FRIDAY: Depart Dublin on your direct flight to Rome. On arrival in Rome, you will be met by a local Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimage Co-ordinator, and transferred to your 4 star hotel.
SATURDAY: You will enjoy a half day orientation tour of Rome with a local guide. During this tour you will visit the Basilica of St John Lateran & Holy Stairs and St Peter’s Basilica & Square. YOu can also do a panoramic tour of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Victor Emmanuel Monument and more. Mass will be arranged.
SUNDAY Rome – San Giovanni Rotondo Distance: 400km / Travel time: approx 5 hours
Early morning departure from Rome for San Giovanni Rotondo, travelling via Pietrelcina, birthplace of Padre Pio. Mass in Pietrelcina. Free time for lunch. Arrive San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner & overnight in your 3 star hotel.
MONDAY - TUESDAY 3 nights / 2 full days San Giovanni Rotondo
Visit the Friary: Padre Pio’s tomb, the cell where the Saint lived and died, the crucifix before which he received the stigmata, the old and new churches, the Way of the Cross etc. Celebrate masses at Padre Pio’s tomb or in the church of Our Lady of Grace. Visit Monte Sant’Angelo: the nearby shrine in the cave where the Archangel Michael appeared.
WEDNESDAY: San Giovanni Rotondo – Assisi Distance: 430km / approx 5.5 hours
Early morning departure from San Giovanni for Assisi, travelling via Lanciano, site of a Eucharistic Miracle, which took place in the 8th century. Mass will be arranged. Free time for lunch. Continue on for Assisi. Dinner & overnight in your 3 star hotel.
THURSDAY: Today you will visit the impressive 13th Century Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St Clare and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola - the chapel of St. Francis’ first community and cradle of the Franciscan order. Mass will be arranged.
FRIDAY: Assisi – Rome Distance: 200km / approx 3 hours
Additional sightseeing & free time in Assisi. Mass will be arranged. Afternoon departure for Rome Airport and return flight to Dublin.