Medjugorje is based on a myriad of old buildings, cobblestone roads, dirt roads, and split-levels/uneven surfaces everywhere. Due to the structure of the old buildings and the town, access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and will require the use of stairs. Also, facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many streets are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, they are “Pedestrian Only” and the buses are not permitted.

We encourage all pilgrims to be able to walk 3 – 4 miles per day, comfortably. Walking each day is not done all at once, as it is broken up throughout the day with Mass, and daily sightseeing. Remember that a lot of your time here is spent on your own, allowing you to choose your daily schedule and reflection. However, you will need to walk to/from St. James Church/Sites, as well as the walking that you will do while touring the sites from within.

Walking up Apparition Hill, Medjugorje

Cross Mountain, Medjugorje

Cross Mountain & unpaved Roads, Medjugorje

Walkway behind St. James Church to the Risen Christ Statue & Blue Cross in Medjugorje

Walker

If you have a walker, or are not able to walk long distances at one time etc. – rest assured that you will still be able to join our pilgrimages, just let us know at the time of registration so we can make note. Masses and visits to Sites are confirmed for set times, so a pace must be kept. However, that pace is easily kept by most, and still allows time for prayer and reflection. Also, while it is noted that you can expect 3 – 4 miles of walking per day, that is not at one time! It is broken up by attending Mass, Visits, Breaks etc.

Scooters

We would not recommend bringing them on the pilgrimage. There is a set limit of space and weight available underneath the bus for each pilgrims checked bag, at the Pansion, and there is nowhere in the Pansion to fit them. You would also incur additional costs from the Airlines in order to ship it to/from your destination, along with charging the Scooter (which facilities to do so are very limited.) The combination of terrain and steps may make it difficult to get around on these as well. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our office anytime.

Partial Use of Wheelchair

Should you need a wheelchair only sometimes or just in case you feel tired, we can arrange for a wheelchair to be placed on the bus, or available at the Pansion, and available to you should you need it. Just advise us of which option (below) will make your pilgrimage easier.
*We advise that someone travel with the client to help throughout the day, as well as in the evenings at the Hotel.

Full Use Wheelchair

Should a wheelchair be necessary at all times, we can arrange a Private Bus with a lift, that will make it easier for you to go on and off. Please be advised, these busses must be rented, and require an additional expense to the pilgrim, which are often quite costly.

Wheelchairs and Apparition Hill

Your path up Apparition Hill is combined with the Stations of the Cross, allowing time – and many pilgrims helping one another up and down the Hill. Once you reach the statue of Our Lady, you are able to relax and spend time in prayer and reflection. If you require assistance of a wheelchair during the pilgrimage, we can request assistance from Community Cenacolo – who will then send a Team to help carry you up Apparition Hill (as per the picture below.) If you require assistance, there is no additional fee, however – we MUST know at the time of Registration in order to schedule.

Cross Mountain

Climbing Cross Mountain vs Apparition Hill is just that, the difference between climbing a “Hill” and a “Mountain”. Cross Mountain stands at 520 Meters above sea level – and assistance is NOT available. Be careful where you step, both climbing up and more importantly, on the way down the mountain. Make every effort to step on flat and even surfaces – as the rocks have become very smooth due to the steps of millions of pilgrims over the years. There is only one way up, and one way down Cross Mountain. Please consult with your Guide prior, and they will be able to advise you to the best of their ability (as to whether or not you should participate.) Arrange for you to climb in the early morning, when the sun is not at its highest point, to avoid excessive heat.

Private Cab Ride to Sites

Your guide will let you know about the layout of the walk for each day, such as Hills or areas that are not “Barrier Free”. If you choose, we can arrange for a car to pick you up, and drop you off as close as possible to the sites (at the clients expense.)

Hotels

In the Hotels, we can arrange for you to stay in Handicap Accessible rooms where available. In the event they are not available, we will inquire for rooms on the Main Floor, (or on a higher Floor / Near an elevator.)

Flights

Seats: We can make requests for Handicap seating, or, we can request for Bulk Head seating. Wheelchair to Terminal: We can also arrange for Wheelchair Assistance from the moment you arrive at the Airport, to your Terminal – OR – all the way to your seat.
*Note: while we will do everything we can to ensure your request for specific seating, we cannot guarantee. For that reason, we ask that you arrive at the Airport early to confirm.

Sites

When it comes to the layout and structure of these Holy sites (Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, Blue Cross, Risen Cross Statue etc), some of them are not “barrier-free”. For that reason, your Guide will be able to advise you accordingly beforehand.

These options all depend on the physicality of the pilgrim, or how committed to the wheelchair the pilgrim is. Should the wheelchair be necessary at all times, it would require a special bus with a lift to carry the you on and off those busses must be rented, and require an additional expense to the pilgrim, which are often quite costly. For that reason, Private transfers to the sites (with that bus) may be necessary for the duration of your trip, and are at the clients expense.

We suggest searching for a Tour Company whose pilgrimages are designed solely around the needs of the pilgrims. They are more equipped to help, and special provisions are made throughout. As a Group Pilgrimage – those arrangements are more affordable when split amongst all those attending, rather than the sole individual. This will also supply for a more comfortable pilgrimage.
*206 Tours is NOT affiliated with such Tour Companies – but they are easily “searchable” through Search Engines.