Embark on a Soulful Journey: Fatima, Lisbon, Rome, and Assisi Pilgrimage 2025
Join Fr. Lungisani Masondo on a 12-day spiritual pilgrimage to some of the most revered religious sites in Europe. From 18 to 29 September 2025, you will explore sacred places in Portugal and Italy, deepening your faith while surrounded by rich history and inspiring landscapes.
Your journey begins in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where you’ll visit St. Anthony’s Church before proceeding to Fatima, the renowned Marian pilgrimage site. You’ll experience the tranquility of Valinhos and Aljustrel, where the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children took place.
After four blessed days in Fatima, the pilgrimage continues through stunning landscapes as you visit Nazaré, known for its panoramic views of the Atlantic, and historical landmarks like Batalha Monastery.
The pilgrimage then takes you to the heart of the Catholic Church: Rome, where you’ll attend a Papal Audience, visit the Basilica of St. Peter, and explore the city’s rich spiritual heritage, including the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the Basilica of St. John Lateran. In San Giovanni Rotondo, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio, visiting the very church where he received the stigmata.
The journey concludes in the serene town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Here, you’ll visit the Basilica of St. Francis and celebrate Mass in the San Bonaventura Chapel, a deeply moving experience to end your pilgrimage.
R56 795.00 pp/s
Services Included
Services Included
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: JOHANNESBURG THU, 18 SEPT 2025
Meet at O.R. Tambo International Airport at the check in counter for your flight to Lisbon. Please ensure that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure.
Day 2: LISBON FRI, 19 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, arrive in Lisbon and explore the capital city, known for its rich history and culture. Visit St. Anthony’s Church, the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of lost things. Later, transfer to Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Settle into your accommodation.
Day 3: FATIMA / ALJUSTREL / VALHINOS SAT, 20 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, visit Aljustrel, the birthplace of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady. Continue to Valinhos, where the fourth apparition of Our Lady occurred. Reflect at the Stations of the Cross and visit the site of the apparitions of the Angel of Peace. In the evening, join the faithful for the beautiful Rosary and Candlelight procession at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.
Dinner and overnight in Fatima
Day 4: FATIMA SUN, 21 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, attend an International Mass at the Shrine, where pilgrims from around the world come together in prayer. The rest of the day is free for personal reflection, private devotion, or exploring Fatima’s religious landmarks. In the evening, join the Rosary and Candlelight procession once again for a moving spiritual experience.
Dinner and overnight in Fatima
Day 5: BATALHA / NAZARE MON, 22 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, depart for the magnificent Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and significance in Portuguese history. Continue to Nazaré, a charming fishing village, and visit the Sitio for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will also visit the Chapel of Nazaré, a small yet important pilgrimage site. Return to Fatima in the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Fatima
Day 6: SANTAREM / LISBON / ROME TUE, 23 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation. Visit the Church of the Holy Miracle in Santarem, where you will learn about one of the oldest recorded Eucharistic miracles in history. Then, transfer to Lisbon for your flight to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation.
Dinner and overnight in Fatima
Day 7: ROME WED, 24 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, attend a Papal Audience at the Vatican, where you will have the opportunity to see and hear from the Holy Father. Then, enjoy a walking tour of some of Rome’s iconic squares, including Campo dei Fiori, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. Later, visit St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Dinner and overnight in Rome
Day 8: ROME / SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO THU, 25 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, visit the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and one of the most significant churches in the world. Then, tour the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest papal basilica and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. After the tours, travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio, one of the most beloved saints of modern times.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo
Day 9: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO FRI, 26 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, and the new church dedicated to him. You will also visit the convent where Padre Pio spent many years in prayer and ministry, and see the confessional where he spent countless hours guiding pilgrims. The afternoon is free for private prayer or quiet reflection.
Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo
Day 10: ASSISI SAT, 27 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, depart for Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order. Visit the Shrine of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan movement and where the Porziuncola, a small church dear to St. Francis, is located. You will also attend a Mass in St. Clare Chapel, dedicated to St. Clare, one of St. Francis’ closest companions.
Dinner and Overnight in Assisi
Day 11: ASSISI / JOHANNESBURG SUN 28 SEPT 2025
After breakfast, visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi is located. Celebrate Mass in the San Bonaventura Chapel, reflecting on the profound legacy of St. Francis. After the visit, transfer to Rome for your return flight to Johannesburg.
Overnight on board the flight.
Day 12: JOHANNESBURG MON, 29 SEPT 2025
Arrive in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
