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.
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.
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 with us, we use a motor coach to travel to the various cities and historical sites, thus making a pilgrimage to Ireland less "walking-intensive" than our pilgrimages to Rome. That being said, there is quite a bit of walking in cities such as Dublin and Galway. In addition, a lot of the sites we visit are quite hilly and require a bit of up-hill walking.
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 to Rome and Ireland are right for you.
For the Camino de Santiago is requires an EXTREMELY great physical ability. On the Camino, we walk 12-18 miles per day. This pilgrimage also requires weeks of training ahead of the departure date, thus preparing one to walk upwards of 18 miles per day. The Camino de Santiago is perhaps one of the most authentic pilgrimage experiences you can do.
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 with us, we use a motor coach to travel to the various cities and historical sites, thus making a pilgrimage to Ireland less "walking-intensive" than our pilgrimages to Rome. That being said, there is quite a bit of walking in cities such as Dublin and Galway. In addition, a lot of the sites we visit are quite hilly and require a bit of up-hill walking.
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 to Rome and Ireland are right for you.
For the Camino de Santiago is requires an EXTREMELY great physical ability. On the Camino, we walk 12-18 miles per day. This pilgrimage also requires weeks of training ahead of the departure date, thus preparing one to walk upwards of 18 miles per day. The Camino de Santiago is perhaps one of the most authentic pilgrimage experiences you can do.
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 in the "Choose Your Destination" tab.
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 in 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 4.5% 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.
There aren't any, unless you choose to pay your pilgrimage fee by credit card, for which there is a 4.5% 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?
We do not offer any kind of insurance. However, if you choose to get travel insurance, we recommend Travel Guard.
We do not offer any kind of insurance. However, if you choose to get travel insurance, we recommend Travel Guard.
What city 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.
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 $300 deposit is refundable only if another pilgrim takes your place. The total fee is 100% refundable up to 60 days prior to departure. The total fee is 50% refundable from 60 days to 30 days prior to departure. There is no refund for cancelations within 30 days of departure.
Your $300 deposit is refundable only if another pilgrim takes your place. The total fee is 100% refundable up to 60 days prior to departure. The total fee is 50% refundable from 60 days to 30 days prior to departure. There is no refund for cancelations within 30 days of departure.
What is the time difference in Italy, Ireland, or the Camino de Santiago?
Both Italy 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.
Both Italy 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.
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:
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 guesthouse run by sisters only a 5 minute walk from the Vatican! The rooms where we stay are modest, very clean and comfortable. Every room has two twin beds and its own bathroom. When in Ireland, we stay at quality hotels in the city center of each place we stay. If you are not traveling with someone we will assign you a roommate. Single rooms are available for an extra fee.
For the Camino de Santiago, we stay in traditional Albergues. These are commonly know in english as hostels. This is the average accommodation when walking the Camino. Albergues are simple shared rooms with other pilgrims usually with a common bathroom. We can book more private accommodations for your group for an extra fee however, we highly suggest staying at the Albergues to get the full Camino experience.
When in Rome, we stay at a guesthouse run by sisters only a 5 minute walk from the Vatican! The rooms where we stay are modest, very clean and comfortable. Every room has two twin beds and its own bathroom. When in Ireland, we stay at quality hotels in the city center of each place we stay. If you are not traveling with someone we will assign you a roommate. Single rooms are available for an extra fee.
For the Camino de Santiago, we stay in traditional Albergues. These are commonly know in english as hostels. This is the average accommodation when walking the Camino. Albergues are simple shared rooms with other pilgrims usually with a common bathroom. We can book more private accommodations for your group for an extra fee however, we highly suggest staying at the Albergues to get the full Camino experience.
Do I need to learn another language when traveling on one of your pilgrimages?
You don't need to know Italian when traveling to Rome. A phrase book is helpful, but Italians in Rome and elsewhere often speak English and are very friendly and understanding of those who don't know Italian. As well, we will help you where we can.
In Ireland, the common language is English in most places. Where the native Irish language is still spoken, they too can accommodate the English speaker.
When on the Camino de Santiago, it is best to know a little Spanish. Some locals may speak English but not everyone will speak it. That being said, there are many other pilgrims by your side from many countries who would be willing to help you out if you ask!
You don't need to know Italian when traveling to Rome. A phrase book is helpful, but Italians in Rome and elsewhere often speak English and are very friendly and understanding of those who don't know Italian. As well, we will help you where we can.
In Ireland, the common language is English in most places. Where the native Irish language is still spoken, they too can accommodate the English speaker.
When on the Camino de Santiago, it is best to know a little Spanish. Some locals may speak English but not everyone will speak it. That being said, there are many other pilgrims by your side from many countries who would be willing to help you out if you ask!
When is the best time to travel to Rome?
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 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.
When is the best time to travel to Ireland?
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.
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.
When is the best time to travel to Spain for the Camino de Santiago?
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 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.
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.
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, and Spain?
The currency used in Italy, Ireland, and Spain is the euro. 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 at ATMs all over the countries. Otherwise change your money to euro before you depart for Europe. Do not bring American money to Europe. It is 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.
The currency used in Italy, Ireland, and Spain is the euro. 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 at ATMs all over the countries. Otherwise change your money to euro before you depart for Europe. Do not bring American money to Europe. It is 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 and Ireland. The Camino can have slightly cheaper rates or more expensive depending on your taste of restaurant and how much wine you drink!
Most people average 30 to 50 euro a day on food in Italy and Ireland. The Camino can have slightly cheaper rates or more expensive depending on your taste of restaurant and how much wine you drink!
