “Light and Peace”, which provides its visitors to the votive offerings for Our Lady of Fatima. Apart from that, we will see the statues of the popes John Paul II and Paul VI, and the Berlin Wall Monument of Fatima, which is a segment of the original wall and a symbol of the divine intervention in the fall of communism spelled in Fatima. Lunch and the way of the cross. Then, we will drive to Aljustrel to see the places connected with the life of Saint Hyacinth, Saint Francis, and Saint Lucia. Return to the Sanctuary. Free time. After dinner we will participate in the candlelight procession. Overnight stay.

DAY 6 - Sat 22 June 2024

Breakfast. A drive to Batalha, where we will visit the Monastery of Batalha, which is one of the greatest examples of the Gothic style architecture. There we will admire the Founder’s Chapel, the Royal Cloister, the Chapterhouse, the Unfinished Chapels, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the refectory. A drive to Alcobaça. There we will visit the Alcobaça Monastery and see the Chamber of the Kings that houses 19 statues of the Portuguese kings and whose interior is decorated with the distinctive ceramic tiles called Azulejo. A drive to Nazaré, which is a seaside resort located on the beautiful Atlantic coast, between the rocky Cabo Carvoiero and Cabo Mondego. The legend holds that the town owes its name to a small statue of the Virgin Mary that was brought there from Nazareth by a monk. A short sightseeing of the baroque church Nossa Senphora da Nazaré, and the Chapel of the Miracle’s Memory. Lunch. Free time for the relax at the ocean. Return for dinner, after which we will participate in the candlelight procession. Overnight stay.

DAY 7 - Sun 23 June 2024

Breakfast. A drive to Tomar, where you can see the Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an impressive convent and castle complex founded and developed by the Templars. Interestingly, some of its decorations served as an inspiration for the distinctive Manueline style. Lunch. A drive to Coimbra, the first capital city of Portugal, which lies by the Mondego River that has its source in the mountain range Serra da Estrela. Combra is especially famous for the oldest university of Portugal established in 1290. There we will also see the old town, Coimbra University Tower, and the Memorial of Sister Lucia, who spent 48 years of her life in the Carmel of Saint Teresa. Dinner and overnight stay in Porto or Braga.

DAY 8 - Mon 24 June 2024

This day will start with breakfast after which we will head to Braga to visit the Cathedral of Braga and the former residence of the bishops of Braga. Then, we will go to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Monte – an architectural ensemble dating back to 18th. century. It encompasses the long stairway that symbolizes the Sacred Way, the Staircase of the Five Senses, and the Staircase of Virtues. Lunch. A drive to Porto, which is a large industrial and manufacturing center located on a hill in a picturesque area by the river Duoro. We will visit the Porto Cathedral. A stroll down the streets of the old city Ribeira. Porto wine tasting and possibility to buy wine. Return for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 9 - Tue 25 June 2024

After breakfast we will head toward the environs of the city Santiago de Compostela. We will take on foot the last part of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) – the oldest pilgrimage route in Europe, leading from different places of the old continent to Santiago. Then, we will have lunch and visit the shrine of the Apostle James. Sightseeing of the Romanesque cathedral with its distinctive entrance and around one hundred figures on it. On the Baroque façade of the cathedral there is a statue of St. James. The crypt located under the main altar of the cathedral is the burial place of the Apostle James. Visit to the city combined with sightseeing in the old town. Dinner and overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 10 - Wed 26 June 2024

Participation in a Holy Mass in Santiago de Compostela. Breakfast. A drive to Salamanca, where we will have a walk down the streets of the city. We will visit the Old Cathedral built in Romanesque and Gothic style and the New Cathedral constructed in the late Gothic style and famous for its main façade and three Gothic entrances finely decorated with the scenes from the Old and New Testament. We will also see the Salamaca City Hall and the royal palaces erected in the Plateresque style. After that we will head to Univerisad de Salamanca, which is the most characteristic landmark in Salamanca. Established in 1218, Universidad de Salamanca is considered to be the first university in Europe to hold the title of university. On this day we will also see one of the largest and most beautiful main market squares in Spain, designed on the commission of the King Philip V by Alberto Churriguera, a famous figure coming from the Spanish line of sculptors and architects. Dinner and overnight stay in Salamanca.

