As 206 Tours celebrates its 40th Anniversary, many of our staff members have written testimonials sharing the impact the company has had on them personally and the ways they have witnessed the Lord transform lives through Pilgrimages.

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Sandra Lippold (Vice President):

206 Tours has been a huge part of my life ever since I was a child. Some of my earliest memories revolve around traveling with my mom to Medjugorje and accompanying her to the airport to see off pilgrimage groups. Back when you could still escort groups all the way to the airport gate, I would join Milanka whenever groups departed from New York, witnessing the excitement and anticipation of the pilgrims. I am so incredibly proud of all that my mom has accomplished. I have had the privilege of working alongside her for many years now as 206 Tours’ Vice President. This experience has deepened our relationship, requiring us to communicate and collaborate on an entirely new level. One of the greatest life lessons she has taught me is the power of perseverance and faith. Starting 206 Tours from scratch with unwavering belief, she showed me that no matter how challenging a situation may seem, if we push forward with hard work and trust, God will lead us to a solution. This lesson has profoundly shaped both my professional and personal life.

Pilgrimages have significantly deepened my personal relationship with the Lord by offering a reprieve from the distractions of daily life including work, social media, and daily routines. Stepping away from the familiar creates space for introspection and reflection, fostering a closer connection to God. I’ve personally witnessed the transformative impact of these spiritual journeys on our pilgrims’ lives, often in the form of graces they do not fully recognize until after they have returned home. I am deeply grateful to the entire 206 Tours team, as well as the priests and group leaders who have trusted our mission to guide their pilgrims over these 40 years. Their support has been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone. Looking ahead, my hope for 206 Tours is that we continue being a trusted ministry that helps pilgrims deepen their faith and encounter God in sacred places worldwide. God-willing, we will continue to expand our reach, explore new destinations, and make these transformative journeys accessible to even more people.

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Natasha Tosic (Sales & Operations Director):

For forty years, 206 Tours has paved the way for pilgrims around the world to encounter God in places marked by catholic faith and history.

As I pause to reflect on this milestone, I realize just how deeply this mission has shaped my own journey.

Over the past 23 years at 206 Tours, I’ve been stretched, my limits tested and ultimately learned to let go of my own small plans and trust instead in the greater purpose God Almighty and Our Blessed Mother have for me.

In serving pilgrims in so many different ways, I’ve witnessed lives transformed and spirits reignited—souls rediscovering their purpose, hearts set aflame, and lives awakened to the presence of the divine.

To be part of the 206 Tours team, even in small ways, has reshaped my sense of calling and grounded me in humility and gratitude. In the process, we learned to serve with grace and without complaint, keeping our eyes on the truth that the 206 Tours mission was always bigger than any one individual.

Alongside colleagues who have also given decades to this mission, I see how our shared dedication has allowed 206 Tours to endure, grow, and become more than just a pilgrimage company: a living witness of faith that continues to guide those who are looking to get closer to God and deepen their faith.

I give thanks each day to God for all that Milanka and 206 Tours have made possible—and I look forward with hope to the many lives it will continue to enrich in the years ahead. ❤

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Rinda Kanidinc (Director of Operations & Development):

For more than two decades, I have had the incredible privilege of working alongside Milanka and the amazing team at 206 Tours.

It’s a job that brings me happiness! Serving our pilgrims and making sure every detail of their spiritual journey is perfect has been a true joy.  I love being part of our pilgrims’ lives and witnessing how their journeys with 206 Tours touch them in profound ways.

Each morning, I come to work with a smile on my face, knowing I get to lead a team that truly proves “teamwork makes the dream work”.

Working with our incredible Priests, guides, and international teams abroad,  who are the heart of our mission is incredible and I’m so grateful for their dedication.

206 Tours has given me so many opportunities to travel to some of the most beautiful Catholic shrines in the world, including Fatima, Lourdes, and the Vatican. Feeling immense peace in Medjugorje, praying before the Black Madonna in Poland, and walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, I can go on and on. Throughout these journeys, I have had the great fortune of meeting so many of our wonderful pilgrims along the way.

