Introduction to Rome
Pope Francis has declared 2016 to be Holy Year of Mercy and more than a dozen individual celebrations are planned next year in Rome. The forthcoming year would be an excellent time to plan a visit.
Rome never loses its drama or its charm and continues to draw pilgrims from all over the world to experience its splendour, its beauty and its unique atmosphere. We continue to offer 8-day Pilgrimages together with Weekend Breaks to Rome for individuals and small parties travelling out on any Thursday and returning on Sunday. Bed & Breakfast accommodation gives you the opportunity of eating out in the local restaurants or we can also arrange half board accommodation for you. A full range of optional tours and excursions is available in order to offer more flexibility to your programme.
For your convenience we use scheduled day flights from London / Manchester airports. Our prices are based on accommodation in good 3-star hotels / guest houses located within easy walking distance of the Vatican and St. Peter's. We are also happy to supply details of the supplement for 4-star hotel accommodation if required. Please note that depending on your departure date, the programme may change accordingly to accommodate the Public Audience with the Holy Father in Rome.
Rome can also be combined with a visit to Assisi the home of St. Francis and the beautiful monastery at Greccio overhanging from the hills. Alternatively a visit to the small town of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope overlooking the beautiful Lake Albano is possible before continuing to Villa Palazzola, which is dramatically perched high above the extinct volcanic Lake Albano in the Alban Hills. The Cistercians, who formed the first monastic community here, built the Villa’s beautifully restored church Our Lady of the Snows in the 13th century. In 1920, after 500 years serving as a Franciscan House, Palazzola was bought by the Venerable English College so that its students could retreat from the sweltering heat of Roman summers. Enjoy a locally prepared lunch and some time for relaxation.
This tour is available for groups of 15 or more pilgrims
Please email info@special-pilgrimages.co.uk or call 01702 394000 should you be interested in arranging a pilgrimage!
Day 1
London or Manchester / Rome
Depart on a direct scheduled service from your London airport or Manchester International airport. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at Rome airport and transfer to your hotel or guest house in Rome to check in, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
Christian Rome
Today you have a walking tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza. In the afternoon you will visit the Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran and St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
NIGHT TOUR OF ROME
At approximately 20:15 hours we shall leave the hotel and take a night tour of Rome by coach. We start from Via Veneto, the Dolce Vita street, then Piazza Barberini with the Triton Fountain by Bernini, Piazza Venezia with the "Vittoriano", Via dei Fori Imperiali, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Palatine, the Temple of Vesta, the Theatre of Marcello, the Capitol, Tiberine Island, the Synagogue, Castel St. Angelo, St. Peter's Square and Basilica. During the panoramic visit of the city the guide will take you to visit the famous Trevi Fountain (do not forget to throw a coin in it in order to return to Rome), Piazza Navona, the baroque square and if time permits the Spanish Steps
Day 3
Papal Audience
Today you will walk to the Vatican for your Public Audience with the Holy Father (if he is in residence). This will take place in the Piazza S.Pietro or in the Audience Hall. We will provide you with the ticket for the audience. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 4
Optional excursion to Assisi
Today you take a full day excursion to Assisi, returning to Rome for dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 5
Free day in Rome
A free day to explore Rome at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 6
Ancient Rome
Today you will take a tour of Ancient Rome, visiting the Colosseum and viewing the Roman Forum. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 7
Basilica of St. Peter
Today you will walk from your hotel to the Basilica of St. Peter to visit the Basilica and the Square. At approximately midday the Holy Father appears (when he is in residence) and blesses the crowd in the Square. Mass in St. Peter's. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel.
Day 8
Rome / London or Manchester
Check out of your hotel and travel by coach to the airport for your return flight to London or Manchester.
