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Copyrighted 2006 Journeys Happen
Copyrighted 2006 Journeys Happen
ABOUT THIS TOUR: This unique custom itinerary was designed with the intent of offering you a flexible and personal spiritual experience at a more affordable price. If you are looking for a luxury vacation, then this tour is not for you. If you are looking for a unique Holy experience, you have come to the right place. You will travel by Motor coach the entire trip, sleep in Monasteries or convents (and a few hotels), and eat breakfast and dinner with your religious brothers and sisters. Most of the accommodations are double occupancy (some triple) with private baths. Many of your breakfasts and dinners will be consumed at the places you stay. Some of the accommodations will provide a sack lunch if you desire, for a nominal fee, otherwise all lunches are on your own.
This Itinerary is flexible and may change depending on availability and pricing at the time reservations are secured. There are no guarantees associated with this tour until deposits have been collected and reservations made. All Masses are subject to church times and activities.
AIRFARE: Airfare from Denver, CO is included in the pricing at the time of this publication, although it is subject to change. Once all minimum deposits have been collected, a guaranteed group air price will be obtained. Gov Fees and taxes are only guaranteed once final payment is made.
This Itinerary is flexible and may change depending on availability and pricing at the time reservations are secured. There are no guarantees associated with this tour until deposits have been collected and reservations made. All Masses are subject to church times and activities.
AIRFARE: Airfare from Denver, CO is included in the pricing at the time of this publication, although it is subject to change. Once all minimum deposits have been collected, a guaranteed group air price will be obtained. Gov Fees and taxes are only guaranteed once final payment is made.
PRICE DETAILS in US Dollars:
$3,590.00*
Single room supplement: $300
CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT RESERVATION FORM. COMPLETE AND FAX TO: (719)598-8112
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A $500 Deposit is due at the first meeting. Additional monthly payments can be made at your convenience. The FINAL payment is due on March 1, 2009. Payments received after the due dates may incur a $50 handling fee and are not guaranteed.
CANCELLATIONS AND PENALTIES:
Should unforeseen circumstances occur and you must abandon your travel plans, the following per person fees will apply in addition to any direct costs incurred and will be deducted from your refund:
91+ days before departure: $150
61 to 90 days before departure: $300
31 to 60 days before departure: 50% of tour cost
16 to 30 days before departure: 80% of tour cost
15 days or less before departure: 100% of tour costs (no refund)
*2009 pilgrimages may be subject to price change and itinerary modification. Prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at the time of publishing and those that are expected at time of departure. Prices will be confirmed at the time reservations are made for the group. Full details will be available as soon as we have a minimum of 10 participants. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy or triple occupancy.
$3,590.00*
Single room supplement: $300
CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT RESERVATION FORM. COMPLETE AND FAX TO: (719)598-8112
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A $500 Deposit is due at the first meeting. Additional monthly payments can be made at your convenience. The FINAL payment is due on March 1, 2009. Payments received after the due dates may incur a $50 handling fee and are not guaranteed.
CANCELLATIONS AND PENALTIES:
Should unforeseen circumstances occur and you must abandon your travel plans, the following per person fees will apply in addition to any direct costs incurred and will be deducted from your refund:
91+ days before departure: $150
61 to 90 days before departure: $300
31 to 60 days before departure: 50% of tour cost
16 to 30 days before departure: 80% of tour cost
15 days or less before departure: 100% of tour costs (no refund)
*2009 pilgrimages may be subject to price change and itinerary modification. Prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at the time of publishing and those that are expected at time of departure. Prices will be confirmed at the time reservations are made for the group. Full details will be available as soon as we have a minimum of 10 participants. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy or triple occupancy.
Itinerary
Exact dates have not been established yet, however, we are currently planning for a mid May, 2009 departure.
DAY 1: DEPART USA
We begin our spiritual journey as we depart on an overnight flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2: PARIS/ ROUEN/ LISIEUX
We arrive in Paris and are picked up by a luxury motor coach and immediately head towards Lisieux. On the way to Lisieux we will stop in Rouen and visit several Gothic churches and the Cathedral. Rouen's Cathedral has many fine features, but is especially famous for two things: the highest spire in France, a cast-iron tour-de-force erected in 1876; and Claude Monet's many paintings of its facade. Just across the street from the cathedral and surrounded by half-timbered buildings is Eglise St-Maclou, a fine Gothic church, rebuilt 1437-1521. It is best known for its finely carved wooden doors from the 16th century. Eglise St-Quen, originally the church of a Benedictine abbey, St-Ouen is larger than the cathedral and more harmonious in its Gothic architecture. Joan of Arc was sentenced to death in its cemetery in 1431.