I will never forget the experiences of attending Papal Audiences with three different Popes: St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and Pope Francis.

Walking the Spanish Camino through the beautiful Galicia mountains was challenging, however, a most incredibly rewarding adventure.

I will forever cherish all these beautiful and rewarding memories.

Congratulations to 206 Tours on 40 fantastic years! Milanka, thank you for making sure my journey at 206 Tours has been anything but boring. It’s been an absolute blessing being part of the 206 Tours family.

Love and gratitude,

Rinda Kanidinc
Director of Operations & Development

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Ronen Reinheimer (Art Director & Web Manager):

I have had the honor and pleasure of working for 206 Tours for over 15 years.

From the start, I could feel the friendly and family style business atmosphere in the office.

Working at 206 Tours is certainly challenging, but we have exceptional leadership and support from everyone in the office; It makes you feel that you are not alone and that objectives will be accomplished.

I think one of the main reasons I worked here so long, is the genuine love and caring that I always received from Milanka and Sandy. They really care about you, your family, and your personal issues. They helped me countless times throughout the years, and I know that I can always count on them – they are both very special human beings. 206 Tours is not a cookie-cutter company, they help to make special accommodations to help you when needed and when possible. It makes you feel like a human being and not just a cog in the system.

Another reason why 206 Tours is such an extraordinary company, is due to the fact that Milanka and Sandy pay extremely close attention to the small details in the business. From the very start when a client registers for a pilgrimage, to their experience during it and even after the tour is over, they make sure that every pilgrim is well take care of. Attention like this is very rare and is a testament their dedication and vision. If you need any proof, you can always read the thousands of personal reviews from our clients: www.206tours.com/letters

These are the some of the many reasons why 206 Tours has thrived for 40 years.

I will take this opportunity to thank Milanka, Sandy, our top brass and everyone in the 206 Tours family for making us such a success. May we have success for another 40 years!

Blessings to everyone,

Ronen

206 Tours Art Director & Web Manager

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Chris Wright (Operations Manager):

My journey to 206 Tours was a unique one. I came from a background as a sacristan, a history major, and even an insurance agent and claims adjuster. As a Catholic and an avid world traveler, I was looking for a role that combined my personal faith with my professional skills. Working at 206 Tours, a small, family-owned company, has been the perfect fit. I get to work on a wide range of critical projects—a huge plus for a tech hobbyist like me—and every day, I know my work is helping to guide thousands of pilgrims on their spiritual journeys. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of something so meaningful.

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Cara Camden (Account Manager):

I love working at 206 Tours. I started in 2017, and it is my dream job – one that I never thought I would be fortunate enough to have. My B.A. from Franciscan University is in Theology and History, so Catholic pilgrimage fits perfectly into my personal interests and areas of study. I had a couple of other jobs unrelated to the travel industry before 206 Tours, but due to all the circumstances that led me to 206, I have no doubt that getting a position here was divine intervention. I love traveling. Before I started at 206 Tours I had done a lot of traveling with family and friends, including to many holy sites, but I’d never traveled with the specific intention of being on pilgrimage. Now, I know firsthand that pilgrimage is transformative, if you approach it with a pilgrim’s heart. Our Lord reaches out to us first; we just have to respond. Going on my first 206 Tours pilgrimage was life changing. As I walked out of the Tel Aviv airport toward the bus on a beautiful spring evening, I very unexpectedly started to cry, realizing that I was on the same piece of land where Our Lord and Blessed Mother walked 2000 years ago. I’ll never be the same. I knew at that moment that I was in for something very special. When it comes to my daily work as an Account Manager, I am blessed to work with parishes, universities, and Catholic organizations, helping them to bring the blessings of pilgrimage to everyone who wants to travel on one of our tours. The professional relationships as well as friendships that have formed over the years have greatly enriched my life. I also love working with the team in the office. We are always helping and supporting one another and I love that. I look forward to coming to the office each day. The work we do is hard, and there have been many challenges over the past eight years here, but I would not trade it for anything. The rewards have vastly outweighed the difficulties, and anything I have given pales in comparison to what I have received. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the mission here and so thankful to Milanka for taking a chance on me. Ora et Labora!

