SHRINES OF CENTRAL AND NORTHERN SPAIN
FEBRUARY 3-13, 2026
AN 11-DAY PILGRIMAGE TO SPAIN
Shrines of Central & Northern Spain
An 11-Day Pilgrimage to Spain
February 3-13, 2026
Prices starting at $3,805
TRIP SYNOPSIS
We to invite us on an 11-day journey to the breathtaking northern half of Spain! This pilgrimage offers a wonderful blend of charming villages, medieval towns, religious treasures, and incredible culinary experiences.
The trip begins in Madrid, where we will pay homage to Our Lady of Almudena and St. Isidore at the cathedral. We'll then journey to the medieval walled city of Toledo to explore its magnificent cathedral. Our itinerary also includes a visit to Avila, famous for its medieval walls and as the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, Doctor of the Church. You'll witness the historic charm of Segovia, marveling at its Roman Aqueduct and the magnificent Alcazar palace. We'll also visit the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in the world, and experience the grandeur of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the culmination point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, where the tomb of St. James the Greater rests.
Attend daily Holy Mass, travel with like-minded traditional Catholics, and enjoy the ease and comfort of group travel!
HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Madrid: Our Lady of Almudena
Toledo: Cathedral, St. Ildefonsus, historic center
Avila: St. Teresa of Jesus, Cathedral of Avila
Segovia: Roman Aqueduct, Cathedral, Alcázar palace and fort
Salamanca: historic University of Salamanca, Old Cathedral and New Cathedral, Monastery of St. Stephen, Casa de las Conchas, Church of San Marcos, Plaza Mayor
Alba de Tormes: St. Teresa of Avila
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, St. James the Greater, end of the Camino, Monastery of Martino Pinario
ITINERARY
Day 1. Tuesday, February 3: Transatlantic Flight to Madrid, Spain
Day 2. Wednesday, February 4: Madrid
Upon arrival in Madrid mid-morning, board your private motor-coach and transfer to Madrid. Embark on a brief orientation walk through Madrid, including a visit to the Almudena Cathedral, which honors the Virgen de la Almudena and the Cathedral of St. Isidore, housing the remains of the patron of Spain. Transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Tonight, enjoy welcome dinner with the group at a nearby restaurant, where you will taste a traditional Spanish meal and meet your fellow pilgrims. Overnight stay in Madrid. (WD)
Day 3. Thursday, February 5: Madrid: Excursion to Toledo
This morning, after breakfast, depart for Toledo, a city that has been a focal point of Catholic devotion since the Visigothic period. Visit the magnificent Toledo Cathedral, a prime example of Gothic architecture and a key pilgrimage site. Continue to the Church of Santo Tomé to see the altar dedicated to St. Ildefonsus, the patron saint of Toledo and the famous painting by El Grecco. After lunch on your own, spend time exploring the historic center at your pace before heading back to Madrid. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Madrid. (BB)
Day 4. Friday, February 6: Madrid – Avila
Today travel to Avila, renowned for its medieval walls and as the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, Doctor of the Church. Visit the Cathedral of Avila, which incorporates some of the city’s walls. Explore the Convent of St. Teresa, where you can reflect on her life and writings. Have lunch on your own and enjoy free afternoon to walk through the beautiful cobblestone streets of this holy city visiting sites on your own. Dinner and overnight in Avila. (BB, D)
Day 5. Saturday, February 7: Avila: Excursion to Segovia
After breakfast, board your bus to Segovia. Marvel at the Roman Aqueduct, a historical testament to human ingenuity. Visit the Cathedral of Segovia, which is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Explore the Alcázar of Segovia, historically a royal palace and fort. Have lunch on your own with free time to explore and shop after. Return to Avila for dinner and overnight. (BB, D)
Day 6. Sunday, February 8: Avila – Salamanca
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your bus to Salamanca. Once there, visit the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest universities in the world, known for its significant role in the Counter-Reformation. Admire the intricate architecture of the Old Cathedral. Visit the new Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Salamanca. (BB, D)
Day 7. Monday, February 9: Salamanca
This morning, visit to the Monastery of St. Stephen, which highlights the Dominican order and includes beautiful chapels, an ornate altar, and a fascinating collection of art. Next, visit the Casa de las Conchas, integrating faith with the rich history of the city, and finally, visit the Church of San Marcos. Take the rest of the day at leisure and then enjoy dinner and an evening in the charming Plaza Mayor. Overnight in Salamanca. (BB, D)
Day 8. Tuesday, February 10: Salamanca: Excursion to Alba de Tormes
After breakfast, take a short trip to Alba de Tormes. Explore the Monastery of the Carmelite Reform and pay homage to St. Teresa, whose tomb is housed there. Reflect on her life dedicated to faith and reform in the Church. Take some time to visit other churches around the center on your own, have lunch, shop, and then return to Salamanca to enjoy the evening reflecting on your experiences and have dinner on your own. Overnight in the city. (BB)
Day 9. Wednesday, February 11: Salamanca – Santiago de Compostela
This morning travel to Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, have lunch with the group, then visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. This magnificent structure houses the tomb of St. James the Greater, a key figure in early Christianity. Take time for personal reflection and prayer in this sacred space. Dinner and overnight in Santiago. (BB, L, D)
Day 10. Thursday, February 12: Santiago de Compostela
This morning, visit the Cathedral again to witness the Botafumeiro in action (subject to availability). Also visit the Monastery of Martino Pinario. Then explore the historic city center, on your own. Gather for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant, sharing reflections on your pilgrimage journey with fellow pilgrims. Overnight in Santiago. (BB, FD)
Day 11. Friday, February 13: Homebound Flight
Early morning transfer to Santiago de Compostela airport for your flight back home. (BB or boxed breakfast)
(BB) Buffet breakfast; (D) Dinner; (WD) Welcome dinner; (FD) Farewell dinner
* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.
