DAY 1: Sunday 14th September – Rome
Enjoy a comfortable journey from Dublin Airport this morning at 10:25 hrs, arriving in Rome at approximately 14:30. Upon arrival, our Joe Walsh Tours pilgrimage coordinator will welcome you and arrange a private coach transfer to the St. Mary Major area.
Today’s itinerary includes a visit to this renowned Papal Basilica, followed by Mass and the Holy Door. Afterward, we will proceed to Hotel TwentyOne, where we will stay for six nights on a Bed & Breakfast basis. After checking in, take some time to unwind and explore the many nearby restaurants or bistros for dinner.
DAY 2: Monday 15th September – Walking tour of Rome
Today after breakfast at the hotel we will spend the full morning visiting the famous St Peter Basilica, Square and Holy Door. We will also have the fortune to celebrate Mass in the Basilica (tbc).
Chance for a professional Group picture before heading to lunch. Our tour guide will be more than happy to recommend a place to sit in and enjoy the view. After lunch we will start our walking tour of Rome main sites.
We will admire the Colosseum and walk by the Forums, visit Piazza Venezia and then onto admiring the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Time to head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Tuesday 16th September – Rome
Today after breakfast our day will bring us to another major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, where the group will have mass.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, along with the basilicas of Saint Mary Major, Saint Peter’s, and St John in Lateran.
Time to visit the Holy Door of Saint Paul before heading to lunch in one of the many café’s or restaurants in central Rome suggested from our experienced tour guide.
Free rest of the day for prayers and personal visits.
Enjoy dinner and an evening stroll before getting back to the hotel, £1599 per person sharing
DAY 4: Wednesday 17th September Vatican City
Wake up and breakfast today as we will spend the morning participating at the Papal Audience. Pick up from the hotel will be very early, around 7am.
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.
After such a meaningful morning time for lunch before our walking tour that will bring us to see the Spanish Steps, S.Andrea delle Fratte(miraculous medal) followed by the church of the Jesuite.
Time to relax and head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Thursday 18th September – Assisi
After breakfast today we will take a one day excursion 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, on arrival, 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.
Time to visit the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary, followed by the visit of S Rufino Cathedral where the relic of the heart of Blessed Carlo Acutis is preserved and Casa di San Francesco Vescovado – St Mary Major (time permitting).
After a full day time to head back to Rome for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Friday 19th September – Rome
Today, breakfast and time to explore the fourth of the Major Papal Basilicas, St John in the Lateranand its Holy Door, where we will have mass.
The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Rome in the city of Rome and serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, the pope.
Walking distance we will also admire the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs). One of Rome’s most revered Christian pilgrimage sites.
Time for lunch and free rest of the day to explore.
DAY 7: Saturday 20th September – Rome
Today is the 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 for one last visit to the Venerable Irish College for Mass before going back to the airport for our 15:10 flight back to Dublin.
