FAQ

All pilgrimage tours have a Catholic priest as the spiritual director, and there is daily mass.

Our guides are Catholic, have perfect English, are professional, and are knowledgeable about the Faith and the destination.

Our pilgrimage tours average about 15-25 pilgrims. You can find more specific tour group sizes on each pilgrimage tour page. Our private tours can go up to 44, filling one full deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach. If you would like an estimated number for a specific tour date, contact Marcelle, and she can tell you what to expect. You can email, chat, or call Marcelle.

Yes, we will discount the fare by 20% if the priest travels as a pilgrim and not as a spiritual director. The discount is valid on any regularly scheduled pilgrimage and is limited to 2 discounts per pilgrimage tour date. We must receive the Priest or deacon's full name and a Letter of Good Standing. The discount will be applied once the aforementioned is received and verified. The 20% discount is available to all Catholic Deacons, Brothers and Sisters, Nuns, Friars, Monks, Priests, Monsignors, Bishops, and Cardinals. His Holiness the Holy Father goes for free! It cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Yes! Please go to our hot deals page for limited-time offers on pilgrimage tours.

Yes! You can use airline points. Almost all tours have "land-only" prices posted. Make your deposit online. Instead of selecting a departure airport, select land only, and Marcelle will adjust your invoice/statement to the "land-only" price. Note that arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages.

If you make your own flight arrangements, we cannot advise you in advance which airport we will use or the arrival time. Also, arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages. We will make final flight arrangements approximately 60 days before the pilgrimage tour start date. Consequently, make your flight arrangements well to obtain a reasonable rate or use airline points.

If you make your own flight arrangements, we can arrange a private transfer from your arrival airport to the group hotel for an additional fee, which varies per pilgrimage tour and is listed in the trip-specific FAQ. Or you can make your own arrangements to travel from the airport to the hotel. We recommend using our transfer service because they are known and trusted drivers. As soon as you have your flight information, email Marcelle.

All of our prices are for economy-class travel, but upgrades are possible. The terms used today can be confusing, so here is a link that explains the different classes of service offered by the airlines. See the airline descriptions of flight classifications: United, Delta, and American.

Transcontinental flights typically have five classes of tickets that can be booked:

• Business class - you must pay in full in advance of ticketing
• Premium Plus, also known as Premium Economy or Premium Select, is much more expensive and subject to availability. You must pay in full before ticketing. This cabin class is not typically found on domestic flights.
• Economy Plus - is found on domestic flights as well. Sometimes available on transcontinental flights.
• Economy - This is our default ticket and is included in the quoted price with airfare.
• Basic Economy - the cheapest possible ticket. We never book basic economy.

Business class has fully reclining seats, pending availability, and seats are limited. An upgrade to the business class cabin is available for $5,400 per person roundtrip with the following conditions: the pilgrimage tour must be 1) paid in full more than 90 days before departure and 2) Guest Information Completed to guarantee the price and schedule. Call for a quote if less than 90 days before departure for an expected higher price.

Premium Plus is pending availability, and seats are limited - available on transcontinental flights only. An upgrade to the premium plus cabin is available for $1,850 per person roundtrip with the following conditions: the pilgrimage tour must be 1) paid in full more than 90 days before departure and 2) Guest Information Completed to guarantee the price and schedule. Call for a quote if less than 90 days before departure for an expected higher price. Premium Plus or Premium Economy is only on longer Transcontinental flights and is a separate section of the plane between Economy and Business Class Sections. Not ALL Aircraft offers a Premium Economy section, but most international carriers and newer aircraft will have it. Like Business Class, this is a special fare and must be booked as such from the beginning. This is not the same as "Economy Plus" on United or "Comfort+" on Delta, which can be booked when making seat assignments on whichever flights you choose. These seats are in front of the Economy Class section and usually have an additional 3"-5" of space between your seat and the one in front of you. "Premium Economy" seats tend to recline more, usually have a footrest, and have an armrest for each passenger sitting next to each other. They also typically include drinks and other amenities not included in regular Economy Class. For United Airlines, it is called Premium Plus, and for American Airlines, it is called Premium Economy, and for Delta Airlines, it's called Premium Select.

Economy Plus, called Main Cabin Extra on American Airlines and Comfort+ on Delta Airlines, is not always offered on transcontinental flights.

