Fr. Lito P. Abad
June 6, 2022
Spain
Beneath the vibrant and explosive façade of Spain lies a nation erupting with history, heritage, and culture. Wild, passionate, and charming all at once, its got character and stylish flair. So if you are enchanted with culture, history, impressive monuments, medieval towns, and splendid churches, you can’t help but fall head over heels in love with Spain. So put on your travel boots and join Fr. Lito Abad on a 15-day journey to magnificent Spain on June 6, 2022.
Your journey begins in Cordoba, which is home to the Mezquita, commonly known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba. The Mezquita-cathedral, which goes back to 785 and is the largest and most beautiful Moorish structure in Spain, is a striking showcase of Andalusia’s Moorish-Christian legacy. Then it’s on to Granada, where you’ll see the magnificent Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra was the Nasrid Kings’ old residence. It is one of the most well-known Islamic architectural structures and one of the best-preserved palaces in the Islamic world’s history. The Generalife, on the other hand, was the Nasrid rulers’ summer residence and rural estate.
Travel south to the seaside town of Nerja, located on the Costa del Sol. Marvel at astonishing sights at the Balcon de Europa (the Balcony of Europe), a wonderful promenade stretching along the edge of a soaring cliff top, which was once the location of a Moorish castle. The next stop is Malaga, the birthplace of the well-known painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso. Enjoy a full-day guided tour of this beautiful and historic city.
En route to Ronda, stop by the municipality of Mijas, a village nestled in the mountains that keeps the typical charm of the white Andalusian villages. Ronda, the third most visited destination in southern Spain, is set in and around a deep gorge spanned by an impressive bridge, the Puente Nuevo. This remarkable, pretty town with beautiful architecture from the Islamic period will surely charm you with its narrow streets, emblematic bridge, houses on the edge of the canyon and more. Not to be missed is a visit to the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the oldest bullring in Spain.
Continue your travel adventure to the port city of Cadiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, then head for Seville. Colorful traditions, historic architecture, and endless tapas are all contained in the sun-soaked city of Seville. Seville is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is bursting with antique charm. Marvel at the colossal Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the resting place of Christopher Columbus. Adjoining the cathedral is the “La Giralda,” the bell tower of Seville Cathedral. Just next to the cathedral is Seville’s second most important monument, the Alcazar of Seville, the oldest royal palace in Europe. The Alcazar is still a royal residence because when the King of Spain comes to Seville, he lives here. Not to be missed is an exhilarating Flamenco dinner show.
The capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid, is the next stop. Madrid is best renowned for its rich artistic and cultural legacy. Enjoy a city tour that includes stops to the Almudena Cathedral and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), the King of Spain’s official residence. See the Cibeles, the Neptuno Fountains, and the Puerta de Alcala while driving through the Madrid of the Bourbons . The Renaissance and Baroque-style architecture at the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa will delight you. Take a morning tour of Toledo to see the city’s highlights, which include a walk through the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim districts, a visit to Toledo Cathedral, the city’s centerpiece, a view of the Alcazar; and a visit to the Church of Santo Tome to see the works of El Greco.
Complete your travel adventure to Magnificent Spain with a visit to the region of Castilla-La Mancha, famous for the unique monuments to be seen in its town and cities. Not to be missed is a visit to Cuenca, the city of hanging houses; and the majestic Palace of the Dukes of El Infantado, in Guadalajara.
One of the fascinations of Spain lies in its diversity, the result of the many cultures that have settled the island. Embark on a travel adventure to Magnificent Spain with Fr. Lito Abad, leaving on June 6, 2022. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things; travel to new places; meet interesting people; learn about new cultures; and have fun!
Visit the Chapel of the Virgin of the Rock (Ermita de la Virgen de la Pena) in Mijas, where, according to legend, she was discovered in 1586 by two child shepherds who were guided to the place by a dove.
Cross the scary yet breathtakingly beautiful Puente Nuevo bridge, Ronda’s most famous attraction.
Ronda, Spain is considered one of the cradles of modern bullfighting. The Plaza de Toros de Ronda is Spain’s oldest bullring.
From the top of La Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, you can admire the magnificent panoramic view over the whole city of Seville.
Seville is the birthplace of the Flamenco dance. Enjoy a Flamenco Dinner Show to end your full-day visit to Seville.
Spiritually-focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accommodations
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly
The whole pilgrimage is a new and fulfilling moment in my life. It’s a nice feeling being with the Lord in His important day. And also, gaining new friends and becoming my new extended family is something I will treasure. I hope that this is just the beginning and we’ll continue to get in touch with one another despite the distance.
Brenda
Hello Co-Pilgrims,
It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.
Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.
The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).
Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships; Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service; Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.
Ms. Emma
Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.
To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.
To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!
To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.
God bless us all always!
Albert and Adee
Dear Pilgrims' Center:
My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.
It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.
Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora
Leclec Cabusora
My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.
Ann Arguelles Cortes
Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.
Emily Bautista
It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!
Carmen Nierra
Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.
I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.
All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.
Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .
Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.
Cora and Vir Franca
I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.
Peter Joseph Mapua
The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...
Marlene Silvestre
with a Pilgrimage Chaplain
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NOTE: All visa applicants are required to fill-out completely the visa application form prior to the scheduling of their appointments in order to avoid unnecessary delay and additional telephone expenses.
Processing Time: 15 – 30 days
VISA FEE: Php 9,500.00
(Subject to change without prior notice)
1) A US$ 500.00 deposit (for economy) / US$1,000.00 deposit (for business class) is required upon reservation together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure), Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo, copy of latest arrival stamp in Manila, visa fee (if applicable), and travel insurance payment.
2) Final payment in USD is due on or before January 6, 2021.
3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 60 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 45 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 30 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.
> US$ 300.00 Admin Fee for any visa denial.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.
EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its sub-agents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure.” All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.
*** RATES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***
