FATIMA – CAMINO DE SANTIAGO - MADRID

Pilgrimage of Hope: A Walk with Mary to Jesus

Pilgrimage sponsored by
Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament Parish

September 1 to 13, 2025 (13 days)
$3,999.00 All Inclusive** from New Jersey

Tour hosts Henryk & Barbara Michalkiewicz

INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES
  • Roundtrip airfare, economy class on IATA approved airlines from New Jersey to Portugal and return from Spain to New Jersey. Airfares include fuel surcharge, airport taxes and airport user fees.
  • First-class 3 and 4 star hotels, twin bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • Two daily meals are included, breakfast and dinner.
  • Service of an experienced tour manager throughout the entire tour.
  • Comprehensive sightseeing and entrance fees to places visited.
  • Courteous local English speaking guides and drivers

PILGRIM’S PRAYER

“Saint James, Apostle, chosen among the first. You were the first to drink the Cup of the Master and you are the great protector of pilgrims; make us strong in faith and happy in hope on our pilgrim journey following the path of Christian life and sustain us so that we may finally reach the glory of God the Father. Amen.”

Santiago de Compostela is one of the three important pilgrimage cities of Christianity, alongside Jerusalem and Rome. When European Christians saw that their faith was threatened by the advance of Islam, they asserted it by pilgrimaging to the recently discovered Sepulchre of the Apostle Saint James, in the 9th century. This is how, step by step, routes that led to Santiago were created, thus establishing a type of union between the different European countries and regions. The 12th and 13th centuries were the golden age of pilgrimages to Santiago. Later, during the Renaissance and Reformation, the Saint James phenomenon suffered attacks, but it managed to survive, albeit with a lower influx of pilgrims. The Bull by Pope León XIII “Deus Omnipotens”, which verified the authenticity of the apostle’s relics, represented a renewed impetus for the Saint James pilgrimage, which grew during the 20th century until the present, when pilgrimaging is strong and on the rise.

The pilgrimage to Santiago takes us to the Tomb of an Apostle, one of the twelve who were part of Christ’s intimate circle and who was responsible for the evangelization of Hispania, that is to say, he transmitted the original faith received from Jesus.

... it really makes a difference who you travel with…
PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE

ALMADA – LISBON – FÁTIMA – ALJUSTREL– BATALHA – BRAGA– PORTO* – FISTERRA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – SALAMANCA – AVILA – MADRID

DAY 1 - MON 1 september 2025

Meeting at the airport in New Jersey. Direct flight to Lisbon. (Flight number: TP 202K at 17:35)

DAY 2 - TUE 2 september 2025

Arrival in Lisbon. Breakfast. Transfer to Almada. Sightseeing of the Sanctuary of Christ the King with a monument overlooking the magnificent view of Lisbon. Holy mass, after which we will see the Expo 98’ site. Free time and the possibility to shop and have lunch in the Vasco da Gama shopping center. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation. On this day we will also take a walk in the city and in the evening have dinner accompanied by Fado music in one of the local restaurants. Return for the overnight.

DAY 3 - WED 3 september 2025

Breakfast, after which we will go sightseeing in Lisbon. The sightseeing will start with the Belém Tower, after which we will see the replica of the plane Fairey IIID, Rosa dos Ventos, the Monument of the Discoveries, and the Hieronymites Monastery. Free time. Drive to Bairro Alto, terrace with a view. Then, we will head to Alfama, where we will visit the Cathedral and Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. Transfer for dinner and overnight in Fatima.

DAY 4 - THU 4 september 2025

Breakfast. On the fourth day of our journey we will visit the Sanctuary of Fátima erected on the site of apparitions of Virgin Mary. We will see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the permanent exhibition “Light and Peace” in the Museum of the Shrine, which houses a collection of gits and votive offerings for Our Lady of Fatima, monuments of the popes John Paull II and Paul VI, and the Berlin Wall Monument, which reminds of the Divine intervention in the fall of the communism announced in Fátima. The Way of the Cross. After, we will drive to Ajustrel, where we will visit the places related with the life and history of the ”three little shepherds of Fátima”.  Return to the Sanctuary of Fátima. Free time. Dinner, after which we will take part in the Candlelight Procession. Overnight.

DAY 5 - FRI 5 september 2025

Holy Mass in Fátima. Breakfast. Drive to Batalha, where we will visit the Batalha Monastery. The monastery is a masterpiece of the Gothic style. The sightseeing of the monastery will include: the Founder’s Chapel, the Royal Cloisters, the Chapterhouse, the Unfinished Chapels, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the refectory. Transfer to Braga, where will visit The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Monte with a monumental Baroque stairway that symbolises the Holy Way of the man. Transfer for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6 - SAT 6 september 2025

Breakfast. Drive to Pontevedra. We will have a walk in the city where Santa Lucia lived. We will see the Convent and Church of Saint Francis built on the site where Francis of Assisi stopped on his way to Santiago de Compostela. There we will get our Pilgrim’s Passports. On this day there will be an opportunity for those interested to take a pilgrimage walk on part of the El Camino route. Dinner and  overnight in Pontevedra or in the near proximity of the city. 

