DAY    1            DEPARTURE FROM NORTH AMERICA
Enjoy full meal service on your scheduled wide-bodied flight to Paris.

DAY    2            ARRIVE PARIS (2 NIGHTS)
On arrival at the airport, we will be met and welcomed by our Casterbridge Tour Manger/Guide. We will board our own private coach and transfer to our hotel in Paris. After time to relax, our Casterbridge Tour Manager/Guide will accompany us on some introductory sightseeing. This will include a River Cruise along the Seine, passing under many graceful bridges as we admire the beauty of Paris on both banks. Tonight we will ascend the Eiffel Tower.

DAY    3            PARIS
Our morning begins with Holy Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the Rue de Bac. It was in 1830 that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure and offered to the world the Miraculous Medal. This medal has the very inscription requested by Our Lady "O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee". The morning continues with a visit to Shrine of St. Vincent de Paul. Here we will have the opportunity to pray before the early relics of St. Catherine Laboure and St. Vincent de Paul. This afternoon, we will visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Today it is one of the most beautiful examples of early Gothic architecture. The façade is of particular note, with its seemingly perfect proportions, and its two towers, which narrow at the top and expand at the base, providing viewers with an illusion of great height. Once inside the shimmering rose windows give the interior a truly mystical ambiance. Next to the high altar is the 14th century statue of the Virgin and Child, known as Our Lady of Paris. This evening, we will take the funicular from the base of Montmarte to see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre' Coeur). The Basilica is built of travertine stone quarried from Chateau-Landon in France. The stone continues tot exude calcite, keeping the building white regardless of the weather or pollution. Inside, visitors will notice the Romano-Byzantine influence coupled with special nationalist themes. In 1885, during construction, a Mass was celebrated and the sacred Host turned into flesh and blood. Since that time, perpetual adoration has continued uninterrupted. Those wishing to may climb to the top of the dome and enjoy a spectacular view of the City of Paris.

DAY    4            PARIS - CHARTRES - ORLEANS - NEVERS AREA (1 NIGHT)
Today we depart Paris and travel westward to the medieval city of Chartres, home to one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. Consecrated in 1260, in addition to its beauty and grandeur, the Chartres Cathedral is also home to one of Christianity's greatest treasures, the "Sancta Casmisia", the Holy Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition believes that this is the very veil Mary wore when she gave birth to Christ. It is kept in a golden reliquary inside the Cathedral and is visible for all to venerate. Our next stop is the city of Orleans and the home of St. Joan of Arc. We will visit her home which now serves as a museum dedicated to this very popular saint. In the afternoon we continue on to Nevers. Depending upon our arrival time, we will enjoy a small orientation tour before dinner.

DAY    5            NEVERS AREA - CLERMONT-FERRAND - ROCAMADOUR AREA (1 NIGHT)
We begin our day with Mass at the convent chapel of Saint Gilard. Following Mass we will visit the tomb of St. Bernadette, the visionary to the Marian apparition at Lourdes. Her body remains in an incorrupt state and is kept in a glass casket for the faithful to view. We will visit the museum, which contains many artifacts and relics used by the holy saint during her life. Our next stop is the Basilique Notre Dame du Port, in Clermont-Ferrand, considered one of the most important Romanesque churches in the region and part of the way of Santiago de la Compostela. In the afternoon, we travel on to Rocamadour. This is the second most visited place in France after Mont St. Michel. Once a revered Christian site, it is still a holy place for many pilgrims notably those on the Way of Santiago de la Compostela. We will also make our way to the Shrine of the Black Madonna, a special place of devotion that attracts thousands each year. The evening is free and you may be interested in a visit to the Basilica of St. Sauveur. Climb the Pilgrim's Stairs, or walk the moving Stations of the Cross, or spend some quiet time in prayer and devotion.

DAY    6            ROCAMADOUR AREA - TOULOUSE - LOURDES AREA (3 NIGHTS)
After departing from Rocamadour, we will make our way to one of the stopping points for medieval pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, the Basilique de St. Sernin. After lunch, we will continue on to Lourdes. On arrival, after checking in to your hotel and taking an orientation tour of the area, you will be able to participate in the candlelight procession, which is held in the evening (if available).

DAY    7            LOURDES
Today we will visit the Grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous 18 times in 1858. It is a place of beauty and the waters that run through the Grotto are also believed to have healing powers. The rest of the day will be yours for religious reflection.

DAY    8            LOURDES
Today is a special day of prayer and private devotion. The day enables you to participate in some of the daily events in Lourdes that might be of importance to you. You may wish to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, or bath yourself in one of the healing baths. You might want to attend the Healing Service in the afternoon and receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of Sick offered at the Shrine. You may want to share in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or spend quiet time in prayer at the Grotto on behalf of the many who have asked you to pray for them. The day is set aside to provide you with the time and opportunity to immerse yourself into the faith and mystery of this holy place.

DAY    9            DEPART TOULOUSE
Our spiritually rewarding journey now comes to an end, as our Casterbridge Tour Manager/Guide escorts us to the airport.