Holy Week in Rome
March 19th–29th, 2027$X,XXX(plus air)
Details soon
Details for this pilgrimage are coming soon. Get in touch and I’ll let you know as soon as they’re ready.
Get NotifiedWe begin in Rome on March 19th, staying in the quaint Borgo neighborhood, just steps from Saint Peter’s Basilica, through Palm Sunday. From there we travel to Assisi for three nights, then return to Rome for the Sacred Triduum and Easter Sunday.
The Pope’s Stations of the Cross at the candlelit Colosseum is dramatic Rome at its finest, and Easter morning with Saint Peter’s Square filled with flowers is unlike anything else.
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 so we need to be up for anything.
I’ve never been unable to get tickets for a Mass with the pope, but that’s always a possibility, and there’s always a chance the pope may not personally preside, as has happened before.
If you are easy-going and excited to travel, even with some uncertainties mixed in, this could be the 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 can walk up to 5 miles per day. Please do consider this before signing up.
Papal Masses during Holy Week draw enormous crowds, and getting into Saint Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday can mean standing and waiting for extended periods.
You need to be able to carry your own luggage.
You are responsible for your luggage. We do not have porters, and 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
We begin with three nights in Rome, staying in the quaint Borgo neighborhood, just steps from Saint Peter’s Basilica.
On Palm Sunday, March 21st, we attend the papal Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
From March 22nd through the 24th we travel to Assisi, staying just off the main piazza.
We return to Rome for four nights beginning Holy Thursday, March 25th, through Easter Sunday, March 28th, with departure on March 29th.
- San Giovanni a Porta Latina, where Saint John the Evangelist was boiled in oil and survived
- The Scala Santa, where we climb the stairs Christ climbed and venerate the True Cross
- San Damiano, the Hermitage, and the Porziuncola in Assisi
- A day trip to Montefalco to tour a winery, with lunch on an Umbrian family farm
- Many of Rome’s Altars of Repose on Holy Thursday night
- And lots more…
On Good Friday, March 26th, the pope’s Stations of the Cross at the candlelit Colosseum is dramatic Rome at its finest – attendance is entirely optional for our group.
Holy Saturday, March 27th, is a quieter day before Easter.
On Easter Sunday, March 28th, we attend the papal Easter Mass in Saint Peter’s Square, followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Mass will be celebrated daily in the most beautiful churches with our own priest, and as always, we have some special surprises planned along the way.
A deposit secures your spot, with the balance due before departure. The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to a room.
Final pricing and the full payment schedule will be announced once this pilgrimage is open for booking – get notified above and I’ll let you know as soon as it is.
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, single rooms may be available for an additional cost. Single rooms are extremely limited.
Included
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights: 7 nights in Rome, staying in the Borgo neighborhood just steps from Saint Peter’s Basilica, and 3 nights in Assisi, just off the main piazza.
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
A day trip to Montefalco to tour a winery, with lunch on an Umbrian family farm.
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.
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 March 19th. 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 March 29th. 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.