Expect an average of four (4) miles walking per day.

This is calculated based on the distance of walking from your Pansion/Hotel to the Sites, as well as the walking at the Sites, in the Churches, and throughout the town of Medjugorje. Your Pansion/Hotel is centrally located, and walking distance to St. James Church and throughout the town. The days a Bus is needed (i.e. visiting Community Cenacolo), it will drop you off as close as possible to where you are going. If you feel you are not able to manage that, we recommend inviting a Companion to assist.

Beyond the distance and locations, pilgrims with mobility limitations must consider the accessibility of the pilgrimage. Whether for you, or a friend/family member, the following provides as many details possible.

WALKING and LAYOUT:

WHAT IS THE LAYOUT OF THE ROADS, SITES, AND CHURCHES?

Medjugorje is a combination of cobblestone roads, old buildings, and uneven surfaces, and rocks everywhere. Access to St. James Church and the surrounding sites (Risen Christ Statue, Ampitheatre etc) are flat surfaces with steps and ramps. Some sites are not suitable for wheelchairs (such as Cross Mountain and Apparition Hill). Many streets are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations – they are “Pedestrian Only” – and so buses are not permitted.
*Walking is spread out throughout the day – between Masses, Touring, and free time.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “APPARITION HILL” AND “CROSS MOUNTAIN”?

Simply put – one is a “hill” and the other is a “mountain”.

Apparition Hill:
The walk from the base of Apparition Hill to the Statue of Our Lady is approximately 400 meters. You ascend up the hill on a slant (instead of straight up the hill). Stations of the Cross are also set up along the way. You can take your time walking up, and/or take part in the Stations along the walk up.

Cross Mountain:
This is a steep mountain – that also has a Stations of the Cross during the ascend. There are no hand rails, and the steps are rocks varying in size, height, and some can be loose. On average, it takes 2 ½ hours to reach the top, and then 2 ½ hours to make your way back down to the base. To avoid the heat and sun, this visit often takes place in the early morning.
*If you have any questions or hesitations, please address it with your Guide. They will be happy to advise.

CAN YOU OBTAIN ASSISTANCE UP “APPARITION HILL” IF YOU ARE IN A WHEELCHAIR?

Yes – Community Cenacolo offers a service where the residents meet you at the base of Apparition Hill. The wheelchair is placed onto a flat plank with handles on either side. The residents then pick up the plank using the handles, and carry you up to Apparition Hill.

This service is on Request Basis Only – and Pending Confirmation. To request, you must note this on Page 4 of the Registration Process under “Notes/Comments” or Log-In to your Account and highlight under your name in the “Traveler” section.

*Due to the layout, safety, and extreme conditions, this service is NOT applicable to Cross Mountain.

WHAT IS THE LAYOUT OF THE ROADS, SITES, AND CHURCHES?

Medjugorje is a combination of cobblestone roads, old buildings, and uneven surfaces, and rocks everywhere.

DOES A “PACE” NEED TO BE KEPT?

Yes – you will be given ample time to get from one site to another, Tour, and some time for pictures, prayer, and reflection.

However, a pace must be kept in order to ensure all the sites promised to you are visited. Once you tour the town of Medjugorje, the remainder of your days will be free to spend at your own leisure. You can then return to any site you want, and spend as much time as you want there.

*Medjugorje is a small town – you can walk to anywhere within the town. If you have a question, feel free to ask your Guide or anyone in Medjugorje.

MOBILITY ASSISTANCE:

WALKERS:

Walkers are permitted – and you can still participate in the full pilgrimage.
We can store them under the Bus, or on the Bus with you (for short drives.)

SCOOTERS:

Lightweight Travel/Portable Scooters are permitted.
They are collapsible, they can be stored in your room and under the Bus throughout, and pulled out when needed. Just keep in mind the layout of the sites you are visiting.

Three/Four Wheel Scooters and Battery Scooters are not recommended.
Three Wheel Scooters are less stable on uneven surfaces, and sidewalks. Four Wheel Scooters (full size mobility scooters) will not be able to fit under the Bus, exceed the weight limit, and will incur additional fees in the flights.

Our Buses do not have lift-gates, and we do not have access to them.

WHEELCHAIR: Partial Use

Should you need to request a wheelchair for portion of the pilgrimage (in case of tiredness), we can arrange for a wheelchair to be placed under the Bus. You can access it when you need.
*You must have someone with you to assist pushing throughout each day.

WHEELCHAIR: Full Time Use

If you are committed to a wheelchair, full time, we recommend reviewing “Accessible Tour Operator’s”. They specialize in arrangements for Group Tours, that include provisions for all accessibility at the accommodations and touring, as well as the Buses with liftgates.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:

WHEELCHAIR ASSISTANCE AT THE AIRPORT:

You can request this on Page 3 of the Registration Process.
*You have the choice of assistance from Baggage Check to your Gate, or all the way to your Seat, or even just Gate to Gate (if connecting).

PANSION/HOTELS:

We can arrange for you to stay in a Handicap Accessible Room where available. In the event they are not available, we can request a room on the Main Floor or near an Elevator.

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFERS: (at clients expense)

Instead of joining the Group Transfers, we can arrange for a Private Transfer to bring you to/from the Airport.
*A Driver (holding a “206 Tours” sign) will meet you in the Arrival’s Hall or Hotel and transfer you accordingly.

PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Sites (at clients expense)

Whether departing the Tour early and return to the Hotel, skip a site, or start the day later – we can assist. Speak with your Tour Escort and they will make the arrangements accordingly.

CPAP MACHINES and/or OXYGEN TANKS:

Review your Flight Itinerary and contact the Airlines directly, and inquire with their Medical Equipment Department. Airlines need to know what exactly is coming on their flights – so be prepared to inform them of Make, Model, Size, Weight etc. of what you are bringing on.

Any questions? Call: 800-206-TOUR (8687) or Email Us

Why travel with 206 Tours? Read letters from our clients