DAY 1: Monday 26th October
Depart Manchester airport at 07:05hrs for our flight to Rome onboard the Jet2 Airline. On arrival in Rome at approximately 11:00hrs, we will be met by our Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimage Co-ordinator. Upon collecting our bags from the carousel we will then transfer by private coach to Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis.
A stop will be made en-route for snacks and refreshments (own expenses).
On arrival in Assisi, we will check in to Hotel Frate Sole, where we will stay for the next four nights on a half-board basis, including breakfast and evening meal each day.
This afternoon we visit the nearby Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel restored by St Francis. This sacred place was the home of his first community and is considered the cradle of the Franciscan Order. We will celebrate our opening Mass this evening. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Frate Sole.
DAY 2: Tuesday 27th October
Today we visit Upper Assisi, where we will enjoy a guided walking tour of the principal sights of this beautiful medieval town. We visit the magnificent 13th-century Basilica of St Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order.
Construction of the Basilica began just two years after the death of St Francis, highly unusual for the period, reflecting the deep devotion of the people to create a permanent resting place for their beloved saint. Remarkably, the Lower Basilica was completed in just two years, an extraordinary achievement for that era.
We also visit the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of Poor Clares. St Clare faithfully followed the teachings of St Francis, embracing a life of poverty, humility, and prayer. She died in 1253, and her incorrupt body rests within the Basilica. The original San Damiano Cross, before which St Francis prayed when he received his call to “rebuild my Church”, is also housed here. We will celebrate Mass today in one of the Basilicas in Assisi. Return to the hotel for evening meal and overnight.
DAY 3: Wednesday 28th October
Today after breakfast we visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, or else known as the Sanctuary of Renunciation, where the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis is located. Mass will be celebrated here.
After lunch we will have the opportunity to take an excursion to the Hermitage of San Damiano. This historic 12th-century site is the church where St Francis received his mission from Christ.
Please note visits
There is also the option to visit the Hermitage of Le Carceri, located on Mount Subasio. This peaceful retreat was a place where St Francis and his companions withdrew for prayer and contemplation. We strongly recommend visiting both San Damiano and Le Carceri, time permitting. After a full day back at the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Thursday 29th October
After breakfast today we will be traveling to the nearby Rivotorto for Mass. The Sanctuary of Rivotorto is a place of immense significance for the Franciscan movement,built over the original huts where Saint Francis and his first followers lived and prayed. Visitors can see the reconstructed cells, the church built over the humble dwellings, and a Latin inscription that translates to “Here was the beginning of the Friars Minor,” making it a crucial pilgrimage site for understanding early Franciscan history.
Back to the hotel for lunch and free rest of the day for shopping, personal prayer, reflection, and individual visits.
DAY 5 Friday 30th October
This morning marks the final day of our memorable journey.After enjoying breakfast at the hotel and completing check-out, we will depart for Rome for our flight back to Manchester departing at 12:10hrs.
