DAY 1: Wednesday 1st October – Arrive Rome
Early departure from Dublin Airport at approximately 06:20am to Rome, capital city of Italy. Estimated arrival time 10:30am, with the full day ahead of us.
We will be met by one of our Joe Walsh Tour representatives and upon collecting our bags from the carousel we will be transferred by private coach to St Peter Square and the Holy door. Time for lunch in one of the many Bistrot’s and coffee shops suggested from our expert guide (at your own cost) followed by the tour of St Peter Basilica, Mass (time tbc) before heading to Assisi.
The Basilica is one of the holiest sites of Christianity and Catholic Tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its titular, St. Peter. Around 4pm we will be departing towards the beautiful hill town of Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis.
Time to check in the Hotel Da Angelo where we will be staying for the next 5 nights on a Half Board basis. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: Thursday 2nd October – Assisi
Today after breakfast we will start visiting upper Assisi. 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.
Next, we will be visiting the Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the Church where Blessed Carlo Acutis’s 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, browsing the shops, and walking through the quaint 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: Friday 3rd October – Excursion to the scenic Rieti Valley
This morning, after breakfast, we will embark on an excursion to the scenic and historically rich Rieti Valley which offers a rich spiritual experience, especially with its deep connections to Saint Francis of Assisi. The valley is home to four significant Franciscan sanctuaries including the Sanctuary of Greccio. We will also visit the tomb of Saint Angela of Foligno, located in the Church of San Francesco in Foligno. Foligno is situated in the Umbria region, approximately 150 kilometres from the Rieti Valley. Visiting both the Rieti Valley and Foligno would provide a comprehensive pilgrimage experience, encompassing significant Franciscan sites and the resting place of Saint Angela. Time to head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Saturday 4th October – St Francis Day
Today, is St Francis Feast Day. Saint Francis led a colourful and interesting life before devoting his life to God and becoming one of the most renowned Christians of all time. To celebrate him and commemorate his journey to the afterlife, the town of Assisi lights oil lamps for two days. Religious services are held and some children even bring their pets to be blessed on this day.
After breakfast we will begin our day with the visit of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in the 16th century and the Porziuncula Chapel, one of Saint Francis’ favourite places and where the original community of brothers made their home is enshrined also, his cell, the famous rose garden and place where St. Francis departed this life. Mass tbc.
We will follow the celebration and free time on this memorable and important day.
DAY 5 Sunday 5th October – La Verna
Today we will visit the place where St Francis received the Stigmata, ‘La Verna”. La Verna, about 2h from Assisi, it is famous because St. Francis lived there.
The Sanctuary is located on Mount Penna (also called Mount of La Verna) above Chiusi della Verna in the province of Arezzo. Every year, La Verna is visited by numerous visitors (Christians and not) because St.Francis is one of the most adored saints worldwide as well as Italy’s Patron Saint.
Time to head back to the hotel for our last night in Assisi.
DAY 6: Monday 6th October
Today is the day of this beautiful pilgrimage to commemorate St Francis of Assisi, but that also that brought us to visit the Holy Door in Rome and the Venerable Carlo Acutis.
After breakfast and check out from the hotel we will be picked up and transferred by coach to Rome airport for our flight back to Dublin.
