back to Italy

Italy

Ravenna, San Marino and Assisi

Prices from £2,259 pp

Single Supplement £469

Next available tour:

Tour leader: The Revd Dr Gordon Giles

Download brochure

Ravenna is home to eight early Christian monuments—seven of which are decorated with intricate mosaics—comprising a UNESCO World Heritage site. The religious designs are a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles and depict saints, Bible stories, and other sacred subjects that stand out for their bright colors and glittering gold backgrounds. Most are close to our 18th century hotel (with private chapel for worship) including the spectacular Basilica of San Vitale which is lined with some of the Mediterranean's finest mosaics.

Spend a day in the Republic of San Marino, the sole survivor of Italy's once powerful city-state network that traces its origin to the early 4th century when St. Marinus and a group of Christians settled there to escape persecution. The Castellum Sancta Marini is mentioned in the Liber Pontificalis (“The Book of the Pontiffs”) in 755. Also visit Perugia for a guided tour of the walled city and inside the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Piazza IV Novembre complete with its gothic interior and sculptures by Duccio.

Pilgrims have been coming to Assisi since the 13th century to venerate St. Francis, who was born and buried here, but you don’t have to be religious to enjoy the beauty of this postcard-perfect town. Framed by the long, undulating hills of Umbria and the forests of Monte Subasio, Assisi is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world and one of Italy’s most spell-binding gems. Assisi isn’t just home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The entire town basks in this coveted status because of its plethora of art and historically significant buildings, like the Basilica di San Francesco. The basilica, in particular, has such a collection of frescoes and paintings that it rivals many art museums.

Click to view slideshow

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Ravenna (D, DR)

    Morning: meet your Tour Leader and fellow group members at Heathrow Airport and check-in for your direct flight to Bologna.

    Afternoon: on arrival meet your local Tour Manager and transfer to Ravenna and check-in at your hotel for a four-night stay. You will be situated just a stroll from the heart of Ravenna and dinners will be taken in atmospheric local restaurants for a true Italian experience.

    Evening: join together in worship in the hotels private chapel with decorated ceiling. Then enjoy welcome drinks followed by a three-course dinner in a local restaurant, with water and tea or coffee included, close to your hotel. A nice opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DR = Drink

  2. Walking tour of Ravenna - free afternoon (B, L, D)

    Morning: Ravenna is home to eight early Christian monuments—seven of which are decorated with intricate mosaics—comprising a UNESCO World Heritage site. enjoy a guided walking tour of sights that will include the Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and the Mausoleo di Galla Placida home to some of the oldest mosaics in Ravenna, this mausoleum was built in the 5th century by a Roman princess and the walls, floor, and ceiling are still decorated by mosaics from more than 1,500 years ago.

    Afternoon: included lunch in a local restaurant together and then the afternoon is free to wander at your leisure. Your guide will give you some excellent suggestions of smaller museums to visit.

    Evening: meet your fellow pilgrims to stroll for dinner in a local restaurant with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  3. Ancient port of Classe and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare (B, D)

    Morning: travel seven kilometres outside Ravenna to visit the Basilica di sant'Apollinare in Classe. This 6th-century church dates from the same period as Sant’Apollinare and houses a number of stunning mosaics. After, tour the archaeological site of the Ancient Port of Classe. For almost five hundred years it was an important strategic military port. When it was not being used as a military port, it was an important commercial port for the imperial capital of Ravenna in the Roman Empire.

    Afternoon: return to Ravenna for a free afternoon to wander, visit local museums or simply relax in the squares and piazzas over coffee and ice cream and watch the world go by.

    Evening: join together for worship in the hotels private chapel and then stroll for dinner in a local restaurant with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  4. San Marino with guided tour (B, D)

    Morning: just an hour away is San Marino, not a town, but is a separate country. Its name derives from Saint Marinus, a stonemason from the then-Roman island of Rab in present-day Croatia. Born in AD 275, Marinus participated in the rebuilding of Rimini's city walls after their destruction by Liburnian pirates. Marinus then went on to found an independently ruled monastic community on Monte Titano in AD 301; thus, San Marino lays claim to being the oldest extant sovereign state, as well as the oldest constitutional republic. During your tour walk to the hilltop castle on Mount Titano, watch the changing of the guard in the Piazza della Liberta and explore the streets of the historic centre.

    Afternoon: free to explore, visit the state museums and try the locally-made cheese and local wines the red Sangiovese or white Biancale.

    Evening: meet your fellow pilgrims to stroll for dinner in a local restaurant with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  5. Perugia with guided tour - arrive in Assisi (B, D)

    Morning: depart Ravenna and head to Perugia. Enjoy a guided tour and pass the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, which houses a collection of over 3,000 works of art within the 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori. Tour inside the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Piazza IV Novembre complete with its gothic interior and sculptures by Duccio; and the medieval fountain 'Maggiore' which dates back to 1278, showcasing a 25-sided basin with sculptures including the symbol of Perugia - the Griffin.