DAY 7 - SUN 7 september 2025

Breakfast. On this day we will enjoy our time on the beach at the Ocean. For those interested,  there is an opportunity to have a walk through the El Camino route. Free time.

*Optional (not included in the price; available at an extra cost and if there is enough people interested), there is a possibility to organize a trip to Porto*, which is a major industrial and financial center of Portugal and a city located on a hill and along the Douro River. We will visit there, among others, the Porto Cathedral, explore Ribeira and have the opportunity to enjoy free time. Douro River Cruise, during which we will admire the scenic views of the city, including six bridges connecting the northern and the southern bank of the river, among which there is one designed by Gustave Eiffel. Then, we will cross the Douro River to see Vila Nova de Gaia – a city with many cellars where Porto wine is stored. Wine tasting and possibility to buy wine. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8 - mon 8 september 2025

Breakfast. On this day we will relax on the beach at the ocean. For those interested, there is a possibility to take a walk on another part of El Camino route. Return for dinner and overnight.

DAY 9 - tue 9 september 2025

Breakfast. Drive to Fisterra, which is a little town the name of which stems from Latin and means ‘Land’s End’.  It was an alternative final destination of pilgrims on the Way of St. James. On the nearby beach, Playa Langosteira, pilgrims used to collect shells that reminded them about their visit to this place. Today, the symbolic sculpture representing a shoe of the pilgrim reminds the visitors of those times. Optionally, a walk on the last part of El Camino route to Santiago de Compostela, which is the final destination of the pilgrim routes and where we will receive The Certificate of Distance, a document printed on a parchment paper that certifies the number of kilometers of our journey. Dinner and overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

DAY 10 - wed 10 september 2025

Breakfast, after which we will visit the Santiago de Compostela Arch Cathedral Basilica famous for its doors with around a hundred sculptured figures. On the Baroque façade of the Cathedral there is a sculpture of St. James and under the main altar is his burial place. After the visit to the Cathedral, we will spend some time in the old town. Transfer for dinner and overnight in Salamanca. 

DAY 11 - Thu 11 september 2025

Breakfast. Sightseeing of Salamanca, which will include: the Old Cathedral built in Romanesque and Gothic style and the late Gothic New Cathedral famous for its main façade and three Gothic portals richly decorated with the scenes from the Old and New Testament. Apart from that, on this day we will see the Town Hall and numerous palaces built in Plateresco style. We will visit the landmark of Salamanca, which is the Universidad de Salamanca. Established in 1218, the Universidad de Salamanca was the first University in Europe. We will see Plaza Mayor, one of the largest and most spectacular main squares in Spain. Plaza Mayor was designed by Alberto Churriguera Ocaña from the Spanish family of sculptors and architects, Churriguera, the construction was ordered by the King Philip V. Transfer to Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa of Ávila. There, we will see the Gothic Cathedral completed between the 14th and 15th century and The Walls of Ávila, one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. Transfer to the hotel located in the environs of Madrid. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 12 - fri 12 september 2025

Breakfast. Sightseeing of the capital city of Spain, which will include: The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Royal of the Almudena built on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Discovery of America.  Then, we will see, from the outside, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family erected on the site of the former  Alcázar near the Plaza de Oriente. After that, we will see Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, which is a public square with a statue of Charles III of Spain, a fountain and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, a symbol of the city. Return for dinner and overnight.

DAY 13 - sat 13 september 2025

Breakfast and free time. Transfer to the airport in Madrid. Flight  number TP1013W at 13:35. Departure to New Jersey with a stopover in Lisbon. End of the pilgrimage.  Arrival to New Jersey airport at 21:00

PRICE

Pilgrimage of Hope

1st September – 13th September 2025

PRICE: 3999 USD

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Comfortable transport throughout the entire journey.
  • Flight from USA-PORTUGAL and SPAIN-USA with a check-in bag and carry-on luggage.
  • 11 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels in double/twin rooms with bathrooms.
  • 11 breakfasts, 11 dinners
  • Assistance and tourist information of an English-speaking tour manager.
  • Travel insurance against medical expenses including medical expenses coverage for all chronic diseases up to 20,000 EUR and accident insurance coverage up to 15,000 EUR.
  • Admission tickets and other expenses, as stated in the daily itinerary.

ENROLLMENT FORM AND CHECKS SHOULD BE MAILED TO THE TOUR HOST:
Henryk Michalkiewicz, 811 Garton Rd Bridgeton, NJ 08302

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE OUT TO: Our Lady Of The Blessed Sacrament Parish

The trip is of spiritual nature led by a chaplain and possibility to participate in the Holy Mass.

The travel document required is your passport.

The program is an outline and may be subject to change.

Enrollment form and checks should be mailed to the tour host.

