CHICAGO → MEDJUGORJE

The Journey to Medjugorje

A pilgrimage begins long before you arrive in Medjugorje. From the first preparations in Chicago to the days spent in prayer, reflection, and community, every part of the journey becomes part of the experience.
Explore the Journey
Medjugorje pilgrimage from Chicago with Blue Cross Tours

Your pilgrimage, day by day

A journey of faith.
Day by day.

From Chicago or your hometown to the quiet places of Medjugorje. Discover a journey with time for prayer, meaningful encounters, and moments of peace.

9 days Medjugorje
The Blue Cross and statue of Mary illuminated at night in Medjugorje
A place of prayer. A moment of peace.

A sample nine-day pilgrimage. Your confirmed itinerary, travel arrangements, meals, and visits will be provided for your chosen departure.

The itinerary Select a day to explore
Day 01 Your journey begins Chicago or your hometown → Europe

Depart from Chicago or your hometown for an overnight flight to Europe, beginning your pilgrimage to Medjugorje.

Take this time to rest, reflect, and prepare for the days ahead.

Day 02 Arrival & a warm welcome Europe → Medjugorje

Upon arrival in Europe, take a connecting flight to Split, Dubrovnik, or Sarajevo, where our guide will meet you at the airport.

Continue by motor coach to Medjugorje. Transfer time varies depending on your arrival airport and travel conditions.

Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy dinner. This evening is an opportunity to meet your fellow pilgrims and the host family who will welcome you during your stay.

Days 03–07 The Medjugorje experience Prayer, discovery & community

Begin with an orientation and introduction to Medjugorje. Our local guide will share its history and the accounts of the apparitions.

Each morning begins with breakfast. Lunch or dinner is also included each day, depending on the schedule.

During your stay, discover places of prayer and community, including:

  • Apparition Hill
  • The Blue Cross
  • Cross Mountain (Križevac)
  • Cenacolo Community

The Blue Cross is a cherished place of prayer and reflection for many pilgrims. Visits to other significant places in Medjugorje may also form part of your journey.

There will be opportunities to attend Mass in English, join the evening Rosary and Holy Mass in Croatian with translation available, and take part in Eucharistic Adoration according to the parish schedule.

These days offer time to deepen your faith, spend quiet moments in prayer, and experience the peace and community that make Medjugorje so special.

Day 08 Rest & reflection A little space to simply be

A free day to rest, reflect, and take in all you have experienced throughout your pilgrimage.

Spend quiet time in prayer, revisit a favorite place in Medjugorje, or simply enjoy the company of your fellow pilgrims.

After several meaningful days together, this is a chance to slow down, gather your thoughts, and prepare your heart for the journey home.

Day 09 Carry the peace home Farewells & your return journey

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, depart by motor coach for Dubrovnik, Split, or Sarajevo Airport for your return flights home.

As we say goodbye to Medjugorje, we hope you leave with lasting memories, renewed faith, and a heart full of peace and gratitude.

Every journey starts with a conversation.

Plan your pilgrimage
MORE THAN TRAVEL

The Pilgrimage Begins Before You Arrive

Traveling to Medjugorje is more than moving from one place to another. The journey begins when you decide to step away from familiar routines and make time for prayer, reflection, and faith.
For pilgrims traveling from Chicago, those first hours together — meeting the group, beginning the flight, sharing conversations, and preparing for what lies ahead — become part of the pilgrimage itself.
Blue Cross Tours helps bring the practical details together so you can enter the journey with greater peace of mind and focus on why you are going.

YOUR JOURNEY

From Chicago to Medjugorje, Step by Step

01 — Prepare

Before You Leave

Your pilgrimage begins with preparation. Travel information, practical guidance, and the details of your departure help you know what to expect before leaving Chicago.

02 — Travel

Begin the Journey Together

Meet fellow pilgrims and begin the international journey from Chicago. Traveling as a group creates a sense of community before you even reach Medjugorje.

03 — Arrive

Enter the Rhythm of Medjugorje

Once in Medjugorje, the pace changes. The days create space for prayer, Holy Mass, pilgrimage sites, fellowship, and quiet moments of personal reflection.

04 — Return

Carry the Journey Home

A pilgrimage does not necessarily end when you leave Medjugorje. The experiences, friendships, prayers, and memories of the journey often continue long after you return home.
Pilgrims gathered in prayer in front of the church in Medjugorje
IN MEDJUGORJE

Days Shaped Around Faith

There is no need to rush through Medjugorje. The pilgrimage experience is built around time — time to pray, walk, listen, reflect, and share the journey with others.
Depending on the pilgrimage program, days may include Holy Mass, Confession, Eucharistic Adoration, visits to important prayer sites, group activities, shared meals, and personal time.
The goal is not to fill every hour. It is to create enough structure to guide the journey while leaving space for the moments that cannot be planned.

PLACES OF PRAYER

At the Heart of Medjugorje

Some places naturally become part of the rhythm of a pilgrimage. In Medjugorje, prayer, walking, silence, and reflection come together at places that pilgrims return to throughout their journey.

01

St. James Church

A central gathering place for pilgrims and an important part of the prayer life of Medjugorje.

02

Apparition Hill

A rocky path walked slowly and prayerfully, with time for the Rosary and personal reflection.

03

Cross Mountain

A meaningful climb along the Stations of the Cross, offering time for prayer, silence, and reflection.

Visiting for the first time? Our practical guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and what to bring with you.

First-Time Pilgrim’s Guide
THE PEOPLE YOU TRAVEL WITH

A Journey Shared in Community

Some of the most meaningful parts of a pilgrimage happen between the scheduled moments.

A conversation during the journey, a shared meal, prayer with someone you have only recently met, or simply walking together can create friendships and memories that become part of the experience. Traveling as a group means you do not experience Medjugorje alone. The pilgrimage is personal, but it is also shared.

BEFORE YOU GO

Preparing for Your Pilgrimage

International travel and the physical nature of a pilgrimage require some preparation. A little planning before you leave makes it easier to focus on the journey once you arrive.

01

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain have rocky and uneven terrain, so suitable footwear is essential.

02

Travel & Personal Essentials

Bring your travel documents, personal medication, appropriate clothing, and the essentials you need for international travel.

03

Prepare for the Pace

Pilgrimage days can include regular walking, prayer, group activities, and time outdoors. Arrive ready to move at a steady, comfortable pace.

Read the First-Time Pilgrim’s Guide Traveling from Chicago? Read our guide
FIND YOUR PILGRIMAGE

Choose the Journey That Fits You

01 — CHICAGO

Pilgrimages from Chicago

Join an organized journey beginning in Chicago and experience Medjugorje as part of a community of pilgrims traveling together in faith.

Explore Chicago Pilgrimages
02 — GROUPS

Private & Group Pilgrimages

Planning a journey for your parish, family, church community, or private group? Explore a pilgrimage shaped around your group.

Explore Group Pilgrimages
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Every Pilgrimage Starts with a First Step.

Whether you are considering your first journey to Medjugorje or returning again, Blue Cross Tours is here to help you take the next step.
Explore Our Pilgrimages