*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: Saturday 3rd October
Enjoy a comfortable journey as you depart from Dublin Airport this afternoon. Your flight is scheduled to depart at 14:35 hrs, arriving in Rome at approximately 18:30hrs. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your Joe Walsh Tours pilgrimage coordinator, who will assist with your private coach transfer to the Hotel Pineta Palace, your home for the next five nights on a half-board basis.
After check-in, enjoy dinner at the hotel before settling in for your overnight stay.
DAY 2: Sunday 4th October
Today after breakfast our day will bring us to visit two major Papal basilicas: the Basilica of St Mary Major, where the group will have mass, and the Archbasilica of St John in Lateran.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Mary the Great, also informally known as the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, is a Roman Catholic Papal Basilica and one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. The largest Marian church in Rome, it is regarded as the first Marian sanctuary and the mothership of all Marian shrines.
Time to explore the area and enjoy some lunch in a local Bistrot’s or restaurant suggested form our tour guide. In the afternoon we will be transferred to Saint John Lateran, the Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Rome in the city of Rome that serves as the seat of the bishop of Rome, the pope. Walking distance, we will also admire the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs). One of Rome’s most revered Christian pilgrimage sites.
Time to head back to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Monday 5th October
After breakfast today we will take a one-day excursion to the birthplace of St. Francis, the hill town of Assisi. On arrival visit and Mass in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the cradle of the Franciscan Order. The Porziuncola, the chapel of St. Francis’ first community and the chapel of the ‘Transito, where St. Francis died, are both housed here.
Time to visit the awe-inspiring 13th century Basilica of St. Francis and his Tomb, the town’s most important sanctuary, followed by the visit of S Rufino Cathedral where the relic of the heart of Blessed Carlo Acutis is preserved and Casa di San Francesco Vescovado – St Mary Major.
After a full day time to head back to Rome for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Tuesday 6th October
Today after breakfast at the hotel we will spend the full morning visiting the famous St Peter Basilica, Square and the Vatican area.
We will also have the fortune to celebrate Mass in the Basilica and a guided tour of the same.
Chance for a professional Group picture before heading to lunch. Our tour guide will be more than happy to recommend a place to sit in and enjoy the view.
After lunch we will start our walking tour of Rome 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 5: Wednesday 7th October
After breakfast, depart the hotel for a full-day excursion beginning with a visit to the picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo, beautifully situated overlooking Lake Albano.
For centuries, this charming hilltop town has served as the summer residence of the Popes and offers magnificent views, peaceful streets, and a rich religious and historical heritage. We will have a full day here and a guided tour of the Palace before returning back to Rome to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6: Thursday 8th October
This is our last day of this beautiful Pilgrimage that brought us to see the Venerable Carlo Acutis and Rome. After a good breakfast and check out we will be picked up to go back to the airport for our 11:10am flight back to Dublin.
