UPDATE:  August 17, 2024

We’re Sold Out!

Due to high demand, our pilgrimage is fully booked, and we currently have a long waiting list. But don’t worry—there will be another pilgrimage like this one in 2025! Be sure to join the waitlist to be among the first to receive the registration link when it opens.

How to Join the Waitlist:

1. Select your preferred room option: single, double, or triple.
2. You’ll be directed to the next screen where you can easily join the waitlist.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! We look forward to having you with us on this spiritual journey.

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UPDATE!  July 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET

This pilgrimage is now OPEN for registration! 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we discerned how to craft this new pilgrim path.  

Those who choose to come with us will  be pilgrim trail-blazers and gift-givers to this important monastery on the Island of Badija and your names will be recalled there for centuries.  Father James Blount, Father Jozo Zovko and Dr. Robert Moynihan will be part of this pilgrimage making our time on this custom pilgrimage even more unique. 

Given the high level of interest, with four times the number of people on the waitlist than available spots, we recommend registering as soon as possible.  Please read all of the information below and know we are here if you should have any questions.  

I hope to meet you in Croatia! 

Blessings, 

Deborah Tomlinson
President, Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages

Embark on a transformative spiritual journey from Međugorje to the stunning Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, where you will spend five nights in a centuries-old monastery on the serene island of Badija. Father James Blount will lead the retreat and celebrate daily Mass during our stay on the island of Badija. This pilgrimage is a total immersion experience — unrepeatable and unforgettable, informative and transformative.

Our journey begins with three nights in Međugorje. Upon landing in Split, a private coach will transfer you directly to our accommodations in Međugorje, with four private group transfers from Split Airport to our hotel to minimize wait times at the airport.

Međugorje, a serene village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, has drawn millions of pilgrims since the Blessed Virgin Mary began appearing there on June 25, 1981. Our days in Medjugorje will be filled with profound spiritual encounters in what is often referred to as the "confessional of the world."

After our time in Međugorje, we will spend an afternoon in Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, including 27 churches within its ancient walls. After lunch and a visit to venerate the relics of St. Blaise, we will embark on a sea journey to Korčula Island and then a water taxi ride to our final destination, the serene Island of Badija.

During our five nights on Badija, a serene island near Korčula, Croatia, pilgrims will be enchanted by its lush Mediterranean landscape, including pine and olive trees overlooking the Adriatic Sea. At the heart of Badija lies a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, offering a spiritual haven amidst pebble beaches, secluded coves, and winding paths ideal for contemplation and exploration. Wildlife thrives here, enhancing the island's natural allure, while panoramic vistas inspire a profound sense of peace and connection with nature, making Badija a perfect retreat for both relaxation and spiritual reflection. After sunset, the island is peacefully inhabited solely by those staying in the monastery.

Father James Blount will lead a spiritual retreat on Badija, offering confession, daily Mass, Adoration, talks, and a healing Mass. Pilgrims will have time for personal prayer and reflection, both within the monastery and while exploring the island independently. In the afternoons, pilgrims can unwind with a swim in the crystalline waters of the sea or enjoy refreshments at a seaside café, fostering moments of contemplation and relaxation.

Father Jozo Zovko, known for his role in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he served as one of the parish priests during the apparitions of the Virgin Mary starting in 1981, is recognized for his spiritual leadership and pastoral care. Father Jozo will also join us during our stay at the monastery, where he resides.

After morning Mass on our sixth day on Badija, Father Blount will impart his blessing as we embark on our pilgrim path to Split, offering a scenic journey across the Adriatic Sea with views of the Dalmatian coast and islands. Split, Croatia's second-largest city, is renowned for its blend of ancient Roman history and vibrant Mediterranean culture. At its heart lies Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the world's oldest churches originally built as Diocletian's mausoleum. We will spend the afternoon exploring this historic city, followed by a delicious lunch and a farewell dinner filled with reflections on our pilgrimage journey together.

Pilgrims depart with renewed faith, ready to share their experiences with their families, friends, and fellow parishioners. The journey from Međugorje to Badija Island offers a unique blend of tranquility and spiritual renewal, providing a "Heaven on Earth" pilgrim path for this exceptional pilgrimage experience.

PLEASE NOTE: Important Notice: $1,000 Donation Requirement 

Please listen to this special message from Father Blount.

