Join us on this pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year, the Holy Year in Rome and the Vatican city. The 4 major basilicas in Rome (St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Archbasilica of St John Lateran, Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and Basilica of St Mary Major) have a papal alter and a Holy Door that is opened only for the duration of the Holy Year, making this a very special year to embark on a pilgrimage here. Jesus was quoted saying "I am the gate. Whoever enters through me, will be saved" (Jn 10:9). Plenary indulgence can be gained by entering through the holy doors. On this pilgrimage, we will see a vast wealth of religious shrines, ancient and beautiful architecture, Renaissance exhibitions, sample exquisite food and good wine. Starting off in Rome, we experience the General Papal audience with Pope Francis (given he is in residence). Also, a guided visit to see the four major Basilicas of Rome. We then move on to visit the Shrine of St Rita in Cascia and Assisi, a historical city pervaded by the spirit of St. Francis, viewing the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb. We finish our pilgrimage in Loreto where we will visit the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto where we will view the 3 walls of Our Lady’s family home, transported to Italy from Israel. A Catholic Priest will travel from the UK with the group, celebrating Mass every day.
UK - Rome
Fly to Rome on our direct flight from London with easyJet. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel in Rome where we will stay for three nights.
Rome - Papal Audience & St Peter’s Basilica
After breakfast, we meet our tour escort in the hotel lobby and we leave the hotel for St Peter’s Basilica to attend the Papal Blessing in the Square (subject to the Holy Father being available). Free time for lunch and then afterwards we have a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, the largest of all the Catholic churches. We explore this wonderful basilica and the grounds and visit the Crypt and view the tombs of St Peter and recent Popes. We spend the rest of the afternoon here before returning to the hotel. Evening dinner.
Full day of touring in Rome
Today, after breakfast, we have a guided visit of the remaining three major basilicas in Rome; the holy doors will also be open in the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls, the Basilica of St Mary Major and the Archbasilica of St John Lateran. Firstly, the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls, the second largest church in Rome, which houses the tomb of St Paul kept under the main altar. Secondly the Basilica of St Mary Majors, which houses the true relics of the manger from Bethlehem in which Jesus was laid following his birth. Thirdly St Peters in Chains Basilica to view Michelangelo’s famous Statue of Moses and lastly St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome which is the oldest, and the first among the four great "patriarchal" basilicas of Rome. Across the road from here we make a quick visit to the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa). According to tradition these are the steps our Lord walked up on his way to trial before Pontius Pilate. Return to our hotel. Evening dinner.
Rome - Cascia - Assisi
Check-out of our hotel after breakfast and travel to Assisi. To break up our journey to Assisi, about halfway, we stop and visit the Shrine of St Rita in Cascia. Pope Leo XIII canonised St Rita in 1900 and she was bestowed the title "Patroness of Impossible Causes." Upon arrival, we have free time to look around this stunning location as well as time for lunch. Afterwards, Mass in St Rita’s church and then we continue our journey. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for two nights. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Assisi
After breakfast, we will have a guided tour, firstly to the church of St. Clare which houses her incorrupt body. One of the chapels here contains the crucifix that bowed its head and ordered St. Francis to “repair God’s Church”. Afterwards, we visit St. Mary Major Parish in Assisi, also known as the Shrine of the Renunciation, which refers to the time when St. Francis stripped himself of his clothing in front of his father as a way of renouncing his wealth. Blessed Carlos Acutis’ tomb currently resides here (in July 24); Carlo Acutis, who had a passion for computers and the Eucharist, died at the young age of 15 in 2006 from leukemia and we are all awaiting news of his upcoming canonization which is expected at some point in 2025. We will then tour the Basilica of St. Francis, built in 1228 to house the Relics of the saint. The “upper” basilica houses beautiful frescoes of Giotto. We will have Mass in the church of St Francis. After our break, we drive to the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli), a papal minor basilica situated in the plain at the foot of the hill of Assisi. The basilica was constructed around the very ancient chapel; the Porziuncola, named after the piece of land it was built on, was venerated for an apparition of angels within it and was originally the property of the Benedictines of Subasio. After a long period of abandonment, the little church Porziuncola was restored by St. Francis. It was here the young Francis of Assisi understood his vocation to live in poverty amongst the poor. It was here he founded the Order of Friars Minor (1209), "establishing here his home" and the church thus became the most sacred place for the Franciscans. St Francis died here in 1226. After our guided tour, we return to the hotel for evening dinner and overnight.
Loreto - Shrine of the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Breakfast in the hotel. Early transfer to Loreto. We will have a short guided tour at the Basilica della Santa Casa, a Shrine of the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is one of the holiest and most visited pilgrim destinations in Italy because it contains the family home of Mary. This is where she grew up and where the Archangel Gabriel appeared and told her that she would become the Mother of God. After our tour, we will have Mass in the Basilica. Free time after Mass. We can eat lunch/gelato in one of the many cafes in the picturesque Piazza delle Madonna square, next door to the Shrine. We will also have more time to visit the Basilica at our own pace. We also recommend spending time to enjoy the pretty hill town of Loreto on foot. Return to the hotel in time for evening dinner.
Assisi/Perugia - Rome - UK
Check-out of the hotel early with a breakfast box to enjoy on the early coach transfer to the airport. Fly direct to London Gatwick with easyJet from Rome. Provisional departure time of 10:50, arriving in London at 12:35.
The booking deadline at this price is 25/03/2025. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £350 with your completed booking form will confirm your place on this tour. The final balance is due 2 months prior to the departure date.
We’ll mail your travel pack around two weeks before travelling, including your flight information, boarding passes (if applicable), general information booklet, hymn and prayer booklets, name badge, lanyard and luggage label.
All Saints Travel is an ATOL licence holder (no. 6049). In the very unlikely event of company insolvency, you are guaranteed a refund and repatriation back to the UK through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF). Please visit www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection for further information.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of return, in addition to any visas required to travel to the relevant countries. Please call us on 01793 881166 for further information.
For the latest travel advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
While people of all ages are invited to travel on this tour, a reasonable level of fitness is required in order to keep pace with the group. There may be extended periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces.
It’s compulsory to have adequate travel insurance for your journey. When booking with us we can refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd, or you can buy your insurance independently.
