Catholic Pilgrimage FAQ

A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to a sacred place — one of the oldest and most universal expressions of faith in the Christian tradition.

What sets it apart from ordinary travel is intention. The pilgrim doesn't go merely to see; they go to encounter. As the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, we run our race "keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus" — and pilgrimage is one of the most ancient ways the Church has made that race feel real and near.

For a fuller reflection on what Christian pilgrimage means, see our page: What is a Catholic Pilgrimage?

We are a pilgrim people from the day we are born until the day we die. Hopefully, our journey is leading us to God. This belief is at the core of Tekton Ministries' mission — and what sets us apart from tour companies and travel agencies.

As a pilgrim, you join Abraham, the Blessed Mother, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, and scores of others who made the yearning of Paul their own: "Father, I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… I continue my journey in hope that I may possess Him" (Phil 3:8–14).

For Christian pilgrims, Jesus is both the companion and the destination. A vacation is measured by what you experienced. A successful pilgrimage is measured by whether you come home different.

For 30 years, Tekton Ministries has been helping Catholic pilgrims encounter the sacred places of our faith — not as tourists checking sites off a list, but as followers of Christ walking in the footsteps of the Apostles, the martyrs, and the saints.

Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed with your priest or group leader to include daily Mass, time for prayerful reflection, and guides who understand that getting you to the church door is only the beginning. Many of our pilgrims travel with us again and again — not simply because we get them there safely (we do), but because the experience genuinely changes them.

We also offer spiritual preparation resources before you depart, because a pilgrimage isn't just a trip — it begins before you leave home.

Tekton Ministries organizes authentically Catholic pilgrimages — every itinerary includes daily Mass and prayerful reflection rooted in the Catholic tradition. That said, pilgrims of all backgrounds are welcome on our pilgrimages and join us regularly.

What we ask is that every pilgrim come with an open heart and a genuine desire to encounter the sacred, not merely to sightsee. The holy places have a way of speaking to anyone willing to listen.

You can absolutely travel alone. Individual pilgrims join our existing group pilgrimages all the time — and often find themselves walking alongside kindred souls they never would have met otherwise. That unexpected fellowship is itself part of what a pilgrimage gives you.

Browse our Upcoming Pilgrimages to find a departure that fits your schedule. A $300 deposit holds your spot.

We believe our prices represent exceptional value — and we're transparent about what that means.

Because every Tekton pilgrimage is personally designed for your group, a simple price comparison with other companies can be misleading. Many advertised prices exclude airfare, gratuities, or entrance fees. Tekton's pricing is comprehensive: daily Mass, double-occupancy accommodations, airfare from a designated city, breakfast and dinner daily, guide services, entrance fees, transfers, and more — clearly shown on every brochure.

We're a smaller organization, and that's intentional. It lets us maintain real relationships with our priests, tour managers, and on-the-ground partners, keeping the experience personal in a way that larger operations simply can't replicate. If you'd like to compare a specific pilgrimage quote, contact us and we'll walk through it with you directly.

We add new pilgrimages throughout the year, so check our Upcoming Pilgrimages page regularly. Alternatively, you can encourage your pastor to reach out to us — we'd be glad to coordinate a parish pilgrimage built around a date that works for your community.

Registrations are completed online. You can register directly from our Upcoming Pilgrimages page by clicking the "Register Now" button for your chosen pilgrimage, or from any specific destination page. A $300 deposit is required at the time of registration.

Please select your destination and pilgrimage dates carefully before submitting — this ensures you're registered for the correct departure.

While exact details vary based on the personalization of each pilgrimage, your price typically includes:

• Daily Mass
• All accommodations (double occupancy)
• Airfare from a designated departure city
• Taxes and service charges
• Breakfast and dinner daily
• Catholic and other Christian tour guides
• All entrance fees per itinerary
• Airport and hotel transfers
• Luggage porterage
• Whisper headsets

Lunches are generally not included — pilgrims have varying needs and preferences, and we don't want to lock everyone into a third large meal each day. We budget approximately $15–$20 per day for lunch.

Gratuities are not in the base price but will be included in your final invoice, which simplifies things considerably on the ground. Gratuities at lunch (on-your-own meals) are not included.

Some pilgrimages may have additional exclusions noted in the brochure — for example, if your priest has requested a few dinners out during the week. These will always be clearly communicated in advance.

If you'd like to set up a payment plan, please call our office after you register — we arrange these on an individual basis.

Your final invoice arrives by email approximately 3 months before departure, with payment due roughly two weeks after invoicing (90 days prior to departure). All payments must be received before we can finalize airline tickets and other reservations for your group, so prompt payment is important.

Every effort is made to seat family members together. However, when flying on group seats, specific seat requests are not guaranteed — seats are assigned at the airline's discretion and finalized at airport check-in.

If you require a specific seat assignment (aisle, window, bulkhead, etc.), you'll need to purchase your own flights and travel as a "land-only" pilgrim.

