Pilgrimage to Lourdes

An Adventure for Youth & Young Adults

Embark on a hand-crafted journey to Lourdes tailored for youth and young adults, seamlessly blending spirituality with adventure. Immerse yourself in the contemplative environment through daily prayer, reflections, and Mass, forging a profound connection with your faith and fellow pilgrims. Follow in the footsteps of St. Bernadette, delving into her simple yet devoted life and offering up your own service to fellow pilgrims. Strike a balance between spiritual and physical experiences, engaging in transformative service activities and exhilarating hikes and adventures amidst the scenic landscapes. This pilgrimage promises not just spiritual growth but a holistic revitalization, leaving you prepared to embrace life’s journey.

What to Expect

July 25 - 31, 2024
Pilgrim worshipping

Prayer and Devotion

Immerse yourself in the contemplative environment of Lourdes through daily prayer, group reflections, and Mass. As you engage in these spiritual practices, you will not only connect with the sacred surroundings but also embark on a profound personal journey. Through moments of personal and shared spiritual experiences with fellow pilgrims, you will foster a deep and meaningful connection with your faith that transcends the confines of the physical environment.

Encounter St. Bernadette

Connect with the young girl, St. Bernadette, to whom Our Lady appeared by following in her footsteps. Delve into the life of this simple saint who offered up her suffering to God. Whether walking through the fields around Lourdes, entering her family home, or praying at the Grotto you’ll encounter St. Bernadette’s great devotion.

Group of pilgrims praying

Serve Fellow Pilgrims

Strike a balance between the spiritual and physical by engaging in service activities that extend a compassionate hand to the local community, embodying the spirit of St. Bernadette. While assisting fellow pilgrims, your hands-on involvement will become a testament to the transformative power of service.

Explore the Pyrenees Region

Enhance the journey with exhilarating hikes, exploring the scenic landscapes surrounding Lourdes. Forge connections with fellow pilgrims as you explore in the heart of the Pyrenees either by going deep into the caves of the mountains or enjoying the local vineyards.

Investment

Package Cost: $2,798 /person

As low as: $2,498 /person

With Early Bird discount

Early Bird Savings: $300/person

When you register on or before February 11, 2024 

  • Optional Add-Ons:
    • Single Room Supplement: $483 /person
    • Travel Protection: Student Travel Plan; price varies*
    • Pre-paid tips for guide(s), driver(s), meals, and hotels: $92/person
  • Additional Pricing Information:
    • Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
    • The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.
    • *Travel protection premium is calculated based on trip costs and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International
    • Rates assume a minimum of 30 full-paying pilgrims.
What’s Included
  • Pilgrimage Director
  • Local, licensed tour guide(s)
  • Custom booklet for each pilgrim
  • Daily Mass
  • Private transportation on motor coach, including airport transfers to/from Toulouse Airport
  • All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
  • Youth Activity: Guided Tour of Grottes de Betharram
  • Young Adult Activity: Two vineyard tours with tasting
  • Simple accommodations
  • Breakfast daily, 1 sack lunch, 4 dinners including drinks
  • Audio headsets
What’s Not Included
  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling, all meals not explicitly listed on the itinerary
  • Recommended travel insurance (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included
Flight Information
  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: July 26, 2024
    • Arrival time: Arrive by 12 noon
    • Arrival airport: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the hotel in one group.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: July 31, 2024
    • Departure time: At or after 12:00 p.m.
    • Departure airport: Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one group at 6:00 a.m.
Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person

Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Prices are based on the current exchange rate (as of November 2023). Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds will be subject to the cancellation fees listed on the specific website of the pilgrimage departure and the terms of our suppliers. All suppliers have their own cancellation policies, which apply to your booking. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims, and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Typically, the cancellation fee schedule is as follows:

  • Required deposit is fully refundable up to 14 days after payment (if deposit is made more than 180 days prior to departure).
  • Cancellation 14 days after deposit and 91 days or more from departure: deposit retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of the trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30-0 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable (no refund given).

The cancellation fee schedule for each particular departure may vary from the typical schedule. Please refer to the exact cancellation fee schedule for each pilgrimage which is listed on the information page for each pilgrimage listed on the www.VersoMinistries.com website.

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed on the specific website of the pilgrimage departure. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. Suppliers may choose to provide a travel voucher or credit in lieu of refund. We are not responsible for a supplier’s failure to pay a refund or for supplier bankruptcy or insolvency.

Detailed Itinerary

July 25 - 31, 2024
DAYS ONE & TWO

Welcome to Lourdes

Your pilgrimage journey begins on day one when you depart from your home airport en route to France. When you arrive at the Paris airport the next day, make the scenic drive to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow pilgrims at an Opening Mass and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY THREE

Encounter the  Sanctuary of Lourdes

Made famous following the apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1858, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a much-beloved location of pilgrims worldwide. 

After attending morning Mass, enjoy a guided tour of the Shrine, along with visiting both the St. Bernadette’s Museum and the Museum of Miracles. On your way through the Shrine, catch external glimpses of the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Basilica, the Baths, and the Grotto. Spend the afternoon at the Sanctuary and take time to participate in prayers at the Grotto, walk the Way of the Cross, visit the healing baths, or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As the day comes to a close, reflect on the day’s events over dinner before praying the Rosary and participating in the Shrine’s candlelight procession.

DAY FOUR

Walk in the footsteps of St. Bernadette

Embark on a contemplative walking pilgrimage to Bartres, a quaint village near Lourdes, where St. Bernadette once lived as a shepherdess with her foster mother. Begin by celebrating Mass at the local church in Bartres, a place where Bernadette herself would fervently pray. Upon returning to Lourdes, trace the footsteps of St. Bernadette through significant sites such as the “Boly Hill,” her birthplace, and the “Cachot,” her family home. Enjoy free time to engage in the devotions of the Shrine, allowing for personal reflection and spiritual connection. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the hotel, followed by an evening group reflection. 

DAY FIVE

Explore the Pyrenees Mountains

Begin the day with morning Mass before journeying into the Pyrenees Mountains during a full-day tour, uncovering the wonders of the Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated by Victor Hugo in poetic terms. Hike the enchanting 5-mile loop trail, experiencing the colossal beauty of nature described as a mountain and a mural by the famed writer. After a day of wondering at God’s grand creation, transfer back to the serene surroundings of Lourdes. Enjoy dinner at your leisure and later partake in the serene devotions of the Rosary and Torchlight Procession.

DAYS SIX & SEVEN

Service and Adventure

Kickstart your day with a meaningful morning devoted to volunteering and serving others at the Shrine. In the afternoon, the youth group embarks on an adventurous trip to Grottes de Betharram, delving into the exploration of caves and enjoying watersports at the scenic Lourdes Lake. Meanwhile, young adults indulge in a winery tour and tastings at the renowned Madiran and Jurancon vineyards. Finish the day off with Mass, closing reflections, and a Farewell Dinner at a local French restaurant. As you eat your final meal with fellow pilgrims, let the food and conversation warm your spirit one last time. Wake up refreshed the next morning, ready to begin your journey back towards home.

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