With over 2500 years of history, the Italian capital has played a pivotal role in Christianity. On the banks of the River Tiber, the independent state of Vatican City, home of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Father, is central to all pilgrimages to Rome. Here, pilgrims can immerse themselves in the splendour and devotion of St Peters Basilica and Square, visit the crypt of the Popes, the tomb of St Peter, the Sistine Chapel, climb the magnificent Cupola (Dome) or explore the vast collections of religious and secular artefacts housed within the Vatican Museum.

Located throughout the city are the seven pilgrim churches of Rome. These include the five great patriarchal Basilicas of St. John Lateran (the cathedral church of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope), St. Peters, St. Paul outside the walls, St. Mary Major and St. Laurence outside the walls. These along with the minor basilicas of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme and St. Sebastian comprise the popular pilgrimage route.

Other religious and historical places of interest where groups may decide to visit include the Catacombs, the Scala Santa (the Holy Stairway), the Capuchin Crypt in the church of Our Lady of the Conception, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Irish College.

Whilst visiting Rome, groups will be provided with ample time to explore the city on their own. Our choices of hotels are central to the main historical places of interest.

For more information please visit our friends at – www.rome.info and www.vatican.va.