*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: Arrival in Italy – Cascia
Today we will depart in total comfort from Dublin airport at 10:30am. We will be landing at approximately 14:40pm. Upon arrival, our Joe Walsh Tours representative will be there to welcome us and assist with the group arrangements.
After collecting our bags from the carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to the beautiful town of Cascia. Time to check in at the Hotel Monte Meraviglia and settle into your rooms as they become ready. This will be our accommodation for the following 5 nights with breakfast and dinner basis.
Time to rest and enjoy a stroll in the evening before or after dinner.
DAY 2: Roccaporena – In the Footsteps of St Rita
After breakfast, we will travel to nearby Roccaporena, the birthplace of St Rita of Cascia. Our visit will include the places most closely associated with her life, including her birthplace, the family home and the Garden of the Miracle, recalling the traditions surrounding the saint’s life and the extraordinary grace associated with her intercession.
We will also visit the Sanctuary of Roccaporena and, subject to the group’s mobility and local access arrangements, the Sacred Rock, where St Rita is traditionally remembered as having gone to pray in solitude. There will be time for personal prayer and reflection in this special place, followed by an opportunity to appreciate the peaceful surroundings of the village.
We will return to Cascia in the afternoon, with some free time to visit the town or relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 3: The Shrine of St Rita
After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring Cascia and its important spiritual heritage. Our main visit will be to the Basilica of St Rita, where the saint’s tomb is venerated.
We will learn about her remarkable life as a wife, mother, widow and Augustinian religious sister, and her enduring reputation as the patron saint of impossible and desperate cases.
We will also visit the Augustinian monastery associated with St Rita and learn more about the religious community in which she spent the final years of her life.
Subject to access and opening arrangements, we may also visit the lower basilica, including the chapel associated with the Eucharistic Miracle and the tomb of Blessed Mother Teresa Fasce.
Time will be allowed for Mass, personal prayer and reflection.
Later, we can enjoy free time in Cascia, with an opportunity to browse the local shops, purchase religious souvenirs or enjoy a coffee in the town centre. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 4: Assisi
Today after breakfast, we will depart for our excursion to Assisi. On arrival we have a walking tour of the main sights of the medieval town of Assisi.
We will visit the impressive thirteen century Basilica of St Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan order. Construction of the Basilica started a mere two years after the death of St Francis. This was uncommon at the time but the enthusiasm of the people to create a permanent home for the body of the beloved Francis pushed them to complete the masterpiece of the lower church in just two years, an amazing feat for that era.
We also visit the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares. The original St Damiano cross, the cross that S Francis was praying before when he received his commission to rebuild the church is also in the Basilica and we will also visit the Church of the Renunciation where the newly canonised Carlo Acutis rests are.
Time permitting, we will visit the Basilica o St Mary of the Angels 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.
After a full day, time to go back to Cascia for dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 5: Cascia
After breakfast, today we will once again have a full day at leisure in Cascia for personal visits, prayers, shopping or relax or a final visit to the Basilica of St Rita. .
Dinner and overnight at hotel.
DAY 6: Return home
Today is unfortunately the last day of this meaningful pilgrimage.
After breakfast and check out free time for personal prayers, visits and shopping before departing to Rome for our flight back to Dublin in the afternoon/evening.
