Pilgrimages
Journey Deeper Into Your Faith with Peter's Way
For nearly four decades, Peter's Way has been guiding the faithful on transformative pilgrimages to the world's most sacred destinations. Our pilgrimages combine spiritual leadership, Catholic culture, and local knowledge, creating journeys that foster an encounter with God, deepen your understanding of the faith, and strengthen your connection to the universal Church.
Whether you're seeking to walk where Jesus walked in the Holy Land, honor Our Lady at Fatima and Lourdes, experience the heart of Catholicism in Rome, or follow ancient pilgrimage routes like the Camino de Santiago, we design pilgrimages that nourish the soul and form bonds of friendship and faith.
Sample Itineraries to our Most Popular Pilgrimage Destinations
Why Choose Peter's Way for Your Pilgrimage?
Faith-Centered Travel - We understand that a pilgrimage is not a vacation—it's a spiritual journey. Every itinerary is designed with prayer, reflection, and encounter with the sacred at its center, allowing pilgrims to experience profound moments of grace.
Daily Mass & Devotions - We arrange daily Mass opportunities at basilicas, shrines, and local parishes throughout your pilgrimage. Pilgrimage chaplains are encouraged to lead Morning and Evening Prayer, the Rosary, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration if the itinerary permits.
Spiritual Guidance – Our tour managers and guides consult with your parish priest or the pilgrimage chaplain to provide a blended knowledge of Church history, theology, and the lives of the saints. Many groups travel with their parish priest or chaplain, and we provide complimentary accommodations for clergy serving as spiritual directors.
Authentic Sacred Experiences - We maintain close relationships with dioceses, religious communities, and shrine coordinators worldwide, ensuring authentic encounters and faith experiences at each destination. Visit active monasteries, meet with religious communities, and learn about Catholic life in different cultures.
Comprehensive Care - From your first inquiry to your return home, we handle every detail of your pilgrimage with excellence and care. Our 24/7 support allows you to focus entirely on your spiritual journey while we manage logistics, accommodations, and coordination with sacred sites.
Our Most Popular Pilgrimage Destinations
The Holy Land - Walk Where Jesus Walked
Experience the most profound pilgrimage of your life in the land where salvation history unfolded. Celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, walk the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Renew your baptismal vows at the Jordan River, ascend the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached, and take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. Our Holy Land pilgrimages bring Scripture to life and deepen your understanding of Christ's earthly life, ministry, death, and resurrection.
Rome and Vatican City - Heart of the Catholic Church
Journey to the center of the Roman Catholic Church and experience the majesty of the Eternal City. Attend a Papal Audience, celebrate Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, and visit the four major basilicas of Rome. Descend into the catacombs where early Christians worshipped in secret, venerate the relics of saints and martyrs, and explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums. Walk in the footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul and experience the history of our 2,000-year-old Church.
Fatima and Lourdes - Marian Pilgrimage
Honor the Blessed Virgin Mary at the sites where Our Lady appeared with urgent messages for humanity. In Fatima, pray at the Chapel of the Apparitions, visit the homes of the shepherd children, and participate in the moving candlelight procession. In Lourdes, attend Mass at the grotto where Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette, bathe in the healing waters, and join thousands in evening torchlight processions. These powerful Marian shrines offer opportunities for deep prayer, healing, and renewed devotion to Our Lady.
Assisi - The Franciscan Path
Follow in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare in the hill towns of Umbria. Pray at the tomb of St. Francis in the magnificent basilica that bears his name, visit the Porziuncola where the Franciscan Order began, and see the crucifix that spoke to Francis at San Damiano. Explore the cave hermitages where Francis prayed and experience the simplicity and joy of Franciscan spirituality.
Medjugorje - Pilgrimage of Peace
Visit the site of ongoing Marian apparitions where Our Lady has been appearing since 1981 with messages of peace, prayer, and conversion. Climb Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain, attend the evening prayer program, and experience the powerful prayer life of this international pilgrimage center. Meet with visionaries and hear testimonies of conversion and healing.
