Rooted in Hope: Private Island Retreat & Medjugorje with Gavin Ashenden
June 7 – June 17, 2026
Croatia
DATES
June 7 – June 17, 2026
PLACE
Croatia
A Private Island Retreat
Come and join us this year on the serene island of Badija, off Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast. Nestled beside the Adriatic Sea, this 700-year-old Franciscan monastery—free from cars and daily distractions—is the perfect setting for prayer, reflection, and renewal.
Dr. Gavin Ashenden is a Catholic convert, author, and speaker who formerly served as an Anglican bishop and as Chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Known for his clear teaching and thoughtful engagement with contemporary culture, he speaks widely on the Catholic faith, Christian history, and the challenges facing the Church today. His pastoral experience and journey into the Catholic Church bring depth, clarity, and conviction to his teaching and witness.
Father Sanu (Jacob) Jose, V.C., 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. Fr. Jacob will lead daily Mass during the retreat.
Tour Details & Guidelines
Air Travel:
Arrival Information:
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Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU)
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Date: Sunday June 7, 2026 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
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Flight Arrival Time: Before 1:00 PM (Local Time). This arrival time allows approximately 1/2 hour to retrieve baggage before the group transfer.
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Transfer: A group transfer will depart at 1:30 PM from the airport to the port at Orebić, followed by a private boat transport to the Island of Badija. Participants must arrive in time to join this scheduled group transfer.
If you choose to arrive early, please contact our office for the recommended hotel for early arrival. On Day 1, the group transfer will pick up participants from this hotel, along with the group pick-up at the airport. Please note that if you arrive one day early, the cost of the hotel and the transfer from the airport will be the participant’s financial responsibility. If you require assistance with this transfer, please let us know, and we will be happy to help coordinate it.
Departure Information:
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Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU)
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Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Day 11 of the pilgrimage)
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Flight Departure Time: After 7:00 AM (Local Time)
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Transfer: Group transfer from the hotel in Medjugorie 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 for the pilgrimage.
If you would like to get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we suggest checking Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.