DAY 1: Wednesday 22nd October – Arrive in Rome
Early departure from Dublin Airport, at approximately 06:20hrs with Aer Lingus. We will be arriving in Rome at approximately 10:25hrs with the full day ahead.
Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to meet and greet us on arrival. We will then be transferred by private coach to Santa Maria Maggiore – S. Mary Major.
Time for lunch and refreshments (at your own expense) in one of the many local cafe’s, or Bistro’s, suggested from our experienced tour guide.
After lunch, we will have an orientation walking tour of the area, visit and Mass in this Major Basilica before heading to the Hotel Pacific, where we will be staying for the next 5 nights on a Half Board basis. Time to check in and have dinner.
DAY 2: Thursday 23rd October – St Peter Basilica, Square and the Holy Door
Today after breakfast will have a full morning in the Vatican area, with a guided tour of St Peter Basilica, St Peter Square and the Holy Door.
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. After such a full and interesting morning time for lunch before starting our walking tour of Rome main sites. We will be admiring the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the Spanish Steps and the former Roman temple “Pantheon”.
Time to visit and have Mass in Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. This is the end of our day; we will be transferred to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 3: Friday 24th October – Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and The Colosseum
After breakfast today our day will follow with the visit of the major Papal Basilica of St John in the Lateran, where we will have mass. The Archbasilica is the oldest public church in the city of Rome serving as the mother church of the Diocese of Rome.
We will then move to the nearby Basilica of San Clemente, one of the most interesting and ancient basilicas of Rome, dedicated to Saint Clement, the third pope after Saint Peter, and only 5 minutes walking distance to the Colosseum.
We will enjoy a leisurely walk to the Colosseum, one of the most iconic symbols of Ancient Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Time for lunch around the Colosseum area, where we will have the chance to admire this famous amphitheatre (from the outside) and learn about the Roman Forums. Free afternoon for personal visits and shopping. Our tour guide will be happy to recommend things to do&see. If you are planning on visiting the Vatican Museums, the Catacombs or the Colosseum please make sure to plan ahead and book online through the official web-sites (must be done individually). Meet back at the hotel for dinner.
DAY 4: Saturday 25th October – St.Mary of the Angels
After a good breakfast we will be picked up at 10:00am and transferred to the Major Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. This is the resting place of St Paul the Apostle, one of Christianity’s most important figures. We will visit and pass through the Holy Door of this beautiful and important Basilica. Time for lunch before our next visit.
In the afternoon we will have the pleasure to visit the Pontifical Irish College is a Catholic seminary in Rome for the training and education of priests and this is where we will celebrate Mass. After a full day the coach will come to collect us and bring back to the hotel for a nice evening of food and free time.
DAY 5: Sunday 26th October – Mass with the Pope in St Peters Basilica.
Today we will be celebrating Mass with the Pope in St Peters Basilica. Every Sunday at noon, if the Pope is in Rome, he steps out onto the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to deliver the Angelus Address. This brief ceremony involves the recitation of the Angelus prayer, a short sermon, and a blessing, and the event is open to all visitors and tourists.
Our day will follow with lunch and time for a visit to one of the local markets, ‘Mercato Trionfale’ where you can pick up some authentic local goods like cured meats and cheeses which are abundant inside.
In the afternoon the visit of Castel Sant’Angelo (from outside), Sant’Angelo’s bridge with its beautiful angels lining the bridge which give it an iconic feel. One of the angels, Angel with the Crown of Thorns, was originally created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini but what you see today is a copy. The original is in Sant’Andrea della Fratte. Back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 6: Monday 27th October – Mass at the Irish College and Flight back home
Today is unfortunately our last day of this Rome’s pilgrimage. After a good breakfast and check out we will be picked up at 11:30am. We will be transferred to Piazza della Repubblica for lunch and free time. Piazza della Repubblica is where we will witness in St.Mary of the Angels, the work of famous meridian, then by 12.30 Mass will be celebrated at St. Bernard Church.
Time to go back to the airport for our evening flight
