DAY 1: Saturday 04th October – St Peter Basilica and Square
Today we will depart Dublin Airport in total comfort with the Aer Lingus mid-morning flight to Rome at 10:25hrs. We will be landing at approximately 14:30am ready to be met by our Joe Walsh tours representative. Upon collecting our bags from the carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to St Peter Basilica and Square (*according to the regulation for the Jubilee).
Today, 4th of October is also the feast of St Francis of Assisi and the Pope’s name ‘s day. Time for a quick refreshment followed by a guided tour of the Basilica and mass before heading to our accommodation, the Hotel Capannelle, where we will be staying for the next 2 nights on a Half Board basis.
Hotel Capannelle is situated in the Appia Antica, inside the historical quarter of Rome “Statuario” (Statuary), which is next to Via Appia Nuova, between Parco degli Acquedotti and the Ancient Appian Way Park, only 1 km away from the racecourse. Furthermore, being Ciampino airport only 5 km away, Hotel Capannelle Appia Antica is the ideal place either for a business travel or for a pleasant weekend in the Eternal City. Time to check in, dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: Sunday 05th October – Major Papal Basilicas and The Maddalena, mother house of the Camillians
Today after breakfast we will make our way to Rome city centre and begin our day visiting two of the Major Papal Basilicas: The Basilica of St John in the Lateran and Mary Major.
The Archbasilica of St John in the Lateran is the Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, the Pope. The Basilica of St Mary Major, or church of Santa Maria Maggiore, is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and the largest Marian church in Rome. Time for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon we will be transferred for mass and visit at the ‘Maddalena’, mother house of the Camillians. A small church a few steps from the Pantheon dedicated to Mary Magdalene of the
Gospel: built on a fourteenth-century chapel, Santa Maria Maddalena, the national church of the Abruzzo, was entrusted in 1586 to San Camillo de Lellis as the seat for the order he founded.
We are now in the heart of Rome walking district, very close to the Pantheon, Trevi fountain and Piazza Navona. We will have a nice and leisurely walking tour of these unique main sights of Rome as well as some free time before heading back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Monday 06th October – Alba Adriatica
This morning after breakfast and check out we will have one more stop in Rome before heading to Pescara and Alba Adriatica.
We will visit the last of the four Major Papal Basilicas, the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. Since 1980, this impressive place of worship, famous destination of pilgrimage since 300 AD, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We will travel afterwards to the Adriatic coast, time for lunch on the way. Once in Pescara, estimated arrival time 16:00, we will check in the Regent Hotel where we will be staying for the next 2 nights on a Half Board basis. Time to rest after these first few full and astounding days in Rome. Dinner and overnight or enjoy an evening walk by the beach.
DAY 4: Tuesday 07th October – Bucchianico
Today we will spend the full day in the charming town of Bucchianico, in the province of Chieti and birthplace of S.Camillus.
Bucchianico is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a peaceful atmosphere. Saint Camillus de Lellis of Bucchianico (1550–1614) is a revered figure in the Catholic Church, recognized as the patron saint of the sick, nurses, and hospitals. Born in Bucchianico, a small town in Abruzzo, Italy, Camillus experienced a tumultuous early life, marked by military service and struggles with gambling. After a profound spiritual awakening, he devoted his life to serving the sick and founded the Order of the Ministers of the Sick, commonly known as the Camillians. Time to go back for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Wednesday 08th October – San Giovanni Rotondo and Lanciano
After breakfast and check out we will move to our next destination of this pilgrimage: San Giovanni Rotondo. On the way we will stop, visit and have Mass in Lanciano. This town is renowned for its deep spiritual and cultural heritage. It is best known for hosting the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, considered one of the most famous and well-documented Eucharistic miracles in the Catholic Church. Time to check in the Santa Maria delle Grazie accommodation, where we will be staying for the next 3 nights on a Full Board Basis
DAY 6: Thursday 09th October – San Giovanni Rotondo
After a good breakfast we will spend the full morning visiting San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Visits would include the English office where we will also have mass, hear about the extraordinary life of Padre Pio and the Capuchin Friary, the cell where Saint Pio lived and died, the crucifix before which he received the stigmata and Santa Maria delle Grazie. Back to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon we will be using a minibus to visit the rugged and evocative area called ‘Valley of Hell’. This is where St. Camillo conversion upend.
DAY 7: Friday 10th October – Monte Sant’Angelo
Today we will enjoy the beautiful local market located nearby the hotel. This market offers visitors and locals a vibrant glimpse into the culture, traditions, and flavours of this renowned pilgrimage town, featuring a mix of fresh produce, local crafts, and regional specialties.
After a relaxing morning, back to the hotel for lunch and afternoon visit to the nearby Monte Sant’Angelo, home to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Christianity. At the heart of this sanctuary is St. Michael’s Cave, also known as the Celestial Basilica, a sacred grotto where the Archangel Michael is believed to have appeared.
Back to the hotel for our last dinner and overnight.
DAY 8: Saturday 11th October – San Giovanni Rotondo and flight back home
Today is the last day of this beautiful pilgrimage. After breakfast and check out we will still have time to finish exploring San Giovanni. We would be paying a visit to the Station of the Cross and if possible, a short visit to the Hospital ‘Casa Sollievo della sofferenza’, also known as “Home for Relief of the Suffering”, now welcomes many patients, being one of the best health cares. Lunch and we will make our way to Bari.
Time permitting, we will stop and visit St. Nicola’s Basilica and tomb. Our flight from Bari will depart at 22.20pm with arrival to Dublin at 00:45am.
