Fatima Pilgrimage

TOUR: Fatima, Lourdes & Spain Pilgrimage with Fr. Ewald Johannes Kamphius
DEPARTURE DATES: April 18-April 27, 2024
TOUR DURATION: 10 Days

Departure Cities: New York (JFK), Boise (BOI)

COST:
Includes: Hotel, transportation, some meals, and site fees.  
$4,498 per person including airfare from JFK
$4,846 per person including airfare from BOI
$3,498 per person land only (no airfare/transfers included)

SHORT ITINERARY:
Day 1, Depart for Lisbon
Day 2, Arrive Lisbon
Day 3, Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima
Day 4, Fatima
Day 5, Fatima - Salamanca
Day 6, Salamanca - Alba de Tormes - Avila - Burgos
Day 7, Burgos - Loyola - Lourdes
Day 8 & 9, Lourdes
Day 10, Return Flights Home

For more information or to reserve your spot contact:
Stephanie Bennett
208-908-6175
[email protected]

EXTENDED ITINERARY:

Day 1,
Depart for Lisbon Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day 2,
Arrive Lisbon Upon landing at Lisbon airport, claim your baggage proceed to the arrival hall, where your tour guide and/or driver will greet you. In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon, which will include St. Jerome's Monastery, built to give thanks to the Virgin Mary. We will drive by the Belem Tower and many landmarks, like; the 25th of April Bridge, the Basilica of the Star, and the Marquee of Pombal Square. Our last stop will be St. Anthony's Church. The patron saint of lost things is best known as St. Anthony of Padua (Italy), but he was born and baptized here in Lisbon, Portugal. The Church where we will celebrate Mass was built upon the site of St. Anthony's birth. Welcome dinner and overnight in Lisbon.

Day 3, 
Lisbon - Santarem - Fatima Today, we will head to Fatima. On the way, we will stop at St. Stephens Church in the town of Santarem to celebrate Mass and venerate the 13th century Eucharistic Miracle. Continue to Fatima - this hamlet of Aljustrel, is the birthplace and home of the three shepherd children. Dinner and overnight in Fatima.

Day 4,
Fatima Today will surely be a memorable experience as you pray and meditate at one of Our Blessed Mother's apparition sites. Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia (age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age 9). These apparitions occurred monthly from May until October of 1917. Historically, as the entire world was in turmoil amidst World War I, the most prominent message from Our Lady of Fatima was to pray for world peace. In her messages to the children, specifically in the second secret, she mentioned the destruction of the world. Our profoundly reflective day begins with a visit to the Little Chapel of the Apparitions simple, yet modern, which is the site where the Virgin Mary first appeared on May 13th in 1917. Follow with a visit to the stunning neoclassical Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This Sacred space contains the tombs of St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Sister Lucia. View the monument that commemorates the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the square. Our Lady's messages included consistent reminders to pray the Rosary - the Basilica honors this, by featuring fifteen altars dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. While in the Basilica, you will feel, through the love of Our Lord and Lady, the many graces received here. Visit the museum with the exhibition: "Fatima: Light and Peace". Continue with a visit to the Holy Trinity Basilica. After free time for lunch, we will experience Christ's unconditional love by participating in the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra. "The Sacred Way" marks the path the shepherd children took to the first apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. The path is composed of fifteen small chapels in commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station, the Resurrection, can be found close to the Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen, King of Hungary. The day ends with a visit to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's August 19th, 1917 Apparition, which was also the first and third apparition of the Angel. Your night will conclude with private devotions and a candlelight procession, requested by Our Lady (1917). Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's rest in Fatima.

Day 5,
Fatima - Salamanca Depart Fatima and head to Salamanca, following a full breakfast at the hotel. Salamanca is a city in the Castilla y Leon region known for its large university, the oldest in Spain that is still active along with its prominent culture. Our walking tour will bring us to the most noteworthy sites, such as; the grand Plaza Mayor, an iconic square filled with food, shopping, and city events. La Clerecia, a church, and college of the Jesuit Order constructed in the seventeenth century. La Casa de las Conchas currently a public library and monument, decorated with shells that symbolize the famous pilgrimage to Santiago (El Camino). The University of Salamanca is the oldest University in Spain and the third oldest in Europe. The Roman Bridge is a national monument that extends along the River Tormes and is among Salamanca's sturdiest bridges. La Iglesia de San Marcos, constructed in the Romanesque style contains breathtaking paintings that portray many scenes of Our Lady's life. La Iglesia de San Martin is a Church devoted to St. Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony. Visit the inside of the two joint Salamanca Cathedrals (old and new), one Romanesque style and the other Gothic style. Following this eventful day, you will return to your hotel for a delicious meal and overnight at your hotel in Salamanca

