PROGRAM OF ACTIONUhHOLY YEAR

FRANCE – SPAIN – BỒ DIG ITALY

Departures September 15 – September 25

Day 1: (Monday, September 15): USA – PARIS 

ON FLIGHT. Passengers gather at the airport to complete check-in procedures for the flight to Paris.

Day 2: (Tuesday, September 16): PARIS CITY TOUR

A vehicle will pick you up at CDG airport, assist with immigration procedures, and then take the group for sightseeing: 

• Church Miraculous Medal – The Miraculous Image – the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Laboure in 1830. The Virgin Mary entrusted her with the mission of promoting veneration of her through this image, often called the “Miraculous Image.” She promised: “All who carry this image with complete trust will receive many great graces.” The heart of Saint Vincent de Paul is also preserved here. 
• Taking souvenir photos by the tower. Eiffel (The tower is a 1-minute walk from the pier) – a 325-meter-high steel structure located in the Champ-de-Mars park, next to the Seine River, in Paris. This structure was built by Gustave Eiffel and his colleagues for the 1889 World's Fair, which also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
• Taking souvenir photos together Arc de Triomphe – The Arc de Triomphe – One of France's most famous historical symbols. It was built by Napoleon in 1806 and completed in 1836 to honor the army. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lies beneath the Arc de Triomphe since November 11, 1920.

The group had dinner and returned to the hotel to check in and rest. Overnight stay in Paris.

Day 3 (Wednesday, September 17): Paris City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Lisieux town (190km from the airport) to visit:

• Carmelite Couvent Chapel – Visiting the tomb of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.
• St. Therese Basilica – The idea behind building this magnificent cathedral was to honor the canonization day of Saint Thérèse.
• St. Peter's Church - The church is designed in the classical Gothic style. Inside this church is the tomb of Bishop Pierre, who was involved in the trial of Saint Joan of Arc. 

After lunch, the group returned to Paris and continued their sightseeing:

• Notre Dame Cathedral – Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris: Located on the Ile de la Cité island in the middle of the Seine River, this cathedral was built between 1103 and 1250. This Gothic cathedral features large stained-glass windows that let in sunlight. In front of the cathedral stands a stone/bronze plaque marking the geographical location of France. This is the starting point of all the streets in this historically significant city. In previous years, visitors were only allowed to take pictures, but now they can enter to visit because the cathedral reopened in 2019 after a major fire that left the entire city covered in lead dust.  

The vehicle will take you back to the hotel, where you will check in and rest. Overnight stay in Paris.

Day 4: (Thursday, September 18): PARIS – LOURDES 

In the morning, guests will have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and depart for the Paris Foreign Missions Society to attend a ceremony.

• Hill Montmartre – This beautiful hill, which has been a source of inspiration for many famous painters and musicians such as Picasso, Modigliani, Van Gogh, Renoir… was originally called the “Martyr Hill,” where Parisians paid their respects to Saint Denis.
• Church Sacre Coeur Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its pristine white facade against the blue French sky has become an iconic symbol of Paris. The cathedral is decorated in the Roman-Byzantine style with vibrant stained-glass windows dating from 1920-1930. The Sacre Coeur bell tower houses the Savoyarde bell, the largest in France. Situated on a hilltop, the cathedral offers stunning panoramic views of Paris. A private Mass will be celebrated here for the group.

At the appointed time, a vehicle will take you to the TGV station to catch the train to Lourdes, a small city in southwestern France known worldwide for the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1854. You will have lunch and rest on the train.

A vehicle will pick you up at the TGV station and take you to the hotel for check-in and rest. Overnight stay in Lourdes.

Day 5: (Friday, September 19): LOURDES 

Guests will have breakfast at the hotel, then depart for sightseeing:

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception – Basilica of Immaculate Conception – Located in the hills, just behind the Massabielle cave and above the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, it is therefore also known as the Upper Church.
• The underground church is named after Pope Pius X. – With a capacity of 20,000 people.
• The Church of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes – This church is particularly famous for its sacredness, especially the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the grotto. It is this church that has given the city of Lourdes a unique spiritual importance in the world.
• Grotto of Our Lady The Grottes de L'apparition, also known as Grotte Massabielle, is a cave believed to be where the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette. 
• Join the Way of the Cross. – The Stations of the Cross – is 2 km long and depicts the 15 stations that Jesus went through.

The group returned to the hotel for dinner, then participated in a collective procession with the community. A private Mass was celebrated for the group there. Overnight stay in Lourdes.

