*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.
DAY 1: Monday 28th June 2027 (Pietrelcina & Piana Romana)
Today, we depart from Dublin Airport on an Aer Lingus flight at 06:15 hrs. After collecting our luggage from the carousel, we will begin our journey by private coach to Piana Romana and Pietrelcina, the birthplace of Saint Pio.
We explore the humble origins of the saint, visiting important sites such as his family home, which offers a glimpse into his early life, and the Church of Sant’Anna, where he was baptized and received his First Holy Communion. We then continue on to Benevento where we will be spending the night. Time to check-in in the newly refurbished 4* Antum Hotel, dinner and overnight
DAY 2: Tuesday 29th June 2027 Feast of St Peter & Paul (Benevento & San Giovanni Rotondo)
After breakfast and check-out this morning, we will spend some time exploring the historic city of Benevento. Here, we will visit Benevento Cathedral, home to the relics of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, patron saint of Benevento, where we will celebrate Mass. Time permitting, we may also visit either the beautiful Church of Santa Sofia or Sant’Ilario a Port’Aurea near the Arch of Trajan.
After lunch, we continue by coach to San Giovanni Rotondo where we check into Hotel Parco delle Rose for a three-night stay. Later this afternoon, we will visit the shrine of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina and see his remains in the lower church, one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage sites.
DAY 3: Wednesday 30th June 2027 (San Giovanni Rotondo)
Today we spend the day in the sacred town of San Giovanni Rotondo, forever linked to the life and mission of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Following morning Mass, we will visit the English Office to learn more about Padre Pio’s remarkable life, spirituality, and lasting legacy.
We then visit the Capuchin Friary, where Padre Pio lived and served for many years. Here, we will see his simple cell and the crucifix before which he received the stigmata, one of the most moving sites connected to his spiritual journey. Time permitting, we will walk part of the Via Crucis behind the sanctuary, reflecting on the Stations of the Cross along this peaceful hillside path. We will also visit Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, the hospital founded by Padre Pio in 1956, known as the “Home for the Relief of Suffering.
DAY 4: Thursday 01st July 2027 (Monte Sant’ Angelo and San Marco in Lamis)
Today promises to be a spiritually enriching and reflective day. In the morning, we will travel by private coach to the historic town of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of the
oldest and most revered pilgrimage sites in Italy. The town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Our destination is the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilgrims have visited this sacred grotto for centuries, drawn by reported apparitions of St. Michael the Archangel dating back to the 5th century. Once we arrive, we’ll have time for prayer, reflection, and exploration of the sanctuary, rich in history and spiritual symbolism. In the afternoon we will be visiting the Sanctuary of St Matthew in San Marco in Lamis, a monastery sanctuary dedicated to Saint Matthew the Apostle.
DAY 5: Friday 02nd July 2027 (Lanciano)
After an early breakfast and check out we will travel to Lanciano before arriving to Assisi. In the 8th Century, a Church in Lanciano was the location for the first and greatest
Eucharistic miracle of the Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated in the Chiesa del Miracolo and we will have time to visit the medieval centre and the ancient sites. We will then spend the next 2 nights in the Center of Spirituality Domus Laetitiae, located 10 minutes walking distance from St Claire Basilica in Upper Assisi.
DAY 6: Saturday 03rd July 2027 (Assisi)
We begin our day with a walk and visit to the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary before visiting the Basilica of St. Clare, the foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares. St. Clare was a devoted follower of St. Francis and embraced his ideals by living a life of poverty and humility. There will then be time for lunch and snacks before continuing our day with the visit of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the remains of Blessed Carlo Acutis are housed.
We will then have the opportunity to celebrate mass there.
DAY 7: Sunday 04th July 2027
On our last morning we will have breakfast before an early check-out where we will be picked up from the hotel to discover Lower Assisi. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli built in the 16th century, where the Porziuncola, the cradle of the Franciscan Order is, 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. To finish off the trip mass will then be celebrated in the Basilica.
Afterwards, we will make our way to Rome for our flight back to Dublin departing at 15:10pm
