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Italy

Rome and The Vatican City with Revd Canon Michael Dunne

Our Lady of Grace and St Edward's Church, Chiswick

‘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 six-day pilgrimage filled with worship, history, and unforgettable sights.

Our comprehensive programme offers the opportunity to step into the heart of Christian history. Over six 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 a visit to Castel Gandolfo,  the centuries-old summer residence of the popes, we will also visit the Basilica of St Mary Major, home of the burial place of Pope Francis and attend the Wednesday Papal Audience in St Peter's Square. 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 to Rome Fiumicino. On arrival we will be met by our English-speaking tour manager and transfer to our accommodation. Five night-stay at the Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci located withing walking distance from St Peter’s Square and the Vatican.

  2. THE BASILICA OF ST PETER

    This morning, we have a guided tour of the Basilica of St Peter which houses the Michelangelo’s Pieta, the artwork of Bernini and the tombs of several popes, including St John Paul II. Lunch at own cost. This afternoon is free to wander at your leisure and visit other places of interest. You may wish to take the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Dinner in the hotel

  3. CASTEL GANDOLFO

    After breakfast, we join our coach and transfer to Castel Gandolfo. The town, located in the Castelli Romani region, is the centuries-old summer residence of the popes. Visit the Palazzo Papale (Apostolic Palace) to learn more about how popes of the past rested and lived in this special place. We then enjoy some free time for lunch (at own cost) in this historic town on the shore of Lake Albano. Mass will be celebrated during the course of the day. We return to our accommodation. Dinner is included.

  4. PAPAL AUDIENCE AND THE CATACOMBS

    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). Free time for 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. Dinner in local restaurant

  5. THE ENGLISH COLLEGE AND 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, 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. After some free time for lunch (at own cost), we continue to the Venerable English College, a Catholic seminary founded in 1579 for the training of priests of England and Wales. Here we celebrate Mass. This evening dinner is included.

  6. HOME

    We join our coach and transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to London.

Essential Information

For booking received by FRIDAY 5 June 2026, we offer ADVANCE BOOKING PRICE of £2,260 per person. This saves you £100 per person of the full tour price of £2,360. The price of this tour is based on 2 sharing a double or twin room.

This Tour Includes:

5 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 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  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 £240 (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 with Revd Canon Michael Dunne Rome and the Vatican City with Revd Canon Michael Dunne Departing From London Prices from £2260 pp Revd Canon Michael Dunne 11/04/2027 for 6 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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