*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: ARRIVE ROME
Today we will be flying out Birmingham airport at approximately 08:00am. Our flight will be landing in Rome at 11:40am, ready to be met and greet by our Joe Walsh Tours pilgrimage co-ordinator and transferred by private coach to S. Mary Major area. Time for lunch in the recommended ‘Strega’ Restaurant, followed by the visit of the Basilica and Mass. After a full first day, time to check in the Hotel Cardinal St Peter, situated between the green of Villa Doria Pamphili, only a few minutes from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, where we will stay for four nights on a Half Board basis. Free time to enjoy dinner and a nice evening stroll.
DAY 2: ST PETER BASILICA, SQUARE, HOLY DOOR & VATICAN MUSEUMS
Today after breakfast at the hotel we will be having a guided tour of the famous St Peter Basilica, Square and the Holy Door. We will also have the fortune to celebrate Mass in the Basilica. Chance for a professional Group picture before heading to lunch at the very nice and recommended Rossetti Caffe. After lunch we will also visit the Vatican Museums and the famous Sistine Chapel. Time to get back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: PAPAL BASILICAS
Today after breakfast our day will bring us to visit one of the major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls where the group will have mass. The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, along with the basilicas of Saint Mary Major, Saint Peter’s, and St John in Lateran, which we will visit after and in between the Baptistery and the Scala Santa. Time for lunch in one of the many café’s or restaurants in central Rome suggested from our experienced tour guide before getting back to the hotel. Time to rest before getting on board our coach and enjoy a fabulous dinner in Frascati, Known as the ‘City of Wine’ and an ideal place to spend a relaxing day.
DAY 4: WALKING TOUR OF ROME
Today after breakfast we will be picked up from the hotel and start our walking tour of Rome main sites. Mass will be celebrated at Santa Francesca Romana al Foro.
We will admire the Colosseum and walk by the Forums, visit Piazza Venezia and then lunch at the Antico Castellino Caffè before we will be on our way to admiring the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. Historical Ice cream parol is on our agenda today. Time to head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: ORVIETO & ASSISI
Today after breakfast and check out we will be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi in the central part of Italy.
We will be heading north to the small city of Orvieto, perched on a rock cliff and will visit the beautiful Duomo di Orvieto dating from 1290 and the San Patrizio’s well, a 16th Century well shaft with a double spiral staircase. Time for lunch and on our way to Assisi.
On arrival visit and Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in the 16th Century and the cradle of the Franciscan order. The Porziuncola Chapel, one of Saint Francis’ favourite places is also housed there. Time to check in the BV Grand Hotel Assisi where we will be staying for the next 2 nights on a Half Board basis. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: ST CLAIRE’S BASILICA, ST FRANCIS PARENTS HOUSE, CARLO ACUTIS RESTING PLACE & BASILICA OF ST FRANCIS
Today after breakfast is time to visit St. Claire’s Basilica, St. Francis parents house. Carlo Acutis resting place. Blessed Carlo Acutis was an Italian teen whose beatification Pope Francis approved in February, known for his gift for computer programming and special love for God. Lunch afterwards at self service Foro Romano followed by the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary. We will have some Free time for shopping, strolling the cobble-stoned street of this beautiful old town where it seems time has stood still. Back to the hotel.
DAY 7: FLIGHT BACK HOME
Today is the last day of this Holy Pilgrimage that brought us to see the Venerable Carlo Acutis and Rome during the Jubilee year 2025.
After a good breakfast and check out we will be picked up early from the Hotel to go back to the airport for our 12:25 flight back to Birmingham.