*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: Arrival in Assisi

Early morning departure from Birmingham Airport aboard EasyJet scheduled for 06:55 hrs. We will be landing in Rome at approximately 10:30hrs, with the rest of day ahead of us. Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will meet and welcome us all on arrival. Upon collecting our luggage from the carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi in the central part of Italy. Comfort stop on the way from Rome to Assisi for snacks (at your own expenses).

Time to check in, subject to room availability, at the Domus Pacis Assisi, a Franciscan Hotel and Spiritual retreat centre, where we will be staying for the next 3 nights with breakfast and dinner included.

We will then walk to the nearby Santa Maria degli Angeli, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. The Basilica houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel at the heart of St. Francis’ first community, and the Chapel of the Transito, where St. Francis died. Visit and Mass before heading back to the Domus Pacis for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Upper Assisi

After breakfast, we begin our day exploring Upper Assisi with a visit and mass to the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary. There will be free time for lunch, shopping, or simply strolling through the cobbled streets of this beautiful medieval town, where it often feels as though time has stood still.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Basilica of St. Clare, the foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares. St. Clare was a devoted follower of St. Francis and embraced his ideals by living a life of poverty and humility. After a full day, back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: Carlo Acutis & Assisi

Our day will start with the visit of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the remains of Blessed Carlo Acutis are housed. Pope Leo XIV canonised St. Carlo Acutis in September 2025. Mass will be celebrated there. Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon we will visit the Sanctuary of Rivotorto, an important Franciscan pilgrimage site, located just outside Assisi, associated with the early life of St. Francis and his first followers. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: Assisi to Rome

After an early breakfast and check out from Domus Pacis, the group will travel to Rome. Our first visit on arrival will be the Major Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the traditional burial place of St. Paul the Apostle. Admire its magnificent interior, mosaics and the portraits of the popes, reflecting the long history of the Church.

Time for lunch in one of the many local Bistrot’s and café’s suggested from our experienced tour guid followed by the visit and mass in the Pontifical Irish College.

We are now ready to be transferred to our accommodation, Casa Francesca Romana, located in the heart of Rome, in the lively Trastevere district. We will be spending the next 3 nights here with breakfast and dinner included. Check in, dinner and free evening.

DAY 5: Rome walking tour

After a nice breakfast we will start our day with the visit the Major Papal Basilica of St John in the Lateran. It was here St. Francis came from Assisi to seek the blessing of the Pope for the work he and his companions were doing for the Lord. The Archbasilica of St John in the Lateran is the Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and it serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome. Mass will take place in the Basilica.

Visit the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), the sacred staircase traditionally believed to be the steps Jesus ascended during His trial before Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Pilgrims traditionally climb the 28 marble steps on their knees as an act of devotion and prayer.

Time for lunch before starting our walking tour of Rome main sites, admire the Lateran Obelisk, the Colosseum, the Roman Forums and the former Roman Temple ‘Pantheon’. Back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: St. Peter Basilica, Vatican

Today we will have an early breakfast before finally heading to the Vatican area. After Mass in the beautiful St Peter Basilica (08:15am tbc), we will have plenty of time to visit (own time-self guided) the basilica and the grottoes of the Popes, along with St. Peter Square.

Early lunch before starting our leisure walk which will bring us to see Castel Sant’ Angelo, the Trevi Fountain, followed by Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. Free rest of the day for personal visits, shopping and prayers.

DAY 7: Sunday Angelus & Return home

After a relaxing breakfast and check out, we will go to St. Peter Square to attend the Angelus, at 12:00hrs.
Time for lunch followed by the visit and Mass of St. Mary Major Papal Basilica, one of Rome’s most important Marian shrines and one of the four major papal basilicas.
We will then travel to the airport for our flight back to Birmingham departing at 21:30pm.

• Return direct flights from Birmingham to Rome
• 1x 15kg bag included – EasyJet Airline
• All transfers & tours by private coach
• 3 nights in Assisi at Domus Pacis – Half Board – wine included
• 3 nights in Rome at Casa Francesca Romana – Half Board – wine included
• Full religious programme led by Spiritual Director
• Fully guided with tours and visits as per itinerary

• Price per person based on two adults sharing rooms
• Single supplement £40 per night (limited availability)
• City Taxes not included and payable at the hotels
• Airport taxes, charges and airline related fees included
• Deposit of £350 is required at the time of booking
• Meals where not stated, in-flight catering and expenses of personal nature are not included
• Itinerary may be subject to change
• It is mandatory that all customers residing and travelling from England, Scotland and Wales have travel insurance in place at the time of booking. The following charges, which must be payable with the deposit, will be automatically included on every booking confirmation. Pilgrims may only opt out with the condition that they have their own travel insurance policy in place and can provide the name of the insurance company, policy number and expiry date, at the time the booking is made only. Insurance charge cannot be refunded if cancelled at a later stage.
  3–17 years: £35
  18–50 years: £49
  51–65 years: £59
  66–79 years: £79
  80–90 years: £129