Then on to Lisieux, where we visit the sites of St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, including the Buissonnets and the Basilica in Lisieux. There we will celebrate your opening Mass of the pilgrimage in Lisieux. You will spend the night at Ermitage of the Monastere Du Carmel in Lisieux. This home built in 1928 is strictly reserved for pilgrims and is where we will eat our evening meal under the usual conditions of religious homes.(Dinner included)
DAY 3: MT. ST. MICHEL Excursion / LISIEUX
After an breakfast, we make our way to Mont. St. Michel, a major place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages and today. The place is so-named after the eighth century Bishop of Avranches who saw St. Michael the Archangel three times in his dreams on this site. The Benedictines constructed a magnificent abbey here in 966, where we will celebrate Mass. A local Benedictine community has overseen the religious activities here since 1969. Then back to Lisieux for an evening meal and the night. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 4: LISIEUX / ROCAMADOUR
This morning we will celebrate Mass early and after breakfast, proceed with a 7 hour drive to Rocamadour, stopping along the way for brief breaks, lunch and enjoying the sites. Rocamadour is a spectacular natural and religious site perched high on a rocky plateau. Rocamadour's religious roots are the source of the town's name. According to legend, St. Amadour, a witness to the martyrdom of St. Paul and St. Peter, traveled to the location and took up hermitage following his wife's death. The story might be part myth and part history, but the legend, beloved of locals, adds to Rocamadour's charm and magic. Another version of a legend claims, Rocamadour was the home of an early Christian hermit named Zaccheus of Jericho. It is believed that he died in about 70 AD and had conversed with Jesus himself. According to some accounts, this Zaccheus was the husband of St. Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus as he climbed to Calvary. At some point after the hermit's death and burial in Rocamadour, the site became a place of pilgrimage. Some claim the town was named for the hermit, a "lover of rock" (roc amator).
Zaccheus is said to have brought with him to Rocamadour a statue of the Black Virgin, though the statue is generally dated to the 9th century. Due to the double attraction of the tomb of Zaccheus and the statue of the Virgin, pilgrims began to flock to Rocamadour. Many reported experiencing miraculous healings and conversions at the shrine.
We will visit St. Amadour's crypt. This quiet area of reflection is accessed down a stone staircase. The crypt, built into the rock, is an ideal place for devotion and contemplation. But Saint Amadour's crypt isn't the only sight of interest in this historic burg. The Chapelle Notre Dame--Our Lady's Chapel--contains the famous Black Madonna, a twelfth century rendition of the virgin Mary holding an infant Jesus. Here Rocamadour's many visitors light candles and pray to the madonna. A bell, which has supposedly rung of its own accord in response to sailors' prayers to Mary, hangs from the ceiling. There is also the Great Staircase, whose 233 steps visitors have climbed on their knees to show their devotion. (Modern-day pilgrims have the more forgiving choice of taking an escalator to the top.)
We will spend the night at Les Relais Des Remparts, a guesthouse built specifically to host pilgrims that sits atop Rocamadour. It is annexed to the 19th century castle that crowns the cliff of Rocamadour. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 5: ROCAMADOUR /LOURDES
We begin this morning with Mass in Rocamadour. After Mass, you enjoy a walking tour in and around Rocamadour. Late morning we have a 5 hour drive to Lourdes. We will check in to the accommodations, “Foyer Familial” inhabited by the Dominican sisters. You may have time to go to the Sanctuary for the Rosary and Torchlight Procession, beginning about 8:30PM or just experience the area at your leisure. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 6: LOURDES ALL DAY
Spend the day at leisure taking in The Shrine at Lourdes, Walking tour in the Footsteps of St. Bernadette, The Basilica, the healing baths and other sites. Lourdes is a journey of love, of prayer and of the suffering community. In Lourdes you will participate in the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessing of the Sick at 4:30pm. Mass at the Basilica and Rosary and Torchlight Procession if you weren't able to make it the night before. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 7: LOURDES / AVIGNON
After an early Mass in Lourdes, we depart Lourdes this morning by motor coach and make our way across southern France, stopping in the walled city of Carcassonne. We continue our journey and arrive in Avignon for the evening where we will stay at a hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 8: AVIGNON / LYON / PARAY-LE-MONIAL
After a brief sightseeing tour of Avignon, including Palace of the Popes, we depart to Lyon where we will celebrate Mass and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Fourviere, overlooking the city and St. John Vianney Shrine. Then on to Paray-le-Monial where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You will stay at the “Foyer Du Sacre-Coeur, situated opposite the Chapel of the Apparitions. It is a place where you can, in a calm, silence and contemplation of the Heart of Christ, discover and experience the love of God. In 1986 Pope John Paul II stayed in the Foyer Sacre-Coeur in room number 4. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 9: PARAY-LE-MONIAL / NEVERS / PARIS
