PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND SORRENTO
DAY 1: TRAVEL TO ROME
Travel in comfort from Manchester Airport, with a scheduled departure at approximately 09:45 hrs. We are expected to arrive in Rome at 13:25 hrs (subject to delays). Upon arrival, a Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to meet and welcome us.
After collecting our luggage, we will transfer by private coach to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) — one of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome and the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
There will be free time for lunch at one of the many local cafés or bistros, with recommendations provided by our experienced tour guide (please note that lunch is at your own expense).
Following lunch, enjoy a brief orientation walking tour of the surrounding area, followed by a visit and celebration of Mass at this important basilica.
After a fulfilling start to our pilgrimage, we will transfer to Casa di Santa Brigida, located in the heart of historic Rome, where we will stay for the next three nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
After check-in, we will have dinner at the nearby restaurant La Tavernetta, located just 700 metres away (walking distance), before returning for our overnight stay.
DAY 2: WALKING TOUR OF ROME
Today involves a moderate amount of walking about 3km 55min spread across the whole day.
After enjoying a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, we will celebrate Mass at 10am, at the Sant Brigida Chapel, a peaceful and intimate setting within the residence.
Following Mass, we begin our day with a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente, a unique site. The basilica is dedicated to Pope Clement I, the fourth pope and an early martyr.
After the visit, enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants or cafés (at your own expense), with suggestions provided by our guide.
In the afternoon, we continue with a guided walking tour of Rome’s iconic landmarks, including The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Pantheon and Piazza Navona. We’ll stop to admire the Caravaggio paintings in San Luigi dei Francesi on Via della Scrofa before returning back to our accommodation.
This day offers a perfect balance of spiritual depth and cultural activity, providing a deeper appreciation of Rome’s sacred and historical treasures.
Free time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: VATICAN AND ST PETER’S SQUARE
Today after a nice breakfast the group will have two options. For those who wish to participate to the Papal Audience in St Peter Square we recommend and early breakfast and transfer (organised by Joe Walsh Tours). Pilgrims and visitors will have the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal blessings or Apostolic blessings. The Audience with the Pope consists of small teachings and readings mainly in Italian but also in English. It usually takes place at 10:00am but it is recommended to be there in advance.
The second option is to have Mass at 10am in the Sant Brigida Chapel and join the rest of the group in the Vatican area to continue our day with the visit of St Peter Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes.
Time for lunch in a local restaurant or bar and free afternoon.
Free time to visit the renowned Vatican Museums, enclave of Rome, for example or Castel Sant’Angelo, or down via del Corso towards Piazza di Spagna, renowned shopping district.
We recommend not to miss the Trevi Fountain.
***Please note these attractions must be booked individually and ahead of time – make also sure to organise your own transports. Joe Walsh Tours will not be able to assist.
DAY 4: CASTEL GANDOLFO AND SORRENTO
Today we move to the second part of our journey, after a relatively early breakfast and check out we will travel to Castel Gandolfo. Located on the Alban Hills and overlooking Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo has served as the Pope’s summer retreat for centuries. After visiting the Palace and Gardens we will have free time for lunch.
Around 1pm we will board our coach and travel to Sorrento, with a quick sightseeing of Naples from the bus while arriving at destination. We will be checking at Hotel Vesuvio in Sorrento, where we will be staying for the next two nights.
Time to refresh, have dinner and free evening.
DAY 5: POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Vesuvio, surrounded by the beauty of the Amalfi coastline and the charm of Southern Italy.
After breakfast, we depart for a day excursion exploring two of Italy’s most important archaeological and spiritual sites.
Our first stop is Pompeii, the ancient Roman city famously frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We will enjoy a guided tour of the extensive archaeological site, walking among remarkably preserved ruins, streets, villas, and frescoes and visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, a revered pilgrimage site known for its miraculous image of the Virgin Mary and a deep Marian devotion.
You will have free time for lunch (own arrangements) and in the afternoon we will travel to Herculaneum, another Roman town buried by the same eruption, but better preserved in many ways due to its different burial conditions.
We will then return to Sorrento where you will have time to relax for the evening, explore Sorrento’s charming old town, or enjoy a coffee by the sea before dinner at the hotel.
DAY 6: TRAVEL BACK TO THE UK
Today is unfortunately the last day of this beautiful pilgrimage. We will have breakfast and check out before driving to Naples airport to catch out flight back to Manchester (flight time tbc).
*Please note itinerary may be subject to change.
