In a few months’ time we will be leaving on our Parish pilgrimage to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Saint Teresa of Avila. It is a pilgrimage to discover her life and spirit, and her disciple, Saint John of the Cross, in the beautiful cities of mid-western Spain. We will be there over Whitsun, 24th – 29th May, Price £695
24th May, 2015
Depart Bristol airport for the flight to Madrid. On arrival reclaim your package and join the waiting coach for the transfer to Avila where we check in for 5 nights’ stay on half board basis.
25th May, 2015
Today, we will spend the full day in Avila, most famous for being the home of St Teresa, the great Mystic and one of the three female doctors of the Church. We will visit the magnificent 12th-century wall, the fortress-cathedral and the Convento de la Santa, built on the site where she was born. There will be visits to Monasterio de la Encarnación where she was prioress when St John of the Cross was Confessor & San Juan Bautista Church, which contains the baptismal font in which St Teresa of Avila was baptised.
26th May, 2015
After breakfast we depart for Salamanca. Salamanca was the site of St Teresa’ seventh foundation. See the University of Salamanca, where St John of the Cross studied for the priesthood. There will be time for lunch before we return to Avila, via the village of Alba de Tormes, one of the most important pilgrimage centres in Spain. Teresa founded the Carmelite Monastery of the Annunciation here.
27th May, 2015
Today we will visit Valladolid. Visit the museum of Christopher Columbus, then on to the Carmelite monastery in Valladolid, founded by St Teresa. Afterwards, tour a local bodega (winery) ,including a stop for lunch. Return to Avila by way of Medina del Campo. Visit the second foundation, the Convento de San José.. Then, see the small museum housing original pieces from the time of the founding by St Teresa before returning to Avila for dinner.
28th May, 2015
Following breakfast check-out of hotel and proceed to Madrid. Enrolee, visit the monastery of El Escorial. See the Eucharistic Miracle which is kept intact and venerated in the Sacristy of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo in El Escorial. Continue on to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Check in to the Hotel for the final night stay on dinner, bed and breakfast basis. In the afternoon there will be a city sightseeing tour for those who wish.
29th May, 2015
There will be free time in Madrid until late afternoon when the coach departs and returns to the airport for the flight back to Bristol.