TOUR CONDITIONS
AIR TRANSPORTATION / BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Economy class. Individual air fares are based on advance purchase and subject to availability at the time of confirmation and ticketing. Reservations may not be changed after ticketing without penalty: $350.00 USD. A higher penalty may be imposed for total cancellation, or no-show after tickets are issued. The Carry-on baggage should fit in the overhead locker on board or under the passenger seat in front. Dimensions of each item of baggage should not exceed 55 cm of height, 40 cm of width, and 23 cm of depth. Total sum of dimensions should not exceed 118 cm.

The checked baggage allowance is one piece per person not to exceed 23 kgs. Dimensions of one baggage item must not exceed 158 cm (height + width + depth).

HOTEL AND MEALS

3 and 4 star hotels, based on sharing twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.

BTP Frater does not guarantee that a roommate will be available. If one is not available, single rooms are offered at an extra charge ($1000). 2 meals included daily: buffet breakfast and table d’hote dinner at the hotel. Dinners include coffee and wine.

SIGHTSEEING AND TRANSFERS

The cost of this tour is based on a minimum of 21 persons traveling together and includes transfers of one suitcase per person. Transportation by late Model and fully equipped coaches; and includes courteous English-speaking guides, and entrance fees to places visited, as indicated in the itinerary on the brochure.

TIPS

Any tips to the waiters, bellboys and porters, hotel personnel Included

**Gratuity for Drivers and Guides not included.**

INCLUDED ITEMS

Service charges as imposed by hotels and taxes by local government authorities are included throughout. Airport security charges, airport user fees, fuel surcharge, all airport taxes.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST

Visa Fees, if necessary, for Canadian and US citizens are not included.  Passport fees, phone calls, gratuities, laundry service, and all items of a personal nature, expenses within the home country, Travel Insurance. Meals include juices, coffee, tea or milk with breakfast. It is extra at other meals such as the case of soda, alcohol, bottle water, or Espresso.

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

A deposit of $1,000 USD per person is required at the time of booking. Final payment of $2,999 USD is due no later than 30 days prior to departure, which means August 01, 2025. The cost of the tour is based on present values of the US dollar at the time the brochure is published; and rates, tariffs and airfares in effect on  January 30, 2025 and subject to changes, increases or adjustment in cost before the tour operates.

CANCELLATION of Land Arrangement

Full refund is granted for any cancellation in writing received by BTP FRATER eight weeks or more prior to departure. Cancellation 8 weeks till departure will be subject to a cancellation penalty of US $450 per person plus expenses incurred. After departure, no refund for any unused services – Air and Land.

CANCELLATION or change of tickets

The carrier’s cancellation policy will apply immediately after tickets are issued. Airline tickets become non-refundable, non-endorsable and non- transferable. Any change in date or name spelling, or cases of No-Show or route deviation will cost extra and nullify the airfare guarantee.

FINANCIAL LIABILITY

The client by engaging BTP Frater, and making deposit and/or full payment for the travel arrangements specified, acknowledges their position of tour operators in the sole capacity of agents for the tour members with the airlines, land operators, wholesalers, hotels, bus companies, contractors, and service providers etc., and agrees to hold BTP FRATER blameless in making the arrangements on his behalf, provided same shall be made through generally acceptable suppliers; and further agrees that restitution for damages, if any are claimed, shall be sought directly from the suppliers conveying the service. Such conveying, etc. is subject to the laws of the country where the conveyance is provided.  The sole financial liability of the tour operators is limited to the amount of commission each receives from arranging air and land transportation and accommodation on behalf of the clients with service providers, airlines, hotels, and other tour operators.

SEQUENCE OF TOURS

Sequence of sightseeing is left to the discretion of Tour Hosts. Right is reserved to vary the sequence or make substitutions after group arrival to the country of destination. All services clients are entitled to, will be maintained as much as these conditions allow.

SHOPPING

BTP FRATER and the tour hosts are not working in cahoots with any souvenir store or bazaar in the tour we cover. BTP FRATER does not direct guides or buses towards shops or peddler stands. Any similarity or resemblance to our trade name is merely coincidental. The owners and tour leaders are not experts in jewelry, diamonds or antiques and therefore shall not be held responsible for quality and/or cost of items purchased by the clients. Remedies for corrupt services, nonfeasance or ill feasance are remedied by contacting the Tourism authorities in the country visited.

RESPONSIBILITY

The presenters and the tour hosts shall not become liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, change in itinerary or accommodations, inconvenience, or other irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of the suppliers or their employees, land operators, airlines, or others not under the direct control of BTP FRATER. In case of defects or failures of any conveyance, equipment or instruments under the control of airlines, land operators, bus companies, etc.; or through acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or in carrying out arrangements on the tour, or in connection therewith, or of any hotel proprietor or servant, but not limited to criminal acts by a third party, fire, civil disturbances, acts of God, governments and others, riots, wars, strikes, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, or dangers incident to the sea, land and air. All such losses will have to be exclusively borne by the client.

WHEN WILL YOU... IF YOU DO NOT DO IT NOW, WHILE YOU STILL CAN? ​

Henryk Michalkiewicz mobile 609 381 4991 mail: misza811@gmail.com