*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: Friday 23rd May – Depart to Rome
Early departure from Dublin Airport, at approximately 06:20 hrs. We will land in Rome at approximately 10:25am, with the full day ahead of us, ready to be met and greeted by our Joe Walsh Tours pilgrimage co-ordinator and transferred by private coach to S. Mary Major area. Time for lunch in the recommended ‘Strega’ Restaurant, followed by the visit of this major Papal Basilica and Mass. After a full first day, time to check in the Hotel Cardinal St Peter, situated between the green of Villa Doria Pamphili, where we will stay for three nights on a Half Board basis. Free time to enjoy dinner and a nice evening stroll.
DAY 2: Saturday 24th May – St Peter Basilica, Square and Holy Door
Today after breakfast at the hotel we will be having a guided tour of the famous St Peter Basilica, Square and the Holy Door. We will also have the fortune to celebrate Mass in the Basilica. Chance for a professional group picture before heading to lunch at the very nice and recommended Rossetti Caffe. After lunch we will start our walking tour of Rome’s main sites. We will admire the Colosseum and walk by the Forums, visit Piazza Venezia and then onto admiring the iconic Trevi Fountain, followed by the former Roman temple “Pantheon” and Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
Time to head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Sunday 25th May – Papal Basilicas
Today after breakfast our day will bring us to visit one of the major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls where the group will have mass. The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, along with the basilicas of Saint Mary Major, Saint Peter’s, and St John in Lateran, which we will visit after and in between the Baptistery and the Scala Santa.
Time for lunch in one of the many café’s or restaurants in central Rome suggested by our experienced tour guide before getting back to the hotel. Time to rest before getting on board our coach and enjoy a fabulous dinner in Frascati. Known as the ‘City of Wine’ and an ideal place to spend a relaxing day.
DAY 4: Monday 26th May – Assisi
Today after breakfast and check out we will be transferred by private coach to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi in the central part of Italy.
On arrival visit and Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in the 16th Century and the cradle of the Franciscan order. The Porziuncola Chapel, one of Saint Francis’ favourite places is also housed there. Time for lunch and mass before check in the Hotel Da Angelo where we will be staying for the next 2 nights on a Half Board basis. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Tuesday 27th May – Assisi
After breakfast today we will start exploring Assisi with the visit and Mass in the Basilica of St Clare, foundress of the Order of the Poor Clares.
St.Clare followed the teachings of St. Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. We will continue our day with a visit to the Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen whose beatification Pope Francis approved in February, known for his gift for computer programming and special love for God.
Free time for lunch and shopping, strolling the cobble-stoned street of this beautiful old town where it seems time has stood still.
Time to visit the awe-inspiring 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary. Dinner and overnight in the hotel
DAY 6: Wednesday 28th May – Flight back home
Today is the last day of this Holy Pilgrimage that brought us to see the Venerable Carlo Acutis and Rome during the Jubilee year 2025.
After a good breakfast and check out we will be picked up around 09:30, after mass, from the Hotel to go back to the airport for our 15:10 flight back to Dublin.
