CATHOLIC WALKS
Catholic Pilgrim Leader
Extensive Pilgrimage Experience
Extensive Pilgrimage Experience
Emmanuel Holidays is the industry leader in custom-tailored catholic pilgrimages of the highest quality.
Extensive Pilgrimage Experience
Extensive Pilgrimage Experience
Extensive Pilgrimage Experience
Emmanuel Holidays has been arranging pilgrimages for the Catholic Church since 2006.
Working with a range of dioceses, religious organizations, clergy, and parishioners has taught us a lot about guiding pilgrimages.
Expertise in Planning
Expertise in Planning
Expertise in Planning
Our tour guides will help you plan your journey from start to finish. Regardless of your group's location, our trained staff and global partners will be there for you every step of the way.
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Expertise in Planning
Expertise in Planning
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central europe (10 NIGHTS/11 DAYS) AUG 14 TO AUG 24, 2022
ITINERARY: DAYS 4 & 5
ITINERARY: DAYS 4 & 5
ITINERARY: DAYS 4 & 5
DAY 4: VIENNA
Following the morning Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral, we join our guide for a walk through the Holberg, winter residence of the Hapsburg Emperors. We visit the 17th century Capuchin Church containing the Imperial Vaults, then stop at the Hundertwasser house with its colorful facades and golden onion towers. This afternoon we visit the Palace of Schonbrunn, the Hapsburg summer residence. The rest of the day is free for shopping or individual exploration.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Vienna.
DAY 5: VIENNA/PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
After breakfast, we depart Vienna and drive to Prague, where we visit its many beautiful churches and see its religious treasures. At the Prague Loreto, we celebrate Mass at the Church of the Nativity of our Lord or at the chapel, a replica of the Holy House. We view the famous "Prague Sun". The Prague Sun is the most valuable object in a collection of the Loreto treasure. It is so-called a diamond monstrance of a sun shape made of high gilded silver from 1699. It weighs over 12 kg and it is decorated by 6222 diamonds. We briefly visit the Strahov Monastery complex: The Basilica of Our lady of the Assumption and its vast library collections in the Theological Hall. We proceed to St. Nicholas Church (Mala Strana), one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Prague, where Mozart's spectacular masterpiece, Mass in C, was first performed.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Prague.
DAYS 6 & 7
ITINERARY: DAYS 4 & 5
ITINERARY: DAYS 4 & 5
DAY 6: PRAGUE
This morning, we visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious. We view the famous statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague, originally from Spain and donated to the Carmelites in 1628. We visit the museum to see part of the Infant Jesus ’wardrobe, most of which are gifts of gratitude. The vestments of the Infant Jesus are traditionally changed about ten times a year, according to the liturgical season. Afterward, we tour Castle Hill and visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Vladislav Hall and Golden Lane. Our afternoon tour of Prague will include the Old Town with Astronomical clock, Our Lady before Tyn Church, Jewish Quarter and Charles Bridge.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Prague.
DAY 7: PRAGUE/KRAKOW, POLAND
After an early breakfast, we depart Prague and travel to Poland. En route, we stop by Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope St John Paul II. We will visit the parish church where the Holy Father was baptized, then visit the museum in his small family home. We proceed to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Benedictine Monastery where the Holy Father often prayed and walked the Stations of the Cross.
We continue our drive to Krakow and transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAYS 8 & 9
DAYS 10 & 11
DAYS 10 & 11
DAY 8: KRAKOW- ‘THE POLISH ROME"/LAGIEWNKI
This morning we visit the Church of St Florian, where Pope John Paul II served as a curate, and where he lived while serving as a university chaplain. Afterwards, we meet our guide and begin our sightseeing tour of Krakow. Our first stop in the courtyard of 16th century Royal Castle, and Wawel Cathedral, where generations of Polish Kings are buried. We then take a walking tour of Old Town, visiting some of the treasures of this wonderful old city. We view the Town Hall
Tower and the Cloth Hall, the Collegium Maius in the oldest university area and St. Mary’s Church. Here we enjoy the ancient tradition of the "Hejnal" or bugle call from the Tower, which warned residents of the coming of an enemy. Afterwards, we drive to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki. We visit the Basilica, see the convent and meet with the Sisters there. At 3PM we pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and celebrate Mass at the chapel where the miraculous Divine Mercy image and the tomb of St. Faustina can be found. Before returning to Krakow, we stop at the nearby Shrine of Saint John Paul II and see the Holy Father's relics.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Krakow.
DAY 9: KRAKOW/CZESTOCHOWA/WARSAW
We depart early this morning and travel to Czestochowa. We celebrate Mass at the Jasna Gora Shrine, the home of the miraculous icon of Our lady of Czestochowa. According to tradition, the famous Icon was painted by St Luke on a tabletop built by Jesus. It was discovered by St. Helena during her search of the true cross in Jerusalem and was enshrined in Constantinople. It remained in a royal palace in Ruthenia for 600 years, then finally transferred to Jasna Gora and entrusted to Pauline monks in the 14th century. We tour the shrine and after some free time on our own for prayer and meditation, we proceed to Warsaw.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Warsaw
DAYS 10 & 11
DAYS 10 & 11
DAYS 10 & 11
DAY 10: KRAKOW/WARSAW
Early morning, after breakfast, we will start our guided tour of Warsaw, the capital of Poland! The city is unique, located in the center of Europe and at the junction of the trade roads from the West to the East and from the North to the South of the continent. You will find yourselves fascinated by the history and atmosphere of this magnificent city, where tradition meets modernity. We’ll visit Royal Castle, St. John’s Cathedral, Old Market Square, Holy Cross Church, Jesuit Church, Palace of Culture and Science. After lunch, you’ll visit Wilanów Residence built in the 17th century for one of the Polish kings. It consists of an impressing Baroque palace and gardens, sculptures, and numerous buildings.
Dinner and overnight in Warsaw.
DAY 11: WARSAW/USA
After breakfast, you will have some free time this morning. Then we’ll transfer to the airport in Warsaw to board our flight to the USA arriving later with memories of a lifetime.
Emmanuel Holidays holy land Pilgrimage
Holy Land
The Holy Land allows you to see the Scriptures come alive and see where Jesus began his ministry. This journey will truly enlighten your prayers and your understanding of what you are praying for. We will follow in the footsteps of Jesus and discover this unique a spiritual land with visits to Tiberias, Cana, Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Holy Land Programme
Please see below for a detailed description of the towns and places we visit on our Holyland trip. The programme below is a sample programme. For specific dates and a detailed programme please see our price list.
Jerusalem
Pater Noster Church built in the 4th century, stands on the original site where Jesus taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer. The Via Dolorosa, also known at the Path of Sorrow, is traditionally known as the road that Jesus carried the Cross to Calvary. The road starts where Jesus was tried and convicted and condemned to be crucified. The 14 Stations of the Cross are based on events that occured while Jesus was carrying the Cross to Calvary. We will walk the Via Dolorosa to the site where He was crucified on the Hill of Golgotha. Situated on the Hill of Golgotha stands the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Known as the holiest place in the Christian world, the church stands on the site where Jesus was crucified and the tomb in which He was buried. The room of the Last Supper is located above the Tomb of David and Mount Zion. It is believed to be the room where Jesus and His Disciples shared His last supper the night before his capture.
Garden of Gethsemane
Located directly next to the Church of All Nations lies the Garden of Gethsemane. According to Christian tradition the Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus spent His last night. After the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples left the city of Jerusalem and travelled here where they prayed until the guards, led by Judas, came to arrest Jesus.
Bethlehem
Located just 5 miles from Jerusalem lies the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. One of the oldest surviving churches in Bethlehem is the Church of the Nativity. Built over a grotto, it is believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. Close to Manger Square lies the Milk Grotto. This is where Mary, St. Joseph and Baby Jesus took refuge from Herod's soldiers while fleeing to Egypt. Located 2km from Bethlehem, lies the Shepherds Fields. Traditionally it is said that the Angels of the Lord visited the shepherds in these fields to inform them of Baby Jesus' birth. The churches of St. Jerome and the Holy Innocents are located in Bethlehem also.
Galilee
The Mount of Beatitudes is located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. According to tradition, this is the location where Jesus delivered His most important sermon, the "Sermon on the Mount." Today, there stands a Franciscan Church on the original site.
Tabgha
Located in Tabgha is the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fish. According to tradition this is the site where Jesus miraculously multiplied 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish into enough food to feed 5000 people. See the church with its beautiful mosaics of fish and a bread basket symbolising this miracle.
Capernaum
Capernaum was Jesus' home base during his ministry. The Apostles also lived here. See the ruins of the local Synagogue that Jesus taught in and also the excavations of St. Peter's mother in law's house.
Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor also known as the Mount of Transfiguration, is believed to be the site of the transfiguration where an exchange took place between Jesus with Elijah and Moses.
Cana
North of Nazareth lies the village of Cana, the location where Jesus performed His first miracle. Jesus turned a large quantity of water into wine when the wine ran out at a wedding He and His disciples were attending.
Nazareth
The Basilica of the Annunciation is located in the heart of the city of Nazareth. It is said to be built over the site of the Virgin Mary’s house and where Angel Gabriel told Our Lady that she would give birth to Jesus. The current building of St. Joseph’s Church was constructed in 1914. This small church stands over the remains of St. Joseph’s carpentry workshop and the house of the Holy Family. It contains storage pits that may date back from the time of Jesus. Visit also the Cave, home of the Holy Family and also Mary's Well, which was the main source of water for the city and where it is believed that Mary fetched water and bathed Baby Jesus.
Emmanuel holidays - Medjugorje pilgrimage
Medjugorje Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages to Medjugorje usually begin at Easter and continue through to October with pilgrims generally avoiding the hot summer months. Apparition Hill, where the apparitions began, is the focus for most pilgrims, here they ascend to its summit to join in prayer and refection.
Since 1981, in a small village in Bosnia-Herzegovina named Medjugorje, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing and giving messages to the world. In Her own words She tells us, "I have come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you must return to God". The following is an account of the beginning of the Apparitions.
On the 24th June 1981, on the hill known as Podbrdo (Apparition Hill) six children, Ivanka Ivankovic, Mirjana Dragicevic, Vicka Ivankovic, Ivan Dragicevic, Ivan Ivankovic and Milka Pavlovic saw a beautiful young Woman carrying a little child in her arms. They were frightened at what they saw and did not come closer, even though the Woman beckoned them closer. They knew this Woman was Our Lady.
The following day, the 25th of June 1981, the children went to the same place where Our Lady had appeared the previous day in hope of seeing Her again. However, the group of children had changed somewhat; Ivan Ivankovic and Milka Pavlovic were replaced by two others, Marija Pavlovic and Jakov Colo. With the flash of a light, the six children looked up and saw Our Lady, this time without the child. When they reached Her, they fell to their knees and began to pray with Our Lady. Before Our Lady left the children, She said, "God be with you my angels!" There has been only 5 days where no apparitions occurred. Medjugorje has been a place of peace, hope and inspiration for many. The Word of God is alive in Medjugorje as well as conversion.
Medjugorje Programme
This programme is subject to change depending on the availability of the visionaries and the priests of the Parish.
Upon arrival in Medjugorje you will be taken to your accommodation and introduced to your host family.
After breakfast, attend Holy Mass. There will be an opening meeting and introduction to shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace.
At the Statue Of The Risen Lord attend a prayer service.
Meet with the guides at the statue of Our Lady to walk through the vineyards, to the Hill of Apparitions (Podbrdo). Listen to the story of the first days of the apparitions and then climb, in prayer, to the site of the first apparition.
Your guides will take you to meet with one of the visionaries for a talk on the messages of Our Lady.
Climb up the Cross Mountain (Krizevac); there we will pray the Stations of the Cross as we make our way to the summit.
Visit St. Francis Garden to conduct our closing meeting. Following the meeting, visit The Mothers Village. In the afternoon visit the Blue Cross, at the base of Apparition Hill, a very special place of many Apparitions of Our Lady.
The coaches will collect you from your houses and will depart for the airport and your return flight. Our transfers always include our own guides who will take excellent care of you.
Photo Gallery
emmanuel holidays - Shrines of Quebec
Shrines of Quebec Pilgrimages
The Cathedrals, Churches and Chapels of Montreal and Quebec reveal an expression of the deep faith of the people and history of Quebec. We will visit the Basilica of St. Anne in Beaupre. St. Anne is the mother of Our Lady and the patron saint of Canada. The first chapel dedicated to her was built in 1658 and houses the miraculous statue of St. Anne. From the year the chapel was built, many miraculous healings have been reported. The pillars at the entrance to the Basilica are covered with crutches and canes from people who have experienced miraculous healings. In Quebec we will visit the Notre Dame du Cap. Located on the banks of St. Lawrence River, it is the largest Marian shrine in North America. The Basilica was built in 1720 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. A miraculous bridge of ice enabled its construction, which is the first miracle attributed to the Basilica. During our pilgrimage of Canada we will also see the Notre Dame Basilica and St. Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal. Our extensive pilgrimage will invite you to enter into the prayerful spirit of French Canada.
Shrines of Quebec Programme
Please see below for a detailed description of our pilgrimage to Quebec. For specific dates and a detailed itinerary please see our price grid.
Beaupre
The first chapel dedicated to St. Anne was built in 1658 and houses the miraculous statue of St. Anne. From the year the chapel was built, many miraculous healings have been reported. The pillars at the entrance to the Basilica are covered with crutches and canes from people who have experienced miraculous healings. Nearby we can visit the Cyclorama. The Cyclorama is a 360 degree panorama depicting the crucifixition of Jesus and the countryside surrounding Jerusalem. A day trip to Grosse Ile is also included. Located in the St Lawrence River, this island is sacred to the memory of 6,000 Irish Famine exiles buried there. It is estimated about 500,000 Irish passed through this quarantine station between 1832 and 1937 on their way to Canada.
