2026 France Pilgrimage

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday February 12: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Friday February 13: Nice

Bienvenue en France! Upon arrival in Nice today meet your Encore Tour Managers and begin your pilgrimage tour of France. Enjoy a group lunch together. Then visit the Monastere de Cimiez. Dating back to the 9th century, this monastery is the resting place for the impressionist artist Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for much of his life and was buried there in 1954. Participate in an Opening Pilgrimage Holy Mass in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. Later this afternoon, learn the sport of Petanque with local instructors. Then check into your hotel and have a special welcome dinner together tonight. (L,D)

Day 3, Saturday February 14: Nice

Stroll the city's splendid squares, the winding alleyways of Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais on your morning sightseeing tour. Later you'll drive along seaside cliffs to the village of Eze where you'll visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory and enjoy sweeping vistas from the fragrant Jardin Exotique. You'll get to make your own souvenir fragrance during a perfume-making workshop! Then continue on to Monaco, the glamorous home of the rich and famous. You'll visit the Roman-Byzantine Cathédrale Notre Dame Immaculée before returning to Nice. Tonight enjoy a special Disco Dance evening before Le Saint Valentin dinner together. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Sunday February 15: Caen

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Paris. Upon arrival, board your coach and drive to Chartres. Attend Holy Mass at 11:00 in its beautiful Cathedral. After lunch, continue your drive though the scenic Normandy countryside to Lisieux, where you'll visit its beautiful basilica and the Carmel de Lisieux where you will pray at the Tomb of Sainte Therese, The Little Flower. Then continue to Caen, where you'll check into your hotel and have dinner together tonight, as well as a cheese tasting and quiz. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Monday February 16: Caen

Drive along the Normandy coast and visit the lovely island monastery of Mont St. Michel. This medieval abbey, an important pilgrimage site, is surrounded by water at high tide. Participate in the prayer service to St Michael the Archangel at Eglise St Pierre. Today enjoy a gallete (savoury crepe) lunch near Place des Navettes. Then, visit the American War Cemetery at St. Laurent, overlooking Omaha Beach, where you'll witness the wreath-laying ceremony and provide prayers for the fallen soldiers. Return to Caen for dinner and your overnight. Then challenge your friends with a fun evening of bowling! (B,L,D)

Day 6, Tuesday February 17: Paris

Depart this morning for Paris, the City of Lights! A sightseeing tour on arrival will show you the highlights of this iconic city. See the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées and enjoy a panoramic group picture a the Trocadero with the Eiffel Tower. Then drive to Montmartre where you will have a group lunch together. Afterwards visit the Basilique Sacré-Coeur, a stunning basilica known for its white domes and panoramic views of the city. Participate in a French Cooking Class, then check into your hotel. Tonight enjoy a private dinner cruise along the Seine with Shadow Tour! (B,L,D)

Day 7, Wednesday February 18: Paris

This morning attend an Ash Wednesday Private Imposition of Ashes at the Église Saint-Sulpice. Then visit the Louvre and discover the many famous masterpieces that call it home. Insightful commentary from your local guide highlights the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, as well as curated religious art. Enjoy some free time in Carrousel du Louvre before lunch together. Then visit the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris where you will have a guided tour. Return to your hotel where this evening you'll learn the art of Impressionist Painting during a painting class. Dinner in a local restaurant (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thursday February 19: London

Check out of your hotel this morning, transfer to Gare du Nord and board the Eurostar to London. Upon arrival, board your coach and enjoy a walking tour of London, where you'll see the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Elizabeth Tower. Visit Westminster Abbey, followed by a group lunch. You'll then visit Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral. Return to your hotel, check in, then transfer by coach to Covent Garden for some free time, followed by a pre-theatre dinner and a West End Show! (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday February 20: London

This morning attend Holy Mass at Westminster Cathedral. Then discover more about England's royal family with a visit to Windsor Castle. One of the world's oldest and largest occupied castles, it has been home to British kings and queens since William the Conqueror in the 11th century. After lunch, return to London to enjoy a sightseeing and walking tour from Buckingham Palace to St James's Palace, then walk to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Ride the London Eye for the best views of this city, then celebrate your pilgrimage tour of France and England with a special, farewell dinner together tonight! (B,L,D)

Day 10, Saturday February 21: Departure

Depart hotel for Tower of London. After visit, take panoramic photo with Tower Bridge. Transfer from Tower to Heathrow airport for your return flight to New York. (B)