What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place made to honor God and grow closer to Him through the experience. It is different from a guided tour or a vacation. The journey and hardships that may occur are just as important as the destination. A pilgrimage is a prayerful experience that is offered to God for the pilgrim's benefit.
Do you provide a guide or are we on our own?
On each of our pilgrimages, Cody & Angela Egner is with the group each day on every planned activity. Every tour, every site, every church, and every basilica - we are with you to guide you. If there are any scheduled free days during the second half of your pilgrimage, you are able to explore on your own.
How much physical ability is required to make one of your pilgrimages?
Each destination comes with its own physical requirements. All of our Rome Pilgrimages are walking pilgrimages. You do not have to be in excellent physical condition. However, you MUST be able to walk on your own, sometimes up to one mile at a time. While we do take advantage of Rome's public transportation, we mostly walk (and at an easy pace). Rome is full of cobble stone streets, slopes and hills, and large stairways. The total amount of walking on any given day is 2-5 miles, with lots of stopping, sitting, resting, and eating in-between.
When traveling to Ireland or France with us, we use a motor coach to travel to the various cities and historical sites, thus making a pilgrimage to these countries less "walking-intensive" than our pilgrimages to Rome. That being said, there is quite a bit of walking in cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Paris. In addition, a lot of the sites we visit are quite hilly and require a bit of up-hill walking.
While we do use a motor coach to travel to various areas in and around the Holy Land, there is still a decent amount of walking from site to site that oftentimes includes hills, etc.
The Camino de Santiago does require a GREAT deal of physical preparation and readiness. On the Camino, we walk 12-18 miles per day. Anyone hoping to attend a pilgrimage to the Camino, physical training ahead of the departure date is highly recommended. The Camino de Santiago is perhaps one of the most authentic pilgrimage experiences you can do.
We strongly advise those with foot, knee, back, or hip ailments, as well as those who need the use of a cane or walker, to seriously consider if our pilgrimages are right for you.
When traveling to Ireland or France with us, we use a motor coach to travel to the various cities and historical sites, thus making a pilgrimage to these countries less "walking-intensive" than our pilgrimages to Rome. That being said, there is quite a bit of walking in cities such as Dublin, Galway, and Paris. In addition, a lot of the sites we visit are quite hilly and require a bit of up-hill walking.
While we do use a motor coach to travel to various areas in and around the Holy Land, there is still a decent amount of walking from site to site that oftentimes includes hills, etc.
The Camino de Santiago does require a GREAT deal of physical preparation and readiness. On the Camino, we walk 12-18 miles per day. Anyone hoping to attend a pilgrimage to the Camino, physical training ahead of the departure date is highly recommended. The Camino de Santiago is perhaps one of the most authentic pilgrimage experiences you can do.
We strongly advise those with foot, knee, back, or hip ailments, as well as those who need the use of a cane or walker, to seriously consider if our pilgrimages are right for you.
What is covered in the pilgrimage fee?
Each of our destinations have separate pilgrimage fees. In order to see how much a trip costs or what is covered in the fee, please choose a destination under the Choose Your Destination tab.
What extra fees and taxes do i have to pay?
There aren't any, unless you choose to pay your pilgrimage fee by credit card, for which there is a 4% service charge. There may also be additional fees for flights from more western points of origin. The only other things you have to pay for are meals outside of breakfast and any extra entrance fees/tickets to places not on the itinerary. While travel insurance is optional, we highly recommend you purchase a plan to cover your trip in case of any sickness, weather, or flight delays occur.
Do you offer travel insurance?
While we do not offer travel insurance, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your pilgrimage. Please note that some travel insurance policies are not accepting COVID cancelation claims. It is imperative to purchase the right travel insurance policy that has the specific coverage you are looking for. When in doubt, call the insurance company and inquiry about what is covered.
What cities do you fly out of?
We will arrange your flight from anywhere in the United States or Canada. Flights out of any major city in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States are covered with our regular pilgrimage fee, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Miami, New York, Buffalo, Boston, Charleston, Cleveland, Washington DC, Atlanta, Portland (ME), and many more. Additional charges may apply if your city of departure is further west or from Canada. All prices are in US dollars. Email us if you want to check the price for your city.
Is my deposit or fee refundable?
Your $500 deposit is refundable only if another pilgrim takes your place. The total fee is 100% refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. The total fee is 50% refundable from 90 days to 30 days prior to departure. There is no refund for cancelations within 30 days of departure.
If at 90 days prior to departure, the destination is still “closed” or under quarantine due to COVID-19, the sponsoring parish will make the decision to postpone the pilgrimage to the contingency dates highlighted on your pilgrimage registration brochure (if applicable). At this time, each pilgrim will have the option of either transferring their paid deposit towards the new dates OR receiving a refund of $300 of the $500 deposit paid.
If at 90 days prior to departure, the destination is still “closed” or under quarantine due to COVID-19, the sponsoring parish will make the decision to postpone the pilgrimage to the contingency dates highlighted on your pilgrimage registration brochure (if applicable). At this time, each pilgrim will have the option of either transferring their paid deposit towards the new dates OR receiving a refund of $300 of the $500 deposit paid.
What is the time differences in the pilgrimage destinations you offer?
Italy, France, and Santiago de Compostela is 6 hours ahead of NY and 9 ahead of the US West Coast. Ireland is 5 hours ahead of NY and 8 ahead of the US West Coast. The Holy Land is 7 hours ahead of NY and 10 ahead of the US West Coast.
When we are in rome, when do we get to see the pope? How close do we get to him?
|
The Holy Father usually holds an audience on Wednesdays with several thousand pilgrims. When we visit Rome we attend this audience in St. Peter's Square, where you will see the Pope and hear him speak. He will also give everyone a papal blessing and bless any religious articles you have brought. The pope also prays the Angelus on Sundays from the papal apartment window and gives a short address. We get quite close to the Pope at his general audience when he rides around in the Popemobile. Take a look:
|
|
What are the accommodations like?
