PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND ASSISI ITINERARY
DAY 1: Wednesday 17th February – Arrival in Rome & St Mary Major Basilica
Early departure from Dublin Airport at 06:20am, aboard the Aer Lingus flight. We will be landing in Rome Fiumicino at approximately 10:35hrs where the local Joe Walsh Tours representative will warmly welcome the group.
After collecting our luggage, we will begin our journey by private coach to St Mary Major area, where you will have free time for lunch in one of the many local cafés and restaurants.
In the afternoon, we will have an orientation walking tour of the area and the visit and mass at the Basilica of St Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas of Rome. Time permitting, we will also be visiting the nearby church of Santa Maria Prassede.
After a full first day time to be transferred to Santa Maria alle Fornaci, a religious guesthouse, were we will be staying for the next four nights.
DAY 2: Thursday 18th February – Vatican, Papal Basilicas & Historic Rome
After breakfast, we will have an early pick up and transfer to St Peter’s Basilica for a morning visit of the Basilica and Mass and the surrounding Vatican area.
The visit will be at leisure and without a guided tour, allowing time for prayer and personal reflection. Time for lunch before our walking tour of Rome main sights.
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic centre of Rome. Discover Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and other important landmarks of the Eternal City, including the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish steps, with time to explore and enjoy the atmosphere of Rome.
At 6:00pm, meet your coach for the return transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
DAY 3: Friday 19th February – Day Pilgrimage to Assisi
Early breakfast and departure at 8:00am for a full-day excursion to Assisi, the beautiful medieval town associated with St Francis and St Clare.
We will start our day with the visit of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli built in the 16th century, home of the Porziuncola, the birthplace of the Franciscan Order. We will see St. Francis cell, the famous Rose Garden and the place where he died.
Time for lunch before following with the visits of the Sanctuary of the Renunciation and the Shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, where we will have Mass, St Francis Basilica and, time permitting St Clare Basilica. Return to Rome in the evening for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Saturday 20th February – Vatican, Papal Basilicas & Historic Rome
Today, we enjoy a more relaxed start with plenty of time to enjoy breakfast at the hotel before having a few hours of free time to relax, explore at your own pace, or simply unwind.
At 11:00am, transfer to the Basilica of St John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, followed by lunch.
Next on our schedule is the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), traditionally associated with the Passion of Our Lord, we continue to the Pontifical Irish College for a visit ending our day at the Basilica of San Clemente, dating back to the early Christian and Roman periods, where we will have Mass.
Time to head back to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Sunday 21st February – Angelus & St Paul Outside the Walls
Today is unfortunately the last day if this meaningful pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.
After breakfast and check out we will have the chance to participate to the Sunday Angelus (tbc) in
St Peter Square. As the Angelus in unfortunately not yet confirmed for next year alternatively you will be picked up and transferred to the lively Trastevere district where you will visit the church of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.
Our last stop will be the magnificent Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and the burial place of St Paul the Apostle. Mass followed by transfer to the airport for our flight back to Dublin departing at 20:35hrs
