Rome and Assisi: Advent Edition
December 7th–16th, 2026$5,300(plus air)
One room available
This pilgrimage is open for booking. A $1,000 deposit secures your space.
Book NowIf you have any questions: mtn@thecatholictraveler.com
Is this pilgrimage for you?
You need to be flexible.
This pilgrimage is not for grumpy people or those unable to be joyfully flexible. Italy is Italy and we need to be up for anything.
Rome is recovering from the Jubilee, meaning people who avoided the crowds of 2025 are coming this year. While I do all I can to avoid crowds, sometimes it’s impossible. Advent is pretty quiet, but you never know.
If you are easy-going and excited to travel, even with some uncertainties mixed in, this could be the trip for you!
If this pilgrimage doesn’t work for you, no worries, I’ve been doing this for over 20 years and plan to do many, many more.
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 can walk up to 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. We do not have porters. Our lovely hotel in Rome does not have an elevator, so keep that in mind when deciding how many pairs of shoes to bring. I will provide a thorough packing list to help you pack lightly and efficiently.
Itinerary
You’ll get the full itinerary closer to departure, but…
We have 6 nights in the Borgo neighborhood of Rome, just two blocks away from Saint Peter’s Square.
We have 3 nights in Assisi, just off the main square.
In addition to visiting the four major basilicas of Saint Peter, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls, we will visit many other amazing churches, including those containing:
- The stairs Christ climbed when He was condemned to death
- The relics of the Passion
- A Eucharistic Miracle in Rome
- A Marian apparition or two
- Where Peter started his ministry in Rome
- Where Paul was martyred
- The tombs of Saint Catherine and Saint Monica
- And lots more…
We will be absolutely alone in the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. We will have several walking tours around the city.
In Assisi, we will visit the shrines of San Damiano, Porziuncola, and the Hermitage. We will visit the tombs of Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Saint Carlo Acutis.
As always, we have some special surprises planned along the way.
Mass will be celebrated daily in the most beautiful churches with our own priest.
$1,000 deposit secures your spot.
Final payment of $4,300 is due October 8th, 2026.
The cost is per person, based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing a room.
Traveling alone?
I match singles with other traveling singles (of the same sex), and that always works out great. If you are uncomfortable sharing a room with a stranger, you can request a single room for an additional $1,700 ($7,000 total). Single rooms are extremely limited, so it’s first come, first served. If I don’t have another single traveler to match you with, you are responsible for paying the single supplement.
Included
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights. 6 nights in Rome, two blocks from Saint Peter’s Basilica, and 3 nights in Assisi, just off the main square.
Meals
Breakfast daily plus 7 additional meals in some of my favorite restaurants, never hotels! Drinks, including unlimited wine, is included in all our group lunches and dinners.
Winery visit
We will visit one of my favorite Umbrian wineries for lunch with a wine tasting.
Wine pairing dinner
An excellent dinner with wines from different regions of Italy, hosted by a sommelier.
Aperitivo
We will have a traditional aperitivo in one of my favorite Roman bars.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers both ways between the Rome airport and our Rome hotel. Send me your flight info and my driver will pick you up. Easy. Arriving a few days or staying a few days late? No problem, the transfer is still included.
Group transportation
All group ground transportation.
Tour director
Full time service of a tour director. I’ll be with you at all times.
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.
Guaranteed price
Once I receive your deposit, your tour price will not go up!
Tips
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.
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! I’ll set up a private WhatsApp group for our pilgrimages 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. I also include free time for you to explore, shop, and relax on your own.
Arrival & Departure
Airfare is not included. Please book your flights according to the arrival and departure details below.
You should arrive in Rome no later than December 7th, we will begin at 3 PM on December 7th. If you want to arrive early, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are with The Catholic Traveler. This will ensure that you don’t have to switch rooms once the pilgrimage begins.
You should depart no earlier than December 16th, our last group activity will be dinner on December 15th and you’ll have the hotel room for the night. If you want to stay longer, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are with The Catholic Traveler. This will ensure that you don’t have to switch rooms once the pilgrimage ends.
No Hassle Cancellations
No other tour or pilgrimage company offers this level of free cancellation coverage.
- If you need to cancel for any reason at all, up to 60 days before the start of the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the pilgrimage.
- If you need to cancel for any reason at all within 60 days of departure, you’ll get everything back minus the deposit.
- If for any reason I need to cancel or postpone the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the pilgrimage.
- In all cases, you are responsible for working with the airline to get credit or refunds for changed or cancelled flights.
Trip Insurance
Trip insurance is a wise investment in case something comes up while you are in Italy. You can now add travel insurance simply and directly from the booking portal when you book, and you’re always welcome to shop around and choose whatever coverage works best for you.