As part of the cost for this pilgrimage, Father Blount is requesting an additional $1,000 donation. Father Blount has organized this Mercy Pilgrimage to support Father Jozo and the monks with their maintenance costs and necessary renovations at the monastery on Badija Island. To facilitate this support, we have kept the pilgrimage costs low, enabling a $1,000 tax-deductible donation to the monastery. Every cent of this donation will directly benefit the monastery.  

Please note, this $1,000 donation per person is mandatory and separate from the pilgrimage cost. To complete your registration, the $1,000 donation must be made within 24 hours of registering for the pilgrimage. The link for making your tax-deductible donation will be included in the Welcome Letter you receive after registering. You will receive a tax letter for this tax-deductible donation following the pilgrimage.  (more information below)

Arrival Information:

• Airport: Split, Croatia Resnik Airport (SPU)
• Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
• Time: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Local Time) You will be meet by an Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage representative upon landing in Split if you arrive between 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 
• Transfer: (4) four private-group transfers from the Split airport to our hotel in Medjugorje to minimize wait times at the airport

Departure Information :

• Airport: Split, Croatia Resnik Airport (SPU)
• Date: Friday, September 27, 2024 (Day 10 of the pilgrimage)
• Time: Before 1:00 PM (Local Time)
• Transfer: Group transfer to the airport based on your departure time 

Recommended Travel Agency:

For this pilgrimage, Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages has established a collaboration with  an experienced travel agent who will book your airline reservations and ensure they are seamlessly forwarded to our office. The booking fee is included in the Land-Only Package.  Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages does not benefit financially from this transaction.

Once you book the pilgrimage, the travel agent's contact information will be in your Welcome Letter.

AS OF JULY 26, 2024, THE ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE COST FROM MOST U.S. CITIES TO SPILT CROATIA IS JUST UNDER $1,000.  YOU CAN CHECK YOUR COST ON GOOGLE FLIGHTS TO DETERMINE THE COST OF YOUR AIRFARE USING THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE INFORMATION ABOVE. 

With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 

Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass.

Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages.  And our pilgrims appreciate the fact that we never exceed 33 pilgrims, unless it is a custom pilgrimage. 

Crafting an Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage is about knowing firsthand what makes a place extraordinary, knowing personally the people involved, understanding how best to experience it and then finessing the countless details, moments and encounters both planned and spontaneous. Our thoughtful trip design, flexible pace and local connections are just a few of the reasons why our pilgrims often return to join us again for other pilgrimages.

Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages, or Classic Pilgrimages with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience and an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim. 

Call our U.S. Office: +1.202.536.4555  Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET. If you call after hours, leave a message. You can email our office: Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com. 

$1,000 Donation Requirement

Please listen to this special message from Father Blount.

As part of the cost for this pilgrimage, Father Blount is requesting an additional $1,000 donation. Father Blount has organized this Mercy Pilgrimage to support Father Jozo and the monks with their maintenance costs and necessary renovations at the monastery on Badija Island. To facilitate this support, we have kept the pilgrimage costs low, enabling a $1,000 tax-deductible donation to the monastery. Every cent of this donation will directly benefit the monastery.

Please note, this $1,000 donation per person is mandatory and separate from the pilgrimage cost. To complete your registration, the $1,000 donation must be made within 24 hours of registering for the pilgrimage. The link for making your tax-deductible donation will be included in the Welcome Letter you receive after registering. You will receive a tax letter at the end of the year.

GO HERE TO DONATE

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions

DONATION: The $1,000 donation per person must be paid within 24 hours of booking, or the reservation will be canceled.

SINGLE ROOMS: There is a very limited number of single rooms - SOLD OUT. 

DOUBLE ROOMS:  If you book a double room without a roommate, you will be randomly paired with another single traveler of the same sex.  

TRIPLE ROOMS: Triple rooms are available only for those who already have their roommates.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants must be 18 years or older.

FLEXIBILITY: Flexibility is essential for this pilgrimage. Being adaptable and maintaining a joyful attitude is important, especially when traveling with various forms of transportation (private charter buses, catamaran ferries, and water taxis) where unexpected situations may arise.

LUGGAGE: There are two long ferry rides and two short ferry rides during this pilgrimage. Please ensure you bring only the luggage you can carry on and off the ferry.

DAILY SCHEDULE: You will receive a custom pilgrimage book and a retreat book. The final schedule will be included in the pilgrimage book.

FATHER JOZO: Father Jozo will participate as his time and schedule allow.

MASS: Daily Mass is included. Father Blount hopes to include a healing Mass while on the Island of Badija.