Planning Your Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage Activity Levels
Every road asks something different. Find the level that fits your body — then prepare it for what's ahead.
Mobility aid travelers: Please contact our office before registering to confirm a pilgrimage is suitable for you. Explicit approval from your pilgrimage leader may be required if your fitness level is below average.
1
Level 1 — Moderate
"I like to explore a little, but I also like to sit down and take in the views around me."
Up to 2 miles · 5,000 steps / day
Minimal walking, with the option to sit out more strenuous activities. Optional free time adds steps beyond the scheduled total.
Slight terrain variations — stairs, sidewalks, cobblestones, curbs. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Standing in lines and at holy sites, with ample time to rest in prayer between visits.
Option to return to the hotel during the day if you need rest, opting out of additional activities.
Common Destinations
If you require a mobility aid, contact our office before registering to confirm this pilgrimage is suitable for you.
2
Level 2 — Challenging
"I want to see as much as I can, but I don't mind a break here and there."
Up to 3–4 miles · 10,000 steps / day
Moderate walking between sites and shrines, or from the motorcoach to pilgrimage sites. Additional miles during free exploration.
Varied terrain with cobblestones, stairs, hills, and curbs. On and off the motorcoach multiple times daily.
Standing for extended periods in lines and at holy sites, with ample prayer time throughout.
Days may begin early and end late. The pace is full but manageable, with built-in rest at sacred sites.
3
Level 3 — Demanding
"I have a knack for adventure and don't mind enduring long days to get my fill!"
Up to 5–6 miles · 15,000 steps / day
Extensive walking between shrines, holy sites, and from the motorcoach — with additional miles during free time.
Varied terrain with moderate to extensive stairs and low to high grades. Multiple motorcoach boardings daily.
Standing for long periods at popular pilgrimage sites. The sacred places are worth every step.
Days begin early and end late, with little hotel rest time during the day. A full and graced schedule.
4
Level 4 — Strenuous
"I'm ready for a tough spiritual and physical journey — long days, abundant graces."
9+ miles per day
Most of your time is spent walking. Highly varied terrain — asphalt roads, forest trails, unpaved paths — with inclines and declines daily.
Little to no motorcoach transportation. You travel largely under your own power with minimal logistical support.
Multiple demanding days in a row, beginning early and ending late. This is pilgrimage in the fullest sense.
High physical fitness and endurance required. Begin a dedicated training program at least 12 weeks before departure.
Before You Depart
How to Prepare Physically
The pilgrims who struggle most are not the oldest or least fit — they're the ones who didn't walk before they went. Begin 8–12 weeks out. The cobblestones will be kinder for it.
Build Your Daily Walk
Start at 20–30 minutes and add 10 minutes weekly until you reach your level's daily distance. Walk hills, stairs, and uneven ground — not just flat sidewalks.
Break In Your Shoes
Never bring new shoes to a pilgrimage. Wear your chosen footwear on every training walk for 6–8 weeks. Ancient cobblestones are unforgiving to untested soles.
Condition for Terrain
Train on stairs and hills to prepare your knees and ankles. For Levels 3 and 4, add light leg and core strengthening to your routine — your back will thank you.
Prepare Your Heart Too
As your body trains, your spirit can prepare alongside it — through daily prayer, reading about the sites you'll visit, and reflection on what you hope to carry home changed.
Common Questions
Before You Choose Your Level
Practical answers to the questions pilgrims ask most often about fitness, footwear, and physical preparation.
Ready to Choose Your Pilgrimage?
Browse upcoming pilgrimages by destination. Each listing shows its assigned activity level so you can plan with confidence.