*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 05th September
We depart for this unique pilgrimage in total comfort from Dublin Airport at 15:45hrs.We will be arriving in Rome at approximately 20:00hrs. Our Joe Walsh Tours representative will meet us on arrival and, upon collecting our bags from the
Carousel, we will be transferred by private coach to the beautiful 4-star Hotel Cardinal St Peter, situated between the green of Villa Doria Pamphili, only a few minutes’ drive from the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, where we will be staying for the next 4 nights on a Half Board basis. Time to check in and rest looking ahead to the exciting days to come.
(Please note dinner is not included on the first night as arrival at the hotel is estimated for 21:30 – 22:00pm.)
DAY 2: Saturday 06th September
Today, after breakfast, we will be picked up from the hotel and begin our day visiting two of Rome’s Major Papal Basilicas and the chance to walk through their Holy Doors: the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s historic Seven Pilgrimage Churches, while St. Mary Major is the largest Marian church in the city, rich in history and devotion. Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on April 26th. The decision to be buried at St Mary Major was deeply personal for Pope Francis.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some free time for lunch before setting off on a leisurely walking tour of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the stunning Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps, the awe-inspiring Pantheon, a former Roman temple, and the lively Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most beautiful squares. We will then return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 3: Sunday 07th September
Today is finally the day where we will be participating to the Mass for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati in S. Peter Square with the new Pope Leo XIV.
The celebration will take place at 10:00am in St Peter Square (to be confirmed).
We will be departing from the hotel early in the morning due to expected large crowds.
In the afternoon we will visit many other places of interest in Rome, such as the Colosseum (from the outside) and learn about the Roman Forums and Piazza Venezia.
After such a deeply spiritual rich day, filled with prayers, celebration and reflection time to go back to the hotel to rest. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Monday 08th September
Today, after breakfast, we will return to Vatican City. This morning offers a special opportunity to explore the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St.
Peter’s Square, and the Holy Door, in a more peaceful setting, taking in the sacred atmosphere without the large crowds that gathered for the Canonisation.
Time for lunch before heading to another very important Papal Basilica, St John in the Lateran.
The Archbasilica of St John in the Lateran holds the title of the cathedral church of the Pope, making it the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Mass will be celebrated.
After this insightful day time to head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Tuesday 09th September
Today is the last day of this pilgrimage.
One last visit before catching our flight back to Dublin.
This morning after breakfast and check out we will be having the honour of visiting the Irish College in Rome (Collegio Irlandese) is a historic institution that provides a place of residence and education for Irish seminarians studying for the priesthood in the Vatican and throughout Rome. Lunch before heading to the airport for our 15:10 flight back to Dublin.
