Month: June 2025
Anyone can travel to a foreign country, but how do you know what to do when you get there? Language barriers, navigating unknown cities, different currency and time zones…so much is different from your native country and can be overwhelming if you are trying to figure it out on your own.
That’s why when you travel with 206 Tours, you never have to go alone. In addition to your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director, your group will also have a dedicated tour guide whose professional expertise and spiritual guidance will greatly enrich your Pilgrimage experience.
From the moment you land at your destination, your tour guide will be with your group to ensure that you have an incredible and spiritually rich Pilgrimage. Your guide will be your primary point of contact for any questions or needs you may have during your tour, and are fully equipped to handle any difficulties that may arise. They will share the itinerary for the group each day so that you know exactly what to expect. Your guide can also suggest places to visit during your free time including shops, places to eat, or spots frequented by the locals.
Our guides will share their extensive knowledge on ancient religious traditions, favorite devotions, local Saints, and cultural customs that have brought together Christian communities for centuries. They are also fluent in the local language so your group can interact comfortably with the locals and understand what life is like on a daily basis. As you walk through cities or drive through the surrounding countryside, your guide will be able to point out sites of significance and give you a brief history of the region.
At 206 Tours, we take great pride in partnering with the best guides in the tourism industry. Not only do we ensure that our guides can provide exceptional service for the needs of our pilgrims, but we also carefully select partners who share our deep commitment to providing an authentically Catholic experience. Their love for Christ shines through in the way they care for our pilgrims as though they were family. When receiving feedback from our pilgrims after their tour, we consistently hear that one of the highlights was their incredible tour guide(s). Here are just a few examples of what our pilgrims had to say:
- “The guide, Voula Kalapoda, was so detailed in explaining the vast ancient history of Greece as well as the impact the culture had on the Christian Church.” – Glennell M., Greece Pilgrimage
- “I heard many pilgrims say what a fantastic job Sabina did. They said she was the kindest, most competent tour escort they ever had the privilege of traveling with. Knowledgeable, funny, detail oriented.” – Fr. Jay H., O.P., Poland, Prague, Austria, and Budapest Pilgrimage
- “We were particularly blessed to have a most capable and interactive tour guide in the person of Leopold Jimenez. He is most knowledgeable in his craft, caring in his duties, and desirous of going over and beyond to fulfil the needs of the pilgrims and the expectations of 206 Tours which he serves.” – Fr. Don O., Garabandal, Covadonga, Santiago de Compostela, Fatima Pilgrimage
- “Blaza’s knowledge of the history of Medjugorje, communist Yugoslavia, surrounding countries, religious sites etc. were so valuable. Her relationships with other guides, the visionaries, local drivers, & Jelka and Drazen Dabo made this trip more personal from the several I’ve experienced before. She and Slavenka both do amazing jobs for 206 pilgrims and for representing your company!” – Lori H. , Medjugorje
For many, their tour guide may be the only 206 Tours team member they meet in-person.
A tour guide often becomes the main connection to the pilgrimage, culture, sharing local stories, customs, and insights you might not get anywhere else. When the emergency arises they are the ones to help you navigate. Tour guides can turn a trip into something personal and memorable, connecting the dots between visited places.
That is why we seek to partner with the best and most caring guides and are blessed to work with some of the most exceptional men and women every day. As time passes, long after we have unpacked, we may forget sights we have visited, or people we met along the way – but we never forget our Guide!
When you travel with 206 Tours, know that we are committed to giving you the best experience possible.
Ready to experience the highest quality in Catholic Pilgrimages? Book today with 206 Tours!
View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages
A Pilgrimage is an exciting time as you embark on a life-changing spiritual journey. For many pilgrims, it may be the first time they have ever travelled internationally. Journeying far from home is both thrilling and full of unknowns. It is good to prepare in advance so that you will not be caught by surprise if any difficulties arise. Here are four of the oftentimes unanticipated situations we have seen pilgrims encounter while traveling and how you can prepare in advance:
-
Inclement Weather & Flight Cancellations
Traveling on a Pilgrimage means accepting all the gifts that God wants to give you, including the possibility of bad weather. If the weather affects your flight(s), our staff will be happy to assist you with any delays or cancellations. We will do our best to help you arrive on time, but we are at the mercy of the airline. Remember that neither 206 Tours nor the airline is in control of the weather, so please be patient. If the customer service agent at the airport is not able to help rebook you, please contact 206 Tours and we will help rearrange your flight(s) as well as notify your tour guide of your new arrival time. We highly recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance prior to your departure as it will cover cancellations, delays, and any medical emergencies that may arise before or during your Pilgrimage.
