Italy

Lake Maggiore and the Passion Play of Sordevolo with Canon Jane Winter and Fr Jeff Risbridger

Prices from £2,090 pp

Single Supplement £300

Next available tour: 31-08-2027

Tour leader: Canon Jane Winter and Fr Jeff Risbridger

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Set against the serene beauty of northern Italy’s lakes and alpine foothills, this pilgrimage centres on one of Europe’s most extraordinary living traditions: the Passione di Sordevolo. Every five years, an entire Italian village comes together to stage an open-air performance of the Passion of Christ, a devotion that has been handed down since 1816 and continues to move audiences from around the world. Staying on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the elegant town of Stresa, we journey through a landscape shaped by faith, art and prayer, exploring three of Italy’s most remarkable Sacri Monti – UNESCO-recognised sanctuaries. From the peaceful sanctuary above Lake Orta to the dramatic chapels of Varallo, these sacred places invite reflection and a deeper encounter with Christ’s life and Passion.

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Itinerary

Arrive in Milan Malpensa

Fly from London to Milan Malpensa Airport. On arrival, we meet our Italian tour manager and transfer by coach to our accommodation. Five-nights at the 3-star Hotel Cavour – located in the elegant town of Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore. Dinner will be served in the hotel
The Sacro Monte of Orta and Orta San Giulio

After breakfast, we travel to Lake Orta – one of Italy’s hidden treasures, nestled between the green Alps and the wooded hills near Lake Maggiore. We ascend by road train to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a sanctuary set on a scenic promontory overlooking the lake. It is the only “Sacred Mountain” dedicated to St Francis of Assisi; its chapels are adorned with sculptures and frescoes depicting scenes from the Saint’s life. We then continue to the charming medieval town of Orta San Giulio, beloved by writers such as Lord Byron and Robert Browning. After some free time for lunch (at your own expense), we take a short boat ride to the island of San Giulio to visit its basilica, with delicate pastel frescoes and the crypt of the 4th century evangelist after whom the island is named.
The Sacro Monte of Varallo

Drive to the town of Varallo and ascend the Sanctuary by cable car. The sanctuary of Varallo is one of the sacred mountains which became an expression of Counter-reformation devotion. The sanctuary was founded in the late 15th century by a Franciscan friar who wanted to enable the faithful to make a virtual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Sacro Monte consists of a sequence of chapels containing tableaux of life-size painted terra-cotta and wood figures and fresco painting depicting the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Today lunch is at own cost. We have time at leisure in the pretty town of Varallo, before returning to Stresa. Dinner at the hotel.
Passione di Sordevolo

After a relaxing morning at the hotel, we travel to Sordevolo, where every five years more than 400 residents stage an open-air performance of the Passion of Christ. Over 30,000 visitors from around the world come to witness this remarkable tradition, which has been performed in the village since 1816. We enjoy a guided tour behind the scenes, visit the Museo della Passione (Passion Museum), and then share a traditional dinner before taking our seats for the evening performance.
Lake Maggiore

This morning there is an opportunity for worship. Today is at leisure in Stresa. You can enjoy a walk in the town centre or take one of the sightseeing boat tours of the Borromean Gulf. From Stresa you can ascend the Monte Mottarone by cable car and enjoy the spectacular view across the lake. Alternatively, those who have pre-booked may join Fr Jeff and Canon Jane on an optional excursion to the Oropa Sanctuary - the largest and most important Marian sanctuary in the Alps, set 1200 metres above sea level. We visit the sanctuary, including the modern basilica and the Sacro Monte, dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary and recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Dinner in the hotel.
Depart for the UK

We transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport for our return flight to London.

Essential Information

The cost for this tour is £2,090 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses.

A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £300.

This tour includes:

Return flights from London airport to Milano Malpensa airport
Five nights at the Hotel Cavour 30tre in Stresa
Daily breakfast and dinner
Private motor coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
English-speaking local guide
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Ticket for the Passion Play of Sordevolo
Behind the scenes of the Passion Play - guided tour
Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Not included:

City Tax (currently €2 per person per night) payable upon arrival.

Lunches are not provided.

Optional excursions

On day 5 - Optional Excursion to the Sanctuary of Oropa. Cost is £160pp based on 14 people booking. If less than 14 book there will be a supplement. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before confirm your place on the excursion.

Payment

A non refundable deposit of £500 per person is required to secure your place. For booking received by 15 May 2026 we offer a lower deposit payment of £300. *A second deposit payment of £200 per person is due 6 weeks from booking. 50% of the booking is due 6 months prior to departure, the final balance is due at 12 weeks.

Practical information

Entry requirements

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end of this
pilgrimage. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs
at the passport offices.

British passport holders travelling to Italy do not require a visa.

Non British passport holders will need to contact us for further details.

Health & wellbeing

There are no mandatory inoculations required for Italy, however we advise that you consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements. We also recommend your tetanus and polio vaccinations are up
to date.

Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

For the latest and most up to date travel advice including entry requirements please consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office travel advice website.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Mobility

Many of our tours and excursions are designed for those who are able to travel independently, or with the support of a companion who can assist during the trip. We recommend that participants feel comfortable with physical activity and are able to manage longer travel days, which may include early starts and extended periods on the road. We encourage you to consider your personal health and comfort when planning your adventure, and we’re happy to help if you have any specific concerns or questions about the suitability of a tour for your needs.

Travel insurance

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That’s why we have specifically chosen Holiday Extras as our *preferred travel insurance provider to ensure that you are protected before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras offer McCabe Travel guests favourable rates for single trip, multi-trip and annual policies.

For more information or to obtain a quote click below for their website

https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor.

Please quote AG628 upon calling to receive the best rates

The McCabe Educational Trust

The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on some of our pilgrimages. As ‘the haves’ encounter the ‘have nots’ the Trust has become a practical tool for one to help the other.

McCabe Pilgrimages invite all travellers to become partners in this work. A £20 voluntary donation to the Trust’s work is added to every pilgrim’s invoice and all money raised in this way is given in full to the projects the Trust supports. This scheme is voluntary and confidential with nobody put under any pressure to participate.

Full financial security

All money paid to McCabe is fully secure. Holidays including flights are covered by our ATOL license from the Civil Aviation Authority, and holidays without flights are protected by our membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. If a pilgrimage is cancelled, for instance through lack of numbers or for political considerations, McCabe will promptly refund all monies paid.

AITO Quality Statement

McCabe Pilgrimages is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. McCabe abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter.

You can read McCabe reviews on the AITO website here

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Dates

Our Programme	Tour Leader	Tour Dates	Availability
Lake Maggiore and the Passion Play of Sordevolo with Canon Jane Winter and Fr Jeff Risbridger Lake Maggiore and the Passion Play of Sordevolo with Canon Jane Winter and Fr Jeff Risbridger Departing From London Gatwick Prices from £2090 pp	Canon Jane Winter and Fr Jeff Risbridger	31/08/2027 for 6 days	Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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