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Italy

Rome and The Vatican City with Fr John Webb

St Mary's &  St Anthony of Padua Catholic Parishes in Poole

‘After I have been to Jerusalem, I must also see

Rome’ (the Apostle Paul Acts 19:21).

Discover the heart of Christian tradition and the beauty of the Eternal City on our seven-day pilgrimage filled with worship, history, and unforgettable sights.

Our comprehensive programme offers the opportunity to step into the heart of Christian history. Over seven inspiring days, we will  celebrate Mass in magnificent basilicas, walk in the footsteps of saints, and share in moments of prayer and reflection. From the splendour of St Peter’s Basilica to the quiet depths of the catacombs, each day offers a deeper connection to the roots of our faith. Alongside these spiritual treasures, you’ll experience the rich heritage, timeless beauty, and vibrant life of Rome. This pilgrimage includes the medieval quarter of central Rome and sites such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Rome is truly a city where every corner tells a story and every step draws you closer to God. We do hope you can join us!

 

 

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Rome

    Fly from London Gatwick to Rome Fiumicino. On arrival we will be met by our English-speaking tour manager and transfer to our accommodation. Six night-stay at the Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci located withing walking distance from St Peter’s Square and the Vatican.

  2. PAPAL AUDIENCE , THE CATACOMBS AND ST PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS

    After breakfast we walk to St Peter’s Square to take our seats for this morning’s Papal Audience (if His Holiness is in Rome at the time). Lunch at own cost. This afternoon we drive along the Via Appia Antica to the catacombs of St Sebastian, through which we will be guided. We then continue to the Basilica of St-Paul-Outside-the-Walls, built over the saint’s tomb. Mass will be celebrated during the course of the day. Dinner is included.

  3. BASILICA OF ST PETER AND THE VENERABLE ENGLISH COLLEGE

    Early Mass in St Peter’s Basilica followed by a guided tour to admire the Michelangelo’s Pieta, the artwork of Berninithe tombs of several popes, including St John Paul II. Lunch at own cost. In the afternoon, we visit the Venerable English College, a Catholic seminary founded in 1579 for the training of priests of England and Wales.

  4. THE MAIN BASILICAS

    This morning, we transfer by coach to two of the Major Basilicas: St Mary Major, home of the burial place of Pope Francis, where we hope to celebrate Mass and the Cathedral of Rome – St John Lateran. We cross the road here to see the Scala Santa – the steps brought back by Empress Helena from Jerusalem in the fourth century and said to be those ascended by Christ on his way to Pilate. Lunch at own cost. Optional walk to the medieval quarter of central Rome to discover sites such as Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Dinner is included.

  5. BASILICA OF ST CLEMENTE AND THE CLASSICAL ROME

    This morning, we visit the Basilica of San Clemente, a remarkable site built over layers of Christian and pre-Christian history. We begin in the 12th century basilica, admired for its magnificent mosaics. From there, we descend to the 4th century church below, once a Titular Church in early Christianity. Finally, we reach the lowest level, a 1st century Roman house that include a Mithraic temple, offering a vivid insight into the religious transitions of Rome across the centuries. Continue and walk past the iconic Coliseum, where gladiators once fought for the entertainment of emperors and crowds and the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman public life. Lunch at own cost. The rest of the day is free to wander at your leisure and visit other places of interest. Mass will be celebrated during the course of the day. Dinner is included.

  6. CASTEL GANDOLFO

    Opportunity to join one of the Sunday public Masses. Coach transfer to Castel Gandolfo. The town, on the shore of Lake Albano, is the centuries-old summer residence of the popes. We visit the Palazzo Papale before returning to Rome. Dinner is included.

  7. St Peter's Rome from the river Tiber

    HOME

    Flight time permitting, Mass will be celebrated before we depart for Rome Airport.

Essential Information

For booking received by 15 May 2026, we offer ADVANCE BOOKING PRICE of £2,480 per person. This saves you £100 per person of the full tour price of £2,580. The price of this tour is based on 2 sharing a double or twin room.

This Tour Includes:

6 nights in Rome at the Casa Per Ferie Santa Maria alle Fornaci located near to St Peter’s Square and the Vatican

Rome City Tax

Daily breakfasts and dinners

Celebration of daily Mass

Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

English-speaking licensed local guides

Guided tour of St Peter’s Basilica, Catacombs, St Mary Major and St John Lateran, Basilica di San Clemente and Classical Rome walk and Castel Gandolfo (Palazzo Papale).

Visit of the Venerable English College

Papal Audience tickets

Entrance fees to sites as per itinerary

Personal audio guiding system

Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from London Gatwick to Rome

Airline baggage allowance

Not included
Travel insurance: this is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We recommend the policy with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

Single rooms: a very limited number of single rooms are available at a supplementary cost of £270 (Single Occupancy of a twin room). For single travellers who do require single accommodation this should be requested when making a booking and, if a single room is available, the supplement will be payable.

Special Requests: These should be noted at the time of booking.

Payments: a non refundable deposit of £500 per person is payable to secure a place.

Completing your booking form: Please ensure that we have your full name (as per your passport) correct address, email address and contact telephone numbers as soon as your booking is confirmed. We will need your passport details no later than ten weeks before departure.

Final Travel Documents: These will be sent to you two weeks before departure.

Late Bookings: Please note that for bookings made within 12 weeks of departure, the price may increase due to the fluctuating cost of flights.
If this arises, we will always discuss this with you before processing your booking.

Practical information

MCCABE PILGRIMAGES
Our pilgrimage is being organised in association with McCabe Travel, a company well-known in church circles and recognised as Britain’s foremost religious tour operator. McCabe has been responsible for organising hundreds of pilgrimages to the Bible Lands with churches from all over Britain for more than 40 years.

THE MCCABE EDUCATIONAL TRUST
For many, meeting the ‘Living Stones’ of The Land becomes a real highlight of their pilgrimage. The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity with the aim of helping inspiring people we meet on pilgrimage. 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.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND HEALTH
Please ensure that your passport is valid according to the requirements of your destination. If you need a new passport apply early as there can be considerable backlogs at the passport offices. Visas are not required for British or other EEC passport holders. No inoculations are required. We do, however, advise you to consult your doctor regarding your own personal requirements.

HOLIDAY INSURANCE
Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That's why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial  Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto. For more information or to obtain a quote, please click here: https://www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance.html?agent=WU987

Or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 upon calling.'
• Holiday insurance - annual and single trip policies with cover for pre-existing conditions and all ages.
• Airport parking - including meet and greet and valet parking services.
• Airport transfers - travel in comfort with a door-to-door service.
• Airport hotels - never worry about getting to the airport in time. Travel the day before and relax.
• Airport lounges - enjoy refreshments in a comfortable and calm atmosphere before your flight.

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 which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk. Visit the website to find out more about the Association or call 020 8744 9280.
This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. The McCabe ATOL number is 2920.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Rome and the Vatican City 7 Day Pilgrimage to Rome with Fr John Webb Departing From London Gatwick Prices from £2480 pp Fr John Webb 07/09/2027 for 7 days

Limited Availability

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