Holy Week in Rome
March 19th–29th, 2027$5,600(plus air)
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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
You’ll receive the full itinerary closer to departure, but here’s a preview of what we have planned.
We’ll spend seven nights in Rome’s Borgo neighborhood, just two blocks from Saint Peter’s Square, and three nights in Assisi, just off the main square.
In Rome, we’ll visit the four major basilicas: Saint Peter’s, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls. We’ll also explore many other remarkable churches and holy sites, including the Scala Santa, where we’ll climb the stairs Christ climbed; relics of the Passion, including a portion of the True Cross; a Eucharistic miracle; sites associated with Marian apparitions; the place where Saint Peter began his ministry in Rome; the site of Saint Paul’s martyrdom; and the tombs of Saint Catherine and Saint Monica.
We’ll also visit San Giovanni a Porta Latina, where tradition holds that Saint John the Evangelist survived being boiled in oil. This remarkable church opens to visitors only a few minutes each year.
We’ll enjoy several walking tours throughout Rome, exploring its beautiful churches, historic neighborhoods, and hidden treasures.
On Palm Sunday, March 21st, we attend the papal Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
In Assisi, from March 22nd through the 24th, we’ll visit the Basilica of San Francesco, the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and Santa Maria Maggiore, where Saint Carlo Acutis is buried. We’ll also visit San Damiano, the Hermitage, and the Porziuncola. A day trip to Montefalco will take us to an organic farm and winery.
Returning to Rome on March 25th for the Sacred Triduum, we’ll visit many of the city’s Altars of Repose on Holy Thursday evening and experience the extraordinary celebrations of Holy Week.
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.
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 $4,600 is due January 18th, 2027.
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 $1,800 ($7,400 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 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.
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.
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!
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
Because plans change, I offer one of the most flexible cancellation policies you’ll find.
- If you need to cancel for any reason at all, at least 60 days before departure, you’ll receive a 100% refund of everything you’ve paid toward your pilgrimage.
- If you cancel between 59 and 45 days before departure, you’ll receive a refund of everything you’ve paid, minus your deposit.
- If you cancel fewer than 45 days before departure, I’m unable to provide a refund because I’ve already committed payments to hotels and other suppliers. Travel insurance may cover certain cancellations, depending on your policy and the reason for cancellation.
- If for any reason I need to cancel or postpone the pilgrimage, you’ll receive a 100% refund of everything you’ve paid toward it.
- In all cases, you’re responsible for working directly with your airline regarding credits or refunds for changed or canceled 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.