Since 1858, when the Apparitions appeared to the young Bernadette Soubirous, pilgrims have flocked to Lourdes by the thousand. Each one has their own personal reason for their journey, but one thing unites all who visit the Shrine, and that is the sharing of the experience. That is why most who travel to Lourdes do so as part of a group. The comradeship and fellowship are what heighten the experience of the gift of Lourdes. Whilst there, pilgrims can visit the Basilicas and the Grotto and take part in the Processions, and when there is spare time, there are a number of excursions which can also be taken away from the town of Lourdes. Tours for Churches are pleased to offer the itineraries you see on this page, but please note most of the groups that travel with us, take advantage of the flexibility we offer in the length of the tour, the items included/not included and optional excursions. If you have an itinerary in mind that is different to what you see, let us know and we will pleased to organise your very own tailor-made pilgrimage. Group Pilgrimage Tour Options Choose from a selection of pilgrimage tour options shown below, or contact us to discuss a tailor-made itinerary to suit your own group's requirements. Lourdes 4-day Pilgrimage by Air Lourdes 6-day Pilgrimage by Coach (with stops) Lourdes 6-day Pilgrimage by Coach (without stops)

	Day 1 Travel by air from UK and on arrival transfer to Lourdes. Watch an introduction video to the Domain and Sanctuary of Lourdes. Attend Torchlight Procession. Day 2 Group photograph. Walking tour of the town. Blessed Sacrament Procession. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 3 Attend International Mass in the Underground Basilica. Visit the Stations of the Cross. Optional afternoon excursion to Bartres or Gavarnie. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 4 Free time for independent exploration or shopping. Depart Lourdes for the airport and return flight to the UK.

	This option allows the comfort of overnight stops en route but also provides a full tour at a reasonable price. Travelling on a pilgrimage by coach is all part of the experience and helps create an atmosphere of comradeship. Day 1 Travel by coach to Dover, cross the Channel and continue to overnight stop in northern France or Paris region. Day 2 Continue the journey through France to Lourdes. Watch an introduction video to the Domain and Sanctuary of Lourdes. Attend Torchlight Procession. Day 3 Group photograph. Walking tour of the town. Blessed Sacrament Procession. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 4 Attend International Mass in the Underground Basilica. Visit the Stations of the Cross. Afternoon excursion to Bartres or Gavarnie. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 5 Depart Lourdes, and travel by coach to overnight stop in northern France or Paris region. Day 6 Continue to Calais for the return ferry to Dover and travel home by coach.

	If the cost of your tour is the most critical factor then this is the most economical way of visiting Lourdes. There will of course be regular comfort stops but the objective is to reach Lourdes as quickly as possible for the best price. Day 1 Travel by coach to Dover, cross the Channel and continue on the overnight coach journey through France to Lourdes. Day 2 Arrive in Lourdes. Watch an introduction video to the Domain and Sanctuary of Lourdes. Attend Torchlight Procession. Day 3 Group photograph. Walking tour of the town. Blessed Sacrament Procession. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 4 Attend International Mass in the Underground Basilica. Visit the Stations of the Cross. Afternoon excursion to Bartres or Gavarnie. Attend the Torchlight Procession. Day 5 Depart Lourdes, and travel by coach on the return journey to Calais. Day 6 Take the return ferry to Dover and travel home by coach.