Experience a spiritual journey through Washington, DC with friends, visiting sacred sites such as the National Basilica, Cathedral of St. Matthew, John Paul II National Shrine, and the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. Enjoy guided tours, Mass, and time for personal exploration in the nation's capital. Benefit from and enjoy the safety and ease of group travel with fellow Catholics in the capital city of our nation!

HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE

Daily Mass: Have the opportunity to attend daily Mass with tyour fellow pilgrims

National Basilica: As the largest Roman Catholic church in North America and a premier Washington, D.C. landmark, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception offers a breathtaking blend of art, history, and faith. Explore over 80 Marian chapels and marvel at the stunning, massive mosaics in this "America’s Catholic Church."

Cathedral of St. Matthew: As the seat of the Archbishop of Washington, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is a stunning Romanesque Revival landmark renowned for its opulent mosaics, rich murals, and breathtaking 190-foot domed interior. Known as the site of President John F. Kennedy's funeral mass in 1963, this historic house of worship offers visitors a serene atmosphere of artistic splendor.

John Paul II Shrine: The Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., is a premier place of pilgrimage featuring a massive 16,000-square-foot interactive exhibit on the life and legacy of the beloved pope. Located near the Basilica, it houses a first-class relic of St. John Paul II and stunning mosaics within its sacred chapels for visitors to pray and reflect.

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land: The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in Washington, D.C., is a serene oasis featuring a stunning Byzantine-style church, catacombs, and meticulously landscaped gardens that replicate sacred shrines from the Holy Land.

Washington DC at your Leisure: Enjoy free time to visit all the main government buildings of our nation’s capital at your leisure on your own.

ITINERARY

Day 1. Thursday, July 16: Drive to Arlington, VA

Depart by bus early, making multiple stops along the way (bus will have bathroom onboard for emergency use) Have lunch on your own. Arrive at the Embassy Suites Crystal City, Arlington, VA in the evening and check in. Have dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant or choose to take a taxi to dine elsewhere on your own. Overnight at the Embassy Suites Crystal City.

Day 2. Friday, July 17: National Basilica - Cathedral of St. Matthew

After breakfast, head by bus to the National Basilica for a guided tour and visit at 9:00am (pending confirmation) and then attend public Mass there at 11:00am (time will be confirmed), following the visit. Afterwards, your bus driver will take you to a location where you can get lunch on your own and then will drop you off for a guided visit of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (pending confirmation) in the early afternoon. You will then be transferred by bus back to your hotel. Take the rest of the day at leisure. Have dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant or choose to go out on your own. Overnight at the Embassy Suites Crystal City. (BB)

Day 3. Saturday, July 18: John Paul II National Shrine - Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land

After breakfast, pick up Father Spenser (depending on his availability) and proceed to visit the John Paul II National shrine for a guided tour at 10:00am (pending confirmation). Afterwards, attend the public Mass there at 12:00. Your bus driver will drop you off in a suitable place to have lunch on your own. You will then head to the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land for a guided tour at 2:00 (pending confirmation), see the lower church and replica of the catacombs as well as have time to explore the gardens on your own. Return by bus to your hotel. In the evening, your bus will transfer you to dinner at La Diplomate restaurant (or similar pending confirmation) with the group. Return by bus to your hotel in Arlington. (BB, D)

Day 4. Sunday, July 19: Free Day

After breakfast and Mass at the Basilica at 10:30am, with Father Spenser concelebrating, enjoy a free day visiting sites of your choice in the DC area. Bus will drop pilgrims off near sites like the National Mall or Arlington National Cemetery and pick them up in the evening. (Multiple pick-up times might be able to be arranged depending on bus service regulations) Dinner on your own and overnight at your hotel in Crystal City. (BB)

Day 5. Monday, July 20: Drive back to Fort Wayne

Depart early, making multiple stops along the way (bus will have bathroom onboard for emergency use) Lunch on your own. Arrive back in Fort Wayne in the evening. (BB)

(BB) Buffet breakfast; (L) Lunch; (D) Dinner

* In case of unforeseen events, this itinerary is subject to change.

CHAPLAIN

Fr. Spenser

Father Spenser will join the group on Saturday if his schedule allows

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations for this pilgrimage are in first-class hotels:

Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City: Embassy Suites

Rooms in double occupancy are for two people to share; they have two Full sized beds. A “single supplement fee” is added for single occupancy rooms.

TRIP PACE

The pace for this pilgrimage is leisurely. There is daily walking and standing.

Sometimes sidewalks and terrain will be uneven. Pilgrims must have full mobility and be able to climb several stairs.

Also see the “PHYSICAL HEALTH & FITNESS” section in the General Terms & Conditions. (Specific Terms & Conditions for this trip will be listed in the online registration form.)

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Deluxe private motorcoach for long-distance travel, transfers and sightseeing.
First-class accommodation at the Embassy Suites Crystal City (Arlington, VA) for 4 nights.
Accompaniment by a CHT staff member during the itinerary from arrival in Washington DC on Thursday through Sunday morning.
Daily buffet breakfasts (hot breakfast)
1 special dinner at La Diplomate (or similar pending confirmation) on Saturday night according to the itinerary.
Any expenses incurred by Father Spenser joining the group for meals or entrances or transfers
Scheduling for daily Mass attendance according to the itinerary.
Entrance fees if needed according to the itinerary.
Tips for the bus driver.
Government taxes and fees.

What’s not included:

Travel insurance
Tips other than for the bus driver.
Lunches
Dinners except for 1
Items of a personal nature, private transportation, or other expenses not included in the itinerary.

PRICING INFORMATION

Pilgrimage price in double occupancy: $1,795 per person
For individuals wanting to room alone, the supplement is $530
Non-refundable initial deposit of $250 pp is due by: June 21, 2026
Balance due by: July 1, 2026

REGISTER ONLINE

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TERMS/CONDITIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS