Pilgrimage to Italy with Hallie Lord and Father Kyle Manno

Itinerary

Thursday, July 11th
United flight 40 departs EWR at 5:35 p.m.

Friday, July 12th
United flight 40 arrives in Rome this morning at 7:45 a.m.

Our rooms will not be ready until this afternoon, so we will begin our pilgrimage with Mass at one of Rome’s most gorgeous churches, Saint Paul Outside the Walls. After Mass we’ll have a wonderful lunch on one of the world’s most ancient and impressive roads, the Appian Way. Then we’ll head to the hotel where you’ll have time to freshen up.

This evening we have a truly unique experience as we share a drink and light dinner in the Vatican Museums. Tonight we’ll tour the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel.

We are staying at Hotel Alimandi Vaticano. Our hotel is located right across the street from the Vatican Museums.

Lunch, dinner, and overnight in Rome.

Saturday, July 13th
This morning we begin with Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica. You’ll have time for confession, adoration, and time to climb the dome.

This afternoon we’ll explore the historic center of Rome, where we’ll visit the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, as well as the tombs of Saints Catherine, Monica, Ignatius, and many more.

We’ll have another wonderful meal together this evening.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Sunday, July 14th
We’ll attend the noon Angelus with Pope Francis.

After a quick break for lunch, we’ll travel north into Umbria for three relaxing nights in Assisi.

We’ll celebrate Mass today in a chapel that was around during the time of Saint Francis. Then we’ll have a huge Umbrian feast.

We are staying just off the main piazza at Hotel Posta.

Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Monday, July 15th
We begin today with Mass at the tomb of Saint Francis.

After Mass we will meet up with our local guide who will lead us through the basilica of San Francesco. We’ll continue our Assisi tour as we take private minivans to the sanctuaries of Santa Maria degli Angeli, San Damiano, and the Hermitage.

You’ll have the afternoon free to pray, explore, relax, and shop before our dinner in one of the restaurants that founded the slow food movement.

Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Tuesday, July 16th
This morning we’ll have Mass in the Basilica of Saint Clare below the true San Damiano Cross. We’ll visit the tomb of Saint Clare and the home of Saint Francis.

This afternoon we head across the Umbrian Valley to Montefalco where we will tour a winery, sample their wines, and enjoy an excellent lunch at an all organic farm.

Lunch and overnight in Assisi.

Wednesday, July 17th
This morning we head back to Rome.

On the way, we’ll stop in Orvieto to celebrate Mass at the stunning Cathedral in the chapel of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena.

You’ll have the evening free to enjoy Rome on your own.

We are staying again at Hotel Alimandi Vaticano.

Overnight in Rome.

Thursday, July 18th
This morning we’ll dig into the Ancient City with visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

After a break for lunch, we’ll explore the relics from the Life of Christ, including part of Christ’s manger, part of the True Cross, the Crown of Thorns, and a piece of the table used at the Last Supper. We’ll be visiting Saint Mary Major, where we’ll celebrate Mass, Saint John Lateran, Scala Santa, and Santa Croce. We’ll visit the Trevi Fountain before dinner.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Friday, July 19th
United flight 41 departs FCO at 10:50 a.m., and arrives EWR at 2:20 p.m.

Price

$4,200 per person

$1,000 deposit secures your spot. Tour deposit is fully refundable for 14 days from the time you make your deposit.

Final payment of $3,200 is due May 10th, 2019. Final payment is nonrefundable.

This cost is for double occupancy. Traveling alone? No problem! You’ll have a chance to ‘meet’ the other solo travelers before the trip and pick a roommate. This usually works out well. If you really prefer to have your own single room, there is a single supplement of $700.

Included in the price

Flights between Newark (EWR) and Rome (FCO)
United flight 40 departs Newark (EWR) at 5:35 p.m. on July 11th, and arrives Rome (FCO) at 7:45 a.m. on July 12th.

United flight 41 departs FCO at 10:50 a.m. on July 19th, and arrives EWR at 2:20 p.m. that same day.

***The international flight begins and ends at EWR, but I can add your connection from your city.

Accommodations for 7 nights
Rome: Hotel Alimandi Vaticano
Assisi: Hotel Posta

Breakfast daily plus 6 additional meals
Drinks, including unlimited wine, is included in all our meals.

Welcome reception in the Vatican Museums
Includes an aperitivo and light dinner.

All group ground transportation
We’ll be traveling in a private motor coach.

Full time service of a tour director
Visiting new countries can be intimidating! That’s why you will have an experienced Catholic American tour director (me!) with you at all times.

Local guide
We will have local experts with us

No hidden costs
If we do it as a group, it’s included in the price! You are responsible only for the meals you have on your own, souvenirs you wish to buy, and anything you want to do in your free time. Tips, air taxes, drinks with meals? Already included!

Guaranteed price
Once I receive your deposit, your tour price will not go up!

All tips for group meals, guides, and drivers
Would you believe that many tour companies require you to tip as you go? Not only does that add to the advertised sticker price of a tour, it’s also a huge hassle to you! No need to worry about that here. Tips are already included and we take care of that behind the scenes.

Entry fees and tours
All entry fees and tours to our included group activities.

Social planning
Plan your trip with your traveling companions before you leave! We set up private Facebook groups for each tour to give you a chance to meet before you meet!

You time
We have a lot planned, but time on your own is important. We take our time in churches to give you the opportunity for prayer and reflection. We also include free time for you to explore, shop and relax on your own.

Is this trip for you?

You should be in good physical shape.
We will do a lot of walking, much of it outside, and much of it on uneven ground. We average around 5 miles per day. Please do consider this before signing up.

You need to be able to carry your own luggage.
You are responsible for your luggage and getting it from the plane to the bus and the bus to your hotel rooms. I will provide a thorough packing list to help you pack lightly and efficiently.

You must be flexible.
This is Italy, things may close without notice, a protest could spring up without warning. But, it’s not all negative, great things come up unexpectedly as well. Being flexible is the key for happy travels!

Sign up

Use the form below to sign up for this pilgrimage. If you have any questions, you can email or call 404.330.9913.

Optional Trip Insurance
If you think there is any chance you may need to cancel, I recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many people go through InsureMyTrip.com. A Cancel for Any Reason plan will let you, well, cancel for ‘most’ any reason. Most plans should allow for at least a 75% refund should you need to cancel at any time before departure. Please review all your options to be sure the plan you pick is best for you.

Terms and Conditions
What you are getting by signing up, how much walking you will be doing, what happens if something changes in the itinerary, making your final payment, how we can send you home if you misbehave… and more!

Click here to read the Terms and Conditions for this pilgrimage.

Deposit Info
You’ll be able to pay by credit card or check. Payment info will be emailed to you once you sign up.