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Liz Shea (Account Manager):

It is hard to believe it has been over 20 years since I started working at 206 Tours. I am very grateful to work for a company that values family life and has given me a great career, filled with professional and personal growth.

Working with our pilgrims, group leaders, spiritual leaders, and colleagues has been an inspirational and rewarding experience. It has been a great honor to be a part of our pilgrims’ spiritual journeys, and I truly feel God’s grace through them.

The years have been filled with friendship and faith, and I am grateful for all of them.

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Alexandra Bardales (Account Manager):

I can’t say enough good things about working at 206 Tours. I’ve grown so much here, and my faith has become stronger, helping me feel more connected to Our Lady. The work is challenging, which I love, and it really keeps my brain sharp. I’ve also met some of the most wonderful group leaders and clients, and my connections with them have honestly touched my heart. It’s not every day you get your first trip to Europe paid for—getting paid to travel is just incredible! The team here is amazing, and the story of how the company was founded is truly inspiring. We work hard, but it’s always so rewarding.

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Olivia Lambert (Assistant to Account Manager):

It is a gift to hold the stories and testimonies of our pilgrims! There are not many other jobs that invoke the call to prayer as this one does. It is an honor to pray for the intentions of pilgrims I have never met, and deeply humbling to have been entrusted with their stories.

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Sophie Petros (Assistant to Account Manager):

I love working for 206 Tours because it is deepening my Catholic faith, as well as providing me with the opportunity to help others grow in their relationship with Christ. After coming from a very secular workplace, I longed to work somewhere where my faith wasn’t just accepted, but valued and celebrated. Working in an environment where Catholicism is embraced allows me to be my true, authentic self and continually encourages me to strive for holiness. It’s very fulfilling to know that the work we do helps others encounter Christ in a deep and transformative way. Each task feels meaningful because it contributes to a larger mission, ensuring each pilgrim has a grace-fille journey in which they personally encounter our Lord. I’m especially grateful for my manager, who consistently models virtue and lives out her Catholic faith well. Her example, along with her leadership, inspires me to work diligently. I am blessed to work alongside her.

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John Schultz (Assistant to Account Manager):

As a new employee at 206 Tours, I am delighted to be part of this ministry and business! Although it is complicated and there is a lot to learn, it is thrilling to share in pilgrims’ excitement over their upcoming pilgrimages. I believe that 206 Tours is made up of a wonderful group of caring servants, and it is a pleasure to be part of the team!

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View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages

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This week, I returned to the Holy Land for the first time since the attacks of October 7, 2023. It is fitting that the day I arrived was the same day the Church celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has always watched over 206 Tours and our pilgrims. Through the gift of her “yes”, the Prince of Peace became incarnate in her womb. We continue to pray for the gift of His peace in our world and in our hearts.

What a powerful experience it was for me to arrive back at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This sacred place is where Christ overcame the grave. It continues to be enduring proof that nothing is impossible for God and it fills my heart with an awe I cannot begin to describe.

When booking a Pilgrimage with 206 Tours, you will have the option to include airfare in the total cost of your trip. You may be thinking… “Why should I book airfare with 206 Tours? Shouldn’t I shop around and see if I can find a cheaper rate on my own?”

The past few years have been very difficult for the Christian community here in the Holy Land. They rely primarily on tourism to support their families and that industry has suffered greatly due to wars and lockdowns. There have been Christians living in this region since the time of Christ, but they now make up only 1% of the population.

The conflicts in this region are complex and painful to observe, but we at 206 Tours decided many years ago to dedicate our focus to supporting the Christian communities of the Holy Land in whatever way possible.

For 40 years 206 Tours has provided jobs in the Pilgrimage field to local Christians, supported development opportunities, educational projects, and much more. We believe this is much better use of our time and resources than taking sides in disputes on history and politics. We have built strong, working relationships with incredible, faith-filled men and women who continue to live out the fortitude and faith of their ancestors, many of whom were the first followers of Christ.