    Afternoon: after free time for lunch and exploring including the upper and lower areas, on the city's escalator system, continue to Assisi and check-in to your hotel for a three-night stay.

    Evening: join together with your fellow pilgrims for dinner in the hotel with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  6. Assisi - St. Francis Basilica, Old Town and Basilica of St Clare (B, D)

    Morning: transfer the short distance to walk for a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Divided into two parts: one is known as the "lower church", built in the rock on one side of Mount Subiaso between 1228 and 1230, and the other as the "upper church", built above it between 1230 and 1253, in the Gothic style. The bell tower is in Romanesque style. The two churches, united under the same name of "basilica", have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000. The body of St. Francis was secretly transferred to the crypt in 1230 and was so well hidden that it was only rediscovered in 1818.

    Afternoon: a walking tour of the Old Town including the New Church (Chiesa Nuova), built on the site of St Francis' house. After, continue to the basilica of St Clare is built in the second half of the 13th century. Three large flying buttresses characterize the construction. The interior is simple and bare. A flight of steps leads down to the Crypt, which contains the mortal remains of St. Clare. The chapel of the Crucifix contains the famous Byzantine crucifix (12th century), which, according to the tradition, is supposed to have spoken to St Francis in the church of St Damian.

    Evening: join together with your fellow pilgrims for dinner in the hotel with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  7. The Eremo (Hermitage) Delle Carceri & San Damiano (B, D, DR)

    Morning: journey above Assisi to the architectural complex called “Hermitage of Carceri” developed around a grotto in which Saint Francis of Assisi used to retreat in order to pray. The Hermitage of Carceri is a place of memory, kept alive by the Franciscan friars who still live there; and a place of witness, as well, permeated with spirituality. After, continue to San Damiano, a church with a monastery built in the 12th century and was where Saint Clare built her community.

    Afternoon: free to explore the Old Town of Assisi, its wonderful architecture, hillside views as well as soaking in its unique atmosphere.

    Evening: farewell drinks to reflect on all that we have seen, and toast new-found friends followed by dinner in the hotel with water and tea or coffee included.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

  8. Return to the UK (B)

    Morning: after a leisurely breakfast travel through the Umbrian countryside to Rome Airport to check-in for your afternoon direct flight to the UK and bid farewell to your Tour Manager.

    Afternoon: arrive in the UK and say goodbye to your Tour Leader and fellow pilgrims.

    Key to symbols: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner, DR = Drink 

Essential Information

Included excursions

  • Ravenna - guided walking tour
  • Ravenna - tour of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
  • Ravenna - tour of the Church of St Vitale
  • Ravenna - tour of St Apollinare Nuovo
  • Ravenna - tour of the the Arian Baptistery
  • Half day - Ancient port of Class and Basilica of Sant’Apollinare
  • Full day - Republic of San Marino full day with guided tour
  • Full day - Perugia Capital of Umbria with guided tour
  • Assisi - guided tour of St. Francis Basilica
  • Assisi - guided tour of the Old Town
  • Assisi - guided tour of the Basilica of St. Clare
  • Assisi - visit the The Eremo (Hermitage) Delle Carceri & San Damiano

Optional excursions

None! – all excursions and extras as listed above and below are included!

Included extras

  • Hotel porterage
  • Personal audio guiding system
  • Services of a Local Guide on all excursions
  • All local guide and driver gratuities
  • All hotel and restaurant gratuities
  • Worship in the private 18th century chapel of your Ravenna hotel

Included meals & drinks

Meals: a buffet breakfast each morning, one lunch and all dinners. In Ravenna dinners will be a short stroll away in local restaurants allowing for a true, authentic local experience. In Assisi all dinners will be in the hotel.

Drinks: welcome and farewell drinks. Water and tea or coffee are included with the lunch and all dinners. All other drinks will be at your own expense.

Our team in Italy

Our dedicated McCabe Tour Leader is there solely for our guests. They will escort all excursions and be available in the hotel for any queries and offer local advice, hints and tips for you to get maximum enjoyment of your time with us. They will also lead worship on some occasions, for those who wish. On each excursion we also enjoy the services of expert local guides who bring these wonderful Italian treasures to life.

Your journey

The flight is direct to Bologna with British Airways from London Heathrow and returning from Rome. Flight upgrades, for that extra comfort and ease through the airport, as well as regional connecting flights from some UK airports can be arranged at a supplement. An overnight stop at Heathrow may be required which we can assist you with. Please enquire at time of booking.

