Join us on this 7-day 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, Pope Francis’s final resting place) 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 and Renaissance exhibitions. In Rome, we have a guided visit to see the four major Basilicas of Rome. After Rome, we move on to a historical city pervaded by the spirit of St. Francis, viewing the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb, St Clare and Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb.
London - Rome
Depart London on our direct flight to Rome Ciampino Airport with Ryanair. Provisional departure time is 14:00, landing in Rome at 17:25. Upon arrival, our tour representative (tour escort) and driver will meet you and the group in the airport. Transfer to our hotel and check-in. Evening dinner in a local Italian restaurant.
Rome - St Peter’s Basilica & Walking through the Holy Door
Breakfast in the hotel. Today we will meet our tour escort in the hotel lobby and walk to St Peter’s Basilica (5 min walk). Private Mass will be arranged. Free time for lunch. After Mass, the group will then have the opportunity to walk through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica; the pilgrimage will start at Piazza Pia and the group will walk from Piazza Pia with large wooden cross to St Peter’s Basilica before walking through the Holy Door. Afterwards, we will have free time in the basilica, the largest of all the Catholic churches. We can 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 in a local restaurant.
Rome - 3 Major Basilicas and Walking Through their Holy Doors
Breakfast in the hotel. Today we meet our tour escort and tour the city on our private coach. We will have free time in St Paul Outside the Walls, St Mary Major and St John Lateran and a chance to walk through their Holy Doors. 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, the Basilica 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. Return to the hotel and evening dinner in a local restaurant.
Rome - Sunday Mass with our new Pope in St Peter’s Square and free time
Breakfast in the hotel. Mass followed by free time. Our hotel is a 5 minute walk from St Peter’s Square, so you can have free time for personal devotion in St Peter’s Basilica. You can also visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (tickets approximately €25) or simply browse the many shops in the area. Evening dinner in a local restaurant.
Rome - Cascia - Assisi
Check-out of our hotel after breakfast and travel to Assisi. To break up our journey, about halfway, we stop and visit the Shrine of St Rita in Cascia. Pope Leo XIII canonized Rita in 1900 and she was bestowed the title "Patroness of Impossible Causes." Mass here, followed by lunch in this stunning location. We then continue our journey to Assisi. Upon arrival, we check-in to our hotel and spend the final 2 nights of the pilgrimage here. Evening dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Assisi
After breakfast, we will have a walking tour of Assisi. Firstly to the Basilica of St Clare which houses her incorrupt body. Clare of Assisi left her family’s palace in 1212 and was received by St Francis (with other young women) at the Porziuncola, thereafter establishing the Order of Poor Clares. 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; Carlos Acutis, who had a passion for computers and the Eucharist, died at the young age of 15 in 2006 from leukemia. The Canonisation Ceremony is on Sunday 27th April 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. Mass here followed by lunch and free time for the rest of the afternoon. Return to the hotel for evening dinner.
Assisi - Rome - London
Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the airport for our direct flight back to London. Provisional departure time of 16:00, arrival into London at 17:40. E&OE.
The booking deadline at this price is 30/04/2025. 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.
