Italy Pilgrimage with 3 Day Ireland Extension

Under The Spiritual Direction Of Fr. Bill McEvoy
13 DAYS
FROM $5,999

Date

July 10 - 22, 2023

Activity Level

Moderate – High

Book By

5 / 1 / 2023

Group Limit

30

Pilgrimage Overview

Join us as we explore one of the most powerful and influential cities throughout history, as well as home to the Catholic Church, the Pope, and the site of the Vatican City.



Book With Confidence

Book With Confidence

All new travel bookings automatically come with our Book with Confidence Travel Plan*—free of charge. This plan gives pilgrims the ability to move their booking to another destination or simply a different available departure date in our vast travel portfolio, no questions asked. They just need to let us know 120 days* before departure and we’ll waive all penalties and get them booked on a new pilgrimage.

*The Book with Confidence Travel Plan allows for any new booking made with Holy Land Travel Center to be changed to a different destination or to another available departure date. Notice of change in travel plans must be given 120 days before departure; standard cancellation penalties will apply for full cancellation without rebooking or changes made within 120 days to departure. Applicable price and eligible promotions for the new tour will apply; if new trip is less expensive, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference in price. Cannot be applied to Passion Play Pilgrimages. No cash value. Credit is fully transferable. Offer reliant on space availability. Effective 10.7.2020. May be withdrawn at any time. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details.

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1
Depart USA

Our Pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our flight to Naples Italy. 

DAY 2
Arrive in Naples

Upon our arrival in Naples we will proceed through customs and baggage claim before being met by our HLTC guide and driver. Time permitting, we will enjoy a brief panoramic city tour of Naples before continuing to our hotel for dinner and overnight. 

DAY 3
Naples

We begin the day by celebrating Mass at the Cathedral of Naples. After Mass, our group will take some time to view some of the beautiful artwork and statuary found inside the structure before proceeding to the nearby Catacombs of San Gennaro. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, these catacombs hold a special significance to the people of Naples as it was here that their ancestors fled for protection from the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 472 AD. Once inside, their prayers were answered by Saint Januarius, Patron Saint of Naples, and the eruption ended, saving the city. After lunch, we continue our tour of Naples with a visit to the Church of San Domenico Maggiore. Founded by the friars of the Dominican Order, the church is built over the remains of a smaller church dating from the 10th century.  We will also explore the monastery next to the church which was originally the site of the University of Naples where Saint Thomas Aquinas taught for a time.  You can see the room that St Thomas occupied while he studied and lived here; a relic of the saint; as well as the image of the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to him and commended him for writing so well of Him. We then return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. 

DAY 4
Sorrento

After breakfast, we set out for Pompei. There we will go on an archaeological journey through the ancient city. Buried under a layer of ashes and lapilli by a sudden eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, after 1700 years, the excavations have brought to light Pompei, a town whose daily light of Imperial Age has been petrified, as if under a spell. Furthermore, visiting the “frozen city”, we will see houses, shops, temples, squares, streets and understand the way of living of the ancient Romans. After we break for lunch, we will celebrate Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Shrine before heading to Sorrento to check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5
Sorrento

Today we depart for Ravello to explore the beautiful gardens of Villa Rufolo. Continue along the narrow roads known as the Citrus Coast due to the abundance of Lemon and Orance trees, to Amalfi. After breaking for lunch, we explore the Cathedral of St. Andrew to see the relics of the saint, the crypt where he is buried, and to celebrate Mass. We will then visit a Limoncello family-ran farm to try our hand and making the tasty liquor. We depart Amalfi in the late afternoon, and return to Sorrento for a leisurely dinner and overnight.

DAY 6
Sorrento

Today we take an excursion to Capri by hydrofoil jets (high speed boat) from Sorrento to enjoy a full day on the island. We will take a panoramic guided tour before free time for shopping, or to the visit the worldwide famous Blue Grotto (optional). Return to Sorrento in the afternoon with dinner served at the hotel.

DAY 7
Rome

Today we drive towards Rome where St. Paul lived for two years. On the way, we stop at the Abbey of Montecassino. Founded nearly 1500 years ago by St. Benedict of Nursia, the Abbey has endured as a place of Catholic spirituality and worship despite centuries of political upheaval and warfare within Italy. After lunch, we continue our journey to Rome. Upon arrival, we will drive along the Appian Way “Regina Viarum” and see the Church of Quo Vadis, located where Christ appeared to Peter, and the Apostle asked “Domine, quo vadis?” (Where are you going, Lord?) The Lord replied, “I am going to Rome to be crucified for the second time.” Peter understood the message and returned to face his martyrdom. We see the Inn where St. Paul stopped for rest before arriving at the seat of the former Roman Empire. We visit the Catacombs of St. Sebastian where the early Christians hid, prayed and buried their dead and the remnants of the original basilica dedicated to Peter and Paul. We will then continue to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the place of Paul’s martyrdom, where tradition has it that three different springs gushed out at each spot touched when Paul’s head fell down. Our tour ends at Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall, a Benedictine Abbey who shares its origins with the adjoining basilica. Visit the Basilica where the bones of Paul have recently been found and celebrate Mass. Continue to hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8
Rome

