*Please note this pilgrimage involves a certain amount of walking and physical activity, such as stairs, standing for extended periods and walking on uneven surfaces; especially when visiting historical and religious sites. We kindly ask that you assess your comfort level with these activities before booking and travel with a companion that can provide assistance if required. If you have any mobility concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our team to discuss.
DAY 1: TRAVEL TO ITALY
Depart in comfort from London Stansted Airport, at approximately 08:10hrs with Ryanair. We will be landing in Rome at approximately 11:35pm. Our local Joe Walsh Tours representative will meet and welcome us all on arrival and we will travel to Asissi, birthplace of St Francis.
On arrival in Assisi we will visit and have Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the cradle of the Franciscan order. The Porziuncola, the chapel of St. Francis’ first community and the chapel of the ‘Transito, where St Francis died, are both housed here. Time to check in the Hotel Da Angelo where we will be staying for the next three nights. (**Please note this hotel does not avail of a lift. Outdoor swimming pool available)
DAY 2: ASSISI
After breakfast we will start exploring Assisi, beginning with a visit and Mass at the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares. St Clare followed the teachings of St Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. We will continue our day with a visit of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen whose beatification Pope Francis approved in February, known for his gift for
computer programming and special love for God. Carlo Acutis Canonisation will take place the following month on April 25th–26th and 27th.
Free time for lunch and shopping, strolling the cobble stoned streets of this beautiful old town where it seems time has stood still.
In the afternoon we will visit the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary.
DAY 3: LORETO AND LANCIANO
After breakfast we will make our way to Loreto and Lanciano. Lanciano was the location for the first and greatest Eucharistic miracle of the Catholic Church in the 8th century. During Holy Mass and as a divine response to a priest who doubted Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist, the host bled and was changed into live flesh, likewise, the wine changed into live blood which later coagulated into five globules. In Loreto we will visit the Holy House, one of the most sacred places in the world. We will then travel back to Assisi for dinner.
DAY 4: ROME
After breakfast and checking out from our hotel in Assisi the group will travel to Rome. On arrival we will have time for lunch and a tour of St Peter Basilica, Square and the Holy Door.
The Basilica is one of the holiest sites of Christianity and Catholic tradition: burial site of St Peter, head of the twelve Apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, the first Bishop of Antioch and later first Bishop of Rome, rendering him the first Pope. Time for Mass and check in the hotel where we will be staying for the next three nights.
DAY 5: ROME
After breakfast we will be picked up from the hotel and start our walking tour of Rome’s main sites.
We will be admiring the most famous amphitheatre of Rome, the Colosseum, we will be learning about the Roman Forums, Piazza Venezia, and the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Time for Mass before heading back to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 6: PAPAL AUDIENCE
After breakfast today we will spend the morning participating at the Papal Audience. Pilgrims and visitors will have the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal blessings or Apostolic blessings
from the successor of the Apostle Peter during their visit. The Audience with the Pope consists of small teachings and readings mainly in Italian but also in English.
After lunch, we will visit two of the major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and St John in the Lateran. Mass and back to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 7: ENGLISH COLLEGE AND TRAVEL BACK TO LONDON
Today is unfortunately our Holy Pilgrimage comes to an end today. After breakfast and check out we will be picked up from the hotel at around 8:30 – 9:00am. We will be transferred to Piazza della Repubblica for free time and lunch.
Between 11:00 and 12:00 we will visit and have Mass at the English College. The Venerable English College is a Catholic seminary in Rome for the training and education of priests. It serves as
a residence for clerical students from all over the world. At approximately 14:00hrs the group will be picked up to travel back to the airport for our afternoon flight back to London Stansted departing at 17:45.
