Travel and faith resonate with one another. Pilgrimages are an opportunity to access miracles while visiting sacred sites. They offer unparalleled spiritual experiences. A pilgrimage will change you forever, whether you seek inner peace or inspiration.
Did You Know? The Camino de Santiago is the oldest Catholic pilgrimage, having accepted pilgrims since the 9th century. In 2023 alone, over 4 million travelers walked the Camino to receive their Compostela certificate.
(source: Santiago Tourism Board)
Are you prepared to undertake a journey that will alter your life forever? Behold the 10 best pilgrimage tours to nurture your soul.
1. The Holy Land: Walk Where Jesus Walked.
For Christians, the holy land is the ultimate pilgrimage tour. Experience the regions in which Jesus was born, lived, and performed several miracles, such as:
- Observing the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed a raging storm
- Walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, retracing Christ’s final steps
- Visit Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus
Must See: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified and resurrected.
2. Camino de Santiago: A Transformational Journey
Spain boasts one of the best pilgrimages in the world, the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims trek for hundreds of miles to the tomb of St. James, located in Santiago de Compostela.
- Select from other paths such as the French Way or the Portuguese Way.
- Connect with different tourists from various countries.
- 150 kilometers on foot earns you the Compostela certificate.
Pro tip: Everyone knows that light packing works for travelers, but in this case, it is a necessity. Sneakers are a requirement for this long trek.
3. Vatican City: The Heart of Catholicism
No Catholic pilgrimage tours are complete without visiting the Vatican City. The smallest country in the world is the heart of the Catholic Church.
- Experience the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square.
- Look at Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
- Pray in St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world.
Tip: Save time during your tour of Vatican City by booking tickets in advance.
4. Lourdes, France: A Place of Miracles
Lourdes is one of the most beloved pilgrimage tours, famous for its miraculous healings. Millions go to this sacred place every year.
- Pray at the Grotto of Massabielle, where the Virgin Mary showed herself.
- Join for the candlelight ceremony, which happens in the night every single night.
- Drink or bathe at the spring that is considered to be a miracle.
Claim: There are more than 7,000 reported healings from Lourdes!
5. Fatima, Portugal: A Pilgrimage of Hope
Fatima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics across the world as a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 shepherd children in the year 1917.
- Go to the Shrine of Lady Fatima.
- Participate in the daily rosary procession.
- Become a candle sponsor for private intentions.
Don’t skip The Chapel of Apparitions, built on the exact spot where Mary appeared.
6. Medjugorje, Bosnia: A Spiritual Awakening
Prayer and the need for peaceful meditation pull pilgrims to Medugorje. Although the Vatican has yet to acknowledge these visions of Mary, many pilgrims trust the current visions.
- Hike up Apparition Hill to pray in a moving setting.
- Attend an evening prayer gathering.
- Go to St. James Church, which is the center of the pilgrimage.
Sensation: Powerful peacefulness while praying with others.
7. Mexico City: Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe has the highest number of visitors from Catholics, receiving 20 million pilgrims each year.
- View the miraculous tilma of Juan Diego, which holds the image of the Virgin Mary.
- Join one of the many masses that are held in the chapels.
- Walk around Tepeyac Hill, which is where the visions occurred.
Fact: Almost 500 years have passed, and the tilma is still intact!
8. Assisi, Italy: Walk in St. Francis’s Footsteps
Assisi is a perfect pilgrimage for those who revere St. Francis of Assisi.
- Don’t miss the Basilica of St. Francis. It has his tomb.
- The peaceful Hermitage of Carceri is worth exploring.
- St. Francis walked through the medieval streets that you can stroll through, too.
Tip: Taste Umbrian cuisine, especially truffles and pasta!
9. Knock, Ireland: The Vision of a Saint
Ireland’s most important Catholic pilgrimage site had an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1879.
- Knock Shrine and Basilica are a must-visit.
- Participate in the daily rosary and mass.
- Light a candle for special intentions.
Pope John Paul II visited Knock in 1979. Fun Fact: He was very close to Saint Mary, so he was very pleased to see this landmark.
10. The Holy Mountain of Montserrat, Spain
Everyone forgets about Montserrat when they think of a pilgrimage tour in Europe. The Catalonia region is home to this mountainous wonder with natural views and spiritual awe.
- Don’t miss the revered statue of the Virgin Mary, the Black Madonna.
- The breathtaking hiking trails around the mountain can not be skipped either.
- Listen to the famous Montserrat Boys’ Choir too!
Tip: The choir’s daily performance in the basilica is a must-see.
Table: Top Pilgrimage Destinations at a Glance
| Destination | Country | Highlight | Special Experience |
| Holy Land | Israel | Walk where Jesus lived and preached | Via Dolorosa |
| Camino de Santiago | Spain | Historic pilgrimage route | Compostela certificate |
| Vatican City | Vatican | Spiritual center of Catholicism | Papal Audience |
| Lourdes | France | Healing waters and miracles | Candlelight procession |
| Fatima | Portugal | Apparitions of the Virgin Mary | Rosary procession |
| Medjugorje | Bosnia | Ongoing Marian apparitions | Apparition Hill |
| Our Lady of Guadalupe | Mexico | Miraculous image on tilma | Tepeyac Hill |
| Assisi | Italy | St. Francis’ hometown | Basilica of St. Francis |
| Knock | Ireland | Vision of the Virgin Mary | Knock Shrine |
| Montserrat | Spain | Black Madonna and mountain views | Boys’ Choir |
Eager for a Pilgrimage That Will Change Your Life Forever?
Pilgrimage tours offer a combination of faith, inspiration, and history. Every seeking spiritual healing in Lourdes, adventure at the Camino, or divine guidance in Vatican City, there’s always a divine pilgrimage awaiting you.
For easy steps in planning your trip, streamline your experience with Catholic Journeys.
FAQs Regarding Pilgrimage Tours
What are the top Catholic pilgrimage tours?
The most popular Catholic pilgrimage tours encompass the Holy Land, Camino de Santiago, Lourdes, Fatima, Vatican City, and Assisi, which continue to appeal to millions of pilgrims yearly.
Is there anything I should buy before going on a pilgrimage tour?
To prepare effectively, make sure to look into the location you intend to visit, travel as light as possible, book your accommodation ahead of time, put on comfy shoes, hydrate to stay energized, skip breakfast and most importantl,y fill your pockets with your favorite money, a pleasant pilgrimage will follow.
What is the best time to go on a pilgrimage?
For places like Lourdes, Fatima, and Santiago de Compostela, the spring and the fall are the best seasons for pilgrimage tours as these months come with gentle weather and fewer-than-normal crowds.
Are all of the pilgrimage tours age-friendly?
Yes, most pilgrimage tours have facilities that suit all ages with gentle walking pathways, guides, and proper entrances and exits for elders or amiable aides.
How long do pilgrimage tours usually last?
Due to differences in personal preference and calculation, pilgrimage tours range from a single-day tour at the Vatican to weeks of walking the Camino de Santiago.