Join us on this very special 7-day pilgrimage to Rome and Salerno to celebrate the centenary of St Matthews Parish. On this pilgrimage, we will see a vast wealth of religious shrines, ancient and beautiful architecture, Renaissance exhibitions, sampling exquisite local food. In Rome, we experience the General Papal audience with Pope Leo XIV (when he is in residence). We also have a guided visit to see 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). After Rome, we move onto Salerno, visiting Salerno Cathedral - one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world built on the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to St Matthew.
Edinburgh - Rome
Fly to Rome on our direct flight from Edinburgh. The provisional departure time is 16:00, arriving in Rome at 20:00, local time (Rome is 1 hour ahead of the UK). Upon arrival, we will be met by our professional English-speaking tour escort and our coach driver. Our tour escort will be with us on all touring days, and available for local knowledge, help and/or advice. We then transfer to our hotel in Rome where we will stay for three nights. Check-in to our hotel followed by free time and then evening dinner in a local restaurant, nearby the hotel.
Rome - Papal Audience & St Peter’s Basilica
After breakfast, we meet our tour escort in the hotel lobby and we leave the hotel 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 with free time to buy dinner in our own time before returning to the hotel.
Rome - Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls - Basilica of St Mary Major - Archbasilica of St John Lateran
Today, after breakfast, we meet our tour escort and professional English-speaking local guide and have a guided visit of the remaining three of the four major basilicas in Rome. 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. Secondly, 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. Thirdly, the Basilica of St Mary Major, the final resting place of Pope Francis and the basilica which houses the true relics of the manger from Bethlehem in which Jesus was laid following his birth. We have Mass here followed by free time for lunch. After lunch, we will have free time to visit St Peters in Chains Basilica, viewing Michelangelo’s famous Statue of Moses. Time permitting, we will end our day with a short walk in Old Rome visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (view from outside). Return to the hotel by coach. Evening dinner in a local restaurant, nearby the hotel.
Rome - Free Day
Early Mass followed by breakfast in the hotel. Free for the rest of the day to view places of interest. We recommend visiting the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon and/or Trevi Fountain in the old city. Free time in the evening to take advantage of the many cafes, restaurants and take-out places in Rome, giving you the opportunity to sample different types of foods in line with your own tastes and preferences. Return to the hotel.
Rome - Salerno (St Matthew)
Early breakfast in the hotel followed by check-out. We meet our tour escort in the hotel lobby and leave Rome on coach to Salerno (approx. 3 hrs drive). Comfort stop enroute. Here, we visit the Salerno Cathedral - one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world built on the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to St Matthew, where his remains were supposedly brought in 954. Built by the Normans in the 11th century, the cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Italy. Underground, we view the impressive crypt where the tomb of St. Matthew the Apostle is kept. The frescoes on the ceiling of the crypt of St Matthew were painted by Belisario Corenzio; he depicted scenes from the Gospel of Matthew as well as some events from the history of Salerno. Mass here. Time permitting, we may have free time after Mass to look around the surroundings of this impressive basilica. Check-in to our hotel and evening dinner here.
Salerno - Free Day
Breakfast in the hotel. Mass will be arranged and afterwards, the rest of the day will be free time to spend as you wish. You will have the choice to spend your last day in Salerno viewing places of interest; you can walk into the town and have a relaxing day, visiting the shops, with a chance to sample some of the delicious local food for lunch, and you can even revist the Salerno Cathedral, with time for personal devotion there. You can also venture to the beach in Salerno, taking a walk down the lovely long promenade (the Amalfi coast is famous for their beaches and stunning coastline). Evening dinner at the hotel for our last dinner as a group this pilgrimage.
Salerno - Rome - Edinburgh
Early breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Drive back to Rome and then transfer to the airport for our direct flight back to Edinburgh. The provisional departure time is 12:50, arriving in Edinburgh at 15:00. Note: This itinerary is subject to change. We are unable to guarantee the exact day to day order of the pilgrimage, and it may be possible (but this is unlikely) that one or two places may have to be cancelled or closed owing to local circumstances beyond our control. The guide may change the order to ensure the smooth running of the pilgrimage. Masses will be arranged each day and venues will be confirmed according to availability. E&OE.
The booking deadline at this price is 30/11/2025. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £400 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.