Economy is included in your booking, allowing one checked bag on transcontinental flights.

Basic Economy — we never issue Basic Economy tickets. It is the cheapest option, but you must pay extra for checked baggage.

If you want to upgrade your booking, please chat or email Marcelle. She can offer you a quote that is valid for seven days.

• Starting sometime in the future, Americans, Canadians, and Australians must apply online for travel authorization for Europe.
• This applies to all travelers of all ages.
• Fee 7 Euros or circa USD 8 per person.
• The program is called ETIAS. Some refer to it as a "visa for Europe". It is not a traditional visa, but it requires basic details about the traveler and their trip.
• Approval will be emailed within one (1) hour but could be up to four (4) days.
• Once granted, it is valid for many trips over three (3) years or until the passport expires.
• The length of European stay for US tourists (90 days within 180 days) remains unchanged.
• The application will be simple, and it must be done online.
• You must have an email address.
• The start date is still unknown. This program has been delayed many times! Maybe 2026!

• As of June 1st, 2024, Israel launched a Program known as ETA-IL. It is an Electronic Travel Authorization System designed to simplify and speed up the process of going through customs in Israel before your arrival.
• This applies to travelers of all ages.
• Fee approx. $7 per person.
• Once granted, you will be provided an E-Ticket that you must bring and present during Passport Control.
• The travel authorization will be valid for two (2) years or until the passport expires.
• The length of stay per visit in Israel can be up to 90 days.
• Only the passenger can log in and apply; Catholic Journeys cannot assist you.

No! Catholic Journeys has no policy or requirements for vaccinations of any kind. However, the airlines we use and the countries you visit may have requirements. These requirements are constantly changing!!!! Please check the requirements of the country you plan to visit. Here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control for international travelers. Here is a link to the US Department of State for travel to different countries.

We recommend every pilgrim protect their investment in their spiritual travel by purchasing a travel insurance policy. Catholic Journeys does not sell travel insurance, so we suggest you shop around for the coverage and premium that work best for you. We like to recommend a company called Travel Insured International. You can quickly and easily get a quote on their website here: Travel Insured International Quote or give them a call at 800-243-3174

We use various airlines. However, we use the following the most. Here are some helpful links.

• United Airlines. As we often fly United to Europe, check out this helpful page for restrictions, COVID-19, etc.
• Traveling with children - United Airlines.
• American Airlines, on this page, answers questions about International Travel.
• Delta also has a page for international travel.

Yes! Click here for information on how to put together your own pilgrimage tour.

Some holy sites have small gift shops. Since credit cards are often not accepted, having local currency on hand is essential.

Tips are generally not included in your package unless specified. You may wish to leave a gratuity for your driver and tour guide at the end of the pilgrimage. Gratuities are an essential part of earnings for your driver and guide and can be paid in local currency or US Dollars. The recommended amount for the Driver is USD 5.00 per person per day and USD 10.00 per person for the Tour Guide. You can have two envelopes ready before you leave the USA, one for the driver and the other for the guide. Pro tip: If you exchange too much cash for foreign currency, this is a good time to spend it. You may also want to bring a few extra dollars or local currency to leave in the Catholic churches where you will celebrate Mass. They often need funds and ask for donations at mass.

For our Holy Land Pilgrimage Tours only, we suggest $8 for the driver and $15 for the guide per person daily. You can pay in USD or Shekels. Also, you may need to have tip money for special city tours or museums.

When staying at Marija's Magnificat Center in Medjugorje, they ask for $1 or $2 per day for the house staff.

Please pack one checked bag and a carry-on bag if needed. Note that the airlines charge for all checked bags to Mexico. Click here for a packing checklist, important reminders, and suggestions. You will need an electrical adapter for every destination we serve except Mexico.

Please wear your nametag upon arriving at the airport. This will assist the Catholic Journeys driver or guide in identifying you and your fellow pilgrims. The driver or tour guide will hold a Catholic Journeys sign and provide updates regarding your flight status.

Yes. When you complete the guest details form online, please indicate your dietary needs and allergies. We will notify the airlines and the tour guide. The local guide will inform the hotel's restaurants and others on the pilgrimage tour.

Motor coaches rarely have bathrooms. However, they have bathroom breaks, usually after 2 hours of driving.

Yes. All prices posted on this website are in US dollars.

