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Rome and The Vatican City with Revd Vicky Barrett

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

Our comprehensive programme offers the opportunity to step into the heart of Christian history. Over five inspiring days, we will worship 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.

Itinerary

  1. Travel to Rome

    Fly from Manchester to Rome. On arrival we will be met by our tour manager and transfer to our accommodation. Four-night stay at the Villa Palazzola.

  2. St Paul: The Marmetine Prison and Ancient Rome

    This morning walk past the Coliseum and the Roman Forum to appreciate the grandeur and immense scale of ancient Rome, we continue to the Mamertine Prison, an ancient prison featuring a dungeon where prisoners were lowered and held for short periods before their executions. It is believed that Paul and Peter were both incarcerated prior to the crucifixion. We then join the congregation at the Anglican Centre for Eucharist followed by lunch. This afternoon we continue to the medieval quarter of central Rome to discover sites such as Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. We also hope to visit the Church of San Paolo alla Regola where, according to tradition, Paul lived while waiting for his trial. Dinner at the hotel.

  3. Catacombs and The Main Basilicas

    This morning 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, builtover the saint’s tomb, before returning to our accommodation. After some free time for lunch at own cost, we transfer by coach to two of the Major Basilicas: St Mary Major 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.
    Dinner in the hotel.

  4. The Basilica of St Peter and The Vatican

    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.

  5. Return Home

    We transfer to Rome Airport for our return flight to Manchester.

Essential Information

The cost is £1,680 per person sharing a double or twin room.

We stay at the Villa Palazzola, located just outside the centre of Rome. The property is a 13th Century Cistercian Monastery, fully refurbished and modernised with a breathtaking garden terrace. We also have daily access to the on-site chapel for worship. The tour includes daily breakfast and dinners and 1 lunch.

Touring is by air-conditioned coach and we will be accompanied by our tour guide who will look after the formalities of hotel check-ins, etc

Entrance fees as per the itinerary are included as well as all gratuities; these will be disbursed locally to those who help us on our journey.

The tour price also includes return flights to Italy, flying from Manchester to Rome. All airport and security charges are included.

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 £90 (for a single bedded 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: should be noted at the time of booking.

Payments: a non refundable deposit of £500 per person is payable to secure a place.  For bookings received by 20 March 2026, we offer a lower deposit payment of £200*. A second deposit payment of £300 per person is due 8 weeks from booking. The final balance is due 12 weeks before departure.

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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