Outbound journey

Flight BA0540 departs Heathrow: 07:40                      Arrives Bologna: 10:50

Return journey

Flight BA0547 departs Rome: 15:10                               Arrives Heathrow: 16:50

Length of flight: approximately two hours and 30 minutes

Flight times maybe subject to change and are confirmed with your final paperwork.

Your accommodation

Seven nights’ accommodation four in the heart of Ravenna and three in Assisi around one and a half kilometres (25 min stroll or hotel free shuttle) from the Old Town.

Your hotels

RAVENNA - OSTELLO GALLETTI ABBIOSI (3* superior)

Located in a historical 18th century nobleman's building and centrally situated in Ravenna opposite the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo means the Ostello Galletti Abbiosi an ideal starting point for visits to this picturesque city. Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi features a mix of historic atmosphere and contemporary minimalist décor with a chapel and painted ceilings from the 19th century.

Hotel facilities: a fitness area, a chapel and painted ceilings from the 19th century. There is a pleasant garden to sit in and free bicycle hire to explore the city.

Your hotel room: comes with air-conditioning/heating, minibar/fridge, TV, safe and complimentary WiFi.

Hotel bathrooms: come with bath or shower on request, bidet, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

View the hotels website from the link below.

https://palazzogallettiabbiosi.it/

ASSISI - GRAND HOTEL ASSISI (4*)

The Grand Hotel Assisi overlooks the magnificent Valle Umbra from its exceptional vantage point at the feet of Mount Subasio. From the hotel it is possible to see as far as the dome of the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santuario of Rivotorto. The roof garden commands views to the Rocca Maggiore, the bell tower of the Basilica of St Claire’s, the Basilica of St Francis’ and the Sacred Convent.

Hotel facilities: the hotel's restaurant specialises in regional cuisine and homemade pasta. There are a number of terraces and a roof garden overlooking the valley. On-site facilities include a wellness centre and heated indoor swimming pool. The hotel runs a free shuttle bus to the centre of Assisi.

Your hotel room: comes with air-conditioning/heating, minibar/fridge, TV, safe and complimentary WiFi.

Hotel bathrooms: come with bath or shower on request, bidet, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

View the hotels website from the link below.

https://www.bvgrandhotelassisi.com/

 

Practical information

Entry requirements

British Citizen and EU Citizen Passport holders can currently enter Italy freely with no restrictions or other documentation required. Stays within the EU can be up to 90 days (can be spread over multiple visits) within any 180-day period.

Please note your passport must be valid for three months after your return from Italy.

Full details of entry requirements and any required vaccinations will be detailed in your final paperwork 14 days before departure.

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

Health & wellbeing

For travel within the EU you should ensure that you have the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is free of charge.  You can apply for the GHIC card by calling 0191 218 1999 or applying on line at…

www.nhs.uk/ghic

The level of cover offered by the GHIC card varies by country visited and is only applicable in state-run health facilities. In some countries coverage may just be a partial contribution.

Adequate insurance cover will be required for all hospital emergencies and doctors’ visits.

Climate

Weather will be warm and the daily maximum and minimum temperatures are listed below. In Ravenna sea breezes can make temperatures seem cooler in the evenings.

April: 14 - 22 degrees

September: 18 - 25 degrees

Clothing

Dress is casual throughout the holiday. You may wish to take one or two smarter items for the evenings. Cool casual clothing is recommended in the day-time with evenings being smart/casual. As the sightseeing visits require a certain amount of walking, we suggest you take a pair of comfortable shoes with a good sole for the cobbled streets.

Mobility

There is a certain amount of walking (and stairs) involved on a daily basis on this holiday so please make sure you pack comfy footwear for this so that you are prepared. Your Local Guides will keep you updated on a daily basis with what to expect the following day. If you are finding it difficult to keep up, then please make sure you tell your Local Guide and Group Leader who can help you to find places to rest and relax and then you can re-join the group at a later stage.

Some streets in towns and villages that you will visit will be cobbled. We suggest you take a pair of comfortable shoes with good grips or trainers. For your guided walking tours in Ravenna and Assisi you must be prepared to be on your feet for up to 90 minutes without the need to sit down and walk two to three flights of stairs unaided. In San Marino there will be some gradients to negotiate bit by bit during the guided tours.

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.

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

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
Pilgrimage to Italy Ravenna, San Marino & Assisi Departing From Heathrow Prices from £2259 pp The Revd Dr Gordon Giles 22/04/2024 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry
Pilgrimage to Italy Ravenna, San Marino & Assisi Departing From Heathrow Prices from £2299 pp Call for Details 19/09/2024 for 8 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

Send to a friend




    Rome and Assisi with Papal Audience

    Prices from £1,999 pp

    Read more

    Viareggio Carnival

    Prices from £1,999 pp

    Read more

    Travel club

    A portfolio of tours with our regular travellers in mind

    Read more