Group Pilgrimages with Joe Walsh Tours www.joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0800 info@joewalshtours.ie
Sanctuary Square, Fátima, Portugal Fátima is a renowned place of pilgrimage, home to one of the world s most famous Shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Introducing Joe Walsh Tours Joe Walsh Tours is Ireland s longest established tour operator and leading full service group travel company providing exceptional service and support worldwide. We have an extensive network of five European offices alongside two North American branches, staffed with over 100 members. Our excellent reputation within the tourism sector has been cemented over 57 years delivering outstanding quality services to our pilgrims worldwide. Our customers come from all corners of the world, and year on year we continue to expand our reach. We work hard to understand each group s unique interests and requirements and plan each pilgrimage accordingly. We can tailor-make an itinerary to exceed your group s expectations. We firmly believe Joe Walsh Tours are uniquely placed to look after all your travel requirements worldwide. Contents 4 Why become a group leader? 5 The Camino 6 Holy Land 7 Lourdes 8 Medjugorje 9 Ireland 10 Fátima 11 Shrines of Europe 12 Shrines of France 13 Shrines of Poland 14 Shrines of Italy 15 Get in touch Say Hello We are located at 143 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2, so please don t hesitate to call in and discuss your group s pilgrimage! San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy info@joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0800 www.joewalshtours.co.uk 3
Why become a Group Leader? Mary Magdalene Convent on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem By serving the needs of pilgrimage groups for 57 years, we know that each group is unique. We can help you create a perfectly organised pilgrimage, designed to meet the precise requirements of your community. Organising a group pilgrimage is not an easy task. With our resources, contacts and experience, we can take the stress off your shoulders and help you make the most of your experience. Incentives We offer free places for group organisers based on group numbers. We reward organisers for their dedicated work in making their group journey possible. Manage Your Booking Professional help in organising, managing and booking your pilgrimage. We cater for special requests and take some of the load off your shoulders so you can minimise the administrative tasks and focus on spiritual matters. Security We are a fully bonded and licensed tour operator. All our packages are protected under the Joe Walsh Tours license issued by the Commission for Aviation Regulation in Ireland and the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK. 4 www.joewalshtours.ie Fully Escorted Tours Our tours are fully escorted with professional English speaking guides, who will look after your group every step of the way. Travel Insurance We have a travel insurance policy covering passengers up to 86 years of age and pilgrims with pre-existing illnesses. This opens up opportunities to more of your community members wishing to embark on a spiritual journey. Promotional Material We provide free promotional materials to help promote your tours, ensuring that all the important points and benefits of your pilgrimage are highlighted to your community clearly and efficiently.
Camino de Santiago, Spain Diary Dates Return flights from airport of choice with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative A local English speaking guide is provided for the walking route All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation for the selected number of nights Assistance of Joe Walsh Tours representatives throughout Group leaders travel for free NEW TOUR - 2019 - July 25 th Feast of St. James, patron saint of Spain (Galicia) July 31 st Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola Explore Northern Spain The Camino The Camino is a network of paths which leads to Santiago de Compostela. The route originated as a pilgrimage to the tomb of St James. The French Way is by and large the most popular route, with the last section from Sarria, ending in Santiago de Compostela, the most walked. With a group of 15 or more, Joe Walsh Tours can organise a trip for you at any time of the year. April, May or September are recommended as the weather is mild with less chance of rainfall. Sample Tours Our itinerary sees you spend 4 nights in the town of Lugo and 3 nights in Santiago. We will transfer you to and from the walk each morning and afternoon. This means you don t need to pack your bags and check-out each morning before walking which adds a little more comfort to your Camino. Our local guide s expertise will also help to ensure you have a valuable and enriching experience whilst walking the Camino. our Camino specialist Martin Toomey; martin.toomey@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0820 www.joewalshtours.co.uk 5
Walk in the footsteps of Jesus, The Holy Land Jersualem, The Holy Land A lifetime experience that brings the scriptures to life as you follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Since the 4 th century, Christians have been making pilgrimages to the Holy Land as a special way to come to know the sites connected to the life, birth and crucifixion of Jesus. The Holy Land is an incredibly spiritual and important place to numerous people all over the world, from many different religions. Joe Walsh Tours are delighted to offer a selection of fully escorted pilgrimage packages to the Holy Land in Autumn. Joe Walsh Tours offers departure dates for 8-10 night tours throughout the year. We advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Sample Tours Pilgrimage; 4 nights Jerusalem/ Bethlehem and 4 nights Tiberias Cultural Tour; 4 nights Tiberias and 4 nights Jerusalem our Holy Land specialist Yvonne Maguire; yvonne.maguire@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0892 Travel Tips October is one of the best times to visit the Holy Land as temperatures are pleasantly mild throughout the country. Return flights to Tel Aviv, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in The Holy Land for the selected number of nights English speaking Christian guides throughout the pilgrimage Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage 6 www.joewalshtours.ie
