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).
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:
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.
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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