Join us on this 4-day pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year, the Holy Year in Rome and the Vatican city. The 4 major basilicas in Rome 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. In Rome, we will see a vast wealth of religious shrines, ancient and beautiful architecture, Renaissance exhibitions, sample exquisite food and good wine. We experience the General Papal audience with Pope Francis (when he is in residence). With our professional, English-speaking guide, we visit the four major Basilicas of 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.
Edinburgh - Rome
Fly to Rome on our direct flight from Edinburgh. The provisional departure time is 06:20, arriving into Rome at 10:20, local time. Upon arrival, we will be met by our English-speaking tour escort and our coach driver. We then transfer to our hotel in Rome where we will stay for three nights. Check-in followed by private Mass. Free time in the afternoon/evening to explore the city. We recommend visiting the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and/or Trevi Fountain in the old city.
Rome - Visiting 3 Major Basilicas and walking through the Holy Doors
Today, after breakfast, we meet our tour escort and professional English-speaking local guide and have a guided visit of three of the 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, we visit 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. Mass here. Secondly the Basilica of St Mary Major, 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 the Archbasilica of 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. The Stairs were brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth century. We can ascend these stairs on our knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. We will end our day with a short walk in Old Rome visiting the Colosseum (view from outside) and the Roman Forum. Return to the hotel by coach. Free time in the evening.
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 meet our local guide for a guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, the largest of all the Catholic churches. It is the opening of St Peter’s Basilica’s holy door by Pope Francis that signifies the start of the Jubilee Year. 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 and around St Peter’s Square before returning to the hotel. Free time in the evening.
Rome - Edinburgh
Breakfast in the hotel. We check-out and then transfer to the airport for our direct flight back to Edinburgh. The provisional departure time is 10:25, arriving in Edinburgh at 12:35.
The booking deadline at this price is 10/03/2025. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £450 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.