Start the day with breakfast, and then explore Castel Gandolfo, also known as the Apostolic Palace and Papal Summer Residence. Here we will see the Palace, made by Urban VIII in the 17th century, the Holy See’s treasures and the beautifully landscaped Barberini Gardens which have only been open to the public since 2016. Admire the views of Lake Albano, and relax over lunch by the Papal gardens. Subiaco is a small village surrounded by spectacular natural scenery. Visit the Monastery of Santa Scolastica, and the Monastery of San Benedetto. Make a short stop at Abbazia di Santa Scolastica (“Abbot at Santa Scolastica”), where the first book in Italy was printed. A visit to the Benedictine Herbalist is a must. Santa Scolastica is the last existing monastery where the ancient method of cultivation exists, which was began by San Benedetto. 

DAY 9
Rome

This morning after mass, we will enjoy a guided tour of the Relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ. We begin our tour with Basilica of St. Mary Major. We then walk over to the Basilica of St. Prassede which holds a segment of the alleged pillar upon which Jesus was flogged and tortured before his crucifixion in Jerusalem. After, we visit the Holy Stairs, so named because they are the steps which led to the Praetorium of the Roman Procurator Ponzio Pilato. From there we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, after break for lunch. Continue with the Basilica of Holy Cross in Jerusalem, built over spread earth brought over from Jerusalem. Continue on a panoramic tour of Imperial Rome with visits to the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine and the Coliseum. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 10
Rome

Today we transfer to St. Peter’s Square to join the thousands of pilgrims coming to Rome for Pope Francis’ blessing. After free time & lunch, we continue to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. We will then tour St. Peter’s Basilica and take in the awesome architecture. Pray at the new tomb of Blessed John Paul II, in St. Sebastian’s Chapel Time permitting, you may visit the Vatican Crypt on your own and pray near the tomb of St. Peter. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11
Assisi

Today we visit the sites of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, including the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli (Our Lady of Angels). Inside this Basilica, we explore the Portiuncola, the Chapel of the Transitus and the Rose Garden. We continue to the Basilica of St. Clare, the Town Hall Square, and the Basilica of St. Francis. We enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring the lovely town. We then continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12
Rome, Free Day
After breakfast, our group bids farewell to Assisi and returns to the Eternal City of Rome. Here we will celebrate Mass before breaking for lunch and individual exploration of one of the world’s most beloved and famous cities. In the evening, the group will reconvene at the hotel before being shuttled to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. 
DAY 13
Flight Home/ Dublin

Today we transfer to the airport for our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.

 Upon arrival in Dublin, we’ll enjoy a tour of Ireland’s capital. We will begin with the main thoroughfare of O’Connell Street. We’ll see the General Post Office (GPO), the Custom House, and Phoenix Park. This part of the city is also dominated by Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells, a splendidly illuminated version of the Christian Gospels. We’ll also explore Christchurch Cathedral, site of Dublin’s first wooden church. Then we’ll begin a tour of the Guinness Brewery before enjoying some free time to further explore the city before checking into our hotel to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 14
Dublin
Our travel this morning takes us through Boyne Valley, a complex of tombs, and prehistoric enclosures. Next we visit the Silverstream Monastery before continuing to the Abbey of Kells, a former monastery located in Kells, County Meath. In the churchyard, we’ll find the Round Tower and several of the High Crosses. The day’s last stop is Mellifont Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey to be built in Ireland. We return once more to Dublin where we will enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 15
Dublin

After a leisurely breakfast, we will be released to enjoy a day of independent exploration around Dublin. The group’s guide and driver will be available to help with transportation and suggested sites. In the evening, the group will reconvene at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to experience a tour and Choral Evensong performance held there. Afterwards, we will head to a local restaurant to celebrate our travels together with a farewell dinner before returning to our hotel to overnight. 

DAY 16
Dublin
After enjoying a traditional Irish breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 4-5 Star Hotels
  • Roundtrip Flights
  • Air-conditioned Motor Coach
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide
  • One Checked Bag
  • Accommodations (based on double occupancy)
  • Entrance Fees as per itinerary
  • Meals (per itinerary)
  • Gratuities

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Passport and Visas (Refer to the section below for Passports or Visas help)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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