Rome & San Giovanni Rotondo
21 - 29 November 2022
from
£1380
7-night / 8-day pilgrimage including return flights from Gatwick with British Airways, private group transfers, 3 nights full board in 4* Hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo & 4 nights half-board in 4*+ Hotel in central Rome (walking distance to the Vatican).
All about: Rome & San Giovanni Rotondo
This multi-destination pilgrimage package will be a perfect opportunity to visit some of the most important Italian Catholic Pilgrimage sites, most notably the Sanctuary of St. Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo and the Eternal City of Rome. Our tour will visit the following pilgrim sites:
- The Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, southern Italy, is the second-most visited Catholic shrine in the world. It centres on the tomb of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, a Capuchin friar, priest and mystic known for his devotion to God, care for the sick, and supernatural gifts. He died in 1968 and was declared a saint in 2002.
- The Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel (Monte Sant’Angelo) is a sacred cave and popular Catholic shrine near San Giovanni Rotondo. Here, the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared in 490, 492 and 1656. Consecrated the shrine himself, this is the most important pilgrimage site connected with the Archangel. Many miraculous healings & events have been attributed to this ancient sacred site.
- The small village of Pietrelcina, located in the province of Benevento in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is the birthplace of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Visit the places connected with the life of St. Pio.
- The Monastic Sanctuary of Monte Cassino, a small town about 80 miles south of Rome, is the home of the sacred relics and monastery of St. Benedict (480-543), the patron saint of Europe and the founder of western monasticism. Since its founding by St. Benedict in 529 AD, Monte Cassino Monastery has had a troubled history, suffering from repeated attacks, pillage, and natural disasters. Most recently, it was the site of a terrible battle during World War II that resulted in great loss of life and complete destruction of the monastic buildings. Despite its significant setbacks, the monastery has always been rebuilt and the relics of Saints Benedict and Scholastica have survived through all the turmoil.
- Rome, the “Eternal City,” has been a sacred place and internationally important city since ancient times. Rome’s history extends nearly 2,800 years. The Christians arrived in the 1st century AD, and Rome has been the centre of Catholic Christianity ever since. Rome’s abundance of basilica’s, churches and shrines make it one of the best cities to explore.
- Vatican City, the centre of Catholicism, our pilgrimage will arrive at the tomb of St. Peter, located beneath the Basilica named in his honour. Depending on the Pontiff’s schedule, we also aim to participate in the General Papal Audience with Pope Francis.
The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
Included in this tour
- Return flights from London Gatwick with British Airways
- 23 kg Hold luggage + 23 kg Hand luggage per pilgrim.
- Luxury air-conditioned coach travel throughout the pilgrimage
- 15 meals (8 meals in San Giovanni / 7 meals in Rome)
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in San Giovanni Rotondo
- 4 nights in 4 Star hotel accommodation in central Rome (7 – 10 mins walk from St. Peters Square)
- Services of an Anam Cara Travel guide throughout the pilgrimage
- Guided tours of San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Cassino and Rome (full day guided tour of Rome). Headsets for visits in San Giovanni & Rome
- Local taxes (including Rome City Tax), tolls and ATOL Protection
Not included in this tour
Lunch meals on Day 1 & whilst in Rome (days 4-8)
One evening meal in Rome
Travel Insurance – We can include Travel Insurance in this package priced at £45.00. If you decide not to take our insurance, we will require the name of your chosen insurance company and the policy number. Your cover should, at least, be equivalent to that arranged by Us, so please check your policy carefully.
Optional calendar group photo in San Giovanni Rotondo – €10
Gratuities for coach driver & hotel staff (at your own discretion)
Depart from Gatwick (07:30am departure) to Bari with British Airways.
Upon arrival, we transfer direct to San Giovanni Rotondo (1h40mins transfer).
Check-in to the 4*+ Hotel for 3 nights on a Full Board basis.