-
Lost Luggage
While it is unlikely to happen, 206 Tours highly recommends that all pilgrims mentally and physically prepare for the possibility of checked luggage being lost in transit. As a precaution, we always recommend that you pack at least 2 days’ worth of clothes and all essentials in your carry-on luggage. In order to find your luggage, it is important that you speak with a customer service representative at the airport as they are best able to help in this situation. If you cannot find a representative in-person, we recommend that you call the airline. You can fill out a missing luggage form at the airport and file a complaint. Make sure that you save any paperwork the airline gives you and provide proper contact information as well as a preferred delivery destination. If you’ve just arrived for your Pilgrimage, give them the name of your hotel and if you are travelling home, your home address.
-
Illness
When you arrive at your destination, it is a good idea to save local emergency numbers and healthcare options at your destination. Pack necessary proof of medications and have a plan for accessing medical care if needed. Please remember to pack any essential medications you may have in your carry-on so that it stays with you throughout the entirety of the trip. You can also bring some basic medications such as Tylenol or Advil to have on hand just in case. If you fall ill while on your Pilgrimage, we encourage you to immediately contact your tour guide and tell them right away. They will be best able to assist you with finding proper medical care in the local area. Our guides are fully equipped to make sure that you receive proper medical attention and will be able to reunite you with your tour group once you have recovered. If you need to return home, the 206 Tours team will help you to book a flight and arrange your transportation to the nearest airport.
-
Death of a Family Member
In the unfortunate situation that you have a family member pass away while you are traveling abroad, our team will immediately mobilize to help you to the best of our ability. Please tell your tour guide immediately so that they are aware of the situation. Contact the 206 Tours team, and we will be able to assist you with booking a flight back home as soon as possible. If you purchased travel insurance prior to your departure, you may be eligible to apply for compensation upon your return.
How can you prepare in advance to make your travel experience as smooth as possible in the event of situations like these? Here are some of our team’s pro packing tips:
- Bring versatile clothing for sudden weather changes and a small emergency kit with essentials like medications, a compact first aid kit, and a universal power adapter.
- We also strongly recommend that you make digital and / or physical copies of all critical documents (passport, visas, itinerary, etc.) so that you have them in the event of loss or theft. Keep these with you on your phone or your carry-on in case your checked luggage happens to get lost.
- Be financially prepared by bringing a mix of payment options with you. This can include a small amount of local currency, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and a backup credit card that you have stored separately in case you lose your wallet / purse. It is important to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks if they see that international purchases are being made on your card. Be ready for unexpected fees or cash-only situations in smaller locales.
- Research the countries’ customs and be familiar with local gestures. A polite gesture in one country might offend in another, so researching in advance or observing locals when you arrive can help to prevent awkward interactions.
Remember, a Pilgrimage is a time to allow God’s providence to lead and guide you. The goal of every Pilgrimage is to grow in holiness! Embrace unexpected delays or detours throughout your tour as they are opportunities for growth in virtue and for God to reveal His goodness. They also often turn out to be some of the tour’s most memorable moments.
By expecting the unexpected, whether it’s a missed connection, a language barrier, or an impromptu cultural experience, you’ll be better equipped to handle any unexpected twists that your international Pilgrimage may encounter.
With over 40 years of experience, our team is fully equipped to handle any unexpected situation with professionalism and compassion. When you are traveling on a 206 Tours Pilgrimage, rest assured that you are in good hands. We look forward to serving you on your next spiritual journey.
Pray, hope, and know that your entire Pilgrimage experience is full of graces that you will be unpacking for the rest of your life if you are open to receiving them.
Looking for more information about how to prepare for your upcoming Pilgrimage? Visit our Know Before You Go pages for a complete overview of what to expect in the countries you will be visiting. If you have any additional questions, you can also contact your 206 Tours Account Manager for assistance.
View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages
One of the highlights of traveling on a Pilgrimage to Rome is the opportunity to attend a Papal Audience with the Holy Father. These audiences typically take place every Wednesday but may vary depending on the Pope’s schedule. During the audience, the faithful have the opportunity to see the Holy Father in person, learn from his teaching, and receive a Papal Blessing.
Your 206 Tours Account Manager will handle all the details of securing your tickets for the Papal Audience. Seating for the audience is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Many pilgrims arrive hours in advance. Our experienced, professional tour guides will assist your group in arriving early to secure the best seats possible.
There is also the option to have preferred seating in the rows up front, but this is typically reserved for select groups of pilgrims. These include newlyweds, those with disabilities, significant milestones (such as a 50th wedding anniversary), or religious orders / groups. Those pilgrims traveling with a religious group may have the opportunity to have the order / religious group’s Superior write the Vatican to request permission for special seating in advance. These requests are sent to the prefecture of the Papal Household, who will determine if the request is approved or not. More information regarding this process can be found by visiting: www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/en/profilo_en.html. If you have any questions about whether you or your Pilgrimage group may be eligible for preferred seating, we encourage you to contact your 206 Tours Account Manager.
