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Guardian of the Faith: A Private Island Retreat with Bishop Schneider

June 15 – June 21, 2026

CROATIA

DATES

June 15 – June 21, 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.

Bishop Athanasius Schneider is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Mary Most Holy in Astana, Kazakhstan, and a member of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross of Coimbra. He is widely known for his reverence for the Holy Eucharist and his clear, faithful teaching on Catholic doctrine.
Bishop Schneider will celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass on each day of the Retreat, as well as give daily retreat talks.

Tour Details & Guidelines
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 Croatia: Retreat with Bishop Schneider pilgrimage. After you book, you will receive the name and contact information of our recommended travel agent.

Arrival Information:
  • Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU), formerly the Split Airport
  • Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
  • Flight Arrival Time: Before 1:00 PM (Local Time) This arrival time allows approximately 1/2 hour to pass through passport control and retrieve baggage before the group transfer.
  • 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 a Participant misses the group transfer, they will be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of transportation to the island, either the same day or the following day. While ITVP can provide general guidance when possible, ITVP staff and the group will depart as scheduled, and the group transfer will not be delayed due to flight delays.

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.

It is strongly recommended that participants from the United States consider arriving on Sunday, June 14, 2026, one day before the pilgrimage begins on Monday, June 15, 2026. Arriving early not only allows time to rest and provides greater flexibility when selecting flight options, but it also helps ensure that your flight arrival time aligns with the scheduled private boat transfer to the island of Badija.

Departure Information:
  • Airport: St. Jerome Airport (SPU), formerly the Split Airport
  • Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026 (Day 7 of the pilgrimage)
  • Flight Departure Time: After 7:00 AM (Local Time)
  • Transfer: The group transfer from the hotel to St. Jerome Airport will depart at 5:00 a.m. This schedule accommodates flights departing at 7:00 a.m. or later.

One (1) group transfer from the hotel to St. Jerome Airport is included. To participate in this group transfer, the Participant’s flight must depart at or after 7:30 AM. If you prefer a later departure, a private transfer may be requested and, if available, can be arranged at the Participant’s expense.

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.