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The Archdiocese of Liverpool Pilgrimage for Young Adults to Assisi

“Everyone is born as an original, but many die as a photocopy”

Carlo Acutis

Carlo was born in London in 1991, he was a boy like any other, offering everyone who knew him his remarkably smiling normality. At the same time Carlo was animated by an extraordinary faith. He lived in Milan, but spent long periods in Assisi, where he absorbed the spirituality of Saint Francis. He died at the age of 15 leaving behind an intense testimony of an authentic Christian life. Our Lady was his great confidant and never failed to honour her daily by reciting the Rosary and attending Mass. Carlo firmly believed that our compass has to be the Word of God. In particular, the Sacrament of Eucharist, which he used to call ‘my highway to heaven’, was at the centre of his life.  This four-day pilgrimage will offer you the opportunity to spend time in the walled town of Assisi, home of St Francis and resting place of St Carlo. We shall travel with Francis from his boyhood haunts to churches such as San Damiano and St. Mary of the Angels.  We will visit the places where he retired to pray alone and the great Basilica, which contains his tomb. We will learn more about this man whose life of simplicity, love and joy deeply touched the young life of Carlo. We will visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore – Sanctuary of the Renunciation and resting place of Carlo; here we celebrate Mass and have the opportunity to understand how Carlo’s deep devotion to the Eucharist and use of technology became extraordinary means to spread faith and inspired others. With our programme we hope to capture something of the spirit of these two figures and their exceptional lives and ways of following Christ.

 

Itinerary

  1. To Assisi

    We fly from Manchester to Rome. On arrival, we meet our Italian tour manager and transfer by coach to our accommodation in Assisi. We call at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to visit the Porziuncola, St Francis’ original tiny chapel, which marks the site where St Francis died. Three-night stay at the Hotel Posta Panoramic located in the Old Town of Assisi within walking distance of the Basilica of St Clare and the twin Basilica of San Francis. Dinner in the hotel.

  2. St Carlo and St Francis

    After breakfast, we walk to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Sanctuary of the Renunciation where the body of St Carlo Acutis rests. The celebration of Mass will be followed by a meeting with a resident friar who will welcome the group and talk about Carlo Acutis and his time in Assisi where he absorbed the spirituality of Saint Francis. After some free time for lunch at own cost, we walk to the Basilica of St Francis where we have a guided tour of the twin Basilica by one of the resident Franciscan friars. We see the frescoes attributed to Giotto in the Upper Basilica and the Crypt in the Lower Basilica where St Francis is buried. This evening dinner is not included.

  3. The Hermitage and San Damiano

    Early private Mass will be celebrated in the Basilica of St Francis. This morning we take a twisting ride by taxi above Assisi to the peaceful Hermitage, which was a place of retreat and meditation for Francis. From here we drive down to San Damiano where St Francis received the message from the Crucifix to repair God’s church and where, later, St Clare founded her community. Lunch at own cost and the rest of the afternoon is free to explore Assisi further. This evening dinner is included.

  4. Home

    There will be some free time in Assisi before we join our coach and transfer to Rome Airport for our return flight to Manchester. Flight time permitting, Mass will be celebrated before departure.

Essential Information

For booking received by 17 April 2026, we offer ADVANCE BOOKING PRICE of £940 per person sharing a double or twin room. This saves you £50 per person of the full tour price of £990.  Advance booking will also benefit from a LOWER DEPOSIT* of £200 per person (instead of £500). 50% of the booking is due 6 months prior to departure, the final balance is due at 12 weeks.

Single rooms: a limited number of single rooms are available at a supplementary cost of £95. Twin rooms for single occupancy are also available at a supplementary cost of £115 (8 rooms available).

This pilgrimage includes:

  • Three nights in the Old Town of Assisi at the Hotel Panoramic
  • Daily breakfast and 2 dinners
  • Transfers by air-conditioned coach
  • Local English-speaking guide throughout
  • All entrance fees for sites as listed in the programme
  • Gratuities - these will be disbursed locally
  • Guided tour of St Francis Basilica led by one of the resident friars
  • Meeting with one of the resident friars of the Sanctuary of the Renunciation (resting place of St Carlo Acutis)
  • Outbound flight to Rome from Manchester
  • Inbound flight from Rome to Manchester
  • Airport and security taxes

Special requests
Any special requirements, such as dietary needs, mobility requests, and any other requests should be noted at the time of booking.

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.

Final travel documents
These will be emailed to you two weeks before departure.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential. We require all travellers to have adequate cancellation and medical coverage for their journey. We are partnered with Holiday Extras who offer a comprehensive policy as well as yearly policies that also cover short UK overnight stays.

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. Please note that the quality of vehicles and roads may vary from what you’re accustomed to in the UK. 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.

 

 

Practical information

About McCabe Pilgrimages
McCabe has been arranging journeys of faith, culture and spirituality for over 40 years with an unwavering focus on attention to detail and service. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and aspirations of Christian travellers, McCabe strive to make every trip a memorable and meaningful experience.

McCabe Travel Ltd. trades as McCabe Pilgrimages. McCabe Travel Ltd. is registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 2125334. VAT No: 318527355. Registered office address: McCabe Travel, The Square, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4EB.

The McCabe Educational Trust
The McCabe Educational Trust is an independent registered charity which was set up in 1991 to support Christian communities. To date the Trust has distributed more than £4 million in grants. McCabe Pilgrimages supports the Trust directly by contributing to the administrative and running costs, thus ensuring all pilgrim donations are able to go directly to the important projects supported by the MET. In 2026 McCabe Pilgrimages will
once again invite all pilgrims to make a voluntary donation of £20. In addition, McCabe will also donate £20 for every pilgrim who travels with us - regardless of whether they choose to donate - effectively doubling the impact when you do.. 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 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.
• 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.
• Please carry an adequate supply of essential medication in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost.

Financial and quality assurances
All monies paid are fully protected through McCabe’s membership of the ABTOT bonding scheme. In addition, McCabe are also members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators and abide by the Association’s code of conduct. This pilgrimage is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

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 go to their website at www.holidayextras.com/travel-insurance or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote AG628 when you call for a 10%
discount.

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Dates

Our Programme Tour Leader Tour Dates Availability
Archdiocese of Liverpool - St Francis and St Carlo Acutis Departing From Manchester Prices from £940 pp Call for Details 29/11/2026 for 4 days Download brochure Book now Make an enquiry

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