Please book your reservation by placing a $500 deposit for your spot on the pilgrimage tour. You can pay in full when booking or at any time. When you are ready to pay after depositing, click the Pay Now button on your Tour Statement. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. We will send you an automatic reminder notification approximately one week before the final payment is due with a link for you to pay via credit card. We accept all major credit cards. We can accept payment in multiple installments and on different cards by contacting customer service.

No. We do not charge additional fees for the use of a credit card.

After booking your reservation with a deposit or full payment, you will receive a link to the forms to be filled out. The airlines require most of the information; we cannot ticket you without it.

Everyone needs a passport, and there is a charge for everyone flying. The article below explains:

Flying Internationally with an Infant: The Complete Guide

Tips when traveling with insulin

Pilgrimage tours involving the least walking include Medjugorje, Lourdes, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. The tours mentioned above would be the easiest for those concerned about physical exertion and walking. While all our tours require walking, these would be the most manageable. If you're considering a pilgrimage tour with someone with limited mobility, we recommend looking into these travel scooters or portable folding mobility scooters.

Yes! If you have difficulty walking long distances, we can request wheelchair assistance to help you maneuver through the airports. If you need assistance while on pilgrimage, you can bring a collapsible wheelchair. If wheelchair assistance is required, you will need a travel companion, as the pilgrimage tour guide or priest cannot perform those tasks. You might also consider these powered travel scooters or these folding mobility scooters.

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for a religious purpose: to seek a favor, fulfill an obligation, or express gratitude. Why do people go on pilgrimages? The theologian Lagrange suggests it is an instinctive movement of the human heart. Man's quest for God seeks something spiritual. Keep reading...

Please email us your review at [email protected], and you will be eligible for $100 off your next pilgrimage with Catholic Journeys. The offer applies to any of the pilgrimage tours we offer. One review per passenger. The review must be submitted within 90 days of the pilgrimage. Reviews must contain original content. The review discount is applied via the staff by contacting us at [email protected].

Yes! We go to several places on this list of eucharistic miracles, including Lanciano, Loreto, Santarem, and Siena.

Answers to passport frequently asked questions. Always pay to expedite your passport application.

IMPORTANT: Your passport must remain valid for 6 months beyond your scheduled return date. If your passport expires within 6 months of the conclusion of your pilgrimage, you will need to renew it before departure.

Your passport must have enough BLANK pages for ALL the countries you will be visiting.

A visa may be required if your passport was issued by a country other than the US or Canada. When you are ready to update your information, contact us at [email protected]. Here are some helpful guidelines posted by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/passport

In case you need an expedited passport procedure at an additional fee, you may contact the National Passport Information Center by phone at 1-877-487-2778 or email [email protected] or make an appointment with a Passport Agency in your area: https://travel.state.gov/passport/npic/agencies/agencies_913.html

Here is a link to the webpage that outlines how to renew your passport.

Always pay to expedite your passport application. If you are traveling within 5-7 weeks, then you should be able to pay the Expedited fee for the passport book, send your completed application, old passport, new pictures, and payment via USPS Priority EXPRESS Mail, and include the additional charge for them to send it back via the same.

Within 2 weeks of departure, you can contact the Passport Office to make an in-person appointment.

• Arkansas Passport Center
• Atlanta Passport Agency
• Boston Passport Agency
• Buffalo Passport Agency
• Chicago Passport Agency
• Colorado Passport Agency
• Connecticut Passport Agency
• Dallas Passport Agency
• Detroit Passport Agency
• El Paso Passport Agency
• Honolulu Passport Agency
• Houston Passport Agency
• Los Angeles Passport Agency
• Miami Passport Agency
• Minneapolis Passport Agency
• National Passport Center
• New Orleans Passport Center
• New York Passport Agency
• Philadelphia Passport Agency
• San Diego Passport Agency
• San Francisco Passport Agency
• San Juan Passport Agency
• Seattle Passport Agency
• Vermont Passport Agency
• Washington Passport Agency
• Western Passport Center
• Special Issuance Agency - Located in Washington, DC, this agency issues diplomatic, official, service, and no-fee regular passports and facilitates visa processing for those traveling on behalf of the U.S. government. You cannot access this webpage if you're not browsing the web on a U.S. government-issued computer or mobile device.

