The deposit is £350 per pilgrim. Payment should be made within 4 days of submitting the online booking form.  Payment options include: UK, NI credit/debit card or bank transfer. NOTE: We cannot accept card payments from the Republic of Ireland.

A deposit of £350 per client is requested at time of completing the booking form.   Payment options include UK debit / credit card, bank transfer or by cheque (made payable to Anam Cara Travel).  Payment details will be included on your confirmation email.  Deposit payment will be requested within 4-days of submitting the form.

The balance will be requested by UK credit/debit card or bank transfer 9-weeks prior to departure (Monday 23 June 2025).   You will be provided with a unique payment reference which you must use each time you make a payment. If you prefer to pay the balance by cheque please contact us 1 month prior to final balance date.  

Single rooms (£375 supplement) are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  

PLEASE NOTE:  A single room supplement ensures that the payee has exclusive and private use of a room. This supplement guarantees privacy but does not guarantee the size of the bed; many Italian hotels provide single beds instead of double beds.

If you do not hold a valid UK or EU passport, you may need to apply for a Schengen Visa to visit Italy.  Non-EU Passport holders may need to apply.  Application opens 5 months prior to departure.  Visa application costs are paid directly by the client.  The tour operator will provide supporting documents necessary for your visa application.

If you hold a 3rd country passport (non-UK or EU) please click on the following link to learn if you need to apply for a visa – Italian General Consulate

As of November 2024, it is still unclear when the ETIAS will be implemented for non-EU passport holders.

The rules of travel to Europe have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.

As of now, UK passport holders do not require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the European Union (EU). However, at some stage during 2025, UK citizens and travellers from other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). This will be completed online prior to arrival and should cost less than €15 for a 3-year visa (payable directly by the client).

When more details become available & should this affect your travel dates, the Tour Operator will contact clients who need to take action.

Your UK passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive (ISSUED AFTER 25 AUGUST 2015)
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (VALID UNTIL 02 DECEMBER 2025)

Check now that your UK passport meets these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Yes – Travel Insurance is compulsory for our tours.  You can arrange insurance online or via the post office.  Alternatively, if aged under 80 yrs, you can request a competitive quotation from our appointed partner via our website (read the next question below).

For your travel insurance, we are happy to refer you to Global Travel Insurance Services Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and whose status can be checked on the FCA Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966, ‘Firm Ref’ 305686.

Click on the following link to open the summary of cover of an insurance product which is suitable for all our trips.

GLOBAL SINGLE TRIP – Summary of Cover

To obtain a quotation, please CLICK HERE which will take you to the GTIS website.

Beyond providing this information, we are not permitted to assist you in any way in the arrangement of your travel insurance or give any advice.

If you would like any further information about their services, you should contact Global Travel Insurance on 01903 235042.

YES – The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

Clients who are reside in the Republic of Ireland should apply via the Irish Government website.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance! We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Apply for your Free GHIC card here

Our group flights to Rome FCO Airport will be operated by Aer Lingus & will depart from / return to Dublin Airport Terminal 2.  

OUTBOUND: Monday 25 August (depart 10:25am / arrive 14:30pm) EI404

INBOUND: Monday 01 September (depart 15:10pm / arrive 17:30pm) EI405

AER LINGUS: All passengers are permitted one hold luggage (maximum weight of 20 kg) and one small piece of hand baggage which should fit below the seat in front. You will be advised of the luggage size dimensions in your travel pack (3 weeks prior to departure).

The airline no longer offers a complimentary meal service. Meals, beverages & snacks can be purchased on-board the flight but have to be paid by card (cash not accepted)! On the first day, you might consider a hearty breakfast in Dublin airport before your flight.

In late August, both Rome and Assisi typically experience warm to hot summer weather. Here’s what you can generally expect:

Rome:  Temperatures: Highs around 30-35°C and lows around 18-22°C. Conditions: Mostly sunny and dry, though occasional short thunderstorms might occur. 

