Embark on a transformative spiritual journey from Međugorje to the stunning Dalmatian coastline of Croatia, where you will spend five nights in a centuries-old monastery on the serene island of Badija. Dr. Gavin Ashenden will lead the retreat in the morning. Gavin is a Catholic convert from the Anglican tradition. Formerly an Anglican priest, he served as Honorary Chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. Fr. Jacob Jose will lead the afternoon portion and celebrate daily Mass during our stay on the island of Badija. He is a Vincentian missionary priest from India who has preached retreats internationally, served at Knock Shrine, studied in Rome, and spent several years as Assistant Director of the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala.

Our journey begins with three nights in Međugorje. Upon landing in Split, a private coach will transfer you directly to our accommodations in Međugorje, with two private group transfers from Split Airport to our hotel to minimize wait times.

Međugorje, a peaceful village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has drawn millions of pilgrims since the Blessed Virgin Mary began appearing there on June 24, 1981. Our days in Medjugorje will be filled with profound spiritual encounters in what is often referred to as the "confessional of the world."

After our time in Međugorje, we will spend an afternoon in Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts well-preserved medieval architecture, including 27 churches within its ancient walls. After lunch and a visit to venerate the relics of St. Blaise, we will embark on a sea trip to Korčula Island, followed by a short ride in a private boat to our final destination, the peaceful Island of Badija.

During our five nights on Badija, a small island near Korčula, Croatia, pilgrims will be enchanted by its lush Mediterranean landscape, featuring pine and olive trees that overlook the Adriatic Sea. At the heart of Badija lies a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, offering a spiritual haven amidst pebble beaches, secluded coves, and winding paths ideal for contemplation and exploration. Wildlife thrives here, enhancing the island's natural allure, while panoramic vistas inspire a profound sense of peace and connection with nature, making Badija a perfect retreat for both relaxation and spiritual reflection. After sunset, the island is peacefully inhabited solely by those staying in the monastery.

After morning Mass, a free morning, and lunch on our sixth day on Badija, we set out on our pilgrimage to Split, enjoying a scenic journey across the Adriatic Sea with views of the Dalmatian coast and islands. Split, Croatia's second-largest city, is famous for its mix of ancient Roman history and lively Mediterranean culture. At its center is Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the world's oldest churches, originally built as Diocletian's mausoleum.

The pilgrim path from the Island of Badija to Medjugorje offers a rare blend of solitude, contemplation, and Marian devotion—a true “Heaven on Earth” retreat pilgrimage, peaceful and unhurried, centered on Christ, and inviting each pilgrim to listen, pray, and be renewed.

RETREAT LEADERS

Gavin Ashenden is a Catholic convert from the Anglican tradition. Formerly an Anglican priest, he served as Honorary Chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II of England from 2008 until his resignation in 2017—a decisive period that led him to reflect deeply on faith, authority, and ultimately his journey into the Catholic Church.

Following his parish ministry, Dr. Ashenden spent more than two decades in academic life at the University of Sussex, where he served as a senior lecturer and chaplain. His scholarly work focused on literature, theology, and the psychology of religion, with a particular interest in how Christian faith shapes culture and the moral imagination.

Alongside his academic work, Dr. Ashenden became a familiar public voice through his contributions to the BBC, including Faith & Ethics programs and podcasts. He also served for many years on the General Synod of the Church of England and held a canonry at Chichester Cathedral, engaging deeply in the theological and pastoral life of the Church during a period of significant cultural change.

In 2019, after a prolonged period of prayer, study, and discernment, Dr. Ashenden was received into the Roman Catholic Church. Since then, he has written and spoken widely on Christianity, culture, conscience, and the challenges facing the Church and Western society today. He serves as an associate editor of the Catholic Herald and is a frequent contributor to Catholic publications and conferences in the UK and internationally.

Dr. Ashenden brings to pilgrims a rare combination of pastoral sensitivity, intellectual depth, and lived ecclesial experience, offering reflections shaped by scholarship, public service, and personal conversion.

Father Sanu (Jacob) Jose, V.C. is a Vincentian missionary priest from India and a member of the Vincentian Congregation (V.C.), a religious congregation founded in Kerala in 1904 and inspired by the missionary spirit of St. Vincent de Paul.

Following his priestly formation, Father Jacob Jose was assigned to a series of pastoral roles that shaped his ministry of preaching and spiritual accompaniment. He traveled to the United Kingdom to preach retreats and later spent a month serving at Knock Shrine, an experience he describes as a time of grace and renewal.

