$5,300 (plus air)
Small group. Daily Mass. Excellent local guides. Amazing meals.
I have to be honest, when I first offered a Thanksgiving pilgrimage, I thought I’d just be traveling alone. But there are a lot of people who like to be away from home for Thanksgiving. So I have been loving celebrating Thanksgiving with my family of Catholic Travelers for the last several years. 🧡🤎
One of my favorite restaurants in Rome goes all out to make this holiday special for my groups and I cannot wait for you to experience it.
We have seven full nights in Rome, giving you the opportunity to become a temporary local. We are staying just two blocks away from Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Sign up
Most of my pilgrimages sell out very quickly. So, as I do with all my pilgrimages, Patrons and Premium Substack subscribers get early access.
Early Access begins May 12th at 12 p.m. Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific.
Everyone else can sign up beginning May 14th at 12 p.m. Eastern / 9 a.m. Pacific.
If you have any questions: mtn@thecatholictraveler.com
Is this pilgrimage trip 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. November is typically pretty quiet, though.
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. Also keep in mind that if we encounter crowds, at the holy doors, for example, we could be required to stand in lines for long periods of time.
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 7 full nights in Rome, we will see a lot!
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 and we will take a day trip to the pope’s nearby summer retreat.
We have a few opportunities to see Pope Leo.
We will be in Rome for the Feast of Saint Cecilia and for Christ the King.
We will share a huge semi-traditional Thanksgiving pranzo at one of my favorite restaurants.
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.
Price
$5,300 per person – ground only.
$1,000 deposit secures your spot.
Final payment of $4,300 is due October 9th, 2026.
The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to 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 $1,000. Single rooms are extremely limited.
Included in the price
Accommodations for 7 nights
We are staying just two blocks away from Saint Peter’s Basilica in the quaint Borgo neighborhood.
Breakfast daily plus 5 additional meals in some of my favorite restaurants, never hotels!
Drinks, including unlimited wine, is included in all our group lunches and dinners.
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.
All group ground transportation
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!
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.
Not Included
Your flights
You should arrive in Rome no later than November 20th, we will begin at 3 PM on November 20th. 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 November 27th, our last group activity will be lunch on November 26th 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 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 is a wise investment in case something comes up. If you think there is any chance you may need to cancel, I recommend you purchase travel insurance. 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. I have a friend who specializes in trip insurance, you can contact him directly, but you are under no obligation to use him and I don’t get any sort of kick backs, so shop around and find what is best for you.