We depart Paray-Le-Monial early and stop in Nevers, St. Gildards Convent, site of repose of St. Bernadette of Lourdes where we will celebrate Mass. Going to Nevers on pilgrimage is an opportunity to let oneself be drawn by Bernadette, and her message. Every year thousands of pilgrims come to hear the same message, which Bernadette received in Lourdes and lived out in Nevers : "To God every human being is precious" Coming on pilgrimage to Bernadette's Shrine is an invitation to be open to the gratuitous love of God, in the certainty that "God is our Father and he has an infinite love for each one of us. In Nevers a team of laity and religious will help us to unfold the message of Bernadette in an atmosphere of peace and calm. After a visit here, we continue to Paris where we will stay at a hotel in city center. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 10: PARIS: NOTRE DAME & SACRE COEUR
This Morning we will visit two of the great churches of Paris: first, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, possibly the most famous cathedral in the world devoted to the Blessed Mother; and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur), offering a spectacular vista of the city. The afternoon is at leisure. (Breakfast) Dinner on your own.
DAY 11: PARIS: CHARTRES EXCURSION
Today is an excursion to Chartres, home to Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral, long a place of pilgrimage and housing the most remarkable collection of stained glass in the entire world, illustrating the Bible and lives of the Saints. After a visit and Mass here, you return to Paris and the rest of day is at leisure. (Breakfast) Dinner on your own.
Day 12: RETURN
This morning we will celebrate the final Mass of our pilgrimage(place TBD) and transfer to the Paris Airport for our flight back to the USA. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (No Meals provided)
Exact dates have not been established yet, however, we are currently planning for a mid May, 2009 departure.
DAY 1: DEPART USA
We begin our spiritual journey as we depart on an overnight flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2: PARIS/ ROUEN/ LISIEUX
We arrive in Paris and are picked up by a luxury motor coach and immediately head towards Lisieux. On the way to Lisieux we will stop in Rouen and visit several Gothic churches and the Cathedral. Rouen's Cathedral has many fine features, but is especially famous for two things: the highest spire in France, a cast-iron tour-de-force erected in 1876; and Claude Monet's many paintings of its facade. Just across the street from the cathedral and surrounded by half-timbered buildings is Eglise St-Maclou, a fine Gothic church, rebuilt 1437-1521. It is best known for its finely carved wooden doors from the 16th century. Eglise St-Quen, originally the church of a Benedictine abbey, St-Ouen is larger than the cathedral and more harmonious in its Gothic architecture. Joan of Arc was sentenced to death in its cemetery in 1431.
Then on to Lisieux, where we visit the sites of St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus, including the Buissonnets and the Basilica in Lisieux. There we will celebrate your opening Mass of the pilgrimage in Lisieux. You will spend the night at Ermitage of the Monastere Du Carmel in Lisieux. This home built in 1928 is strictly reserved for pilgrims and is where we will eat our evening meal under the usual conditions of religious homes.(Dinner included)
DAY 3: MT. ST. MICHEL Excursion / LISIEUX
After an breakfast, we make our way to Mont. St. Michel, a major place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages and today. The place is so-named after the eighth century Bishop of Avranches who saw St. Michael the Archangel three times in his dreams on this site. The Benedictines constructed a magnificent abbey here in 966, where we will celebrate Mass. A local Benedictine community has overseen the religious activities here since 1969. Then back to Lisieux for an evening meal and the night. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 4: LISIEUX / ROCAMADOUR
This morning we will celebrate Mass early and after breakfast, proceed with a 7 hour drive to Rocamadour, stopping along the way for brief breaks, lunch and enjoying the sites. Rocamadour is a spectacular natural and religious site perched high on a rocky plateau. Rocamadour's religious roots are the source of the town's name. According to legend, St. Amadour, a witness to the martyrdom of St. Paul and St. Peter, traveled to the location and took up hermitage following his wife's death. The story might be part myth and part history, but the legend, beloved of locals, adds to Rocamadour's charm and magic. Another version of a legend claims, Rocamadour was the home of an early Christian hermit named Zaccheus of Jericho. It is believed that he died in about 70 AD and had conversed with Jesus himself. According to some accounts, this Zaccheus was the husband of St. Veronica, who wiped the face of Jesus as he climbed to Calvary. At some point after the hermit's death and burial in Rocamadour, the site became a place of pilgrimage. Some claim the town was named for the hermit, a "lover of rock" (roc amator).
