Join Holy Family School of Faith on an extraordinary pilgrimage through Spain and Portugal, where faith, history, and friendship come together in a journey of spiritual renewal.

Walk in the footsteps of great saints, including St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Anthony of Lisbon, as we explore magnificent cathedrals, historic monasteries, and sacred shrines. Experience the profound beauty of Fátima as we celebrate the 110th anniversary of Our Lady's final apparition on October 13, 1917, and reflect on her timeless message of prayer, conversion, and peace.

Through daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, inspiring theological reflections, and meaningful encounters, we will deepen our friendship with Christ and one another. Inspired by Holy Family School of Faith's Apostles of Friendship movement, this pilgrimage also invites us to slow down, enjoy good conversation, and cultivate authentic friendships that will continue long after we return home. More than a journey to remarkable places, this is an invitation to encounter God, grow in holiness, and rediscover the joy of living our Catholic faith together.

Dr. Troy Hinkel holds a master’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a doctorate in Modern European History with an emphasis on Church/State relations from the University of Kansas. Troy is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Holy Family School of Faith and devotes his time to teaching as well as being a spiritual director/mentor to Catholic young adult professionals, adult parishioners, and business and lay leaders in the Greater Kansas City area. Troy is also the Co-Founder of the lay movement called, “The Movement of the Holy Family,” which renews the home and family life through encouraging its members to evangelize through friendship, good conversation, and praying the rosary. Troy and Laura, his wife of 28 years, have six children and reside in Lenexa, Kansas.

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival in Madrid, we will be greeted by our local tour escort and transferred to our hotel for check-in and time to settle in after our travels.

We begin our pilgrimage with the celebration of Holy Mass, entrusting our journey to the Lord and asking for the grace to grow in faith, prayer, and friendship throughout our time together.

This evening, we gather for a special welcome dinner, an opportunity to meet our fellow pilgrims and share good conversation. Together, we look forward to a beautiful journey through Spain and Portugal, discovering the lives of the saints, deepening our relationship with Christ, and growing in friendship with one another.

Overnight in Madrid.

Meal included: Welcome Dinner.

Following breakfast, we depart Madrid for the historic city of Toledo.

Our guided walking tour takes us through the charming streets of Toledo’s Old Quarter, including a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. We will also explore the magnificent Cathedral of Toledo, one of Spain’s most important Gothic cathedrals and a treasure of sacred art and architecture.

During our visit, we will enjoy a special theological reflection near the tomb of St. Ildephonsus, the seventh-century Archbishop of Toledo renowned for his profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Following a group lunch at a local restaurant, we return to the Cathedral for the celebration of Holy Mass and a peaceful Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, allowing time for prayer and reflection in this extraordinary sacred setting.

In the evening, we return to Madrid, where dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Madrid.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Following breakfast, we depart Madrid for the beautiful medieval city of Segovia, renowned for its rich spiritual heritage, magnificent architecture, and picturesque setting.

Our pilgrimage begins at the Carmelite Convent of St. John of the Cross, where the great Spanish mystic, poet, and Doctor of the Church is buried. Here, we will celebrate Holy Mass and spend a peaceful Holy Hour in Eucharistic Adoration.

A special theological reflection near the tomb of St. John of the Cross will invite us to explore his profound teachings on prayer, detachment, and union with God. Our guided visit continues through the convent grounds and gardens, including the Hermitage of St. John of the Cross and the historic cypress tree associated with the Saint. We will also stop at the scenic Pradera de San Marcos for a beautiful view of Segovia's majestic Alcázar before continuing toward the city's iconic Roman Aqueduct.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Madrid for a guided walking tour of the city's historic Old Quarter. Along the way, we will admire some of the capital's most celebrated landmarks, including the lively San Miguel Market, the grand Plaza Mayor, and the bustling Puerta del Sol, the symbolic heart of Madrid.

The evening is yours to enjoy dinner at leisure and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Spain's capital.

Overnight in Madrid.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Madrid and journey to the historic walled city of Ávila, birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, the great Carmelite reformer, mystic, and Doctor of the Church.

Our visit begins at the Monastery of the Incarnation, where St. Teresa lived for many years and experienced profound encounters with God. Here, we will enjoy a special theological reflection on her spiritual journey, including her mystical experience of the transverberation, in which an angel pierced her heart with the fire of divine love.

