Embarking on a Catholic tour to the Holy Land and Jordan is a profound experience. Exploring the ancient biblical sites and following the footsteps of the revered saints and prophets can enrich your soul like never before. However, you need to explore your pilgrimage options beforehand. Should you go for a solo tour or opt for a group tour? Both have their share of advantages and disadvantages.
The group pilgrimage experience
Opting for a group pilgrimage is what several Catholic pilgrims find feasible. The logistics are usually better planned, and you get the company of fellow travelers, which can enrich your mind.
- Spiritual support- Group pilgrimages help develop a sense of community. The experience of praying together at sacred pilgrimage sites can satisfy your soul. The same can be said about Mass celebration as a group.
- Guidance and insight- Group tours are typically led by veteran guides, and there are spiritual leaders for guidance, too. They offer historical and biblical contexts to the participants, and that helps enrich the overall experience. Such expert guides enlighten the group about details related to various holy sites.
- Hassle-free travel- Planning a Catholic pilgrimage covering several countries may not be easy. With group tours, the operators handle many things, including aspects like meals, accommodations, and transport. This way, you can think more about the spiritual journey than the nitty-gritty of the Catholic pilgrimage tours to the holy land.
- Convenience- While traveling in countries like Jordan is safe, traveling in a group offers an additional layer of safety.
The solo pilgrimage experience
Not all catholic pilgrims prefer touring in a group. You may seek solitude over the conveniences of a group tour.
- More personal time- In a solo tour, you get enough personal time to decide how much time you want to spend in specific holy spots like churches and shrines. You get more time for reflection and prayer, too.
- More flexibility- Solo pilgrims in Jordan and the Holy Land get more flexibility than those touring in a group. You get total control of the itinerary and make last-minute changes without worrying about others. Moreover, you have the liberty to visit nearby places or lesser-known chapels, etc.
- Exposure to local culture- When you are touring solo, mixing with the locals can be an enriching experience. Sharing meals with local Christians and attending a mass at a local church can be a beautiful experience.
Making the final choice
Both solo and group pilgrimages have their limitations, too.
In a group tour, you get less personal choices. The schedule can be hard to customize according to your personal needs. You may not get enough personal space. In a solo pilgrimage, you have to do enough planning and research. The linguistic barrier may be a hurdle. You also have to look after safety and arrange local transport.
To make the final choice, you can seek the view of veteran pilgrimage tour operators. Their insight and assistance will help you pick the right tour package. Top entities also help their clients find tailored tour packages.
