If you hold a 3rd nationality passport (such as an Indian Passport) you will need apply for a Schengen visa immediately! Once you have submitted your booking form and paid the deposit, we will send by post supporting documents for your visa application. The tour operator cannot apply for the visa on your behalf due to Data Protection.

PLEASE NOTE: If for any reason your visa application is rejected; at a minimum, you will lose the price paid for the flights unless the group leader can fill your space prior to ticketing deadline. We will refund at much as possible but the cost of flights is non-refundable!

Once you have submitted your form and paid the deposit, we (Anam Cara Travel) will send by post your supporting documents at the start of March 2025.  These will include an electronic flight ticket reference, an ATOL certificate and an invitation letter from the hotels in France. 

Please click on the following link for more details about the visa, and also to start the application process, including securing an appointment date.  Applications will open 6 months prior to departure (from 08 March 2025 onward)  – https://uk.ambafrance.org/Applying-for-a-French-visa-in-the-United-Kingdom

PLEASE NOTE: In the UK, Tour Operators cannot apply for a visa on your behalf!  Applications must be completed & submitted by the client.  Tour Operators can only provide supporting documents which are legal.

Currently, UK passport holders do not need to apply for a Visa to enter the EU (although this may change later in 2025; we will inform you of any changes). If you hold an EU Passport, you will not need a visa for this tour.

For UK passport holders, your passport must be valid for 3-month after your return date (10 November 2025). If your passport was issued before 11 August 2015, you will need to apply for a new Passport.

Yes – Travel Insurance is compulsory for our tours! You can arrange insurance online or via the post office. Alternatively, you can request an highly competitive quotation from our appointed partner via our website (read the next question below).

For your travel insurance, we are happy to refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and whose status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966, ‘Firm Ref’ 305686.

Please click on the following link to open the summary of cover of an insurance product which is suitable for all our trips.

Click to download the GLOBAL SINGLE TRIP – Summary of Cover

To obtain a Quotation, please CLICK HERE which will take you to the GTIS website.

Beyond providing this information, we are not permitted to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.
If you would like any further information about their services, you should contact Global Travel Insurance on 01903 235042.

YES, it’s FREE!– The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance! We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Apply for your Free GHIC card here

The deposit per pilgrim is £300.  If you would like to pay in full, please contact us in advance.

Of course!  You can make installments by card whenever you wish.  Just contact us at least 48 hrs in advance so we can prepare a link for the card payment.  Alternatively, you can also pay us directly by Bank Transfer (please request more details) – use your Unique Booking Reference when making payments.  The full balance will be requested 9-weeks prior to departure (FRIDAY 06 JUNE 2025).

Our flights with British Airways will depart from Heathrow T3 to Lyon Airport & return to Heathrow T3 from Toulouse Airport

OUTBOUND: Monday 04 August (depart 07:35am / arrive 10:15am) BA360

INBOUND: Saturday 09 August (depart 11:10am / arrive 12:15pm) BA373

All passengers are permitted one hold luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg) and one item of hand-luggage (maximum weight of 23 kg).  You will be advised of the luggage size dimensions in your travel pack (3 weeks prior to departure).

A bottle of water and a small snack (crisps or a cereal bar) is provided complimentary. More substantial meals, beverages & snacks can be purchased on-board the flight but have to be paid by card (cash not accepted)! On the first day, you might consider a hearty breakfast at Heathrow before your flight.

In early August, you can expect warm summer weather in Nevers, Rocamadour, and Lourdes. Here’s a general overview:

• Nevers: Average temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C. The weather is typically warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers.
• Rocamadour: Temperatures usually range from 18°C to 30°C. It’s warm, often hot, and mostly dry, though brief thunderstorms can occur.
• Lourdes: Expect temperatures between 17°C to 28°C. The weather is generally warm, but Lourdes, being close to the Pyrenees, can experience sudden rain showers or cooler evenings.

Overall, pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket for unexpected showers.

Whilst on tour (on the bus transfers) you will be expected to join for each visit or rest on the coach. Whilst in Lourdes. are under no obligation to participate in all activities. You are invited to join whenever you wish or make your own time for private prayer / relaxation.

The temperature early August can be warm with light rain-showers mainly during the evening. It is advisable to bring a light sweater, a light rainproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are a must!  It is best to dress in layers, which can be removed to suit weather conditions. The Shrine’s request modest dress; no sleeveless shirts.  If wearing shorts, ensure your knees are covered. 

12 meals (1 dinner & 1 breakfast in Nevers / 1 dinner & 1 breakfast in Rocamadour / 3 full board in Lourdes). Lunch meals are not included on Days 1, 2, & 3

All meals are covered whilst in Lourdes (starting with dinner on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day). The group will eat in the Hotel restaurant’s each day. If you have a special diet or allergy, you must inform your group leader immediately.

€10 – €15 per person, though sandwich snacks are more cost-effective.  Lunch meals are not included on Days 1, 2, 3 & departure day to the UK.   On these days, we will stop at service stations during the transfers between each shrine.

There is no kettle in the rooms.  We suggest you take with you a small travel kettle and your preferred tea/coffee.

Wifi is available in each hotel and is free, However the connection is best in the lobby and bar area (not all rooms have great connections!). 

Yes, you will need a power adapter to charge your devices in France. Here’s what you should know:

1. Plug Type:In France, the standard electrical outlet uses Type C and Type E plugs, with two round pins.
2. Voltage and Frequency:The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Most modern devices (like phone chargers and laptops) are compatible with this voltage range, but check your device’s label to be sure.

We will be travelling for 43days before we arrive into Lourdes.  We suggest you keep a light back-pack with you necessities and change of clothes for each day.  You can leave you heavier hold-suitcase in the bus during our transfers.  BEST TO TRAVEL LIGHT!

The following books are available to order online via Amazon or Google Play:

• • A Pilgrim’s Guide to Lourdes and the surrounding area (Book by David Houseley and Peter Latham)
  • Lourdes Today: A Pilgrimage to Mary’s Grotto (Book by Kerry Crawford)
  • Lourdes: The History and Legacy of France’s Most Famous Christian Pilgrimage Site (Book by Charles Rivers)
  • The Cure of Ars Today (Book by Fr. George William Rutler)
  • Rocamadour: A Place of Miracles (Book by Marie-Laure Ruiz-Maugis)
  • The Black Madonna of Rocamadour (Book by Ean Begg)