*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 in Rome – Transfer to Assisi
Early departure from Dublin Airport, at approximately 06:20 hrs with Aer Lingus. We will be landing in Rome at approximately 10:25am, with the full day ahead of us.
Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will meet and welcome us all on arrival. We will then be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi in the central part of Italy.
Visit and Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the cradle of the Franciscan order. The Porziuncola, the chapel of St. Francis’ first community and the chapel of the ‘Transito, where St. Francis died, are both housed here. This is also where St Claire received the Franciscan cowl from St. Francis in 1211.
Time to check in the BV Grand Hotel Assisi where we will be staying for the next 3 nights on a Half Board basis. Dinner and overnight
**Comfort stop on the way from Rome to Assisi for lunch (at your own expenses).
DAY 2: Explore Assisi, Basilica of St Clare and Basilica of St Francis
After breakfast today we will start exploring Assisi with the visit and Mass in the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares. St Clare followed the teachings of St. Francis by living a life of poverty and humility.
We will continue our day with the visit of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen whose beatification Pope Francis approved in February, known for his gift for computer programming and special love for God.
Free time for lunch and shopping, strolling the cobble-stoned street of this beautiful old town where it seems time has stood still.
Time to visit the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary. Dinner and overnight in the hotel
DAY 3 – Cascia and Roccaporena
After breakfast, we will make our way to Cascia and Roccaporena. The city of Cascia is ideal for those looking for spiritual peace, tranquillity, and beauty.
Cascia is important in the history of Catholic Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church because it is the birthplace of Saint Rita who lived from 1381-1457. We will be having Mass and visit the Basilica of Santa Rita and the Monastery. The Basilica of Saint Rita or tomb of Saint Rita is one of the most famous shrines in Cascia and a beautiful space for its magnificent architecture and art.
Back to Assisi after a full day for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Travel to Rome
After breakfast and check out from the Hotel the group will travel to Rome.On arrival we will have time for lunch and a tour of St Peter Basilica, Square and the Holy Door. (waiting to see the Jubilee Program by the Vatican).
The Basilica is one of the holiest sites of Christianity and Catholic Tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its titular, St. Peter, who was the head of the twelve Apostles of Jesus and, according to tradition, the first Bishop of Antioch and later the first Bishop of Rome, rendering him the first Pope. Time for Mass and check in the hotel Twenty One where we will be staying for the next 3 nights on a Bed & Breakfast Basis.
Free time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Papal Basilicas
Today after breakfast our day will bring us to visit two of the major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and St John in the Lateran. The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, along with the basilicas of Saint John in the Lateran, Saint Peter’s, and Saint Mary Major.
Time for lunch in one of the many café’s or restaurants in central Rome suggested from our experienced tour guide. After lunch we will be visiting and having Mass in the Irish College. The Pontifical Irish College is a Catholic seminary in Rome for the training and education of priests. The College serves as a residence for clerical students from all over the world.
Back to the hotel. Free time, dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Seven Pilgrim Churches and tour of Rome
After breakfast we will be transferred to the papal Basilicas of Saint Mary Major. It is a Major papal basilica as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome. Time for Mass followed by a leisurely walking tour of the main sights of Rome.
We will be admiring the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Back to the hotel. Free time and dinner.
DAY 7: Flight back to Dublin
Today is our 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 from the Hotel to go back to the airport for our 11:10 flight back to Dublin.
