Pilgrimage questions you might have

Why a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is, first of all, a spiritual journey. It is also a time for self-reflection and for experiential encounter with God and with our neighbor, in the context of sacred geography and in the light of sacred scripture. Pilgrimage—in all faith traditions—has the potential to become a transformative journey to a sacred center, and beyond.

What are some of the benefits of traveling with a group?
One of the benefits is that you may be able to visit places with a group that are off limits when traveling alone. The guides and mentors who offer their services to groups greatly enhance your experience by illuminating your understanding of the places you visit. Also, group travel usually costs less and offers pre-approved meals and lodging. Most beneficial, making a journey together with a group entails a unique dynamic conversation with fellow pilgrims. Lifelong friendships are often made as we become more aware of belonging to the universal church. Our journey is enhanced when members share their different perspectives, help each other along the way and encourage a growing faith.

After the journey, your experience is kept alive and enhanced by having others to reminisce with and with whom to witness together to others about your journey. In addition, your pilgrim group may decide to act together upon your insights, to move from being only visitors to becoming participants in transforming action, working toward peace and justice in the Holy Land and a deeper Christian discipleship at home.

How do I join one of your pilgrimages?
Please send your name and contact information to us so we can get in touch with you. You will find our contact details on the “Contact Us” page. We feel it’s important to connect with each pilgrim individually as we prepare for the journey.

What is required?
You need a valid passport that will not expire until at least 6 months after the end of our pilgrimage. We require that all pilgrims have travel insurance and send us a copy of their policy information. Every pilgrim is required to complete a CONFIDENTIAL health/medical form that asks about food sensitivities, required medications, doctor’s information, emergency contacts and insurance coverage. We also require that each person be able to carry their own suitcase and walk on uneven ground.

How many people are in your groups?
Our group size ranges from just a few (for family or personal pilgrimages) to a maximum of about 35.

What about airline reservations?
These days, people often get the best airfare rate by booking their own tickets online. As travelers in our group book their flights, we will keep you informed of their time schedules, in hopes that we can arrive and depart around the same time.

Once I arrive in the Holy Land, how will I join your group?
Our bus generally makes one trip between the airport and the hotel for pick up of pilgrims, and one for departure. If your arrival time requires it, we will help you arrange for a driver, taxi or other transportation.

Are gratuities included in the cost?
Yes and no. The pilgrimage price includes gratuities for the lodging and restaurants. It’s appropriate to also give tips to our bus drivers and guides, and a small additional tip for hotel housekeepers (cleaning staff). These gratuities will be up to you and we will give you guidelines for your decision. In general we recommend each pilgrim budget around $10 per day.

Is my deposit refundable?
Your deposit and payments are refundable up to the registration deadline. After that, your deposit is refundable if you find someone acceptable to replace you. We only require that the person you choose to replace you first be approved by us, before joining the pilgrimage.

Do I pay extra if I’m traveling alone?
If you would like to reserve a single room for the whole pilgrimage, there will be a single supplement fee (charged by the hotels), resulting in your single rate. If you are traveling alone but are happy to share a room with another pilgrim, we will assign you a roommate, and your cost will be at the double occupancy rate. If you are open to having a roommate and none is available, your rate will depend upon the circumstances of your particular trip.

How do you handle food sensitivities?
We will discuss your sensitivities and preferences with you before the journey, and make every reasonable effort to accommodate them.

What should I wear and pack?
We will send you a packing list as part of our preparation process, along with several other tips and guidelines.