A place of prayer & reflection, Lourdes Lourdes, France Lying in the foothills of the Pyrénées, the small town of Lourdes is famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. Each year, we prepare a comprehensive pilgrimage programme including masses, ceremonies and processions. Our extensive pilgrimage programme caters to a vast selection of diocesan, group, parish and individual pilgrimage options. Pilgrims can choose from a wide variety of packages, from short breaks to weeklong pilgrimages, all of which are led by a Spiritual Director. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included on all of our Lourdes Pilgrimages. All of the hotels we use are located within walking distance of the Sanctuary. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous weekly departures from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales between the months of April and October. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your places. our Lourdes specialist Therese Malone; therese.malone@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0805 Diary Dates February 11 th Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes April 16 th Feast of Saint Bernadette August 15 th Feast of the Assumption December 8 th Feast of the Immaculate Conception Direct, return flights from Ireland/UK to Tarbes-Lourdes Airport, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in Lourdes for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage www.joewalshtours.co.uk 7
Diary Dates Medjugorje, Bosnia & Herzegovina June 25 th the 37 th Anniversary of Our Lady s Apparitions July 25 th Feast of St. James, patron saint of Medjugorje parish 30 th July - August 1 st The 29 th Youth Festival September 9 th Holy Mass on Cross Mountain Return flights from Ireland or the UK to Medjugorje, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Accommodation in Medjugorje for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage and led by Philip Ryan A place of spirituality & serenity, Medjugorje Six children from this small village located in the southwest of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported a series of visions of Our Lady that began on 24 th June 1981 and still continue today. St. James s Church is the central place of worship in Medjugorje and the Apparition Hill is climbed by most pilgrims visiting the Shrine. Along the path, a wooden cross marks the site where the Virgin made the first call to peace. Pilgrims travelling to Medjugorje can choose from short breaks to week-long pilgrimages. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous weekly departures from Ireland and the UK between April and October. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Medjugorje & the Croatian Coast Why not combine your group s stay in Medjugorje with time in the sun on the stunning Croatian Coast? Enquire today! our Medjugorje specialist Louise Cronin; louise.cronin@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0842 8 www.joewalshtours.ie
Explore enchanting heritage in Ireland Dunquin Pier, Co. Kerry Joe Walsh Tours have combined some of the most fascinating destinations in Ireland and the expertise of the most knowledgeable local guides to offer you the opportunity to delve deep into the roots of Irish history, culture and spirituality. Discover the variety of our fully escorted comprehensive tour itineraries providing you with first-hand insights into the ways that our cultural heritage has shaped Ireland into the modern country that it is today, with its well preserved traditions and unique character that continues to fascinate it s guests. Travel Tip Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland experiences unpredictable weather! Pack a raincoat to ensure you don t get caught in any showers! Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous departures to Ireland from selected airports in the UK and North America. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your places. our Ireland specialist Celine Bui; celine.bui@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0844 Diary Dates February 1 st Feast Day of St. Bridget March 17 th St. Patrick s Day August 21 st Anniversary of the Apparitions November 1 st All Saints Day December 8 th Feast of the Immaculate Conception Return flights from selected airports in UK/USA/Canada to Ireland, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in Ireland for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage Land Only packages also available www.joewalshtours.co.uk 9
A place of devotion & respect, Fátima, Portugal Fátima Located north of Lisbon, in central Portugal, Fátima is renowned for the events of 1917 in which three shepherd children witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary on 13 th May and on the 13 th day of the five following months. The sanctuary built to commemorate these events is dominated by the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a magnificent church that overlooks a large open plaza where millions of pilgrims gather throughout the year. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous weekly departures from Ireland and the UK between the months of April and October. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Fátima and Sun Options Why not combine your group s pilgrimage in Fátima with some relaxing time relaxing to soak up the sun in Estoril? Enquire today! our Fátima specialist Therese O Connor; therese.oconnor@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0823 Diary Dates May 13 th Date of First Apparition June 13 th Date of Second Apparition July 13 th Date of Third Apparition August 13 th Date of Fourth Apparition September 13 th Date of Fifth Apparition October 13 th Date of Sixth and Final Apparition, Feast of Our Lady of Fátima Return flights from Ireland/UK to Fátima, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in Fátima for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage 10 www.joewalshtours.ie
A journey of faith, Shrines of Europe Avila, Spain Diary Dates February 11 th Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes July 25 th Feast of St. James, patron saint of Spain (Galicia) July 31 st Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola October 13 th Feast of Our Lady of Fátima Return flights and full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout Group leaders travel for free The ever popular multi-centre pilgrimage taking in various Shrines in one trip. Choose from a variety of itineraries (or tailor-make your own) travelling from Fátima to Lourdes, through Spain. Our fully escorted pilgrimages may included Santiago de Compostela and Burgos on the Way of St. James; Garabandal; Alba de Tormes and Avila; the Sanctuary of Loyola and the Shrine of St. Ignatius. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous departures from Ireland between the months of May and October. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Sample Tours Lourdes, Loyola, Santiago de Compostela and Fátima Lourdes, Loyola, Burgos, Avila and Fátima Medjugorje, Cascia and San Giovanni Rotondo Lourdes, Garabandal and Avila All tours may operate in reverse our Shrines of France specialist Celine Bui; celine.bui@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0844 www.joewalshtours.co.uk 11
