*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: Wednesday, 24 February 2027 | London Gatwick – Naples – Pietrelcina – San Giovanni Rotondo
Depart London Gatwick on your EasyJet flight to Naples departing at 07:10hrs. Upon arrival, you will be met by your JWT Tour Guide.
After collecting our luggage from the carousel, we will travel by private coach to San Giovanni Rotondo. During our transfer, we will have ample opportunity to enjoy scenic views of the beautiful Italian countryside, as well as hearing some inspirational words of the early years of Francesco Forgione (the future Padre Pio). Stop en route for some snacks/sandwiches (at your own expense) before visiting Pietrelcina.
Walk in the footsteps of Padre Pio in his quaint little town and learn about his dream of becoming “a monk with a beard” and visit the family home where Padre Pio was born and the Church of Sant’Anna where he was baptised. Mass will be celebrated in Pietrelcina.
Afterwards, we will continue our drive to San Giovanni Rotondo where we will check in at Hotel Parco delle Rose, our accommodation for the next two nights on a full board basis.
DAY 2: Thursday 25 February 2027 | San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning, after a good sleep and a full breakfast, we will be spending the full day in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Mass will be celebrated in the Old Church, followed by a guided tour of the English office where we will hear about the extraordinary life of Padre Pio and the Capuchin Friary, the cell where Saint Pio lived and died, and the crucifix before which he received the stigmata.
One of the most beautiful Shrines to see in San Giovanni Rotondo, the Old Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, or Our Lady of Grace.
The group will have plenty of time for prayers and personal time at St Pio’s tomb.
Back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, time to pay a visit to the Hospital “Home for Relief of the Suffering”, which now welcomes many patients, being one of the best health care centres in Italy.
Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Friday, 26 February 2027 | San Giovanni Rotondo – Loreto – Assisi
After breakfast, the group will depart for Assisi, stopping en route in Loreto, home to the Shrine of the Holy House of the Virgin Mary, one of the world’s most revered Marian pilgrimage sites.
Visit the magnificent Basilica of the Holy House and enjoy time for prayer and reflection. Mass will be celebrated in Loreto.
Continue north through the picturesque Italian countryside to Assisi, where you will check into your accommodation, the Domus Laetitiae, our base for the next two nights on a Half Board basis.
Time for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Saturday, 27 February 2027 – Assisi
Today we begin our day visiting Upper Assisi. We will have a nice walk and visit the Basilica of St.Clare, the foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares, and the awe-inspiring 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis and his tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary.
Time for lunch in a local restaurant or café (own expense), before continuing our day with the visit of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the remains of Blessed Carlo Acutis are housed. Mass will be celebrated there. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Sunday, 28 February 2027 | Lower Assisi – Rome
Today, after breakfast and check-out, we will visit Lower Assisi and begin the morning with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, built over the tiny Porziuncola Chapel, where the Franciscan Order began and where St. Francis spent the final years of his life. We will have Mass here.
Following the visit, we will travel to Rome. On arrival, enjoy a leisurely guided walking tour that introduces you to some of the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks, including its elegant piazzas, fountains, and historic streets.
Check in at Casa Francesca Romana, located in the lively Trastevere district, followed by dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6 – Monday, 1 March 2027 | The Major Basilicas and Ancient Rome
Today’s pilgrimage begins at the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, followed by the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.
Visit the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), traditionally believed to be the steps climbed by Jesus during His Passion. The afternoon includes a walk through Ancient Rome, passing the impressive Colosseum and the Roman Forum, where centuries of Roman history come to life. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7 – Tuesday, 2 March 2027 | St. Mary Major & Free Time in Rome
Today, after breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas and an important Jubilee church. Mass will be celebrated here. The remainder of the day is free to explore Rome at your own pace.
Optional opportunities may include:
- The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- The Roman Catacombs
- Shopping along Via del Corso
- Additional churches and Jubilee sites
- Relaxing in one of Rome’s beautiful piazzas and cafés
(* Please note these attractions must be booked individually and Joe Walsh Tours won’t be able to help. Make sure to arrange your own transport to/from accommodation)
Meet back at the hotel for 19:00hrs for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Wednesday, 3 March 2027 | Papal Audience – St. Peter’s Basilica – Return to London
Today is the last day of this beautiful pilgrimage. After an early breakfast and check-out, we will be picked up around 07:00hrs to attend the Papal General Audience in St. Peter’s Square.
Following the Audience, enjoy a self-guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church, allowing time for prayer, exploration, and personal reflection. You will be visiting St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican City.
Lunch and transfer to the airport for your return flight to London departing at 16:15hrs taking home unforgettable memories of this special pilgrimage through Italy.