You can still register for the pilgrimage tour if you apply for a new passport. Before sending it, please take a picture of your current passport and enter your name exactly as it appears: Given Name, Surname. If you have gotten married or changed your name since receiving your last passport, you must include the new name when applying for the new passport.

While every pilgrimage is special, our most popular trips fall into a few key categories:
1. The Holy Land: Tours to Israel, Jordan, and Jerusalem.
2. Europe's Marian Shrines: Trips covering Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugorje.
3. Italy & Culture: Shrines of Italy, Divine Mercy, and Food and Faith tours.
4. Walking Pilgrimages: Scheduled trips on the Camino and St. Olav Ways.
5. The Americas & Islands: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico, and Greek Island Cruises.
You can search for a specific location (e.g., "Tell me about Fatima"), or ask "When is the next trip to Italy?"

We specialize in helping you organize your own group pilgrimage (and you can travel for free!). See our step-by-step guide here: Learn More

Yes! You can view our limited-time offers and discounted pilgrimages on our 'Hot Deals' page: Learn More

We have just released our new pilgrimage schedule for 2025 and 2026! You can view the newest additions here: Learn More

We have a detailed travel checklist for pilgrims. You can view it here: Learn More
If you are walking the Camino, see our specific Camino Packing List here: Learn More

Every trip is different. We have a guide explaining the "Activity Levels" (Easy to Strenuous) here: Learn More

We are a dedicated team of faith-based travel experts. Meet our staff and learn about our mission here: Learn More

We recommend every pilgrim protect their investment in their spiritual travel by purchasing a travel insurance policy. Catholic Journeys does not sell travel insurance, so we suggest you shop around for the coverage and premium that work best for you. We like to recommend a company called Travel Insured International. You can quickly and easily get a quote on their website here: Travel Insured International Quote or give them a call at 800-243-3174

Transparency is key. You can read our full Terms and Conditions here: Learn More

Yes, we offer gift certificates for tours and pilgrimages! You can learn more here: Learn More

We have special "Food & Faith" tours that combine spirituality with culinary experiences! Learn More

You can read the full story of the Divine Mercy Shrine in Poland and information for pilgrims here: Learn More

Read the story of Our Lady of Lourdes, the apparitions, and pilgrimage facts here: Learn More

You can read the full story of the apparitions, the 5 stones, and see a map here: Learn More

You can read the messages and our blog updates regarding Medjugorje here: Learn More

The Holy Land is the "Fifth Gospel." Read about the spiritual importance of walking where Jesus walked: Learn More

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for a religious purpose. Read more about the spiritual importance here: Learn More

Our Holy Land pilgrimage is our signature journey. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Galilee. View the full details here: Learn More

Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and see the Tilma in Mexico City. This is a deeply spiritual and culturally rich pilgrimage. View details: Learn More

Visit the site of the 1917 apparitions in Portugal. Many of our Fatima tours also visit Lourdes or Spain. See the options here: Learn More

Journey to the Grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette. A place of miraculous healing and peace. View details: Learn More

Experience the peace of Medjugorje. We offer many departures to this village of prayer. View details: Learn More

From Rome to Assisi, our Italian pilgrimages cover the heart of the Church, the Vatican, and the saints. View details: Learn More

Follow the missionary journeys of St. Paul through Greece and the Greek Isles. A perfect blend of scripture and history. View details: Learn More

Walk in the footsteps of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina. Visit Krakow, Warsaw, and the Divine Mercy Shrine. View details: Learn More

Visit Lisieux, Paris (Miraculous Medal), Lourdes, and more. See the beauty of the French saints. View details: Learn More

Visit Avila (St. Teresa), Loyola (St. Ignatius), and Santiago de Compostela. View details: Learn More

Yes! We offer cruises to locations like the Greek Islands and even Antarctica. See our cruise options here: Learn More

That's a wonderful question. We absolutely encourage children to attend as they are the future to our Faith. We absolutely encourage families on our pilgrimages, but it is important to consider the pace and itinerary are suitable for younger travelers. I recommend checking the details of the specific pilgrimage you're interested in, or contacting us directly, so we can discuss your family's needs and ensure it's a good fit for everyone. We want to make sure it's a spiritually enriching and enjoyable experience for all!

Unfortunately we do not offer a specific discount for seniors, but we would love for you to journey with us.