DAY 11 - Thu 27 June 2024

After breakfast we will head to Avila, which is the birthplace of St. Teresa. We will see the Gothic Cathedral of the Saviour completed between 14th and 15th century and the Walls of Avila, one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications and defensive walls in Europe. Lunch and free time. Then, we will drive to Madrid, where we will take a panoramic city tour. Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 12 - Fri 28 June 2024

The day will start with breakfast after which we will go sightseeing in Madrid. It will include: Almudena Cathedral erected on the occasion of 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Apart from that, we will see (from the outside) the Royal Palace of Madrid built at the site of the former Royal Alcázar of Madrid located on the Plaza de Oriente. Lunch. Then, we will head to the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol, which is a square that holds a statue of Charles III, the fountain and the Statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree – the symbol of Madrid. Return for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 13 Sat 29 June 2024

Breakfast. We will drive to Toledo, which is one of the most precious architectural Spanish gems and the seat of the Archdiocese. On this day we will see the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo erected in 15th century with its five naves and four beautifully decorated chapels: Capilla de San Juan, Capilla Mayor, Capilla Mozarabe, Capilla Santiago. A stroll down the streets of the Old City, where we will see The Alcázar of Toledo, 11th-century fortification, Toledo city hall, royal palaces, ruins of Roman and medieval buildings. Free time for lunch. At the end of the day we will drive for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 14 SUN 30 June 2024

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Return flight. Ending of the Pilgrimage.

PRICE

Portugal - Spain Pilgrimage

17th June – 30th June 2024

PRICE: 3999 USD

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • the flight and airport fees
  • comfortable coach transport
  • 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, accommodation based on double occupancy, rooms with bathrooms
  • 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners, 11 lunches
  • assistance of a professional tour leader
  • travel insurance against medical expenses (KL) + Assistance including medical expenses coverage for chronic disease up to 20 000 EUR and accident insurance coverage NNW up to 15 000 EUR and up to 10 000 in Poland
  • admission tickets, audio tour guides, tolls, parking fees, local guides, other program expenses

The trip is of a religious nature and is led by a spiritual leader (usually a parish priest) with an opportunity to participate in a holy mass celebrated on daily basis during the trip

Travel documents required: passport

The program is an outline and may be subject to little change.

Letters with enrollment form and checks should be addressed to the tour host: Henryk Michalkiewicz, 811 Garton Rd, Bridgeton NJ 08302

TOUR CONDITIONS
AIR TRANSPORTATION / BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Economy class. Individual air fares are based on advance purchase and subject to availability at the time of confirmation and ticketing. Reservations may not be changed after ticketing without penalty: $350.00 USD will be charged by the airline for changes in reservations. A higher penalty may be imposed for total cancellation, or no-show after tickets are issued. The checked baggage allowance is one piece per person not to exceed 23 kgs.

HOTEL AND MEALS

Superior First-Class hotels, based on sharing twin-bedded rooms with private facilities. BTP Frater does not guarantee that a roommate will be available. If one is not available, single rooms are offered at extra charge (average $95 per night). 3 meals includes daily: Buffet breakfast, lunch, and table d’hote dinner at hotel.

SIGHTSEEING AND TRANSFERS

The cost of this tour is based on a minimum of 40 persons traveling together and includes transfers of one suitcase per person and porterage at airport, borders and hotels. Transportation by late Model minivan; and includes courteous English-speaking guides, and entrance fees to places visited, as indicated in the itinerary on the brochure.

TIPS

All tips to the waiters, bellboys and porters, hotel personnel, guides and horse and bus drivers are included in price.