Santiago de Compostela – The Way of St. James
Walk portions of the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims over the past thousand years. Experience the physical and spiritual disciplines of pilgrimage on foot, stay in historic monasteries, and culminate your journey at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the relics of St. James the Apostle rest.
Poland - Land of Saints and Martyrs
Discover the profound Catholic heritage of Poland, homeland of St. John Paul II, St. Faustina, and St. Maximilian Kolbe. Visit the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow, pray to the Black Madonna of Jasna Góra, tour the papal apartments of Karol Wojtyła, and bear witness to faith under persecution at Auschwitz. Experience Polish Catholic culture through traditional devotions and pilgrim meals.
Ireland - Island of Saints and Scholars
Explore the ancient Celtic Christian roots of Catholicism on the Emerald Isle. Visit monastic sites like Glendalough and Clonmacnoise, pray at holy wells and ancient abbeys, and experience the deep Catholic faith that has sustained the Irish people through centuries. Celebrate Mass in historic churches and discover how Irish monks preserved Christianity during the Dark Ages.
Guadalupe and Mexico - Our Lady of the Americas
Venerate the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Basilica in Mexico City, pray at the site where Juan Diego encountered Mary, and explore the rich Catholic heritage of Mexico. Visit historic missions, colonial churches, and experience the vibrant Mexican Catholic culture of faith and devotion.
France - Shrines and Sacred Sites
Beyond Lourdes, discover the treasures of French Catholicism including the incorrupt body of St. Bernadette in Nevers, the shrine of St. Thérèse in Lisieux, the Miraculous Medal chapel in Paris where Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré, and the medieval splendor of Chartres Cathedral. Experience the depth of French Catholic spirituality and history.
What's Included in Our Catholic Pilgrimages
- Daily Mass - Opportunities to celebrate Mass every day of your pilgrimage
- Spiritual Direction - Access to priests for confession and spiritual counsel
- Round-Trip Airfare - Group flights from your departure city with experienced pilgrimage travelers
- Quality Accommodations - Comfortable hotels or retreat centers, many with private chapels
- Ground Transportation - Private motor coach with professional, courteous drivers
- Knowledgeable Tour Manager - Faithful guides who travel with your group and understand the spiritual nature of a pilgrimage
- Expert Local Guides - Professional guides specializing in the history, art, and traditions of holy sites.
- Entrance Fees - All sites, churches, and museums included in your itinerary
- Select Meals - Breakfast daily plus dinners as requested (Friday abstinence available)
- Pilgrimage Materials - Prayer resources and spiritual reading
- Travel Protection Options - Comprehensive insurance available for peace of mind
Types of Pilgrimages We Offer
- Parish Pilgrimages - Custom journeys designed for your faith community, led by your pastor and traveling together as a spiritual family.
- Diocesan Pilgrimages - Large-scale pilgrimages uniting Catholics from across your diocese under the leadership of your bishop.
- School and Youth Pilgrimages - Age-appropriate faith formation journeys for Catholic schools, confirmation classes, and young adult groups.
- Private Group Pilgrimages - Customized for families, ministry groups, religious communities, or friends seeking a shared spiritual journey.
- Open Enrollment Pilgrimages - Join other pilgrims on scheduled departures to popular destinations throughout the year.
- Specialized Pilgrimages - Focused experiences such as World Youth Day, canonization ceremonies, Holy Year pilgrimages, or pilgrimages for healthcare professionals, educators, or other vocations.
Planning Your Catholic Pilgrimage
When to Begin - We recommend starting the planning process 12-18 months before your desired travel dates, especially for Holy Land and Rome pilgrimages during peak seasons.
Group Size - We accommodate pilgrimages of all sizes, from intimate groups of 20-25 pilgrims to large parish and diocesan pilgrimages of 100+ participants.
Spiritual Preparation - We are able to provide resources for spiritual preparation beginning one month before departure, including daily Mass readings and reflections.