After check-in, we will celebrate our opening Mass in the ancient church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (the Monastery where Padre Pio lived), afterwards visiting the English Office. Alongside a cup of tea, we will hear of the incredible life of St. Pio before returning to our hotel for evening meal.
After breakfast, walking tour of the sanctuary and visit of the friary where Padre Pio lived & died; also see the Crucifix before which St. Pio received the stigmata.
Our tour will finish at the new Church where the mortal remains of the saint rest.
Afternoon free. Evening meal in Hotel.
After breakfast, we travel to Monte Sant’Angelo; the oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
After Holy Mass, you will discover the fascinating history of this stunning Sanctuary located in a sacred cave.
Some free time for shopping and sightseeing before returning to our hotel for a late lunch.
Afternoon free to shop or relax beside the hotel swimming pool.
Evening meal in Hotel.
During the transfer we will visit Pietrelcina; the birthplace of Padre Pio where we celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of the Holy Family.
Short lunch break before continuing to the magnificent Monastery of Monte Cassino; one of the most famous Abbeys in the World. Founded by St. Benedict in 529AD, it is the final resting place the Saint and his sister, St. Scholastica. Enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey complex explaining the history from its formation to the infamous WWII Battle of Monte Cassino.Free time to explore the Abbey & visit the tombs of the Saints.
Late afternoon, we continue to Rome where we will stay for 4 nights in a central hotel, located in the Vatican district.
Evening free to dine independently.
After breakfast, we will celebrate Holy Mass in the Basilica of San Clemente, before a full-day guided tour of Rome by coach (please note: walking is unavoidable in Rome and certain landmarks / sights can only be accessed on foot).
We will visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran; the oldest of the four Papal Basilicas and have the opportunity to view the Holy Stairs. Onwards to the Colosseum & the Roman Forum (we will not enter the Colosseum).
Free time for lunch before continuing to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Late afternoon, the guided tour will continue on foot visiting the Pantheon & Piazza Navona.
After breakfast, Holy Mass will be celebrated in a local Church near St. Peters Basilica.
Then enjoy a free day to explore, shop or relax.
Return to the hotel for private coach transfer to a historic restaurant located in the heart of Rome. After our meal, why not walk the short distance to marvel at the splendour of the Trevi Foutain.
Free time for some gelato before returning to our hotel by coach.
Here we will celebrate our closing Mass before transferring to the Airport at 10:30 am.
The return flight will depart at 1:00 pm and arrive into London Gatwick at 2:50 pm.
Rome & San Giovanni Rotondo Accomodation
In short: dry, sunny, and hot. On average, August is a little cooler than July—but not by much. The monthly average temperature for Rome is a high of 87° F, a low of 62° F. Although Rome is in southern Italy, the temperatures are remarkably similar in those other destinations we visit. In San Giovanni Rotondo which is located in the Gargano Mountains, the evenings will be cooler.
If you are a British, Irish or E.U. passport holder you need not apply for a Visa. If citizenship is held with a non-EU country, you will need to apply online for a European Schengen visa. Contact your group leader or the Tour Operator for more details. Visa application is solely the responsibility of the pilgrim and not the group leader / tour operator
It is advisable to bring a light rainproof jacket, a warm jacket and comfortable walking shoes are a must! Rome in August can be extremely warm, so light clothing is necessary. Most religious sites require modest dress, so no sleeveless shirts. If wearing shorts, please ensure they totally cover your knees. Whilst in Rome; women may need to wear long sleeve tops & full-length trousers. Some ladies may also prefer to wear a light lose hair veil during visits to religious sites (not compulsory). A pashmina is useful as a wrap-around skirt for ladies once entering key religious sites.
If you feel tired or unable to keep up with the group pace, please inform your representative so alternative arrangements can be made. Rome involves considerable walking lengths!
The following books are available to order online via Amazon or Google Play:
1) The Stigmata of Faith – Thoughts of Padre Pio (Mediaspaul)
2) Padre Pio: A Man of Hope (Renzo Allegri)
3) A Catholic’s Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City (Frank J. Korn)
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