Group seats are for standard economy class only. Occasional upgrades to premium economy or an exit row may be available after purchase — but this is not guaranteed. If extra legroom or a cabin upgrade is important to you, we recommend purchasing your own flights and traveling as a "land-only" pilgrim.

Please let us know as soon as possible so we can free up your group seat for another pilgrim. Changes from group to individual flights within 90 days of departure incur a minimum $100 airline penalty.

Once confirmed as "land-only," you'll receive a reduction on your pilgrimage price equal to the cost of the group airline ticket. We'll provide you with the group flight numbers and times to coordinate your arrival and departure accordingly.

Please do not book personal tickets until we confirm the minimum group size has been met. To use the group motor coach transfer upon arrival, you must arrive before the group — the coach will not wait. Similarly, the coach will not depart early for pilgrims on different flights, so plan your departure for the same time or later than the group.

If you're on the group flights, your e-ticket receipt will be included in your final pilgrim packet, mailed approximately 2–3 weeks before departure.

Your final pilgrim packet arrives by mail approximately 2–3 weeks before departure. It includes a cover letter, your e-ticket receipt (if on group flights), luggage and name tags, and a booklet with detailed information on packing, international travel, your destination, and your flight and hotel information.

Please log in to your account and verify your mailing address is current so your packet arrives on time.

A complete packing list is included in your final packet. The most consistent advice from our experienced pilgrims: pack light, and prioritize your footwear. Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes can make or break your pilgrimage.

You are permitted one checked bag, one overhead carry-on, and one personal item (small backpack or purse) that fits under the seat in front of you.

Download our suggested packing list →

All checked luggage must weigh less than 50 pounds, with total dimensions not exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height combined). If you've traveled with a bag on commercial flights before and it passed, it should be fine for your pilgrimage.

See our full luggage guidelines →

Walking varies by destination and the day's itinerary. At minimum, expect a little walking every day — and on some days in certain locations, you may cover 3–4 miles. Terrain can include cobblestones, gravel, uneven stone, stairs, and occasionally no elevator access. Many of the sacred sites were built centuries ago, which adds immeasurably to the experience — and to the reason comfortable footwear matters so much.

Every Tekton pilgrimage is rated by activity level. See our Activity Levels page for destination-specific details. A pilgrimage is not a race — please walk at your own pace and communicate with your guide if you need adjustments along the way.

There is no formal dress code for Tekton pilgrimages, but most holy sites require that shoulders and knees be covered — for both women and men. If you're traveling in warmer months, bring something lightweight to throw over your shoulders when entering churches and shrines.

Note: Shorts that fall above the knee can be a problem at some sites. We've had male pilgrims offered a wrap-around scarf by site keepers. Better to come prepared than to be turned away at the door.

Budget approximately $15–$20 per day for lunch, plus whatever you anticipate spending on souvenirs and personal items. Your pilgrim packet will include specific currency guidance for your destination — some locations are better served by ATM withdrawal on arrival, others by exchanging before you leave home.

We recommend bringing a credit card for larger purchases: it provides purchase protection and typically offers the best exchange rates. Notify your card issuer and bank before departing so they don't flag overseas charges as fraudulent.

Note for Medjugorje and the Holy Land: American dollars are widely accepted at both destinations. We advise against taking out local currency there, as leftover funds can be difficult to exchange upon return.

Any plug-in device will need a plug adapter to fit local sockets — these are widely available on Amazon and in travel sections of most stores. If your device charges by USB, look for a multi-USB adapter that also accepts a standard plug.

Most modern devices — phones, laptops, tablets — are dual-voltage (100–240V) and require only an adapter. Older single-voltage appliances (hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, curling irons) also need a voltage converter, though performance may still be affected.

See our travel adapters page for destination-specific guidance.

A valid U.S. passport is required for all international pilgrimages. Most destinations require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date — so check the expiration date well in advance and allow 10–13 weeks for standard passport renewal if needed.

Visa requirements vary by destination. Your pilgrim packet will include specific documentation requirements for your pilgrimage. If you have questions before your packet arrives, contact our office and we'll point you in the right direction.

We maintain a 24-hour emergency line available to you throughout your pilgrimage — for airline and baggage issues, insurance concerns, or any in-the-moment adjustments needed. These numbers are included in your final packet. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before you depart.

There is also a spiritual response worth naming. One of our priest leaders, who has led multiple pilgrimages with us, sends this reminder to his pilgrims before they leave:

The journey itself is the pilgrimage. Trust it.

Travel insurance is not required, but we strongly recommend it. Tekton works with Generali Global Assistance, who have reliably supported our pilgrims for many years. Information about available plans is shared as part of the registration process, with full details provided with your final invoice approximately 3 months before departure.

Cost varies based on the amount of coverage needed and the traveler's age. See our Travel Insurance page for a full overview of plan options.