Zaccheus is said to have brought with him to Rocamadour a statue of the Black Virgin, though the statue is generally dated to the 9th century. Due to the double attraction of the tomb of Zaccheus and the statue of the Virgin, pilgrims began to flock to Rocamadour. Many reported experiencing miraculous healings and conversions at the shrine.
We will visit St. Amadour's crypt. This quiet area of reflection is accessed down a stone staircase. The crypt, built into the rock, is an ideal place for devotion and contemplation. But Saint Amadour's crypt isn't the only sight of interest in this historic burg. The Chapelle Notre Dame--Our Lady's Chapel--contains the famous Black Madonna, a twelfth century rendition of the virgin Mary holding an infant Jesus. Here Rocamadour's many visitors light candles and pray to the madonna. A bell, which has supposedly rung of its own accord in response to sailors' prayers to Mary, hangs from the ceiling. There is also the Great Staircase, whose 233 steps visitors have climbed on their knees to show their devotion. (Modern-day pilgrims have the more forgiving choice of taking an escalator to the top.)
We will spend the night at Les Relais Des Remparts, a guesthouse built specifically to host pilgrims that sits atop Rocamadour. It is annexed to the 19th century castle that crowns the cliff of Rocamadour. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 5: ROCAMADOUR /LOURDES
We begin this morning with Mass in Rocamadour. After Mass, you enjoy a walking tour in and around Rocamadour. Late morning we have a 5 hour drive to Lourdes. We will check in to the accommodations, “Foyer Familial” inhabited by the Dominican sisters. You may have time to go to the Sanctuary for the Rosary and Torchlight Procession, beginning about 8:30PM or just experience the area at your leisure. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 6: LOURDES ALL DAY
Spend the day at leisure taking in The Shrine at Lourdes, Walking tour in the Footsteps of St. Bernadette, The Basilica, the healing baths and other sites. Lourdes is a journey of love, of prayer and of the suffering community. In Lourdes you will participate in the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessing of the Sick at 4:30pm. Mass at the Basilica and Rosary and Torchlight Procession if you weren't able to make it the night before. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 7: LOURDES / AVIGNON
After an early Mass in Lourdes, we depart Lourdes this morning by motor coach and make our way across southern France, stopping in the walled city of Carcassonne. We continue our journey and arrive in Avignon for the evening where we will stay at a hotel. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 8: AVIGNON / LYON / PARAY-LE-MONIAL
After a brief sightseeing tour of Avignon, including Palace of the Popes, we depart to Lyon where we will celebrate Mass and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Fourviere, overlooking the city and St. John Vianney Shrine. Then on to Paray-le-Monial where St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received her visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You will stay at the “Foyer Du Sacre-Coeur, situated opposite the Chapel of the Apparitions. It is a place where you can, in a calm, silence and contemplation of the Heart of Christ, discover and experience the love of God. In 1986 Pope John Paul II stayed in the Foyer Sacre-Coeur in room number 4. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 9: PARAY-LE-MONIAL / NEVERS / PARIS
We depart Paray-Le-Monial early and stop in Nevers, St. Gildards Convent, site of repose of St. Bernadette of Lourdes where we will celebrate Mass. Going to Nevers on pilgrimage is an opportunity to let oneself be drawn by Bernadette, and her message. Every year thousands of pilgrims come to hear the same message, which Bernadette received in Lourdes and lived out in Nevers : "To God every human being is precious" Coming on pilgrimage to Bernadette's Shrine is an invitation to be open to the gratuitous love of God, in the certainty that "God is our Father and he has an infinite love for each one of us. In Nevers a team of laity and religious will help us to unfold the message of Bernadette in an atmosphere of peace and calm. After a visit here, we continue to Paris where we will stay at a hotel in city center. (Breakfast and Dinner)
DAY 10: PARIS: NOTRE DAME & SACRE COEUR
This Morning we will visit two of the great churches of Paris: first, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, possibly the most famous cathedral in the world devoted to the Blessed Mother; and celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur), offering a spectacular vista of the city. The afternoon is at leisure. (Breakfast) Dinner on your own.
DAY 11: PARIS: CHARTRES EXCURSION
Today is an excursion to Chartres, home to Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral, long a place of pilgrimage and housing the most remarkable collection of stained glass in the entire world, illustrating the Bible and lives of the Saints. After a visit and Mass here, you return to Paris and the rest of day is at leisure. (Breakfast) Dinner on your own.
