back to Spain

Spain

In the Footsteps of St Ignatius of Loyola with Fr Ben Kerridge

Prices from £2,370 pp

Single Supplement £365

Next available tour: Call for Details

Tour leader: Call for Details

Iñigo de Loyola was born in 1491 in Azpeitia in the Basque region of Spain during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He was the youngest of thirteen children of a family of minor nobility. At the age of 16, Ignatius left home to serve as a page for Juan Velazques, he was often at court and developed a taste for material world, dreamt of knighthood and doing great deeds. He became an officer of the Spanish Army and in 1521 and during the battle of Pamplona, he was terribly wounded. It was during his difficult recovery that Ignatius read and learnt about the life of Christ and biographies of Saints which deeply affected him. As soon as he was well enough, he left home with a newfound zeal to serve God. During our five-days pilgrimage we discover many places significant to the saint, including: his birthplace, Azpeitia; Pamplona, Zaragoza, the site of the first-known apparition of Mary, Montserrat, where Ignatius gave away his fine clothes to a poor man and Manresa where Ignatius started to work on what would become the Spiritual Exercises.

We invite you to join us on this pilgrimage which promises to be a spiritually enriching experience.

Click to view slideshow

Itinerary

  1. ARRIVAL IN BILBAO AND TRANSFER TO SAN SEBASTIÁN

    We meet at Luton airport for our flight to  Bilbao. Upon arrival at Bilbao Airport, we meet our local guide and transfer to the elegant coastal city of San Sebastián. Nestled between green hills and the Bay of Biscay, this beautiful town is known for its charming old quarter, golden beaches, and culinary excellence. After checking into your hotel, we have time to rest or take a leisurely stroll along the La Concha promenade. In the evening, enjoy your first taste of Basque culture with a group dinner or optional pintxos tour in the old town. Dinner and overnight stay in San Sebastián.

  2. PILGRIMAGE TO LOYOLA: PAMPLONA

    After breakfast, we head inland to Loyola, the birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Located in the lush valley of Azpeitia, this is where his story begins. We visit the Sanctuary of Loyola, including the Holy House where Ignatius was born and where his deep personal conversion began. The impressive Baroque Basílica, built around the house, reflects the grandeur of his spiritual legacy. After our visit and a short time for personal reflection or prayer, we head to Pamplona, city forever marked in Ignatius’ life. It was here, in 1521, that he was seriously  wounded by cannonball while defending the citadel – an injury that led to his long recovery and eventual conversion. Upon arrival, we explore sites connected to this pivotal event, including the old citadel and the Chapel of San Ignacio, built on the site of his wounding. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamplona.

  3. FROM PAMPLONA TO ZARAGOZA

    After breakfast in Pamplona, the journey continues south toward Zaragoza, a city rich in religious tradition and one of the key stops in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The main focus is a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of the most revered Marian shrines in Spain. St. Ignatius is believed to have stopped here in 1522 to pray before continuing his pilgrimage. After visiting the Basilica, take time to explore Zaragoza’s historic center. Dinner and overnight in Zaragoza.

  4. FROM ZARAGOZA TO MONTSERRAT AND MANRESA

    After breakfast, we head south toward the spectacular mountain sanctuary of Montserrat, where Ignatius experienced a decisive moment of surrender. Before the statue of the Black Madonna, he laid down his sword, symbolizing his total renunciation of worldly ambition. We visit the monastery, see the revered image of Our Lady of Montserrat, and take in the dramatic scenery of this holy place. In the afternoon, continue to Manresa, visiting the Cave of St. Ignatius (Cova de Sant Ignasi) on our way, a peaceful and inspiring space for prayer and reflection. The surrounding sanctuary complex and views of the city provide a perfect atmosphere for interior silence. Manresa is a pivotal location in the life of St. Ignatius where, after leaving Montserrat, he spent nearly a year in deep contemplation and spiritual struggle. These experiences would later shape his Spiritual Exercises, a foundation of Jesuit spirituality. Dinner and overnight stay in the Manresa area.

  5. BARCELONA: IGNATIAN HERITAGE AND DEPARTURE

    After breakfast, depart Manresa for Barcelona. We dedicate the final morning to discovering Ignatian sites in Barcelona, a city where Ignatius lived, studied, and faced trials. We visit places such as the Church of Santa Maria del Mar and other historical points connected to his time here. There may be time for a brief walk in the Gothic Quarter or a final moment of reflection before transferring to Barcelona El Prat Airport for your flight home.

  6. Alternative Ideas

    There will also be quite a lot walking around the towns and cities that we will be visiting, some of which will be over irregular surfaces such as cobblestones and badly maintained areas. 

Essential Information

For booking received by 27 February 2026, we offer a LOWER DEPOSIT payment* of £300 per person (instead of £500). A second deposit payment of £200 per person is due 6 weeks from booking. Balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £365.

This tour includes:
• One night in San Sebastián

• One night in Pamplona

• One night in Zaragoza

• One night in Manresa

• Daily breakfast and 4 dinners

• Outbound flight from London Luton to Bilbao

• Inbound flight from Barcelona to London Luton

• Private air-conditioned coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary

• English-speaking licensed local guides

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Individual audio-system/headsets

• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally.

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

Late bookings
Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Mobility
Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Practical information

Passports, visas and health

Check that your passport is valid beyond the return date of this tour.  If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices.  There are minimal formalities for British passport holders entering Spain.  If you are holding a non-British passport, or require further advice, please consult the McCabe office.  No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.  

The McCabe Educational Trust

For many, meeting the ‘Living Stones’ of The Land becomes a real highlight of their pilgrimage. The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on pilgrimage.  On your pilgrimage you will meet some of these people.  As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other. 

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

Full Financial Security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme.  If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

Read reviews

Dates

Upcoming Pilgrimages

We have no tours scheduled to this destination at present.

Contact us

Send to a friend




    In the Footsteps of St Ignatius of Loyola with Fr Ben Kerridge

    Prices from £2,370 pp

    Read more

    Fellowship Tours

    A portfolio of tours with regular travellers in mind

    Read more