Dear Pilgrim,

Fr. Dave Korth and I have worked with Kingdom Tours to put together a great pilgrimage to visit the incredible region of Spain that had such an impact on St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Spanish mystics St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross. The work and ministry of these 16th-century saints influenced the life of the Catholic Church during their lifetimes and has had a lasting impact on Christian spirituality over the centuries.

They were committed to helping their religious communities grow closer in union with Christ, and as we trace their steps through the region we are sure to grow deeper in our faith. The pilgrimage sites in Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Madrid and points in-between will broaden our understanding of Church history and highlight the contributions Spanish culture has had on the Catholic Church as it came to the New World.

We hope you can join us for this beautiful pilgrimage through Spain!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Ralph and Fr. Dave

Today, we set out from the United States on our flights to Barcelona. We do our best to get some rest as we cross the Atlantic Ocean overnight to arrive in Spain the next day. 

Arrive Barcelona: Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: Welcome Mass: Welcome Dinner : 

Welcome Mass : Welcome Dinner : 

Arriving in Barcelona, we begin our pilgrimage with Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar followed by a special Welcome Dinner to close the day.

Overnight: Barcelona (Dinner*)

Cathedral of Barcelona : Oratory/Church of St. Philip Neri : La Boqueria : Church of the Sacred Heart : Sagrada Familia : 

Neri : La Boqueria : Church of the Sacred Heart : Sagrada Familia : 

Walking the streets and alleys of this vibrant city, our group will explore some of Barcelona’s most iconic churches. Major highlights for today include a viewing of the sword and dagger of St. Ignatius as well as a tour of the world-famous La Sagrada Familia. 

Overnight: Barcelona (Breakfast)

 Manresa: Montserrat:   

Leaving the busy streets of Barcelona behind, our group spends the morning visiting the cave of St. Ignatius in the riverside town of Manresa. Our afternoon takes us to the iconic Monastery of Montserrat. Here, we encounter the Black Madonna to which St. Ignatius committed his arms.

Overnight: Barcelona (Breakfast)

Tibidabo Hill : Drive to Zaragoza : Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar : La Seo :   

An early departure from Barcelona sets us on a Westward path to Zaragoza. There, our group will tour the two magnificent Cathedrals that dominate the city’s skyline: The Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is reputed to be built on the site where St. James received a visitation by Mary who appeared to him and instructed him to build a church in her honor. La Seo, formally known as the church of San Vicente, has been voted as one of Spain’s most beautiful Cathedrals. 

Overnight: Zaragoza (Breakfast, Dinner)

Drive to Segovia : Cathedral of Segovia : 

Continuing Southwest, we will set out for the city of Avila. Along the way, we stop to visit the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Built by the Royal family of Spain, this colossal structure simultaneously served as a tomb, monastery, and palace. It also served as the inspiration for the design of Omaha’s St. Cecilia Cathedral! Later, we continue to Avila to close the day.

Overnight: Avila (Breakfast, Dinner)

Segovia : Avila :   

We spend this day undertaking a thorough exploration of Avila, where we will encounter several sites tied to the life and work of St. Teresa of Avila. After lunch we will explore the imposing fortress-Cathedral of Avila where we will view a beautiful display of the incredible artistry and craftsmanship present within the Cathedral’s thirteen chapels.

Overnight: Avila (Breakfast)

El Escorial : Toledo : 

Departing Avila, our first stop is to visit the city of Segovia. Our time there begins with a visit to the Tomb of St. John of the Cross and will culminate with Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Segovia, which dominates the city skyline. Our tour complete, we continue to Madrid to check in to our hotel and enjoy a group dinner.

Overnight: Madrid (Breakfast, Dinner)

Catedral de la Almudena : Royal Palace : Free Afternoon :

Our first day in Madrid includes Mass at the Catedral de la Almudena followed by a comprehensive tour of the Royal Palace located nearby. This afternoon, we visit the world famous Prado Museum. Home to one of the largest art collections in the world, El Prado is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco. Following our tour, we then explore the sprawling Parque del Retiro. Located in the heart of the city, this magnificent park contains numerous museums, manicured gardens, and plays host to many cultural events throughout the year. 

Overnight: Madrid (Breakfast) 

 Visit Toledo : 

This morning, we set out for Spain’s former capital of Toledo. Here, we will view many of El Greco’s most famous works as we explore the Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo as well as the Church of Santo Tome. We return to Madrid in the mid afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight: Madrid (Breakfast)

Free Day : 

Our last full day in Spain begins with morning Mass at one of the city’s many churches. Following Mass, our group will disperse to explore Madrid according to our own individual tastes. This evening, we gather at a local restaurant to celebrate the end of our pilgrimage together.

Overnight: Madrid (Breakfast, Dinner)

Return Home: Today, we bid farewell to Spain as we board our flights across the Atlantic and back to the US. We take with us new friendships, strengthened faith, and fond memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight: N/A (Breakfast*)