Assisi:  Temperatures: Highs around 28-32°C and lows around 16-20°C. Conditions: Warm, with slightly cooler evenings compared to Rome. It’s generally sunny, but like Rome, there’s a small chance of short rain showers.

If you feel tired or unable to keep-up with the group pace, please inform the tour manager so alternative arrangements can be made. Daily excursions are included but optional. You might prefer a day to rest at the hotel.

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this pilgrimage, therefore please make sure you pack comfortable & breathable footwear. Your guide will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up then please make sure you tell them so they can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Whilst this is not a trekking or adventure holiday there will be a lot of walking required where you may be on your feet for up to 90 minutes during visits and at some sites. The paving may not always be smooth and seating not always available.  Furthermore, Assisi is located on hilly terrain. 

When visiting Italy in late August, it’s best to pack light, breathable clothing due to the warm weather. Here are some suggestions:

1. Light & breathable clothing: Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials. Loose-fitting shirts, dresses, shorts, trousers and skirts will keep you cool.
2. Layers: A light sweater or cardigan for cooler evenings.
3. Comfortable Footwear: As you will be walking considerable distances to visit key sites; comfortable walking shoes are a must! Consider footwear with good support since both cities have cobblestone streets.
4. Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
5. Evening Wear: Though evenings are usually warm, consider a light jacket or cardigan, especially for Assisi, where it may cooler at night.  

6. Modest Clothing for Churches: When visiting religious sites, like the Vatican or churches in Assisi, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Scarves or shawls can also be used to cover up as required.

Overall, aim for comfortable, casual outfits that are suitable for warm, sunny weather!

Our package includes 12 meals (mainly half-board with exception of two evenings in Rome).  Lunch meals are not included.  Breakfast is included each day.  Meals in each city include:

• 4 nights hotel accommodation in Rome on a B&B basis with 2 evening meals (arrival & departure evenings) – 6 meals
• 3 nights hotel accommodation in Upper Assisi on a HB basis (1/4 wine & water per pilgrim at evening meal) – 6 meals

The hotel bedrooms are elegant and well equipped to provide guests with all the comfort and amenities they need for a relaxing stay. Links to both hotels are included in the accommodation section above.  Please consult the websites for both hotels.

Tea & Coffee making facilities are not available in your room (please consider taking a small travel kettle and supply of preferred tea/coffee).

Yes.  In Italy, the standard electrical socket type is the European standard Type C socket. These sockets are characterized by two round holes and operate on a voltage of 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz.

Yes, a porter service is included at the hotels. Your luggage must clearly display the Anam Cara Travel bag-tags to avail of this service (supplied with your travel documents prior to departure). If you experience any difficulty managing your luggage, please request assistance from the reception.

No.  Your group leader will suggest a contribution of €20 to be collected at the start of the tour.  This will cover the hotel waiting staff in Rome & Assisi & the bus drivers during the numerous transfers.

The following books are available to order online via Amazon or Google Play:

• A Catholic’s Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City (Frank J. Korn)
• Every Pilgrim’s Guide to Rome (Michael Walsh)
• The Life and Prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi (Wyatt North)
• Francis of Assisi and His World (Mark Galli)
• Clare of Assisi: Light from the Cloister (Bret Thoman)
• Carlo Acutis: A Millennial in Paradise (Nicola Gori) 
• Pilgrim’s Guide to Rome and Assisi (James Brodrick) – A classic guide that covers spiritual reflections, historical details, and practical advice for pilgrims.

These resources will provide historical, theological, and spiritual context for your pilgrimage.

The hotels do not provide a hospitality tray (tea/coffee) in your bedrooms.  You might consider packing a small travel kettle with your own brand of tea and coffee.

Remember to pack your camera, a sun hat, sun cream, mosquito repellent (with ‘deet’ even though this is not a big problem in Italy during August), tissues, moist toilet tissue and antibacterial hand wash will make your holiday more comfortable.