*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: Saturday 05th April – Depart from Dublin
Today we will be flying out of Dublin Airport early in the morning at 06:20am with Aer Lingus. Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to meet us on arrival at 10:25hrs, to guide us through this Pilgrimage. We will then be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the beautiful and quaint town of Assisi. Comfort stop on the way for lunch and snacks (own expenses).
On arrival in Assisi, we will visit and have mass in S. Maria degli Angeli, housing the famous Porziuncola, the cradle of the Franciscan Order, his cell, the famous rose garden and place where St. Francis departed this life. Time to check in the rustic hotel Da Angelo
where we will be staying for the next 2 nights on a Half Board Basis.
(** Please note the hotel does not have an elevator – Outdoor swimming pool in the premises)
DAY 2: Sunday 06th April – Assisi
After a nice breakfast this morning our coach will take us to upper Assisi where we will spend our day on a walking tour beginning with the Basilica of St. Clare, where we will see the original San Damiano cross, and amongst other relics on display, her long hair which was cut off by St. Francis during her religious profession, her habit and her cord belt.
Then, we will be visiting the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the Church where Blessed Carlo Acutis remains are displayed and the place where it is renowned that St. Francis relinquished his wealthy lifestyle, cast off his rich clothes, choosing instead a torn patched up tunic and life of poverty. There will be ample time for lunch, to browse the shops and to walk through the medieval streets, savouring the atmosphere of Assisi.
Our walking tour of the town will conclude at the impressive 13th century Basilica of St. Francis, renowned as The Mother Church of The Franciscan Order. Time for mass before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Monday 07th April – Rome
Today 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, the 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 Ponte Sisto, where we will be staying for the next 4 nights on a Bed & Breakfast Basis.
This luxurious 4-star hotel is located in an enviable position in the centre of Rome, near Campo de’ Fiori and a few steps from Piazza Navona, with plenty of local restaurants and bar nearby.
Free time for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Tuesday 08th April – 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 English College. The Venerable English College is a Catholic seminary in Rome, Italy, for the training of priests for England and Wales. It was founded in 1579 by William Allen on the model of the English College.
Back to the hotel. Free time, dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Wednesday 09th April – Papal Audience
After breakfast, we will spend the morning participating at the Papal Audience. Pilgrims and visitors will have the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal blessings or Apostolic blessings from the successor of the Apostle Peter during their visit. The Audience with the Pope consists of small teachings and readings mainly in Italian but also in English.
Our day will follow with lunch and the visit of 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.
Back to the hotel for free evening – dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Thursday 10th April – Rome
Today after breakfast we will be picked up from the hotel and start our walking tour of Rome main sites. We will be visiting, (from the outside), and walking around the most famous amphitheatre of Rome, the Colosseum, we will be learning about the Roman Forums, Piazza Venezia, and 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.
Time for Mass before heading back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7: Friday 11th April – Travel back to Dublin
Today is our last day of this beautiful Assisi & Rome’s pilgrimage.
After a good breakfast and check out we will have free time for shopping or visit some of Rome’s unmissable attractions. **For anyone interested in visiting the Vatican Museums please make sure to book in advance.
We will be picked up from the hotel around 11:30- 12:00 to head to Fiumicino airport for our 15:10 flight back to Dublin.