DAY 1: Monday 17th May 2027 – Arrival
Today we depart in total comfort from Belfast airport to Rome, on board EasyJet Airline.
Departure is at approximately 14:35 and scheduled to arrive at 18:35pm. Upon arrival, our Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to welcome us and assist with the group arrangements.
After collecting our luggage from the carousel, we will board our private coach and begin our journey to Assisi. The transfer will take approximately 3 hours, with a short break of around 30 minutes along the way. We expect to arrive at our accommodation in Assisi at approximately 23:00–23:30 hrs. Upon arrival, we will check in and settle in for the night.
DAY 2: Tuesday 18th May 2027 – Upper Assisi
This morning, after breakfast, we begin our pilgrimage in the beautiful medieval town of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis and one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage destinations. We will explore Upper Assisi, visiting some of the town’s most significant religious sites.
Our first visit will be to the magnificent Basilica of Saint Francis, where we will have the opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of the saint and admire the beautiful basilica and its surrounding chapels.
We will continue to the Basilica of Saint Clare, dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, one of Saint Francis’ closest followers and the founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares.
We will also visit the Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a particularly meaningful stop for pilgrims. Carlo Acutis, known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist, has become an important inspiration to young people and pilgrims throughout the world.
There will also be time to walk through the charming medieval streets of Assisi, taking in the atmosphere and beauty of this historic hilltop town.
We will come together for Holy Mass before returning to our accommodation. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
DAY 3: Wednesday 19th May 2027 – Siena
This morning, after breakfast, we depart by private coach for a full day excursion to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful and historic cities.
Siena is renowned for its medieval architecture, beautiful streets and squares, and its strong religious heritage. During our visit, we will have time to explore the city and discover some of its most important sights while enjoying the unique atmosphere of this historic Tuscan destination.
Our pilgrimage programme will also include Holy Mass, giving us an opportunity to come together in prayer during our day in Siena. Following our visit, we will board our coach and return to Assisi.
Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
DAY 4: Thursday 20th May 2027 – Cascia & Lower Assisi
This morning, after breakfast, we depart for Cascia, an important pilgrimage destination and the home of Saint Rita of Cascia, one of Italy’s most beloved saints.
We will spend the morning exploring Cascia and visiting its important religious sites, taking time to reflect on the life and example of Saint Rita and the remarkable story of her faith.
In the afternoon, we return towards Assisi where we will visit Lower Assisi, beginning with Santa Maria degli Angeli. Here we will visit the Porziuncola, the small chapel that holds a particularly important place in the life of Saint Francis. It was here that he established his community and where the Franciscan movement began to grow.
We will have the opportunity to spend time in prayer and reflection before celebrating Mass. We then return to our accommodation for our final evening in Assisi.
Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
DAY 5: Friday 21st May 2027 – Departure
Today is the last day of this beautiful pilgrimage. We will have an early start as we check out of our accommodation and begin our journey to Rome Airport.
Our departure from Assisi will be at approximately 05:30hrs for our 11:35am flight back to Belfast.
As this is an early departure, breakfast will be en route. We hope that the memories, prayers and experiences shared throughout these days will remain with us long after we return home.