Fundraising Assistance - Many pilgrims frame fundraising to invite others into their spiritual journey. We provide ideas to help make pilgrimage accessible to all.
Custom Itineraries - Every pilgrimage can be customized to include special devotions, particular saints' shrines, or specific spiritual emphases important to your group.
Testimonials from Pilgrims
"Our pilgrimage was simply spectacular. The accommodations and geographic proximity to points of interest were fantastic. Special mention needs to be afforded to [our tour guide] Fabricio. His judgment and wisdom, combined with adaptability, gave us confidence to attend … The presentation was always entertaining with wit and intrigue. The subject matter expertise was exceptional in all respects, and the perspectives on linguistics, architecture, geology, theology, civics and history, culture and law offered delightful perspectives and insight to life as it was.”
—Pilgrim to the Holy Land with the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
“Peter’s Way Tours does everything first-class. They do a great job of preparing you for what to expect before you even depart. And they take care of you once you arrive at your destination. Everything runs as smoothly as possible with a level of flexibility that ensures you get the most out of each day.”
— Pilgrim to the Holy Land with Fr. Edmund Luciano
"I am grateful to those at Peter’s Way Tours for facilitating a life-changing pilgrimage. Not only did I visit the Holy Land, but under the care of a brilliant tour manager Fabricio, I learned more than I had anticipated. This was not a vacation. This was a guided walk through the Gospels. It was the most amazing way to live an experience I’d dreamed of for years.”
— Pilgrim to the Holy Land with Fr. Matt Westcott
Begin Your Pilgrimage Journey Today
Let us help you plan a pilgrimage that will transform your faith and create lasting spiritual fruit. Contact our pilgrimage specialist for a free consultation and custom proposal.
Call us: 1-800-225-7662 x16
Email: karen@petersway.com
Request Your Free Pilgrimage Proposal: Fill out our online form
Our experienced team is ready to help you design a pilgrimage that meets the spiritual needs of your group and creates a lasting memory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catholic Pilgrimages
What is the difference between a pilgrimage and a tour?
A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey undertaken for religious purposes—to grow in faith, seek conversion, offer thanksgiving, or petition for healing. While pilgrimage includes cultural and educational elements, the primary focus is spiritual growth and encounter with God through visiting and praying at sacred sites.
Will we have Mass every day?
Yes! Daily Mass is central to Catholic pilgrimage. We arrange Mass at basilicas, shrines, and local parishes throughout your journey. Many groups bring their own priest, or we can arrange for a chaplain. Mass locations and times are confirmed around one month prior to departure.
Can non-Catholics join our pilgrimage?
Absolutely. While most of our pilgrimages are designed for and led by Catholic priests, non-Catholic friends and family members are welcome and often find the experience deeply meaningful.
How physically demanding are pilgrimages?
It varies by destination. Holy Land and Rome involve considerable walking on uneven surfaces and hills. We provide detailed information about physical requirements and can suggest modifications for pilgrims with mobility concerns.
What should I bring on pilgrimage?
We provide a comprehensive packing list including comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for church visits, a rosary, Bible, journal, and any personal religious items.
Is travel insurance necessary?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all pilgrims. We can help arrange coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and evacuation.
Can we include special intentions or devotions?
Absolutely! Many groups incorporate specific devotions like the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayers for vocations, or intentions for healing. We can build time into your itinerary for prayer.
What if someone in our group wants to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Your pilgrimage chaplain will be available to hear Confessions, or we can facilitate with English-speaking priests at pilgrimage sites.
How do you handle dietary restrictions?
We accommodate dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy concerns. We're also mindful of Lenten fasting and Friday abstinence requirements.
Can we visit a specific saint's shrine?
Yes! We love customizing pilgrimages around special devotions. Whether you want to visit the shrine of St. Padre Pio, St. Anthony of Padua, your parish patron, or any saint, we can design an itinerary around your spiritual interests.