California Mission Pilgrimage and Winery Tour

September 15th - 21st, 2026

Hosted by Fr. Peter Karalus

Host

Fr. Peter Karalus
801 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-847-5560
Email: pjkbuffalo@gmail.com

Booking Agency

Alicia M. Loiacono
Rosabel Grace Travels (NJF Travel Affiliate)
Phone: 585-261-0537
Email: rosabelgrace@njftravel.com

 

 

 

Dear Travelling Friends:

I invite you to join the 2026 pilgrimage to the California Missions and wine country. Pope Leo stated:

A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith, for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply. Such moments always help us to grow, for through them the Holy Spirit gently fashions us to be ever more closely conformed to the mind and the heart of Jesus Christ.

This inspiring journey has an appealing itinerary that has something for every taste: spiritual, historical, architectural, culinary, nature, and so much more. ***Consider participating in this once remarkable journey!***

Please review all the information contained on this webpage that detail the entire pilgrimage.

Peace and Prayers,

Fr. Peter Karalus

 

Your Pilgrimage Includes

  • 6 nights’ hotel accommodations
    • In the specified hotel (or) similar in Standard Rooms
  • All transfers and transportation is by private, air-conditioned coach
  • Tour director/driver
  • Mission entrance fees
    • San Juan Capistrano
    • Santa Barbara
    • Carmel
  • Park entrance fees
  • Guided tour of Hearst Castle
  • Park entrance fees
  • 6 x Breakfasts
  • 2 x Lunches
  • 3 x Dinners
  • 5 Wine Tastings
  • Tips and gratuities for included meals, bus driver, and tours
  • Applicable taxes and fees as on date

Trip Highlights

  • Celebrate Mass at California’s most historic missions, including  San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, and Carmel
  • Experience the legendary Pacific Coast Highway with stops at Big Sur, McWay Falls, and Bixby Bridge
  • Explore Hearst Castle, the opulent hilltop estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean
  • Walk among ancient coastal redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument
  • Enjoy curated wine tastings and vineyard dinners in Santa Barbara and Napa Valley

 

Accomodations

  • Please Note:
  • Accomodations are subject to availability.
  • The group will be booked at the same hotels as listed or at comparable hotels of equal quality, category, and location.

Itinerary

Journey through California’s most iconic missions and landscapes on a faith-filled pilgrimage blending spiritual reflection, breathtaking coastal scenery, and celebrated wine country.

From historic Spanish missions to the Pacific Coast Highway and Napa Valley vineyards, this thoughtfully paced journey offers inspiration, fellowship, and unforgettable moments.

Day 1 | September 15

Arrival in Los Angeles & Mission San Juan Capistrano

Depart Buffalo/Niagara International Airport and arrive in Los Angeles. Enjoy an included welcome lunch along the coast before visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano for a guided tour and Mass in the historic Serra Chapel. Explore the charming Los Rios District before checking in along the Orange County coast.

Overnight: Orange County

Day 2 | September 16

Santa Barbara Mission & Wine Country Dinner

Travel north along the Pacific Coast to Mission Santa Barbara, the “Queen of the Missions,” for Mass and exploration. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping on State Street before an included evening winery dinner in the Santa Ynez Valley, featuring local wines and regional cuisine.

Overnight: Santa Barbara

Day 3 | September 17

Solvang & Hearst Castle

Visit the Danish village of Solvang with time to explore its shops and bakeries and enjoy an independent lunch. Continue to Hearst Castle for a guided tour of the famed estate and Neptune Pool. Arrive in the San Simeon area for a peaceful seaside evening and independent dinner at our hotel restaurant at your leisure.

Overnight: San Simeon

Day 4 | September 18

Big Sur Coast & Carmel Mission

Drive Highway 1 through Big Sur with scenic stops at McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge. Visit Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel for Mass. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea before an included winery dinner in the region.

Overnight: Marina

Day 5 | September 19

Muir Woods & Napa Valley

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge with photo stops en route to Muir Woods National Monument. Walk among towering redwoods and enjoy an included picnic lunch. Continue to Napa Valley for hotel check-in and an independent dinner.

Overnight: Napa Valley

Day 6 | September 20

Sunday Mass & Napa Wine Tastings

Attend Sunday Mass at a local Napa parish. Enjoy wine tastings at Domaine Carneros and Trefethen Family Vineyards. Celebrate the journey with a farewell included vineyard dinner at V. Sattui Winery, featuring estate wines and Italian-inspired cuisine. Overnight: Napa Valleyv

 

Pricing

 

$5,910

Per person sharing a double/twin room

Single Occupancy: US $7,055

Airfare not included in listed price.

Roundtrip airfare is available

Starting at US $560 per person

 

Terms, Conditions and Information

Please review the important dates and cancellation terms below.

Important Dates & Payment Schedule

Payment Deadlines

April 10, 2026
Non-refundable deposit of USD $300 per person is due.

May 10, 2026
A 20% non-refundable deposit of the total tour cost per person is due.

June 1, 2026
Final passenger details must be submitted for the group.

June 6, 2026
Final payment for all group arrangements is due.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits

All deposits are strictly non-refundable, once paid.

Airfare

Airfare cancellations are subject to individual airline rules and restrictions. Full details will be provided at the time of booking.

Land Arrangements

On or before Tuesday, June 16, 2026
(More than 91 days prior to departure)
Loss of all non-refundable deposits plus a 10% cancellation fee based on the total trip cost.

Between Wednesday, June 17, 2026 and Tuesday, July 16, 2026
(90–61 days prior to departure)
75% of the total trip cost will be non-refundable.

From Wednesday, July 17, 2026 onward
(60 days or less prior to departure)
100% of the total trip cost will be non-refundable.

 

Insurance Information

It is strongly recommended that clients purchase cancellation insurance to protect themselves against cancellation due to illness prior to or during travel.

In the event a traveler becomes ill during the tour and has not purchased insurance, all hospital and medical expenses will be the traveler’s responsibility.

Based on Goway Travel’s current cancellation policies, a passenger may incur up to 100% cancellation penalties and is strongly encouraged to protect themselves with cancellation insurance.

Travelers may purchase trip cancellation insurance independently, or we would be happy to provide an insurance quote upon request.