Day 6,
Salamanca - Alba de Tormes - Avila - Burgos This morning, following breakfast, you will board the bus and enjoy a short transfer to the village of Alba de Tormes. This town is home to the Carmelite Monastery that Saint Teresa founded in 1571. Upon arrival in Alba de Tormes, celebrate Mass at the Monastery where she died and was buried. Following Mass, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, which also holds her incorrupt heart and left arm. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own before continuing to the medieval city of Avila. Upon arrival in Avila, you will immediately notice the perfectly preserved eleventh-century walls surrounding the old town. The conservation of architecture in this city, to which St. Teresa was born, deems its shrines, convents, and churches necessary to visit any Catholic pilgrimage. The Cathedral de Avila encompasses the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles of its time with its artwork and architecture. La Basilica de San Vicente in Avila stands on the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent. Visit the Incarnation Convent, where St. Teresa became a nun. Saint Teresa convinced Saint John of the Cross to reform the male Carmelite order, the reform she started when she met Saint John in Medina del Campo. After walking in the footsteps of St. Teresa, continue your journey to Burgos. Upon arrival in the historic capital of Old Castile, enjoy dinner. Following dinner, you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Burgos and admire its magnificent limestone, gothic-style Cathedral. Late this evening, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight

Day 7,
Burgos - Loyola - Lourdes Following breakfast, transfer from Burgos to Loyola to visit the birthplace of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order. St. Ignatius dedicated himself to becoming a soldier of the Christian faith, and as a result of many tribulations, he wrote the ever-famous Spiritual Exercises. In Loyola, you will see the 17th-century Basilica dedicated to this remarkable saint - the Basilica is part of a series of buildings surrounding the "Holy House," or birthplace of St. Ignatius. When you visit these Holy places, you will also have the opportunity to pray at the most venerated room, where St. Ignatius prayed and began his conversion. After meditating on the life of this founder of the Jesuit Order, enjoy free time for lunch. We will continue to Lourdes for a spectacular view of the Pyrenees Mountains. Upon arrival in Lourdes, you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy a splendid dinner and peaceful overnight.

Day 8 & 9, 
Lourdes Over the next two days, you will stay in a small town nestled within the Pyrenees Mountains. During your time in Lourdes, you will pray and meditate in yet another site of Our Lady's apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to Bernadette in 1858 and announced herself as "The Immaculate Conception" near the Grotto of Massabielle. During the first two apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the Rosary with Our Lady. She left without exchanging any words. During the following apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God's love for us, penance, and the necessity of performing acts of penance for sinners. Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will have the opportunity to attend Mass at the Grotto, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette. Here you have opportunities to watch a video presentation that explains in detail the story of Lourdes; drink water from the miraculous spring that has healed many or submerge yourself in the healing baths. You will have the opportunity to experience Christ's unconditional love as you meditate upon the "life-size" Stations of the Cross that overlook the Grotto of Massabielle. You will walk in and meditate upon the footsteps of St. Bernadette. You will have the opportunity to see Boly Mill, the birthplace of St. Bernadette, and the "Cachot," an abandoned prison where Bernadette's impoverished family lived. Each evening following dinner, you will have an opportunity to attend the candlelight procession and the Rosary before a restful overnight.

Day 10, 

Return Flights Home 

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, leave by motorcoach and transfer to the Toulouse, Pau, or Lourdes airport for return flights home.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAIN TOUR PRICING BASIS:


EXTENSION PRICING BASIS:

BASIC TOUR ARRANGEMENT PRICING BASIS: The pricing is based on double occupancy, and on a minimum of full-paying Clients/passengers listed above. If tour or extension totals are less than that number of full-paying passengers/Clients, ETS may not be able to secure group rates from the airlines, operators, cruise lines, or hotels and will then be forced to cancel the tour arrangements or combine you with another group to operate the program. If tour is below minimum number to operate, additional charges will apply, and existing contract prices will be void and will require new contracted prices based on the lower passenger volume.

TOUR CONDUCTOR CREDITS: 1 Complimentary set of tour arrangements, described as Tour Conductors in this document will be awarded to the agent to give away to their group leaders and/or they may use the Tour Conductor credits themselves to travel with the group, based on the number of full-paying Guests listed below. These credits are not pro-rated.
TOUR CONDUCTOR RATIO: 1:10

ADDITIONAL BENEFIT TERMS:
TOURING & HOTELS: Confirmed touring and hotel schedules will be sent to you approximately 30 days prior to departure. Your tour passenger/guest list will be available at any time and can be e-mailed at your request to your office. Dietary requests must be submitted in writing and are not guaranteed. Gratuities to Restaurant Staff and Hotel Porters are included. Tips for the guide and driver are not included. The suggested amount is $6.00 a day to the guide per person and $3.00 a day to the driver per person which should be presented at the end of the tour. Travel Agent must submit a rooming list 105 days prior to departure. Passengers without a roommate will be assessed the single room supplement. Pricing for 3rd & 4th Clients in a room is available upon request at some but not all hotels. Contact our office if you have any Clients/passengers that need larger rooms for 3rd/4th occupancy. Rates will be quoted upon request. Suite and upgraded room pricing are also available upon request.

DEVIATIONS: All deviations from the tour arrangements as listed in this contract must be submitted in writing and approved by ETS and are subject to a per person assessment fee for each change plus any additional hotel, airline, cruise line, entrance, bus, guide, or operator fees.

LAND/GROUND ONLY BOOKINGS (No Air purchased from ETS): Land/Ground Only passengers must adhere to and sign the Ground Only Letter agreement: www.etstours.com/ground-only-letter. Airport transfers are not included in the Land/Ground Only selling prices.

CHANGES: All requests for changes must be submitted in writing and approved by ETS. Changes in the tour arrangements and/or optional Pre or extension arrangements may be made up to 105 days prior to the departure date without penalty, unless tickets have been written or group/individual deposits have been paid and penalties are imposed by the airlines, cruise lines, or local operators. Changes may require signing an addendum to this agreement and/or signing a new agreement. Name changes are not permitted.

ITINERARY CHANGES: Please be advised that all touring is subject to change based on the discretion of the local operator. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this contract. While you see all the sites listed on the itinerary, the order of sites and/or days may be altered to accommodate changes in airline schedules, hotel schedules, or local conditions. If the itinerary changes necessitate overnights, you will be charged a minimum of $125 per night, per person in a double occupancy room, or a minimum of $175 per night in a single room. Meals for extra nights are not included.

BAGGAGE: Due to limited motorcoach capacity, ETS requests that tour members carry one suitcase, plus one carry-on flight bag. Garment bags cannot be handled. Additional baggage is subject to a supplemental charge. Porterage for one normal sized suitcase is included at all overseas airports, hotels, and piers, and is collected in advance by ETS. Baggage insurance is recommended to cover the possible loss or damage to guest/passenger’s baggage or personal belongings.

PASSPORT INFORMATION: Names provided by your clients/passengers must be the same as what appears on the guest/passenger’s passport. If the names submitted do not match the passport information, please understand that there may be costly name change fees incurred by the client, that the agent will be responsible to collect and submit to ETS. Passports should not expire for at least 6 months from your return date. Passport information must be submitted to ETS along with a scanned or photocopy of the passport photo page no later than 105 days prior to travel. If Passport Information is not received 105 days prior to travel the Agent and their clients will be responsible for possible V.A.T. taxes imposed by the hotels. Passport information and digital copies can be submitted electronically at [email protected].

PRICE INCREASES: All prices quoted in this document are subject to change if not paid in full due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharge increases, government taxes and fees increases or unforeseen circumstances. The agent will be notified immediately upon discovery of an increase and will have the option of paying the difference or cancelling with full refund.

ABILITY TO TRAVEL STATEMENT: Passengers registering for the tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Because many of the sites are not accessible to the physically challenged, those needing oxygen, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting to their experiences. We reserve the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of us, incapable of group travel without causing undue demands upon the staff or other tour participants. Accessible rooms/cabins are limited and subject to confirmation after receiving the passenger’s written request.

CHILDREN: ETS does not allow children younger than 13. Children aged 10 to 13 may only travel with a private group with written approval from the group leader. Anyone under the age of 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian. There are no discounts or special rates for children.

STANDARD DEPOSIT SCHEDULE FOR YOUR CLIENTS: $300 per person due at the time of registration. Final Payment for the tour arrangements is due at 105 days prior to the tour. Unpaid accounts will be cancelled, and cancellation fees will be applied.

ADDITONAL AND/OR ALTERNATIVE DEPOSIT TERMS:

FORMS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED: ETS will accept either business or certified checks for deposits and final payments for all tour programs. ETS will also accept AMEX, Visa, MasterCard and Discover for deposits and final payments on all tour programs. Checks or credit card payments will not be accepted from 105 days prior to the program departure. During this period ETS will only accept either bank or cashier’s checks for any outstanding payments.

REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED 105 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE OR LESS: ETS welcomes registrations after 105 days prior to departure or less. These registrations may incur an additional fee based on airline ticket and hotel availability. Additional fees will be advised upon registration.

STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY: 100% of cancellation Fees are covered by the optional Travel Protection Program, provided the premium has been paid by the final payment date and the reason for cancellation is insurable. Clients/passengers who do not take travel protection should be aware of the following cancellation penalties.
From day of registration to 105 days prior to departure, you will be charged the $100 non-refundable administrative fee plus any airline fees. Additionally, thereafter, you will be charged any airline penalties and a single room supplement if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single plus the following charges:
104-60 days prior = $400 per person
59-45 days prior = $600 per person
44-31 days prior = 40% of total tour package cost
30-0 days prior = 100% of the total program cost
All cancellations need to be submitted in writing. On or after day of departure, no refund will be paid for any services not used.

AIR POLICIES:
● Group Block: ETS blocks group space for most departures as soon as it becomes available (typically 11 months prior to departure). As the final payment date approaches, ETS looks at the groups that have developed and matches them to the space being held.
● Pricing: Although pricing is “Based on New York Prices”, ETS will look for the best routing for the group from the city(s) the group is coming from.
● Deviations: Passengers who choose to depart from a different city than the group, deviate from the group or travel on a pre or post tour will be on a different flight(s) from the group.
● Late Changes: At final payment, ETS begins cutting back group space (releasing unsold space). Any changes after the final payment date (name changes, flight changes, late additions,
cancellations etc.) will incur fees.
● Ticketing: Starting at the final payment date, ETS reserves the right to ticket at any time.
● Name change fees will be a minimum of $200 and as high as full ticket replacement.
● Seat selection: ETS is not responsible for seat assignments. Seat assignments are secured on select carriers, but due to carrier restrictions cannot be guaranteed. Airlines reserve the right to switch seats up until boarding. ETS is not responsible for seat assignments and changes. ETS is not responsible for airline cancellations, baggage fees, re-routings or any disruption of scheduled services or accommodations.
● Upgrades & Deviations Pricing:
The cost of upgrading international flights start at:
○ Economy Plus / Premium Economy: $2000+
○ Business Class: $4000+ Costs can be much higher depending on the airline and/or routing Procedures: Any passenger choosing to upgrade or deviate from the group:
○ Will not travel with the group
○ Must submit a passport copy before the request can be quoted
○ Once quoted, seats can only be held for a certain period of time (typically by 1 p.m. the following day). Once quoted, guests must pay immediately upon accepting the terms of the upgrade or deviation. If the payment is not made within the specified time-period, it will have to be re-quoted
○ Most deviations require separate transfers to and from the group hotel. ETS can arrange these transfers ahead of time for an additional cost.
○ Travel Protection costs will increase because of upgrades or deviations. Increases must be paid with upgrade/deviation payment.

TYPICAL AIR SCHEDULE:
● 11 months prior to departure ETS blocks group space on multiple airlines with many routings options
● 105 days prior to departure ETS looks at groups booked and matches it with air space being held ETS drops unsold space (any changes or additions after this date will incur fees)
● 45 to 30 days prior to departure Groups are ticketed and flight letters are sent with final documents