INCLUDED ITEMS

    • the flight and airport fees
    • comfortable coach transport
    • 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels, accommodation based on double occupancy, rooms with bathrooms
    • 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners, 11 lunches
    • assistance of a professional tour leader
    • travel insurance against medical expenses (KL) + Assistance including medical expenses coverage for chronic disease up to 20 000 EUR and accident insurance coverage NNW up to 15 000 EUR and up to 10 000 in Poland
    • admission tickets, audio tour guides, tolls, parking fees, local guides, other program expenses

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST

Passport fees, phone calls, gratuities, laundry service, and all items of a personal nature, expenses within home country.

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

A deposit of $ 500.00 per person is required at the time of booking. Second payment of $ 500.00 per person is due no later than 31.12.2023. Final payment 2999 USD is due no later than 30 days prior to departure what means 17.05.2024 The cost of the tour is based on present values of the US dollar at the time the brochure is published; and rates, tariffs and airfares in effect on 13 November 2023 and subject to changes, increases or adjustment in cost before tour operates.

CANCELLATION of Land Arrangement

Full refund is granted for any cancellation in writing received by BTP FRATER eight weeks or more prior to departure. Cancellation 8 weeks till departure will be subject to a cancellation penalty of US $450 per person plus expenses incurred. After departure, no refund for any unused services - Air and Land.

CANCELLATION or change of tickets

The carrier's cancellation policy will apply immediately after tickets are issued. Airline tickets become non-refundable, non-endorsable and non- transferable. Any change in date or name spelling, or cases of No-Show or route deviation will cost extra and nullify the airfare guarantee.

FINANCIAL LIABILITY

The client by engaging BTP Frater, and making deposit and/or full payment for the travel arrangements specified, acknowledges their position of tour operators in the sole capacity of agents for the tour members with the airlines, land operators, wholesalers, hotels, bus companies, contractors, and service providers etc., and agrees to hold BTP FRATER blameless in making the arrangements on his behalf, provided same shall be made through generally acceptable suppliers; and further agrees that restitution for damages, if any are claimed, shall be sought directly from the suppliers conveying the service. Such conveying, etc. is subject to the laws of the country where the conveyance is provided. The sole financial liability of the tour operators is limited to the amount of commission each receives from arranging air and land transportation and accommodation on behalf of the clients with service providers, airlines, hotels, and other tour operators.

SEQUENCE OF TOURS

Sequence of sightseeing is left to the discretion of Tour Hosts. Right is reserved to vary the sequence or make substitutions after group arrival to country of destination. All services clients are entitled to, will be maintained as much as these conditions allow.

SHOPPING

BTP FRATER and the tour hosts are not working in cahoots with any souvenir store or bazaar in the countries we cover. BTP FRATER does not direct guides or buses towards shops or peddler stands. Any similarity or resemblance to our trade name is merely coincidental. The owners and tour leaders are not experts in jewelry, diamonds or antiques; and therefore shall not be held responsible for quality and/or cost of items purchased by the clients. Remedies for corrupt services, nonfeasance or ill feasance are remedied by contacting the Tourism authorities in the country visited.

RESPONSIBILITY

The presenters and the tour hosts shall not become liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, change in itinerary or accommodations, inconvenience, or other irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of the suppliers or their employees, land operators, airlines, or others not under the direct control of BTP FRATER. In case of defects or failures of any conveyance, equipment or instruments under the control of airlines, land operators, bus companies, etc.; or through acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out arrangements on the tour, or in connection therewith, or of any hotel proprietor or servant, but not limited to criminal acts by a third party, fire, civil disturbances, acts of God, governments and others, riots, wars, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, or dangers incident to the sea, land and air. All such losses will have to be exclusively borne by the client.

WHEN WILL YOU... IF YOU DO NOT DO IT NOW, WHILE YOU STILL CAN? ​

Henryk Michalkiewicz mobile 609 381 4991 mail: misza811@gmail.com