Day 6: (Saturday, September 20): LOURDES – BURGOS

After breakfast, the group departs for Burgos, a sanctuary of ancient churches. Upon arrival in Burgos, the group will have lunch at a restaurant, and then the vehicle will take you to visit the following locations:

• Burgos Cathedral One of Spain's three largest cathedrals, Burgos Cathedral was built between 1221 and 1567. It seems that the entire history of classical Gothic architecture is encapsulated in this magnificent structure, along with its unique collection of artworks, including paintings, tombs, and distinctive stained-glass windows. It also houses the tombs of King Fernán González and El Cid – two famous national heroes who fought against the Moors from the 8th to the 11th centuries.
• Old Quarter Paseo de la Isla Picturesque, with parks along the riverbank. 

Guests will have dinner and check into their rooms for rest. Overnight stay in Burgos.

Day 7: (Sunday, September 21): BURGOS – FATIMA

After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, depart for Fatima. Upon arrival in Fatima after lunch, the group will be taken by car to visit the following locations:

• Church of the Most Holy Trinity Inaugurated on October 12, 2007, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, it is the largest church in Portugal and the fourth largest Catholic church in the world.
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.

• In the evening, the group participated in the procession of the Virgin Mary and the evening candlelight vigil along with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

Guests will have dinner at the restaurant. Overnight stay in Fatima.

Day 08: (Monday, Sep 22): LOURDES – LISBON – ROME

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for Lisbon – the capital and largest city of Portugal. This coastal city has a long history, famous for the "Age of Discovery" in the 15th and 16th centuries when a series of renowned navigators from Lisbon conquered the shores of various continents, bringing wealth and prosperity to Portugal. Sightseeing:

• The port and city of Lisbon. 
• Lisbon Cathedral – built by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in the 12th century.
• Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua.

The vehicle will take the group to the airport for the flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, guests will check into their hotel and rest.

Spend the night in Rome.

Day 9: (Tuesday, September 23): ROME

Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel, then depart for sightseeing:

• Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Wall He is one of the four saints. The most important ancient street in Rome was built by Emperor Constantine on the burial site of Saint Paul. 
• Basilica of St. John Lateran – After issuing the Edict of Milan in 313 granting the Catholic Church religious freedom throughout the Roman Empire, Emperor Constantine commissioned the construction of the Basilica of Lateran between 313 and 318 to honor the Savior. This is the Mother and Head (Mater et Caput) of all churches in the world. During the pontificate of Pope Gregory I (590-604), the basilica was dedicated to both Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Apostle. Pope Lucius II established its current name, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, in 1144. From the 4th to the 14th centuries, this basilica was the center of the Roman Church, the seat and symbol of the Pope.
• Stair saint – According to tradition, Jesus ascended the steps to be judged by Pilate in his palace, and the blood of Jesus was found on the steps. On the Holy Stairs is the Holy Chapel containing very precious relics.
• The Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem – (The Basilica of The Holy Cross in Jerusalem) where many precious relics are kept: a nail once used to crucify Jesus; two thorns from His Crown of Thorns; a finger belonging to Saint Thomas; a fragment of the good thief's cross; three fragments from the cross of Jesus; the reliquary containing small pieces of the crucifix; and especially a piece of wood from the cross of Jesus inscribed with the word "Nazere" in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

The vehicle will take you back to the hotel, where you will have dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Rome.

Day 10: (Wednesday, September 24): ROME – VATICAN – ROME  

After breakfast at the hotel, the vehicle and guide will take you to continue your sightseeing tour:

*Attending the Angelus prayer with the Pope*

• Holy Basilica Peter – St. Peter Basilica – One of the Four Great Basilicas in Rome. The first basilica was built by Emperor Constantine in 320. The current basilica was built over 120 years (1506-1606) during the reigns of 18 papacies under the direction of 12 famous architects such as Bramante, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Maderno. It is the largest and most beautiful basilica in the world.
• St. Mary Major's Basilica – One of Rome's four major basilicas, built in the 4th century. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to John and Pope Liberius (352-366) and asked them to build a shrine to her in the snow-covered hill of Esquilino around the night of August 4th and the morning of August 5th, 358. Therefore, the people revered her as "Our Lady of the Snow," later changed to "Our Lady of God" after the Council of Ephesus proclaimed the dogma of Our Lady of God in 431. This is the only basilica in Rome that still retains its original architectural features. Original. Here they keep the wooden manger on which Jesus lay when he was born in Bethlehem.
• Colosseum – The Colosseum is a large amphitheater in the city of Rome, built between approximately 70 and 72 AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. Having weathered many historical upheavals, the Colosseum still stands as a masterpiece of time.Take souvenir photos outside.)
• Palatine Hill – Located near the Titus Gate, visitors can explore newly unearthed sites such as the House of Augustus and the Domitian Stadium. From the Palatine, visitors can see the Maximus Theatre, where famous horse races took place.