During the spring, summer, and autumn months, the Papal Audience takes place outside in St. Peter’s Square. In the winter or during inclement weather, it is typically moved inside to the Audience Hall. The Audience typically begins around 9:00 AM with the Holy Father being driven around the Square to greet and bless pilgrims. Many pilgrims bring religious articles to be blessed by the Holy Father.
Audiences may not be held in July due to the Pope’s summer break, and in August, they may be held at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence, depending on his schedule. For 2025, the Vatican’s calendar had confirmed General Audiences for June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, with Extraordinary Jubilee Audiences on Saturdays, June 14th and September 6th , as part of the Jubilee Year.
During the Audience, the Holy Father typically will address the pilgrims with a brief teaching about the faith. He will also read aloud the name of the groups that are present that day. Your 206 Tours Account Manager will ensure that your group’s name will be sent in advance. There are also choirs present from around the world who typically perform. The Holy Father will bless the pilgrims in a variety of languages. Please note that Holy Mass is not celebrated during the Papal Audiences.
The Audience typically lasts about 1 ½ hours and it is an unforgettable experience for all who are present. Having the opportunity to see the Vicar of Christ and receive His blessing in the same place where St. Peter is buried is a remarkable grace.
For groups who are in Rome on a Sunday, there is another opportunity to see the Holy Father during the prayer of the Angelus. Pilgrims gather in St. Peter’s Square at 12:00 PM on Sunday. After the prayer of the Angelus, the pilgrims receive the Holy Father’s blessing. The event typically last 15–20 minutes.
Are you interested in attending a Papal Audience? Join a Pilgrimage to Rome with 206 Tours and see Pope Leo XIV in person: www.206tours.com/pope
View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages
A pilgrimage is much more than a vacation. It’s important to take time to prepare beforehand so that you can get the most out of your spiritual journey. You can visit our Know Before You Go pages that will be able to answer most of the practical questions you may have about your upcoming tour and destinations you will be visiting. In the meantime, here are five simple ways you can begin to prepare for any pilgrimage:
-
Take time for personal prayer.
Unlike a vacation where the goal may be relaxation, the goal of a Pilgrimage is to grow closer to God by encountering Him in the places where He has revealed Himself. Your Pilgrimage experience begins long before you even board your flight. By preparing spiritually through daily prayer, spiritual reading, or favorite devotions, you’ll be able to hear God’s voice more clearly throughout your Pilgrimage. A Pilgrimage is the perfect time to discern God’s will for your life. Whether that be your vocation, your next steps regarding career or ministry, or even just how to navigate a difficult personal situation, the goal is to quiet our hearts so that God can speak to us. By preparing your heart in advance, you can be open to all the graces He wants to give you.
-
Begin walking every day.
There is so much to see while on a Pilgrimage! Each of our tours typically involve 3 – 4 miles of walking each day. We highly recommend that you begin walking every day leading up to your trip, so that it will not be a struggle once you arrive. It’s also important to have good shoes that are broken in and won’t cause you any discomfort while you’re on your feet for long periods of time. If you’re not used to walking long distances, we recommend that you start small. You can begin by committing to walking twenty minutes every day up and down your street (treadmills work too!). Make it a goal to walk a little farther each day and by the time your Pilgrimage comes, you’ll be ready to go. Consistency is key!
-
Ensure your travel wardrobe is modest and comfortable.
Many of the Churches and Shrines that you visit have a dress code in order for pilgrims to enter. They require you to have your shoulders and knees covered, as well as no tight-fitting clothing. For ladies, you can carry a light shawl with you in order cover your shoulders while in church. It is also important that your clothing is comfortable so that you can fully enjoy each day. It’s a good idea to wear layers to adapt to changing temperature. Always check the weather of where you’ll be visiting prior to your pilgrimage so that you can pack accordingly.
-
Study the lives of the Saints.
One of the most beautiful parts of any pilgrimage is getting to encounter the lives of the Saints who lived in that region. Take some time to learn about the Saints whose tomb or Shrine you’ll be visiting and begin to develop a relationship with them. It may be as simple as asking for their intercession during your daily prayer. This will make your experience of praying at their tomb even more impactful since it will feel as though you are encountering a friend.
-
Learn a bit of the language.
A fun and polite way of being able to interact with some of the locals on your Pilgrimage can be learning some simple words in their language. Some good key words to look up how to say before you go are:
- Hello
- Good bye
- Good morning
- Good evening
- Please
- Thank you
- Yes
- No
Of course, your 206 Tours guide will also be fluent in the language of whatever country you are visiting, so you can always ask them for guidance along the way.
From the moment you arrive at the airport until the time you return home, 206 Tours will take care of every detail so all you have to do is enjoy your Pilgrimage. Remember that the most important thing of all is to place your trip in God’s hands and be open to all the graces He wants to give you.
View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages