pilgrimage to bulgaria, serbia, medjugorje, croatia & slovenia
$4,190 CAD | 14 days
Tab 1
Day
Location
Details
May 24
Departure for Sofia
Afternoon departure to Sofia.
May 25
Sofia
Afternoon arrival in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 26
Sofia
After breakfast we travel to the Rila Monastery, largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It was founded in the 10th century and today it houses around 60 monks. Afternoon we return to Sofia for dinner and overnight.
May 27
Sofia
Full day in Sofia. Our tour of the city takes us to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, iconic Bulgarian Orthodox church with Neo-Byzantine architecture & an underground museum. Continue to spectacular mediaeval Boyana church known for an interior covered in frescos dating from the late 10th century. Afternoon free time for leisure, dinner and overnight.
May 28
Belgrade
Today we travel to Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia. En route we stop in Nis, the second largest city of Serbia. Continue to Manasija monastery, walled 15th century Serbian Orthodox complex that retains some original, famed frescoes & its mosaic floor. Dinner and overnight in Belgrade.
May 29
Belgrade
Our tour of Belgrade includes Beogradska Tvrdava, an imposing fortress at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the old city and the Hram Svetog Save, Serbian Orthodox church. Afternoon some free time, dinner and overnight.
May 30
Medjugorje
This morning we depart to Medjugorje. En route we stop at Mostar to see mediaeval stone bridge over river Naretva. Upon arrival in Medjugorje dinner and overnight.
May 31
Medjugorje
Full day in Medjugorje. Time to visit the famous mountain of the Stations of the Cross and the Rosary Mountain. Mass, time for individual prayer, dinner and overnight.
June 1
Split
Today we travel to Split in Croatia. En route we visit Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean in Croatia. We tour the mediaeval old town surrounded by walls, we see Bell Tower, Pile Gate, Onofrio Fountain and Placa Stradun. Continue to Split for dinner and overnight.
June 2
Split
After breakfast our tour of Split includes the fortresslike complex of Diocletian’s Palace and beautiful old city full of churches, shops, bars and cafes. At noon we travel by a ferry to the Island of Hvar. We explore this charming Dalmatian island with history going back to Roman times. Late afternoon return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
June 3
Zadar / Ljubljana
After breakfast we depart to Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. En route we visit Zadar, a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsular old town. Dinner and overnight in Ljubljana.
June 4
Ljubljana
Full day in Ljubljana and its surroundings. In Ljubljana we visit the famous Prešernov Trg (or Square), the Church of the Annunciation and the Plecnik’s Triple Bridge. In the afternoon we travel to picturesque and mysterious Predjama Castle with its 800 years of history. Continue to world-famous Postojna Cave. Return to Ljubljana for dinner and overnight.
June 5
Stična / Bled / Ljubljana
Today we travel to Bled. En route we stop at Stična and its Cistercian Abbey, dated back to the 12th century and Slovenia’s oldest monastery. Continue to Brezje to visit the Mary Help of Christians Basilica, the largest pilgrimage church in Slovenia and Slovenia’s national shrine. In Bled we take a short boat ride to the Bled island and visit the picturesque Church of Assumption of Mary. Return to Ljubljana for dinner and overnight.
June 6
Return to Toronto
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Toronto. Afternoon arrival.
What is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline. We accept registration on a “first-come-first serve” basis. There is always a limited number of spaces available and as soon as we sell them – the group is completed. To avoid disappointment please register as soon as you decide.
When is the final payment?
Usually it is 60 days before departure, but there are some exceptions for non-standard tours. Your invoice will indicate clearly when your payments are due.
What happens with my deposit when you cancel a group?
In a very unlike situation when we have to cancel a group for reasons out of our control, your deposit is protected and fully refundable. When you cancel on your own please make sure that your non-refundable deposit is protected by your own insurance.
Can I request a specific seat on a flight?
For the group reservations the airlines don't give us an option of selecting specific seats. When your ticket is issued your seat is guaranteed, but usually not printed on the e-ticket. However, you can always check-in online 24 hours before departure and change your seat based on availability.
Tell me which hotels we will be staying?
We always book best, first-class hotels. We frequently check them for best quality. Hotels are confirmed about two months before departure and we will give you all details in the final itinerary
I'm traveling alone & don't have a roommate. What should I do?
Please register ASAP. We will take a note of your request and will try to match you with another passenger willing to share. Other options are single room (with a supplement) or forming a triple room if you know another two people willing to share.
I have several food allergies. Can I request a special menu?
Please let us know about your food restrictions. We will order special meals for your flights, if available. All breakfasts and some dinners at the destinations are buffets, so you can select food by yourself. The restaurants at the destinations will do their best to offer you individual alternate to standard set menus for the group. You will need to communicate your needs through tour leaders.
What is eTA? Does it apply to me?
If you are Canadian or US citizen – no need to worry. It applies to citizens of other countries. They will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Be prepared: Apply for an eTA before you book your flight to Canada. Most applicants get approved within minutes. However, some applications can take several days to process so don’t wait until the last minute. Apply and get help at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start-int.asp
**THE ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY IN THE ORDER YOU VISIT**