Have dinner and return to the hotel to rest. Overnight stay in Rome. 

Day 11: (Thursday, September 25): ROME – USA 

Guests check out of the hotel, taking their breakfast with them. A vehicle will then transfer guests to the airport for their flight back to Vietnam. 

• Spanish Square – The Spanish Square, known as the "tourist heart" of Rome, attracts the most visitors. The Holy Trinity Church sits atop a hill, with its arched steps and park featuring a stone boat spouting water. It's an ideal meeting place for everyone.
• Take photos outside. The PantheonThe temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, was built around the middle of the 5th century BC.
• Trevi Fountain – the setting for classic films such as "La dolce vita" or "Three coins in the fountain". Today, many visitors also come with the hope of finding eternal love, just like what they have seen in these films.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA. Complete immigration procedures. We look forward to seeing you on future Carnival tours. 

TOUR PRICE: $ 2,880.00 / GUEST*

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Tour Price Includes:

• Domestic flight tickets. Checked baggage allowance: 20 kg + 1 small carry-on bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm) – subject to airline regulations. If you require additional checked baggage, please pay the fee as per airline regulations.
• Airport security fees, fuel surcharges, airport taxes.
• 3-star hotel (double or triple room)
• Three meals a day, visits, and transportation as per the program.
• The tour guide speaks English and Vietnamese.
• A separate Mass is celebrated for the group each day.
• The spiritual director accompanied the group throughout the entire trip.
• Carnival gifts.

Tour Price Excludes:

• Round-trip economy class international multi-gateway air tickets from the USA. Please contact our office for assistance.
• Having lunch
• Travel insurance.
• Tips for local guides and drivers.
• Single room supplement applies.
• Surcharge for business class airfare (if applicable).
• Extra baggage fees for checked baggage beyond the standard allowance of European domestic airlines.
• Visits outside the scheduled program, personal expenses, excess baggage fees, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any additional fuel surcharge may apply at the time of ticket issuance (if applicable).

PAYMENT METHODS:

• Phase 1: $1,440.00 upon registration.
• Phase 2: Full payment due before July 15th

TOUR CANCELLATION:

• Cancellation 100 days before departure: a fee of 25%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
• Cancellation 90 days before departure: a fee of 50%/person will be charged on top of the tour price. 
• Cancellation 60 days before departure: a fee of 75%/person will be charged on top of the tour price.
• Cancellation 30 days before departure: a 100% fee will be charged for the tour price.
• If a customer is not present at the departure time, the tour will be considered cancelled and no refunds will be given.
• Carnival reserves the right to cancel tours 30 days before departure and issue refunds for any reason. The company will refund the cost of any non-visits included in the tour program, as well as airfare.

NOTE:

• Tour prices do not apply to personal or commercial visits.
• Tour prices are calculated based on a minimum group size of 45 adults or more. Therefore, a surcharge will apply if the number of participants is lower.
• The company will not be responsible for lost destinations/visits in the following cases: destinations/visits being closed without prior notice, traffic congestion, or because you stay at a location for longer than the allotted time.
• The company is not responsible for flight delays caused by the customer's failure to be present at the airport as required by the airline or for personal reasons of the customer.
• Because fuel costs may increase at the time of ticket issuance without prior notice, we will present the airline's official document regarding any surcharge increase (if applicable) and request that customers agree to the corresponding price increase.
• Depending on the actual situation, the order of destinations in the itinerary may change, but all the original sightseeing points will still be included.
• In objective circumstances such as terrorism, natural disasters, visa processing delays by the Consulate, or changes in the schedules of public transportation such as airplanes and trains, the travel company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the convenience and safety of customers and will be exempt from liability for compensation for any resulting damages.
• Passengers aged 75 and above are required to provide a health certificate for international travel issued by a doctor and a health commitment form to the company. A healthy family member under 60 years of age must accompany them.
• Please read the inclusions and exclusions carefully before booking the tour. This will help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings about the services offered.

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE

HOLY YEAR PILGRIMAGE - SEPTEMBER

Carnival Group sends best wishes.

Wishing you a blessed pilgrimage!