Pilgrimage to Padua and Assisi Itinerary
DAY 1-Padua
Today we will travel in total comfort to Venice on board the Ryanair flight departing at 16:15hrs. On arrival at approximately 19:55, and upon collecting our bags from the carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to our accommodation. We will check-in at Casa del Pellegrino, our base for the next three nights with breakfasts and dinners included. Refreshments will be available on arrival.
DAY 2-On the Footsteps of St Anthony
Today the group will take a walking tour of Padua, visiting its many historical sites, such as its university, magnificent squares, including Prato della Valle, the largest square in Italy, and Santa Giustina. We will start with visit and Mass of the Basilica of St. Anthony. This beautiful Romanesque Church is one the most visited sanctuaries in Italy, dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of ‘Lost articles’. After lunch and snacks we will take a short trip to Camposampiero. Camposampiero is a small town associated with Saint Anthony of Padua, who spent his final days here. Pilgrims visit the peaceful Sanctuary of the Vision, where he is said to have experienced
a mystical vision of the Christ Child. The famous walnut tree is linked to Saint Anthony of Padua, who is said to have lived and prayed in a small cell built in its branches during his final days in 1231.This spot is commemorated today at the Sanctuary of the Walnut Tree, where pilgrims reflect on his humility and deep spirituality.
It remains one of the most evocative places connected to his life and legacy.
DAY 3– Exploring Padua
Today after breakfast we will be picked up at around 09:15/09:30hrs and transferred by coach to visit and have Mass in St. Leopold Mandic. The church of the Capuchin friars of Padua, now better known as the Sanctuary of St. Leopold Mandić, built in the 16th century. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, it was later rebuilt.
From 12:00 until about 17:00hrs we will spend the rest of the day visiting the beautiful Venice. One of Italy’s wonders. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals.
DAY 4- Loreto and Assisi
After breakfast and check out today the group will travel to Assisi. On the way we will be making a stop at Loreto, one of Italy’s most important pilgrimage destinations,
cantered on the Basilica of the Holy House, which enshrines the home of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the house was miraculously transported here from Nazareth, making it a deeply revered site for pilgrims. Today, it remains a place of prayer, devotion, and spiritual reflection. The group will have mass in Loreto before continuing to in Assisi. Check in and dinner in the Domus Pacis, our accommodation for the next two nights with breakfasts and dinners provided. The Domus Pacis is located right next to the Porziuncola and St Mary of the Angels, a perfect location for an evening stroll.
DAY 5- In the footsteps of Saint Clare and Saint Francis
Today, we will spend the day visiting Upper Assisi and its shrines, including the church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi, the resting place of Carlo Acutis, the young Italian blessed known for his devotion to the Eucharist and use of technology to spread faith. Mass will be celebrated here. Our day will continue strolling through the medieval street of Assisi and visiting the Basilica of Saint Clare, a close follower of Saint Francis and founder of the Poor Clares.
The basilica houses her remains and the famous San Damiano Cross, which is said to have spoken to Saint Francis. and the Basilica of Saint Francis, resting place of Saint Francis and the town’s most important sanctuary.
DAY 6: Return Home
Today is unfortunately the last day of this beautiful pilgrimage. After a good breakfast and check out we will visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in
the 16th century, and the Porziuncola chapel, one of Saint Francis’ favourite places, where we will have mass. Today, it is one of the most sacred Franciscan sites, symbolizing humility, forgiveness, and the origins of the order. Time for some quick snack before making our way to Rome airport (at approximately 12:00hrs) for
our flight back to Dublin departing at 17:15.