Our guided tour continues through Ávila's beautifully preserved medieval Old Quarter, including a visit to the Convent of St. Teresa, built over the site of her birthplace. We will explore its chapel and relics room, reflecting on the extraordinary life and enduring spiritual legacy of this beloved Saint.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Alba de Tormes, where St. Teresa spent her final days and entered eternal life in 1582. At the Carmelite Convent of the Annunciation, we will venerate her tomb and visit the Carmus museum, which preserves treasures associated with her life and spirituality.

Our time in Alba de Tormes culminates with the celebration of Holy Mass and a peaceful Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration at the Carmelite Convent, offering a beautiful opportunity to reflect on St. Teresa's invitation to a deeper life of prayer and friendship with Christ.

In the evening, we continue to Salamanca, one of Spain's most beautiful university cities, where we check into our hotel. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Salamanca.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

Following breakfast, we begin our day with the celebration of Holy Mass at the magnificent Cathedral of Salamanca, followed by time for silent prayer and personal reflection.

Our guided exploration of this historic university city includes visits to both the Old and New Cathedrals, remarkable expressions of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. We will also visit the Dominican Convent of St. Stephen, a place of great theological and intellectual significance, where we will enjoy a special reflection on the Dominican tradition of seeking truth and growing in wisdom through faith.

Following lunch at leisure, we venture into the beautiful countryside surrounding Salamanca for a delightful winery visit and tasting. More than simply an opportunity to appreciate the wines and traditions of Spain, this afternoon is intentionally dedicated to the joy of friendship and meaningful conversation.

Inspired by the Holy Family School of Faith's Apostles of Friendship movement, we will embrace the opportunity to slow down, share stories, listen attentively, and deepen our relationships with fellow pilgrims. At the heart of this experience is the understanding that authentic friendship is a path to holiness and that genuine encounters with others create opportunities to share the love of Christ. Through good conversation, hospitality, and the simple pleasure of being together, we hope to cultivate friendships that extend well beyond our pilgrimage.

We conclude our day with a wonderful group dinner, continuing the spirit of fellowship and celebrating the gift of friendship around the table.

Overnight in Salamanca.

Meals included: Breakfast, Wine Tasting, and Dinner. Lunch is at leisure.

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Salamanca and begin our journey into Portugal, traveling toward Fátima, one of the world's most beloved Marian pilgrimage destinations.

Along the way, we stop in the historic city of Coimbra, where we will enjoy lunch at leisure before exploring its charming Old Quarter, with its winding medieval streets and centuries of religious and academic heritage.

Our pilgrimage continues to the Carmelite Monastery of Santa Teresa, where Sister Lúcia dos Santos, one of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917, lived for nearly six decades as a cloistered Carmelite nun. We will visit the memorial dedicated to her life and spiritual legacy, reflecting on her extraordinary vocation of prayer, sacrifice, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Here, we will celebrate Holy Mass and enjoy a special theological reflection on the message of Fátima and the life of Sister Lúcia, exploring Our Lady's call to conversion, daily prayer, and devotion to the Rosary.

Following our visit, we continue to Fátima, where we check into our hotel and enjoy dinner together.

This evening, we enter into the beautiful prayerful atmosphere of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, joining pilgrims from around the world for the candlelight Rosary and procession. As thousands of candles illuminate and we unite our prayers with those of the universal Church, entrusting our families, friendships, and intentions to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Overnight in Fátima.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner. Lunch is at leisure.

Today marks one of the most significant days of our pilgrimage as we join thousands of faithful from around the world in Fátima to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fátima on October 13, 1917.

On this sacred date, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared for the sixth and final time to the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta, identifying herself as Our Lady of the Rosary and urging the faithful to pray the Rosary daily. It was also on this day that an estimated 70,000 people gathered at the Cova da Iria witnessed the extraordinary event known as the Miracle of the Sun, a powerful moment in the history of the Fátima apparitions.

Following breakfast, we will immerse ourselves in the beautiful anniversary celebrations at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, joining pilgrims from across the globe in prayer, devotion, and thanksgiving. We will participate in a concelebrated Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions, affectionately known as La Capelinha, built on the very site where Our Lady appeared to the children.

Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for personal prayer, reflection, and participation in the sanctuary's special anniversary liturgies and celebrations. If arrangements permit, we will also gather for a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration, allowing us to contemplate more deeply Our Lady's enduring message of conversion, peace, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart.