Day 12: RETURN
This morning we will celebrate the final Mass of our pilgrimage(place TBD) and transfer to the Paris Airport for our flight back to the USA. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (No Meals provided)
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Transportation including Air from Denver to Paris Round trip (except gov fees and taxes), All Accommodations, Admission charges, meals (9) Breakfasts, (8) Dinners, Daily Masses, Transfers, and Tour Guides including Tips to the Driver of the Motorcoach and tips to the Guide.
TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE (Basic)
Basic travel protection insurance is provided as noted below. Should you desire or need additional coverage, please contact us to secure for you. Available optional coverages including cancel for work reasons can be added for an additional charge.
Trip Cancellation: Tour Cost
Trip Interruption: 150% of Tour Cost up to a maximum of $2,500
Trip Delay: $100
Baggage & Personal Effects: $500
Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: $2,000
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: $20,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $10,000
Worldwide Assistance Service: Included
ACCOMMODATIONS
What makes this pilgrimage unique is that many of our overnight stays are in Monasteries, Convents or Guesthouses. Although not Luxury accommodations, you can be assured of cleaniness, safety, great hospitality and a chance to taste a little bit of how our religious brothers and sisters live. This is one way we are able to keep down the expenses and make it more affordable for you to journey with us. Pricing is based on double and possibly triple occupancy. There will be several nights stay in a 3 star hotel.
MEALS
9 buffet breakfasts and 8 dinners are included, lunches are not. However, having a sack lunch prepared by the convents or monasteries may be an option depending on their availablity.
TRANSPORTATION AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Our journey will be by Luxury Motor coach with bathroom on board. We will be picked up and dropped off at the Airport which is included in the cost.
Not Included in the Price:
Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; Donations for Accommodations, excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.
TIPS AND MASS OFFERINGS
The recommended tipping schedule is:
Mass Offerings: $11 ($1 minimum per Mass per person)
Donations to Monasteries and convents: $60 ($10 per night (6 nights at $10 = $60)
Chambermaids at hotels: $4 (4 nights @ $1 per person/per night)
Luggage handlers at hotels: $2 (check in at 2 hotels = 2 at $1 = $2) (check out at 2 hotels = $2)
Airport Porter if used: $2 ($1 at arrival and $1 at departure = $2)
Transportation including Air from Denver to Paris Round trip (except gov fees and taxes), All Accommodations, Admission charges, meals (9) Breakfasts, (8) Dinners, Daily Masses, Transfers, and Tour Guides including Tips to the Driver of the Motorcoach and tips to the Guide.
TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE (Basic)
Basic travel protection insurance is provided as noted below. Should you desire or need additional coverage, please contact us to secure for you. Available optional coverages including cancel for work reasons can be added for an additional charge.
Trip Cancellation: Tour Cost
Trip Interruption: 150% of Tour Cost up to a maximum of $2,500
Trip Delay: $100
Baggage & Personal Effects: $500
Accident & Sickness Medical Expense: $2,000
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: $20,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment: $10,000
Worldwide Assistance Service: Included
ACCOMMODATIONS
What makes this pilgrimage unique is that many of our overnight stays are in Monasteries, Convents or Guesthouses. Although not Luxury accommodations, you can be assured of cleaniness, safety, great hospitality and a chance to taste a little bit of how our religious brothers and sisters live. This is one way we are able to keep down the expenses and make it more affordable for you to journey with us. Pricing is based on double and possibly triple occupancy. There will be several nights stay in a 3 star hotel.
MEALS
9 buffet breakfasts and 8 dinners are included, lunches are not. However, having a sack lunch prepared by the convents or monasteries may be an option depending on their availablity.
TRANSPORTATION AND AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Our journey will be by Luxury Motor coach with bathroom on board. We will be picked up and dropped off at the Airport which is included in the cost.
Not Included in the Price:
Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; Donations for Accommodations, excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.
TIPS AND MASS OFFERINGS
The recommended tipping schedule is:
Mass Offerings: $11 ($1 minimum per Mass per person)
Donations to Monasteries and convents: $60 ($10 per night (6 nights at $10 = $60)
Chambermaids at hotels: $4 (4 nights @ $1 per person/per night)
Luggage handlers at hotels: $2 (check in at 2 hotels = 2 at $1 = $2) (check out at 2 hotels = $2)
Airport Porter if used: $2 ($1 at arrival and $1 at departure = $2)
JOURNEY TO FRANCE: A Catholic Pilgrimage
719-244-7723