*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: Monday 13th April – Fly from Dublin
Today we will be flying out of Dublin Airport in total comfort at 10:25am on board Aer Lingus. We will be landing in Rome at approximately 14:30pm.
Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to meet us on arrival, 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 snacks own expenses).
On arrival in Assisi, time to check in the cosy and family run 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: Tuesday 14th April – Upper 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. Next, 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: Wednesday 15th April – Rome | Papal Audience
Today we will have a very early start, giving us the chance to arrive in Rome on time to attend the Papal Audience. Packed breakfast and check out from the Hotel at 04:30am-05:00am, the group will travel to Rome.
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.
Time for lunch afterwards and a tour of St Peter Basilica and its grottoes and the magnificent St Peter Square.
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 day time to check in the Casa Bonus Pastor situated just a few minutes’ drive from the Vatican which will be our accommodation for the next 3 nights on a Half Board basis.
Time to rest before dinner and enjoy the evening.
DAY 5: Thursday 16th 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 the Pontifical Irish College, a Catholic seminary in Rome for the training and education of priests.
Back to the hotel. Free time, dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Friday 17th April – Rome main sites from the outside
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.
Today we will also admire and visit St Mary Major, the last of the four Major Papal Basilicas. 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 before heading back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7: Saturday 18th April – Travel back home
Today is the 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.