I have been privileged to organize Pilgrimages to the Holy Land for several decades now. Even though I have visited many times, I am continually in awe of the impact traveling here has on one’s faith. Witnessing the Gospels come alive in these holy places is truly unforgettable and is something I hope every Christian can experience.

Helping pilgrims travel in the footsteps of Our Lord has long been an integral part of our mission of Pilgrimages. As of right now, 206 Tours’ pilgrims are scheduled to return at the end of this year. We hope and pray the peace of Christ, which surpasses all understanding, will safeguard the Christian community and these holy sites so that they can continue to inspire the faith of generations of pilgrims to come.

Join a Holy Land Pilgrimage: www.206tours.com/tour111

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When booking a Pilgrimage with 206 Tours, you will have the option to include airfare in the total cost of your trip. You may be thinking… “Why should I book airfare with 206 Tours? Shouldn’t I shop around and see if I can find a cheaper rate on my own?”

Here are a few reasons why booking your airfare with 206 Tours is the best way to go:

Round-trip Airfare: Rather than booking individual flights, our professional team can review all available flights with the most trusted airlines and book the dates and times that will work best for your trip. We are very familiar with what to expect with airlines, so we try to give ample time to account for delays and / or layovers. Our goal is that every flight will work seamlessly with your tour itinerary.

Travel from your Desired Airport: Many tour companies will expect you to book and pay for a separate flight on your own to get to the airport where you will meet up with your group before departing overseas. 206 Tours allows you to book airfare from your desired airport so that you can travel to your destination directly from your hometown. Your tour guide and fellow pilgrims will be there waiting for you when you arrive safely at your destination. No extra flights necessary!

Professional Assistance with Flight Complications: If you experience difficulties with your flight (extended delays, cancellations, etc.) contact our emergency line and we will do our best to assist you. However, our team only can help with flights that we have booked. If you choose to book your own flights, we will be limited in how we are able to assist you in that situation.

Deviations: Booking with 206 Tours allows you to add in flight deviations. This allows you to have greater flexibility with your travel plans such as the dates, times, and routing to be different from that of the rest of the tour group. Create a truly custom experience that allows you to design a Pilgrimage that meets your unique needs. Arrive early for sightseeing, stay a few extra days at your favorite holy site, or choose flights that are more convenient for your personal schedule. Our professional team will handle all the logistics so all you need to do is decide where and when you want to go.

Seat Assignments: International flights usually take a while and so you will want to be sure you get to sit near your loved ones. By booking airfare with 206 Tours, you will be able choose who you sit next to during your flight. This is included in the total cost of your flight. Our team will always do our best to accommodate special seating requests. 206 Tours is the only Pilgrimage provider that includes seat assignments as part of our airfare cost.

Luggage: You will need to bring more than just a personal item when traveling on a Pilgrimage. That is why we include 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on*. Many times, when booking airfare on your own, it may look like the flight is inexpensive, but they are not clear that baggage is not included. Then you must pay for baggage in addition to the cost of the flight. With 206 Tours, we will make sure that everything is included, so there are no surprises costs.

*Please note that luggage costs are not included for our tours traveling to Mexico, Canada, or the United States.

Airport Taxes and Fees: When you book airfare with 206 Tours, you can be assured that there will be NO hidden fees. We cover all airport taxes and fees and ensure that everything is included in your total flight cost. No last-minute charges, no unexpected additional costs. Everything is upfront in terms of the total cost at the time of booking.

When you book airfare with 206 Tours, you will have our professional team handling every part of your spiritual journey from start to finish. Say goodbye to headaches and travel anxiety and say hello to the best faith-based tour you have ever experienced. When reviewing the webpage for your desired Pilgrimage, you will be able to view the full list of trip inclusions so that you know everything that is included in the total cost of your tour. No surprises or guessing games here!

We want each of our pilgrims to have an exceptional experience when traveling with 206 Tours. For 40 years, we have built a stellar reputation of providing the highest quality Pilgrimages, while at the same time keeping everything transparent and affordable. We will never charge extra just to make a higher profit from our clients. We treat every one of our pilgrims as if they were members of our family.

View Our Pilgrimage Directory: www.206tours.com/pilgrimages

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