CHAPLAIN
This pilgrimage will be accompanied by a priest of the Society of St. Pius X and he will celebrate daily Holy Mass.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Currently, there are no restrictions to travel to the visited countries. For current travel advisories by country, please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
It is projected that sometime in 2026, non-European Union (EU) tourists planning to visit Europe’s Schengen Zone (most of Europe) will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This new requirement affects travelers from visa-exempt countries, aiming to boost security measures while making the process smoother for short-term visitors. While the ETIAS is not a visa, it does require non-EU tourists to get pre-approval before their trip. (Information taken from www.etias.com)
The ETIAS is likely to cost around $7 per person and it is projected to be a very quick process; however, we would ask travelers to obtain it at least one month prior to travel.
Currently, there is no ETIAS registration site yet. We will be monitoring this possible new travel requirement, and when applicable, we will notify travelers and ask them to acquire their ETIAS independently.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations for this pilgrimage are in first-class hotels.
Madrid (2 nights) - H10 Villa de Reina or similar
Avila (2 nights): Palacio de los Veladas or similar
Salamanca (3 nights): Eurostar las Claras or similar
Santiago de Compostela (2 nights): Arguaney Hotel or similar
Rooms in double occupancy are for two people to share; they have two twin beds or one double bed. Rooms in single occupancy have a single bed and are for one person to occupy; a “single supplement fee” is added for single occupancy rooms.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
The current group air reservation is listed below. Please do not purchase any air tickets until we notify that the group is fully formed with a minimum of 20 passengers. The group air schedule could undergo minor changes from the airlines; if a major change occurs, we will modify the listed flight schedule and notify registered passengers.
03FEB Iberia flight 342 Chicago (ORD) - Madrid (MAD) 4:45PM - 7:55AM 04FEB
13FEB Iberia flight 1048 Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) - Madrid (MAD) 9:25AM - 10:40AM
13FEB Iberia flight 341 Madrid (MAD) - Chicago (ORD) 11:35AM - 2:30PM
TRIP PACE
The pace for this pilgrimage is “on the go”. There is daily walking and standing. Pilgrims must be in active enough condition to walk 3-4 hours and stand for 2-3 hours per day. We strongly recommend preparing oneself by walking before the trip, building up to at least 2-3 miles per day.
Sometimes walking is up or down slopes, and at times sidewalks and terrain will be uneven. Pilgrims must have full mobility and be able to climb several stairs, since many of the visited places have no other access. A certain pace must be kept by all pilgrims in order to cover the scheduled sightseeing. Some days may have several hours on the motor-coach.
Also see the “PHYSICAL HEALTH & FITNESS” section in the General Terms & Conditions.
PRICING INFORMATION
Pilgrimage price per person (pp) with air (includes estimated air taxes & surcharges): $4,610 pp
Land-only pilgrimage price in double occupancy: $3,645 pp
Single supplement: $700
Non-refundable deposit of $250 pp is due by: November 3, 2025
Balance due by: December 12, 2025
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Scheduled roundtrip transatlantic flights (when purchasing the air-inclusive package)
Accommodations in first-class hotels
Daily Holy Mass
Deluxe motor-coach for scheduled transfers and sightseeing
Daily meals per the itinerary
Services of a professional English-speaking tour escort
Admission fees for all included sightseeing
Porterage for one suitcase per person at the hotels, where available
Service charges, government fees
What’s not included:
Travel insurance
Gratuities to tour escort, local guides, driver, and church alms
Also see the “NOT INCLUDED” section in the General Terms & Conditions.