Our pilgrimage to Hungary, Croatia, and Medjugorje begins as we depart from the United States on an overnight flight(s) to Budapest, Hungary. 

Enjoy meals and drinks served on the flight

If you are booking your own airfare, please arrive into Budapest International Airport (BUD) no later than 4:00pm on [TBD], 2025 to allow time for hotel check-in, and our welcome dinner. If you are booking your own airfare, you will be responsible for purchasing individual airport transfers or purchasing your own transportation to our hotel.

Our day begins with morning Mass at the venerable Cathedral of St. Matthew, whose 13th-century walls echo with centuries of devotion. Thereafter, we venture into the city’s storied heart, where panoramic views unfold from the Citadel atop Mount Gellert, and where we’ll view the Royal Castle, Parliament, and Heroes’ Square. As we visit the Church of St. Stephen and the Fisherman’s Bastion, we reflect on the Magyar tribes who, in 895, first settled these lands. Lastly, we’ll visit the revered Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, set within the historic Castle District of Buda. 

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Budapest, Hungary 

After breakfast we’ll depart Budapest and begin our journey to Croatia and the town of Marija Bistrica, located on the slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Our visit will include a Mass celebrated by our chaplain at Croatia’s most important pilgrimage site-the parish church which houses the miraculous 16th-century wooden statue of “Our Lady of Bistrica”. This is where St. John Paul II beatified the Croatian Archbishop Stepinac. We have the opportunity to walk the Way of the Cross behind the Church, with sculptures created by Croatian artists, and later stop by the shops with traditional Croation souvenirs, such as wooden toys, pottery, gingerbread and candles. 

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Marija Bistrica, Croatia 

This morning, we depart Marija Bistrica to visit the 13th century hill-fortress-castle of Trsat which overlooks all of Rijeka. We’ll enjoy the sweeping views of the Kvarner gulf, and visit Frankopan Square which is filled with cafes, art galleries, and the occasional concert. We can also climb the Petar Kruzic Stairway, which is known as the “Pilgrim’s Way” and is adorned with chapels dedicated to the saints all the way up its 538 steps. Next, we visit the Church of Our Lady of Trsat for where our chaplain will celebrate Mass, which, according to legend, is where angels brought the house of the Blessed Mother before transferring it to Loreto, Italy. We see a 15th century Franciscan monastery with ancient statues of the Blessed Virgin, as well as a huge baroque cloister with magnificent paintings on the walls and ceiling. 

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Rijeka, Croatia 

Today we set off to visit the gorgeous Krka National Park where we will take a boat across the Visovac Lake to the Visovac Island, home to a Franciscan Monastery which dates from 1576. The monastery itself holds many religious and historical treasures, and the outside is just as majestic with its austere walls, flower gardens, and towering bell tower, all of which is protected by a circle of cypresses. Before departing our chaplain will celebrate Mass for us. Next, we make our way to the hotel for relaxation and dinner.  

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Split, Croatia 

We begin our day exploring Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of St. Domnius in Split, immersing ourselves in the city’s history and architecture. Afterward, enjoy free time to stroll the scenic Riva promenade along the coast. After lunch, we head to the Little Lourdes Shrine in Vepric. Established in 1908 and inspired by the famous Lourdes shrine in France, this serene site includes Mass and time for reflection. Later, we travel to Medjugorje, a renowned pilgrimage destination known for reported apparitions and miracles since 1981, attracting pilgrims seeking peace and renewal. 

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Medjugorje 

Experience the beauty and peace of this simple village. During your stay in Medjugorje you will have the opportunity to share faith with thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Your local guide will accompany you throughout the week. Here are some of the activities you will be sharing with your fellow pilgrims: Each morning at 10am you assemble at St James Church for the English-language Mass (Feast days and Sundays English Mass is at Noon). Follow the same path up Apparition Hill where the young visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Touch and pray before the statue that commemorates the spot where Mary first appeared to the visionaries.  

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Medjugorje 

Each evening at 5pm (or 6pm daylight savings time) you will join the villagers and pilgrims to pray the rosary, and attend the Croatian Mass. The apparition takes place at 5:40pm (or 6:40 daylight savings time.) Don’t miss the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Saturday, and the Veneration of the Cross in the Church on Fridays. Each evening during Croatian Mass, there is the Blessing of the Sick and blessing of the religious items you have with you. Your guide will arrange meetings with the visionaries as they are available. You will have the opportunity to climb Krizevac Mountain, where in 1933 the villagers built a 30’ high cross on the 1900th anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion. Visit and pray at “Blue Cross”, which is a place of great healings and graces- a very special place at the base of Apparition Hill.  

Breakfast & Dinner | Overnight in Medjugorje 

Today, we leave Medjugorje and make our way to the stunning city of Dubrovnik. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site for over 30 years. During our visit, we’ll see notable landmarks such as Stradun, the Rector’s Palace, St. Francis Church, Sponza Palace, and Orlando’s Column, along with the first pharmacy in Europe and many historic churches and streets. Afterward, there will be time for Holy Mass, followed by some free time before gathering for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Dubrovnik. 

Breakfast & Farewell Dinner | Overnight Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Today our 4-day post tour of Rome, Italy begins. After breakfast we head to the Dubrovnik airport (DBV) and board our short flight to Rome. We’ll arrive in Rome (FCO) where our new Canterbury Pilgrimages Tour manager and driver will meet us and accompany us throughout this portion of the pilgrimage. Depending on our arrival time, we will take a panoramic bus tour of Rome and get acquainted with the Eternal City.

Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch served on flight) | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

Today we will visit and have an opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran which symbolizes passing into the presence of God by way of our Lord Jesus, who called himself the “gate.” Those who pass through a Holy Door can also receive a plenary indulgence. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

In the morning, we will head to Saint Peter’s Square for the general Papal audience with Pope Francis (subject to his schedule). Bring rosaries, Scapulars or medallions to be Blessed by Pope Francis! After the Papal audience, we will have a private Mass nearby followed by lunch. After we will tour the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, marveling at the incredible art and history. Today we will also be able to walk through the last of the four Holy Doors at St. Peters Basilica.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Overnight stay in Rome, Italy

Today our post tour of Rome comes to an end. With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love and understanding of our Catholic faith and the history of our Church, we head to the Rome airport (FCO) and board our flight(s) to return home.

Breakfast served today | Meals and refreshments served on the plane