The cost for this tour is £2,490 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 £295.

This tour includes:

• Return flights from a London airport to Milano Malpensa airport
• Five nights at the Oropa Sancuary
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Private  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
• Passion Play ticket
• Behind the scenes of the Passion Play - guided tour

Not Included:

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. If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before confirm your place on the excursion.

Lunches are not provided and will be at your own cost.

Payment

A non refundable deposit of £500 per person is required to secure your place. 50% of the booking is due 6 months prior to departure, the final balance is due at 12 weeks.

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

Climate

The Sanctuary of Oropa sits at around 1,200 metres in the Biella Alps of Piedmont. While the days can still offer pleasant autumn sunshine, temperatures drop noticeably, especially in the mornings and evenings, and mountain weather can change quickly, Pack layers: a warm fleece or wool mid-layer, a waterproof and windproof outer jacket, and comfortable walking shoes with good grip if you plan to explore the surrounding trails. Bring at least one warmer jumper for the evenings, as temperatures can fall to single figures after dark. A scarf and light hat are worth tucking into your bag too, particularly if you're attending early morning services in the basilica, which can feel quite cool inside regardless of the weather outside.

Attending the Passion Play: While the evenings can begin warmly enough, the temperature in this hilly Piedmontese setting drops quite sharply once the sun goes down. You should dress in proper layers: start with a base layer, add a fleece or thick jumper, and bring a more substantial coat or jacket for the later acts.

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