When in Rome, we stay at a Sister's guesthouse that has en suite bathrooms and is only a 5 minute walk to St. Peter's Basilica.
In Ireland, France, and the Holy Land, we stay at 4 & 5 star hotels with private bathrooms.
On the Camino de Santiago, we stay at simple, traditional Alburges. These Alburges resemble what we would call hostels. While these accommodations are simple, it truly offers the pilgrims an authentic pilgrimage experience on the Camino de Santiago.
In Ireland, France, and the Holy Land, we stay at 4 & 5 star hotels with private bathrooms.
On the Camino de Santiago, we stay at simple, traditional Alburges. These Alburges resemble what we would call hostels. While these accommodations are simple, it truly offers the pilgrims an authentic pilgrimage experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Do i need to learn another language when traveling on one of your pilgrimages?
Luckily, when traveling to Rome, Ireland, and France, English is widely spoken (less so in France). That being said, it is always a great idea to learn a few phrases or bring a phrase book along with you.
When on the Camino de Santiago, you will encounter other pilgrims from all over the world, many of whom speak at least a little English. However, we suggest learning basic phrases in Spanish as it makes transactions and interactions a bit smoother. Keep in mind that we will help assist you in any language barrier that may present itself.
When on the Camino de Santiago, you will encounter other pilgrims from all over the world, many of whom speak at least a little English. However, we suggest learning basic phrases in Spanish as it makes transactions and interactions a bit smoother. Keep in mind that we will help assist you in any language barrier that may present itself.
When is the best time to travel to your Destinations?
In the spring we usually schedule our pilgrimages to Rome from February to April, where the daytime highs are 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lows are in the low 40's. In the fall we go around October and November when the highs are in the mid 60's to low 70's and the lows near 45-50. Rome gets an average rainfall of about 3 inches per month in the spring and 4 inches per month in the fall. Overall, these are the best months to be walking through Rome -- when it's not too hot and not too cold.
In the spring we usually schedule our pilgrimages to France from February to April, where the daytime highs are 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall we go around October and November when the highs are in the mid 50's to low 60's. Overall, these are the best months to be walking through France -- when it's not too hot and not too cold and the country is not packed full of tourists.
In the spring we usually schedule our pilgrimages to Ireland from March to May, where the daytime highs are 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lows are in the low 40's. In the fall we go around September and October when the highs are in the mid 60's to mid 50's and the lows near 45-50. Ireland gets a great deal of rain year-round. Best bring a rain jacket! Overall, these months avoid the busy tourist season allowing for cheaper prices but still decent weather for walking throughout the country.
We usually travel for the Camino de Santiago in the summer months. During these months, the weather is pleasant for hiking through the hills and valleys of Spain. Because we are outside walking for this pilgrimage, we pay heavy attention to the weather. The highs during the summer can be anywhere from mid 60s to high 70s with a couple days of rain nearly every week.
We usually offer pilgrimages to the Holy Land during Fall, Winter, and Spring. Perhaps the best time to Travel to the Holy land is during the months of October-December where the temperatures are not very hot and not very cold. October will see highs in the mid 70's and lows in the mid to high 50's. December will see highs in the high 50's and lows in the mid to low 40's.
In the spring we usually schedule our pilgrimages to France from February to April, where the daytime highs are 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the fall we go around October and November when the highs are in the mid 50's to low 60's. Overall, these are the best months to be walking through France -- when it's not too hot and not too cold and the country is not packed full of tourists.
In the spring we usually schedule our pilgrimages to Ireland from March to May, where the daytime highs are 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lows are in the low 40's. In the fall we go around September and October when the highs are in the mid 60's to mid 50's and the lows near 45-50. Ireland gets a great deal of rain year-round. Best bring a rain jacket! Overall, these months avoid the busy tourist season allowing for cheaper prices but still decent weather for walking throughout the country.
We usually travel for the Camino de Santiago in the summer months. During these months, the weather is pleasant for hiking through the hills and valleys of Spain. Because we are outside walking for this pilgrimage, we pay heavy attention to the weather. The highs during the summer can be anywhere from mid 60s to high 70s with a couple days of rain nearly every week.
We usually offer pilgrimages to the Holy Land during Fall, Winter, and Spring. Perhaps the best time to Travel to the Holy land is during the months of October-December where the temperatures are not very hot and not very cold. October will see highs in the mid 70's and lows in the mid to high 50's. December will see highs in the high 50's and lows in the mid to low 40's.
Can I bring my young child?
All our activities are geared towards those over 16 years of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We suggest not bringing young children on these pilgrimages. We do not take children on the Camino de Santiago.
What currency do they use in italy, ireland, spain, or the holy land?
The currency used in Italy, Ireland, France and Spain is the euro. The currency used in the Holy Land is the New Israeli Shekel. The best rates are found at the ATMs in these countries. As long as your bank ATM card is a Visa or MasterCard, you can get euro or Shekel at ATMs all over the countries. Otherwise change your money to euro before you depart for your pilgrimage. While you can exchange USD to Euro or Shekel, it is often too expensive and time consuming to exchange it there. Make sure you call your credit and debit card company (number on the back of the card) to inform them that you will be traveling out of the country. Otherwise, your card will most likely be declined.
How much money should i bring for food?
Most people average 30 to 50 euro a day on food in Italy, Ireland, and France (slightly more in France). The Camino can have slightly cheaper rates or more expensive depending on your taste of restaurant and how much wine you drink! In the Holy Land, the average cost of food per person per day is around 92 shekel (roughly $26 depending on current exchange rates).
