Question 1

What is Glory Tours?

Accepted Answer

Glory Tours & Pilgrimages carries forward the pilgrimage mission that Robert founded in 1997. We are a wholesale Catholic pilgrimage tour operator based in New Jersey, working exclusively with Tour Leaders, Parishes, Catholic Schools, and Faith-Based Organizations — not with individual travelers — to organize group pilgrimages to sacred sites in Europe and the Middle East. Individual travelers can find open departures at glorypilgrimages.com.

Question 2

How long has Glory Tours been operating?

Accepted Answer

Our roots go back to 1997, when Robert established the pilgrimage mission that Glory Tours & Pilgrimages continues today — over 28 years of serving the American Catholic community with pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorje, Turkey, Greece, and Ireland.

Question 3

Do you work with individual travelers?

Accepted Answer

No. Glory Tours operates exclusively on a wholesale basis with organized groups — Tour Leaders, parish coordinators, school representatives, and organizational contacts. Individual travelers looking to join a pilgrimage are welcome to visit glorypilgrimages.com, where select upcoming departures are open for individual registration.

Question 4

What is the minimum group size?

Accepted Answer

The minimum group size for a private Glory Tours pilgrimage is 25 paying passengers. This minimum ensures the full-service private experience your group deserves.

Question 5

What is the maximum group size?

Accepted Answer

Each coach accommodates a maximum of 45 pilgrims. If your group exceeds 45, we arrange the tour as two separate, fully-staffed groups — each with their own coach, licensed guide, and tour director.

Question 6

Does the Tour Leader travel for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For every 10 paying passengers, one complimentary place is included. With 25 paying pilgrims, both the Tour Leader and the accompanying Priest travel at no cost. Larger groups unlock additional free places proportionally.

Question 7

Does our group need a priest to travel?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend — and can help arrange — an accompanying priest for the spiritual dimension of the pilgrimage, including daily Mass at sacred sites. However, this is not a strict requirement for booking.

Question 8

Can anyone become a Tour Leader?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You don't need to be a travel professional. If you are connected to a Catholic parish, school, or organization and have at least 25 people ready to travel, you qualify to lead a tour with Glory Tours. Our team provides full support throughout.

Question 9

What does the tour price include?

Accepted Answer

All Glory Tours packages are fully all-inclusive: round-trip airfare from your departure city, first-class hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and dinner, private air-conditioned coach and driver, expert licensed local guides, all entrance fees, daily Mass arrangements, baggage handling, and a professional Glory Tours tour director.

Question 10

Are flights included from any U.S. city?

Accepted Answer

Flights are quoted from major U.S. gateway cities. Depending on your group's location, we can arrange connections from regional airports. Your quotation will specify the departure city and any connection arrangements.

Question 11

Are tips and gratuities included?

Accepted Answer

No, tips and gratuities for hotel staff, guides and drivers are not included. We will indicate the usual tipping amount in the "Know before you go" documents.

Question 12

Is travel insurance included?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is not included by default but is strongly recommended and can be added to your package. We can provide details on our partner insurance options when preparing your quotation.

Question 13

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend starting the planning process at least 6 to 12 months before your desired travel dates, especially for popular destinations like the Holy Land and Rome during peak seasons. However, we can accommodate shorter timelines depending on availability.

Question 14

Can we customize an existing itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our classic itineraries are proven and refined over decades, but we understand every group is unique. Custom requests — additional sites, extended stays, specific feast days, extra free days — can be discussed and incorporated into your quotation.

Question 15

Can we request a completely custom tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If none of our standard itineraries fits your vision, we can design a custom pilgrimage from scratch based on your group's devotional focus, destinations of interest, duration, and budget.

Question 16

What payment options are available?

Accepted Answer

We accept deposits to confirm your group, with the balance due closer to departure. Specific payment schedules and accepted methods are outlined in your tour agreement. Fundraising assistance is also available — contact us to discuss options for your organization.

Question 17

What happens if our group doesn't reach the minimum of 25?

Accepted Answer

If your confirmed group falls below 25 paying passengers, we will work with you to explore alternatives — adjusting the itinerary, extending the recruitment period, or in some cases merging with another compatible group. This is discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Question 18

Who accompanies our group during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Every Glory Tours group travels with a professional tour director from our team, plus expert local licensed guides at each destination. Your Tour Leader is also present and is our primary contact throughout the trip.

Question 19

Is daily Mass arranged at sacred sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mass is arranged at significant sacred sites along the route — including major basilicas, shrines, and holy sites. Specific arrangements depend on the destination and available schedules at each site.

Question 20

What is the physical fitness level required?

Accepted Answer

Our pilgrimages involve a moderate level of walking, often on uneven terrain and up steps. We recommend that all participants be in reasonable health and consult their physician before traveling. We do our best to accommodate different mobility needs — please inform us in advance.

Question 21

Do you handle visas?

Accepted Answer

We advise on visa requirements for your destination, but it is generally each traveler's responsibility to obtain their own visa where required. We provide all necessary documentation letters and itinerary details to support the visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Glory Tours

Group Size & Tour Leaders

What's Included

Planning & Booking

During the Tour

Still have questions?