Yes, we discount the fare by 20% for clergy or consecrated religious (Deacons, Brothers, Sisters, Nuns, Priests, Bishops, Cardinals) if traveling as a pilgrim. It is limited to 2 discounts per tour. We require a Letter of Good Standing. The Pope goes for free!

We are working on returning all of our calls in a timely manner. If you need immediate help, please reply with your email address or phone number and a brief message so a specialist can prioritize your request.

If a trip on the website is asking for a password, it is a private pilgrimage and can only be accessed and booked for members of that specific group.

Our pilgrimage tours average about 15-25 pilgrims. Private tours can go up to 44 (one full motorcoach). If you need an estimated number for a specific date, please contact our office.

Yes! You can book "Land Only". Make your deposit online and select "Land Only" instead of a departure airport. We will adjust your invoice. Note: We cannot advise on arrival times until about 60 days before the trip, so booking your own flights early has risks regarding transfer times.

If you book your own flights, we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee, or you can make your own arrangements. We recommend our service for safety.

All standard prices are for Economy. Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy are possible but must be paid in full 90 days prior. Business Class upgrades are approx $5,400 RT; Premium Plus is approx $1,850 RT. Contact us for a specific quote.

Starting in the future (estimated 2026), Americans, Canadians, and Australians will need an ETIAS travel authorization. It costs approx 7 Euros, is valid for 3 years, and must be applied for online.

As of June 1, 2024, travelers to Israel must get an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization). It costs approx $7, is valid for 2 years, and must be obtained online before travel.

No, Catholic Journeys has no vaccination requirements. However, airlines or specific countries may have their own rules. Please check the CDC or State Department websites for the destination you are visiting.

Some small gift shops at holy sites do not accept credit cards, so having local currency is essential.

Tips are generally not included. Recommended amounts: Driver ($5/day), Tour Guide ($10/day). For Holy Land: Driver ($8/day), Guide ($15/day). These should be paid in cash (USD or local currency) in envelopes at the end of the trip.

Please wear your Catholic Journeys nametag upon arrival. Look for a driver or guide holding a Catholic Journeys sign.

Yes. Please indicate allergies or dietary needs on your Guest Details form. We will notify the airlines and hotels, though we cannot guarantee every meal will perfectly match preferences in all countries.

Motorcoaches rarely have bathrooms, but we make stops usually every 2 hours.

Yes, all prices are in USD.

A $500 deposit is required to book. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. You can make installment payments via the 'Pay Now' button on your invoice.

After booking, you will receive a link to a "Guest Details" form. You must fill this out so we can issue airline tickets.

Everyone, including infants, needs a valid passport. Airlines charge for all passengers.

Please consult your doctor. Generally, keep insulin in your carry-on in a cool bag.

We can request airport wheelchair assistance. On the tour, you must bring your own collapsible wheelchair and you MUST have a travel companion to push it/assist you. The guide/priest cannot assist with personal mobility needs.

Yes! Email your review to [email protected] within 90 days of your return to receive $100 off your next pilgrimage.

Yes, we visit sites like Lanciano, Loreto, Santarem, and Siena on specific tours.

When you click "Book Now" on your chosen pilgrimage, you will be directed to our secure Checkfront booking portal. After selecting your dates and the number of pilgrims, you will see a list of available optional add-ons. Here, you can easily select options such as "Add-on Airfare," a "Single Room Supplement," or any available excursion upgrades before checking out.

Many of our pilgrimage prices are listed as "Land Only" by default. This gives you the flexibility to use airline points or arrange your own flights. If you would prefer Catholic Journeys to handle your air travel, simply select the "Add-on Airfare" option during the Checkfront checkout process. We will secure your economy-class flights and ensure your airport transfers are arranged so you can seamlessly meet your group.

Yes, we work with travel agents! Please contact our office at [email protected] for details on our commission structure and how we can partner together.

Most tours include economy airfare (unless Land Only is selected), hotel accommodations, a professional guide, daily Mass, and most meals. Exclusions typically include tips for the driver and guide, travel insurance, and personal purchases. Please check your specific tour's itinerary for exact details.

You do not need to know any foreign languages to travel with us! All of our Catholic Journeys pilgrimage tours are led by professional, local guides who speak English. They will handle all the translations, logistics, and directions, so you can safely focus on your spiritual journey.