Cap de la Madeline
In Cap de la Madeline we will visit the Notre Dame du Cap. Located on the banks of St. Lawrence River, it is the largest Marian shrine in North America. The Basilica was built in 1720 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. A miraculous bridge of ice enabled its construction, which is the first miracle attributed to the Basilica.
Montreal
During our time in Montreal we will visit the Shrine of St Joseph on Mount Royal. Built in 1904, Canada's largest church was founded by St. Bro. Andre and many miracles have been attributed to it. See his tomb, his accommodation and the original chapel. Visit also the Notre Dame Basilica dedicated to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin. St. Patrick's Basilica opened on St. Patricks Day in 1847. The basilica has historic links with the Irish in Canada as it served the needs of Irish immigrants who fled to Canada to escape the famine. We will also take in a panoramic tour of the city.
emmanuel holidays - Our Lady of Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe Programe
Itinerary
Day
1
Depart for Mexico City
Make your way to your local airport where you will board your flight(s) to Mexico City. Upon arrival, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrival's Hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. Transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time before celebrating Mass and dinner. Overnight in Mexico City.
Day
2
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and San Juan Teotihuacan
After breakfast, depart for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Patroness of the Americas), by way of the Plaza of the Three Cultures. You will first visit the Church of Santiago Tlatelolco where St. Juan Diego was baptized. This plaza is important as it symbolizes the unique blend of the pre-Hispanic, and Hispanic cultures that make up Mexico. Continue to the Shrine of Guadalupe, built in response to Our Lady's request to the visionary, St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Upon arrival at the Shrine, you will celebrate Mass as you marvel at the brilliantly colored Basilica. Following Mass, join the other pilgrims as you kneel in front of the "Tilma", where Our Lady's image was miraculously imprinted. Following this visit, you will make your way to San Juan Teotihuacan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to mythology, this site was chosen to be the center of the universe, and from then on, it became a prominent political and religious center from the second century until the ninth century. While in San Juan Teotihuacan, you will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the Archaeological zone. View the pyramids of the Sun and Moon and learn how the Aztecs used to work the obsidian stone and the multiple uses of the Maguey Plant. Your fun-filled busy day will culminate with a delicious dinner and an overnight at your hotel.
Day
3
Mexico City
This morning, your day will begin with breakfast, followed by Mass at the Holy Family Church, where you will view the tomb of Fr. Miguel Agustin Pro, the Jesuit martyr. In a time of great religious persecutions, Fr. Pro was exiled from Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. However, he returned to Mexico and was aided by a secret ministry who helped him hide from authorities. During his time in Mexico, he assisted many individuals in their spiritual, as well as temporal, needs. He was eventually discovered, arrested and killed by authorities. While at the Holy Family Church, you may pray to this great martyr who remained filled with the joy of serving Our Lord even in the midst of very difficult times. You will also visit the small but very inspiring Museum dedicated in honor of Father Pro. There will be time for a prayer and a special blessing. After this visit, you will tour the oldest and largest cathedral in all of Latin America, the Metropolitan Cathedral. Throughout your time in the cathedral, you will be overwhelmed by the stunning paintings, altar pieces, and statues. Your tour continues with a transfer to the National Palace. This extraordinary palace has been a building of the ruling class of Mexico since the Aztec Empire's rule. During this visit, you will be able to view some amazing murals painted by Diego Rivera. Continue the day with a visit to the Plaza of Santo Domingo. This plaza contains two Holy places that are architecturally exquisite; the Church of Santo Domingo, the first church built by the Dominicans in 1576 and; the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Rosary Shrine in Mexico. Additionally, you will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Covadonga, the headquarters of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. This Shrine is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Asturias (Spain). Return back to your hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and rest before the next day of activities.
Day
4
Excursion to Puebla
A fun-filled day is ahead. Enjoy a spectacular drive to what is known as Mexico's most beautify city - Puebla. On your ride, you will climb to over 10,000 feet above sea level, and view two magnificent peaks; one that is covered with snow and the other that is an active volcano. Upon arrival in Puebla, a typical cultural lunch is waiting. Following lunch, visit Puebla's Cathedral St. Dominic's Church, and its Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, along with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, where you will view the incorrupt body of St. Sebastian of Aparicido. Return to Mexico City for dinner and an overnight.
Day
5
Church of Tulpetlac - Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
After breakfast, transfer to the Church of the 5th Apparition, where the Blessed Virgin Maria de Guadalupe appeared to Juan Bernardino, Juan Diego's uncle. Here you can find a well of healing water which locals drink from. Next, a return visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to attend Mass, and bid farewell to Mary the Mother of God. Free time in the afternoon before dinner and you last overnight in Mexico.
Day
6
Return Home (*or Optional Post Stay in Mexico City or Cancun / Riviera Maya)
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight(s) home. You will say farewell to friends and a pilgrimage that will last in your memory for years to come.