We will enjoy lunch and dinner together at our hotel, with time to rest and reflect upon the extraordinary spiritual significance of this day.

In the evening, we return to the sanctuary to join the beautiful candlelight Rosary and procession. Surrounded by pilgrims from countless nations, we will lift our prayers to Our Lady of Fátima, entrusting our families, our world, and our personal intentions to her maternal care.

Overnight in Fátima.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Following breakfast, we continue our exploration of the sacred sites associated with the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima, deepening our understanding of her message of prayer, penance, and conversion.

Our morning begins at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where we visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, La Capelinha, and the magnificent basilicas dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary and the Most Holy Trinity. We will also visit the Fátima Museum, home to the precious crown of Our Lady, which contains the bullet from the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope St. John Paul II, a powerful testimony to his devotion and gratitude to the Blessed Mother.

We then journey to Valinhos, the site of Our Lady's fourth apparition in August 1917. Here, we will have the opportunity to walk the Stations of the Cross along the peaceful Via Sacra, following a path of prayer and reflection through the countryside. Before beginning, our theologian will offer a special reflection on the role of Marian apparitions in the spiritual life and how Our Lady continually directs us toward a deeper relationship with her Son.

Our visit continues to the nearby village of Aljustrel, where we will explore the humble childhood homes of the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. These simple surroundings offer a moving glimpse into the ordinary lives of the children whom Our Lady chose to entrust with her extraordinary message.

Following lunch at leisure, we travel to the historic town of Santarém, home to one of the most remarkable Eucharistic miracles in the history of the Church.

At the Church of the Holy Miracle, traditionally known as St. Stephen's Church, we will learn about the 13th-century Eucharistic miracle of Santarém and venerate the miraculous Host preserved there. Our theologian will offer a reflection on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the profound gift of Holy Communion, and the importance of Eucharistic Adoration in nurturing an intimate friendship with Jesus. We will also celebrate Holy Mass in this sacred setting.

In the evening, we return to Fátima for dinner at our hotel. Those who wish may once again join the beautiful candlelight Rosary and procession at the sanctuary, concluding our day in prayer beneath the loving gaze of Our Lady of Fátima.

Overnight in Fátima.

Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner. Lunch is at leisure.

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and bid farewell to Fátima, carrying with us the many graces and spiritual experiences of our time at this beloved Marian shrine. We journey south to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, beautifully situated along the Tagus River.

Our exploration begins in the historic district of Belém, where Portugal's great Age of Discovery comes to life. We will admire the iconic Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal's maritime heritage, and the impressive Monument to the Discoveries, honoring the explorers who helped shape the nation's history. We will also view the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a testament to Portugal's rich Catholic heritage.

Following lunch at leisure, we continue into the heart of Lisbon for a guided walking tour of its charming Old Quarter, with its winding cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and centuries of history. Our visit includes Lisbon Cathedral, one of the city's oldest and most important churches, and the Church of St. Anthony, built on the traditional site of the birthplace of St. Anthony of Padua.

Although widely associated with Padua, Italy, St. Anthony was born in Lisbon and became one of the Church's most beloved Franciscan saints, renowned for his preaching, wisdom, and extraordinary love for the poor. At the Church of St. Anthony, we will celebrate our closing Holy Mass and spend a final Holy Hour in Eucharistic Adoration, offering thanksgiving for the blessings of our pilgrimage and entrusting the friendships and spiritual commitments formed along the way to God's loving care.

This evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the gift of our shared journey through Spain and Portugal. We will enjoy this final opportunity for meaningful conversation, gratitude, and fellowship, reflecting on the ways God has worked through the sacred places we have visited and the friendships we have deepened.

As our pilgrimage draws to a close, we are reminded that the true fruits of pilgrimage are carried home in our hearts, through a renewed commitment to prayer, a deeper friendship with Christ, and a desire to share His love with others.

Overnight in Lisbon.

Meals included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner. Lunch is at leisure.

Following breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Lisbon Airport for our return flights home. As our pilgrimage comes to a close, we carry with us the blessings of our journey, a renewed commitment to our faith, and the gift of friendships strengthened along the way. May the graces we have received continue to bear fruit in our daily lives as we return home inspired to live as Apostles of Friendship.

Meal included: Breakfast.