Tailor your pilgrimage, Shrines of France Our multi-centre Shrines of France pilgrimage tour will give you the opportunity to combine a visit to Lourdes with some of the most important French Shrines. Choose from numerous available routes and visit Rocamadour or Paray-le-Monial, Avignon and Ars before arriving in Nevers - St. Bernadette s resting place. You will also get the opportunity to visit Paris and Lisieux. With carefully selected hotels, this wonderful escorted tour is a great option for a truly comprehensive week of spiritual devotion. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous departures from Ireland between the months of April and October for these 7 night pilgrimages. We advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Available Routes Lourdes, Rocamadour, Avignon, Ars, Nevers, Paris and Lisieux Lourdes, Paray-le-Monial, Avignon, Ars, Nevers, Paris and Lisieux our Shrines of France specialist Celine Bui; celine.bui@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0844 12 www.joewalshtours.ie Please Note Rocamadour, France Itineraries may operate in reverse order, starting in Paris and returning from Lourdes. Return flights from Ireland to France*, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in France for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage *Flight to Lourdes and return from Paris
Krakow, Poland Diary Dates April 28 th Divine Mercy Sunday (Feast day of St. Faustina) June 20 th Corpus Christi August 15 th Assumption Day November 1 st All Saints Day Return flights and full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between airport and hotels with guide assistance Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours Hotel accommodation for the selected number of nights and representatives throughout Group leaders travel for free Follow in holy footsteps, Shrines of Poland A strongly religious country dotted with places of deep spiritual devotion. Follow in the steps of Pope John Paul II in Krakow and Wadowice, visit the Divine Mercy Sanctuary, the final resting place of St. Faustina in Lagiewniki and take a journey to Czestochowa, Poland s greatest place of pilgrimage. These comprehensive escorted tours feature the highlights of each region and are accompanied by a Spiritual Director and a Joe Walsh Tours pilgrimage coordinator. With a group of 15 or more, Joe Walsh Tours can organise a trip for you at any time of the year. The most popular departure time is April, for the Divine Mercy Pilgrimage celebrations. Sample Itinerary Our itinerary sees you fly direct to Warsaw and spend 1 night in Warsaw, 1 night in Czestochwa, 3 nights in Zakopane and 4 nights in Krakow, before returning home. This itinerary comes with a full religious programme and daily Mass organised by Joe Walsh Tours and led by a Spiritual Director. our Poland specialist Louise Cronin; louise.cronin@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0842 www.joewalshtours.co.uk 13
Steeped in history & culture Shrines of Italy Steeped in history and culture, Italy offers a huge variety of pilgrimage destinations. Joe Walsh Tours have designed a range of multi-centre itineraries combining the various Shrines of Italy, from the centre of the Catholic faith in Rome to the Shrine of St. Anthony in Padua, the birthplace of St. Francis in Assisi to Cascia, Lanciano and the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. Joe Walsh Tours offers numerous departures from Ireland and the UK between the months of April and October. Due to huge demand we advise that you book your group well in advance to secure your group s place. Sample Tours Benevento, San Giovanni and Rome San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi and Padua Assisi, Loreto and San Giovanni San Giovanni, Alba Adriatica and Assisi San Giovanni and Sorrento Shrines of Northern Italy and Lake Garda our Italy specialist Annemarie Healy; annemarie.healy@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0814 Italy and Sun Options Assisi, Italy Why not combine your group s stay in Italy with some time in the sun on the Amalfi Coast? Enquire today! Return flights from Ireland/UK to Italy, with full assistance at the airport from a Joe Walsh Tours representative All transfers between the airport and hotels with guided assistance Hotel accommodation in Italy for the selected number of nights Luxury air-conditioned coach for all transfers and tours and representatives throughout the pilgrimage 14 www.joewalshtours.ie
Don t hesitate to For more details on any of these pilgrimages, to book your group or discuss your options, please don t hesitate to contact one of our pilgrimage specialists. Lourdes Shrines of Italy Therese Malone therese.malone@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0805 Annemarie Healy annemarie.healy@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0814 The Camino Shrines Tours/ Ireland Martin Toomey martin.toomey@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0820 Celine Bui celine.bui@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0844 Fátima Holy Land Therese O Connor therese.oconnor@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0823 Yvonnne Maguire yvonne.maguire@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0892 Medjugorje Shrines of Poland Louise Cronin louise.cronin@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0842 Louise Cronin louise.cronin@ joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0842 Get in touch Do you know a group leader in North America? Recommend Joe Walsh Tours to a group leader in the USA or Canada and if the group books with us, not only will you get a free place on a pilgrimage of your choice, the group leader will also travel for free! us today for more details: info@joewalshtours.ie T&C s apply. Minimum of 20 pax travelling www.joewalshtours.co.uk 15
For more information on our fantastic group pilgrimages, please don t hesitate to get in touch with us; info@joewalshtours.ie +353 1 241 0800 www.joewalshtours.ie Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages @JWTPilgrimages www.joewalshtours.ie 01 241 0800 info@joewalshtours.ie 16 www.joewalshtours.ie