Upon returning to Kerala, India, Father Jacob Jose was appointed Assistant Director of the Divine Retreat Centre in Potta, where he served for several years, preaching retreats and supporting the Centre’s mission of helping the faithful draw closer to Jesus through prayer, healing, and spiritual renewal. He also served in retreat ministry at Tabor Ashram.

Rooted in the Vincentian charism and formed through years of retreat, preaching, and pastoral service, Father Jacob Jose brings to this pilgrimage a deep love for the Church, a heart shaped by missionary experience, and a commitment to leading souls closer to Christ.

Highlights of our Pilgrimage:

• Five-night private island retreat at a historic Franciscan monastery on the Island of Badija

• Three nights of pilgrimage and prayer in Medjugorje

• One night in Split

• Afternoon in Dubrovnik

• Morning retreat conferences led by Gavin Ashenden

• Daily Mass and spiritual reflections celebrated by Father Jacob Jose

• Time set aside for personal prayer, silence, and reflection

• Participation in the evening prayer program at St. James Church in Medjugorje

• Visits to key Medjugorje pilgrimage sites, including Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, and the Blue Cross

• Catholic guides in Medjugorje providing daily guidance and schedules

• Travel by private coach and boat to and from the Island of Badija

• All breakfasts and most lunches (except 2) and dinners (except 1), are included

• A peaceful, unhurried retreat-style pilgrimage centered on Christ and Marian devotion

Air Travel: This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the Rooted in Hope: Private Island Retreat & Medjugorje - Gavin Ashenden. After you book, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.

Arrival Information:

• Airport: Split, St. Jerome Airport (SPU)

• Date: Friday, May 29, 2026 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)

• Flight Arrival Time: Before 4:00 PM (Local Time) This arrival time allows approximately one hour to pass through passport control and retrieve baggage before the group transfer.

• Transfer: Group transfer from the airport to Medjugorje at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM (Local Time)

Two (2) group transfers from Split Airport to Medjugorje are provided. These staggered transfers are scheduled to reduce waiting time at the airport and to ensure a more comfortable and smooth arrival experience for our pilgrims.

It is strongly recommended that participants consider arriving on Thursday, May 28, 2026, which is one day before the pilgrimage begins – Friday, May 29, 2026. Arriving early allows time to rest and offers greater flexibility in selecting flight options.

For those who choose to arrive before Day 1, we have selected a designated early-arrival hotel. The cost of any extra nights will be the participant’s responsibility.  On Day 1, the group transfer will pick up participants from this designated hotel, as well as at the airport during the first transfer to Medjugorje at 1:00 PM.

Departure Information: 

• Airport: Split, St. Jerome Airport (SPU)

• Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026 (Day 10 of the pilgrimage)

• Flight Departure Time: After 7:00 am and before 1:00 PM (Local Time)

• Transfer:  Group transfer from the hotel in Split to the airport 

Recommended Travel Agency:

For booking flights, we recommend using an experienced travel agency. They will handle your airline reservations and forward the details to our office, ensuring a seamless process. You will receive the contact information for Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages' recommended seasoned travel agent in your Welcome Letter, which is sent immediately after you register.

To get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we recommend using Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.

With more than 33 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 

Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass.

Our itineraries encompass both world-renowned and lesser-known destinations, and every detail is meticulously arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not offer cookie-cutter pilgrimages. Our pilgrims also appreciate that we limit our pilgrimages to a maximum of 33 pilgrims. For custom pilgrimages, we may exceed this number only at the client’s request.

Crafting an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage is about knowing firsthand what makes a place extraordinary and knowing personally the people of the land—relationships formed through more than 33 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine and covering the universal Church. It is about understanding how best to experience each place and then refining the countless details, moments, and encounters—both planned and spontaneous. This thoughtful approach creates the kind of boutique pilgrimage experience that cannot be mass produced—an experience shaped with care, a flexible pace, and strong local connections. These are just a few of the reasons why many pilgrims return to join us again and again.

Contact Information:

Phone: +1.202.536.4555  Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET.

Email: Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com. 

WhatsApp: +1.540.631.4392

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions.

Use EARLY when you register on or before Sunday, February 8, 2026, to receive a $150.00 discount. Contact us to inquire about any applicable discounts.

