Europe
First Day
We meet at Malta International Airport at 03:45 for flight FR9246, departing at 05:45.
We arrive at Lourdes Airport at 08:15. Transfer to LourdesHotel Saint Sauveur 3 Stars. Upon arrival, we will visit the Massabielle Grotto, where the Madonna appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, and the three Basilicas. Afterward, we will check-in. Dinner at the hotel and later we will participate in the Aux Flambeaux procession, which starts from the Grotto to the Rosary Basilica. We walk behind the statue of the Madonna, holding lit candles while the Rosary is recited.
Second Day
Breakfast. We attend Mass at the Basilica of St. Pius X. Afterward, a city walking tour of Lourdes to visit places of interest related to Saint Bernadette, including the ‘Moulin de Boly’ (the place where Bernadette was born and lived until the age of 10), the Cachot, and the Parish Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Lunch at the hotel, followed by an excursion to the Betharram Caves, also known as Grottes de Bétharram. These fascinating natural wonders are located in the Pyrenees, passing through the French-Spanish border. They are famous for their spectacular rock formations, underground rivers, and multi-level galleries, making them one of the most impressive cave systems in Europe (extra entry fee). Dinner at the hotel.
Third Day
Breakfast and then another beautiful day in the city of Toulouse, the fourth-largest city in France. We will have a city tour to explore the historic center of Toulouse and discover its monuments and key sites, including a guided tour that gives a great overview of the 'Pink City' and its history. We visit the Daurade Basin on the banks of the Garonne River, the Pont Saint Pierre with a stunning view of the La Grave hospital dome, and the opening to the Breenne Canal. We will also visit the Jacobin Convent, built in the 13th century... Afterward, we will have free time for lunch and to explore the charming streets and shops of this city. Dinner at the hotel.
Fourth Day
Breakfast. Mass and then we visit the Massabielle Grotto, where the Madonna appeared to Saint Bernadette, and we will do the Via Sacra. Lunch at the hotel, followed by an excursion to the Pont d’Espagne to enjoy the beautiful scenery in this National Park. Dinner at the hotel.
Fifth Day
Time for Mass and then we head to Gavarnie, located in the Hautes Pyrénées region, where we will enjoy breathtaking scenery. We stop at the ‘Pont du Napoleon’ for photos and to enjoy the stunning view. We continue towards Lourdes Airport for our return flight to Malta (FR9245), departing at 17:55 and arriving in Malta at 20:20.
