back to Italy

Italy

Oropa and the Passion Play of Sordevolo with Rochester Cathedral

In the quiet majesty of the Italian Alps lies Oropa - a sanctuary of deep Catholic faith and wonder. From the elegance of Turin to the serenity of Lake Orta and the moving Passion Play of Sordevolo, this remarkable journey weaves together devotion, drama and discovery. Amid mountain air and sacred silence, encounter Italy’s hidden holy places where Catholic history, art and worship meet in breathtaking harmony.

Itinerary

  1. 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. We stay for five nights at the Oropa Sanctuary - the largest and most important Marian sanctuary in the Alps, set 1,200 metres above sea level. Dinner will be served in the sanctuary.

  2. Turin and Monte Superga

    Elegant and refined, Turin boasts a rich artistic and cultural heritage, from noble residences and Baroque palaces to world-class museums and monuments. We will walk past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy and the beautiful San Lorenzo Church. We visit the Cathedral, home to the Holy Shroud before heading to Monte Superga to visit its striking basilica, an architectural gem with wonderful views over the city.

  3. 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.

  4. Passione di Sordevolo

    This morning includes an opportunity for worship, followed by a guided visit of the Oropa 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. Lunch at own expense. In the afternoon, 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.

  5. Oropa and optional visit to Biella

    This morning there is an opportunity for worship followed by lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, those who have pre-booked may join an optional excursion to the nearby city of Biella. Discover its picturesque old town with cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, handsome palaces and impressive cathedral. Return to Oropa for dinner.

  6. Depart for the UK

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

Essential Information

This tour includes:

  • Return flights from a London airport to Milano Malpensa airport
  • Five nights at the Oropa Sancuary with breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not provided and will be at your own cost.
  • Private deluxe motor coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Optional excursions

On day 5 - discover the historic town of Biella, set at the foothills of the Italian Alps. Cost is £140pp based on 14 people booking. If less than 14 book there will be a supplement.

Included meals & drinks

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included. Lunches are not provided and will be at your own cost.

 

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

Read reviews

Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Oropa and the Passion Play of Sordevolo – Sept 2027 – 6 days Oropa and the Passion of Sordevolo with Fr Andrew Gallagher Departing From London Gatwick Prices from £2490 pp Fr Andrew Gallagher 01/09/2027 for 6 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

Send to a friend




    In the footsteps of Our Lady - Bavaria and Austria 2026 - 5 days

    Prices from £1,950 pp

    Read more

    Viareggio Carnival - Tuscany 2026 - 7 days

    Prices from £2,240 pp

    Read more

    Fellowship Tours

    A portfolio of tours with regular travellers in mind

    Read more