Upon arrival in Split, you will board a private transfer to our hotel in Medjugorje. To ensure minimal waiting time, there will be two private transfers to Medjugorje.

Dinner included.

After a delightful breakfast at our hotel, you'll have the opportunity to attend English Mass at St. James Church, followed by a guided tour of the St. James area, including the Risen Christ statue and the Chapel of St. Sharbel.

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go up Apparition Hill, the site of Our Lady’s first appearance, where we will pray the rosary together. Those who prefer not to climb may remain at the Blue Cross, a site where Mary appeared many times.

Later, you will have the chance to join the local community and fellow pilgrims in the daily evening prayer program at St. James, which includes confession and the rosary.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

The morning will start with breakfast then English Mass at St. James and free time. 

After lunch, we will depart for Cross Mountain., Mount Krizevac.

The Cross on Mt. Krizevac overlooks the village of Medjugorje.  It was revealed to be a part of God’s plan for Medjugorje and for the world.  Our Lady said on November 3, 1981, that She prays there often.

“I am often at Krizevac, at the foot of the cross, to pray there.”

Krizevac” means “Mount of the Cross.” It is the highest mountain in the area. In 1933, the parish of St. James erected a large concrete cross to commemorate the 1900th Anniversary of Jesus’ passion and death on the Cross. During construction of the 16 ton cross, the parishioners carried up all of the materials, cement, sand, water, tools, etc., in memory of Christ’s way of the Cross. 

Later in the afternoon, we will return to town, where you can take part in the evening prayer program at St. James, which includes confession, the rosary, and adoration. Afterward, enjoy another wonderful dinner at our hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

After breakfast, our pilgrimage continues along the Dalmatian Coast towards Dubrovnik. We will explore the ancient town, followed by free time to stroll the beautiful marble streets and enjoy lunch.

Dubrovnik, known as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is situated on the Dalmatian coast and became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. 

In the afternoon, we will board a high speed catamaran to the Island of Korčula, where we will transfer to a private taxi to reach our final destination, the Island of Badija.

The Island of Badija, located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its lush pine forests, charming pebble beaches, and the historic 15th-century Franciscan monastery at its heart - your home for 5 nights.  The monastery is a perfect place for a retreat.  Badija's clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while its walking trails offer leisurely strolls amidst nature. The island is also home to friendly deer, adding to its unique charm. At night, the only inhabitants are those staying at the monastery, enhancing the island's tranquil and secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for pilgrims.

Our meals will be sourced from the monastery's garden, featuring fresh, locally grown produce. Additionally, local meats and cheeses will be served, complemented by local wine at all meals.

Breakfast and dinner are included.

Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and talks led by Dr. Gavin Ashenden, a Catholic convert from the Anglican tradition who served as Honorary Chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II of England, and Fr. Jacob Jose, a Vincentian missionary priest from India who has preached retreats internationally, served at Knock Shrine, studied in Rome, and spent several years as Assistant Director of the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala. They will lead us in retreat on the island of Badija — guiding us to rediscover hope in the heart of Christ.

There will also be opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around the Island of Badija (a three-mile easy walk), visit to the nearby island of Korčula, and time for personal prayer and reflection.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and retreat talks led by Dr. Gavin Ashenden and Fr. Jacob Jose

There will also be opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around the Island of Badija (a three-mile easy walk), visit to the nearby island of Korčula, and time for personal prayer and reflection.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and retreat talks led by Dr. Gavin Ashenden and Fr. Jacob Jose

There will also be opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around the Island of Badija (a three-mile easy walk), visit to the nearby island of Korčula, and time for personal prayer and reflection.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Our days on the Island of Badija will be filled with Mass, Adoration, prayer time, and retreat talks led by Dr. Gavin Ashenden and Fr. Jacob Jose

There will also be opportunities for swimming, leisurely walks around the Island of Badija (a three-mile easy walk), visit to the nearby island of Korčula, and time for personal prayer and reflection.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Ahoy! After an early Mass and breakfast, we continue our pilgrimage via high speed catamaran to the mainland and visit the beautiful coastal city of Split. We will spend the afternoon exploring the old city, before checking into our hotel in Split.

Our final dinner will be on your own in Split as we reflect on the many gifts we have received during our time together on pilgrimage and prepare to return home.

Breakfast included

After breakfast, morning transfers will take you to the airport for your departure home. Arrivederci, fellow pilgrims—until we meet again!

Breakfast Included