2021 Fatima River Cruise

Departing Lisbon we drive to the Church of the Holy Miracle (formerly known as the Church of St. Stephen) in Santarem to venerate the 13th century Miracle of the Eucharist and celebrate Mass. In the afternoon we arrive in Fatima, settle into our hotel, and walk across the street to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Dinner at the hotel in Fatima. (B.D.)

Today will surely be a memorable experience, as we explore one of Our Blessed Mother’s most important apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in true turmoil, Our Lady’s most prominent message during this time was to pray for world peace. Our first stop is the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13, 1917. Continue with a visit to the stunning neoclassical church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the square. Due to Our Lady’s consistency in Her messages to pray the Rosary, this Basilica also features fifteen altars, dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. Visit the Museum with the exhibition: Fatima- Light and Peace. Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After lunch, we pray the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. The “Sacred Way” marks the path taken by the shepherd children of Fatima to their first apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s August 1917 apparition, and the first and third apparition of the Angel. Mass will be celebrated. Our night will conclude with private devotions, and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest in Fatima. (B.L.D.)

Porto built on staggered hills along the river, invites you to stroll through its labyrinthine streets and stairways, medieval alleys, Baroque churches, fountains, and bell towers, Beaux-Arts buildings, and bohemian neighborhoods. Our walking tour includes the town’s historic center and the Ribeira, the riverfront district. It’s hard to take a bad picture in Porto, where houses are clad in painted tiles and fascinating, eclectic architecture awaits us around every corner. Since the 18th century, when Portuguese vintners created a sweet fortified wine – now famous as Port – that could make the long sea voyage
to Britain without spoiling, the Douro Valley has been the only supplier of Port to the world, and the oldest demarcated wine region. We visit a local port making facility before returning to the ship for lunch and an afternoon retreat with Dr. Marcellino and our spiritual directors. Mass will be celebrated. Dinner and overnight on the ship. (B.L.D.)

The Douro River Valley and its unique landscapes of terraced mountains, villages, and wine estates unfold today on a full day’s sail to the small Spanish port town of Vega de Terron, where the Douro forms the border between Spain and Portugal. The landscape, at a confluence of rivers, is tranquil, beautiful, and unspoiled, at the edge of Douro International Natural Park. Mass will be celebrated on the ship. Dinner and overnight on the ship. (B.L.D.)

Today we journey to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest college town. We quickly forget about the lengthy border-crossing ride when we arrive in La Dorada (The Golden City), which gets its nickname from the beautiful glow of the sandstone structures. Europe’s oldest (and possibly one of the most beautiful) universities, dating back to 1134, sits in the heart of Salamanca, along with the city’s main square (Plaza Mayor), two Cathedrals, the House of Shells, and a multitude of Medieval, Gothic, and Baroque buildings. Despite the seemingly large size of the city, it feels like a small Spanish village. We celebrate Mass at the magnificent Cathedral. During our visit, don’t miss the opportunity to sample freshly made churros served with thick hot chocolate at Valor! Lunch is on our own today. We return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B.D.)

This morning we drive to the picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). There are more than 600 steps to ascend to the top – but fortunately, we are starting at the top and walking down! It is still a very memorable experience. To think that the pilgrims who visit here actually go up on their knees… We celebrate Mass at the Shrine, see Lamego’s Se, and explore the lovely town before returning to explore Pinhão. In the afternoon we sail to Vila Real for a visit to 18th-century Mateus Palace, a lavish Baroque residence designed by Nicolau Nasoni, now a museum with period furnishings and artwork, a heraldic hall, beautiful formal gardens, a winery, and a chapel with tombs and reliquaries. Tonight we enjoy the Captain’s dinner party and local entertainment. Overnight on the ship. (B.L.D.)

This morning we disembark in Porto and are transferred to the airport for our flight home. (B)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our flight home. (B.)