This pilgrimage was wonderful beginning to end. We had a larger group than I expected, but we were blessed with fellow like-minded Catholics who respected everyone's time and all were kind and caring.
Our Tour Director, Svjetlana, could NOT have been better. She is loving, kind, spiritual, helpful, gentle when needed and nicely insistent when needed (e.g., with a hotel or restaurant snafu). Our drivers, we had two different ones as the trip advanced across Europe, were phenomenally excellent drivers, knowledgeable, helpful, etc. Not enough can be said about the driving skills and friendliness of the two drivers. They inspired confidence as we travelled along. Onto The Reverend Jinosh Jacob whose real current "job" is studying Canon Law in Rome. There isn't a subject on which he is not knowledgeable, and which he willingly and humbly shares. Who knows how he had time with our busy schedule, but his homilies touched hearts and inspired everyday. Fr. Jinosh led us in daily prayers on the bus as we travelled, and nurtured our curiosity and faithfulness throughout the trip. He stood guard and rangled forty-four of us in, to make sure each of us received a special blessing at the Basilica of St. John Lateran from the in-charge Cardinal (the same Cardinal who at St. Frances' request organized the late Pope's funeral). Obviously, a very busy man.
The sites we visited...my goodness, we went EVERYWHERE. On the beaten track and off the beaten track. Imagine sites one really isn't very familiar with or expect to see that are breathtaking: Aljustrel, Avila and the Convent of the Incarnation, the drive through Bask country (spectacular) and tour of the birthplace of St. Ignacio's Loyola, Assisi and seeing the newly canonized St. Carlos Acrutis, LANCIANO(!), Mounte Sant' Angelo, plus, plus, plus. This was all in addition to the more popularly visited sites. Unfortunately, I cannot speak of Medjugorje as I had to depart for home three days early due to a family illness. What I heard from the pilgrims though makes me determined to finish that part of the journey in the not too distant future.
Come on this pilgrimage well-rested and ready to keep busy morning till night. As long as God travels with you, you'll be fine. This trip is unlike any pilgrimage you have ever been on. You will NOT be disappointed and will come home more in love with our Catholic faith than ever.