What is a Pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is more than just a journey—it’s a sacred quest for spiritual growth. Whether you seek to visit holy sites or venerate a saint, a pilgrimage invites you to deepen your relationship with God. It’s not about endurance or struggle—it’s about intentional travel that nurtures your faith and spirit.
The Challenges of European Pilgrimages
Traditional pilgrimage travel through the interior of Europe can be taxing. In countries like Germany, Austria, and Portugal, sacred sites are often scattered farther apart, making bus travel challenging and time-consuming. Long bus rides, multiple hotel changes, and tight schedules frequently leave less room for prayer and reflection than desired. Still, the interior of Europe is full of notable stops for Catholic pilgrims, and it would be a shame to miss them. That’s why Select sought a better way to see these important sites.
Introducing the Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruise
In 2018, Select International Tours revolutionized the pilgrimage market by pioneering a new way to travel on pilgrimages. We introduced a brand new concept in pilgrimage travel with Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruises. This innovative approach combines the convenience of European river cruising with the spiritual depth of a pilgrimage. Settle into comfortable staterooms and sail comfortably for 6 or 7 nights without changing hotels. Enjoy a delicious all-inclusive meal and beverage program while waking up each day in a new destination. Explore the deep Catholic heritage of Europe at a less taxing pace, with daily Mass, an Adoration space on the ship, and sunset daily Rosary on the ship’s deck.
Why Choose a Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruise?
- Travel with Ease: No more long bus rides or frequent hotel changes. Sail to your next destination while you sleep, waking up each day ready to explore a new city.
- More Time for Prayer: On board, you can enjoy dedicated spaces for prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- A Catholic-First Experience: With entire ships chartered just for Catholic pilgrims, every aspect of your journey—Masses, reflections, retreats, and spiritual programs—is designed to deepen your faith.
- Share Your Journey with Like-Minded People: You can rest easy knowing that everyone on board shares your faith and is on a pilgrimage, too. This will make dinner conversations easier and new friendships more likely.
- Explore Sacred Sites: Visit the most revered Catholic destinations across Europe, including shrines, basilicas, monasteries, abbeys, and historic cathedrals—at a pace that allows for proper reflection.
What Makes This Different?
Unlike general cruises, Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruises offer a purposeful, faith-filled journey from start to finish. Chartering an entire ship means Select International Tours can ensure that your group has the space to reflect and pray on board without retreating to your stateroom. It also allows many group leaders to offer on-board retreats and talks. Because everyone on board shares your faith, even your daily meals are perfect times to share your faith journey with fellow pilgrims. Focusing on prayer, community, and faith, this cruise is tailored to help you grow closer to God.
Another key aspect that sets a pilgrimage cruise apart from a more traditional group pilgrimage is the level of service you can expect while traveling. The ships’ Select uses are floating five-star hotels. They employ world-class chefs and service staff that cater to your every need. The modern and comfortable accommodations allow you to rest peacefully each night when returning from touring. The food on board is exquisite, and the scenery from your bedroom and the dining room changes daily as your ship floats gently down the river.
Pricing
While the prices for the Pilgrimage Cruises are generally higher than prices for the land programs, they also include ALL meals, including a sumptuous buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and a four-course sit-down dinner, accompanied by a choice of local wines or beer at meals. Some of our cruises include all beverages and a 24-hour cookies and coffee station.
Smithsonian Journeys vs. Select Pilgrimages
Recently, we discovered that Smithsonian Journeys, the gold standard in group travel, charters some of the same ships we do. In comparison pricing, our cruises include more features at a considerably lower price for a similar itinerary on the same ship. You decide what works best for you.
Is a Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruise Right for You?
If you’re seeking a spiritual adventure that combines sightseeing with prayer, peace, and reflection, this is the pilgrimage you’ve been waiting for. It’s the perfect way to travel with fellow pilgrims who share your faith and desire to grow spiritually.
Set Sail on a Journey of Faith
A Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruise is your chance to embrace a deeper spiritual connection while exploring Europe’s most sacred sites. Experience the beauty, history, and holiness of our Catholic Faith—all while traveling in comfort and peace.
Are you ready to embark on the pilgrimage of a lifetime? Book your Catholic Pilgrimage River Cruise today and transform your journey of faith!
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