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Travelling with St. Paul – in Rome 2026 – 6 days

Prices from £2,590 pp

Single Supplement £290

Next available tour: Call for Details

Tour leader: Call for Details

This is the fourth and final tour during 2026 which is being led for McCabe Travel by the Revd Dr Peter Walker, author of In the Steps of Saint Paul (Walkway Books, 2022). Passengers will have a copy of this book and will be able to engage with Dr Walker in lively conversations about the life and times of St Paul throughout the tour. Paul says that he had often longed to visit the capital city of the empire (Rom. 1:13), but eventually only reached it as a prisoner under guard, having appealed to be tried before the Emperor Nero. We know from Luke’s account in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 28) that Paul, together with Luke, entered the city along the Appian Way and that, in due course, he was allowed to stay in his own home for two years awaiting his trial. Almost certainly, he never left Rome a free man. Instead, according to reliable early Christian tradition, he was beheaded by Nero’s soldiers along the Ostian Way and his body eventually laid to rest in a cemetery now covered by the impressive church called ‘St Paul Outside the Walls’. Our tour, which will also include visits to the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica and a papal audience (if available that week), will give you the time and space to imagine life in first-century Rome and to discover the full significance of those final months that Paul spent in the city and to consider his legacy in the Eternal City and indeed throughout the whole world.

So do please join us for this special opportunity to travel with St. Paul - in Rome.

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Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Rome

    We fly from London to Rome Fiumicino Airport and transfer to our hotel where we’ll spend the evening getting to know our fellow pilgrims over a welcome drink and dinner.

  2. Basilica of St. Peter

    After breakfast, we transfer to St. Peter’s Square, the symbolic heart of the Catholic Church. Here, we begin a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Peter, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Inside, we’ll admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, the stunning artwork of Bernini, and visit the tombs of several popes, including St. John Paul II. We’ll also have time to pause at the high altar and beneath the dome that dominates the skyline of Rome. After a break for lunch, we transfer to the medieval quarter of central Rome for a walking tour through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Stroll through the elegant Piazza Navona, admire the grandeur of the Pantheon and experience the charm and tradition of the Trevi Fountain, where a coin tossed over the shoulder is said to ensure your return to the Eternal City. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

  3. Basilica of San Clemente and The Coliseum

    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 includes a Mithraic temple, offering a vivid insight into the religious transitions of Rome across the centuries. Afterwards, we transfer to explore the grandeur of ancient Rome, beginning with the iconic Coliseum, where gladiators once fought for the entertainment of emperors and crowds. We then walk through the Roman Forum, once the heart of Roman public life and filled with evocative ruins of temples, basilicas and arches. We finish the afternoon at Piazza Campidoglio, the elegant square on Capitoline Hill, beautifully redesigned by Michelangelo, offering stunning views over the city and a final moment to reflect on the layers of history we’ve uncovered. Return to the hotel for dinner and our overnight stay.

  4. Catacombs of St. Sebastian; Basilica of St. Paul

    After breakfast, we drive along the historic Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest roads of ancient Rome, famed for its ruins, aqueducts and beautiful countryside views. Our first stop is the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, an early Christian burial site named after the martyr believed to be buried here. On a guided tour, we explore the underground tunnels, chapels and frescoes  that reveal the hidden life and faith of the early Church. We then continue to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle. This grand and peaceful basilica is one of the four major papal churches of Rome. This afternoon, we will transfer to the city that became Rome’s main seaport during the Roman Empire, Ostia Antica. We visit the archaeological area which still houses the remains of most ancient city’s building, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. Return to the hotel in the early evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

  5. Papal Audience, St. Mary Major and the Cathedral of Rome

    You will have the opportunity to attend the Papal Audience (if His Holiness is in Rome at the time)in St Peter’s Square (tickets will be provided by our manager). We then transfer by coach to visit two of Rome’s Major Basilicas. First, we explore the Basilica of St. Mary Major, also known as Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major papal basilicas and the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Admire its rich mosaics, stunning ceilings and ancient relics as we learn about its important place in Christian history. Next, we continue to the Cathedral of Rome - the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking church in the city, often called the ‘Mother and Head’ of all churches worldwide. Just across the road, we visit the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, which tradition holds were brought from Jerusalem by Empress Helena in the 4th century and are said to be the very steps Christ ascended on his way to Pilate. Many pilgrims choose to ascend these stairs on their knees as an act of devotion.

  6. Depart for the UK

    Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your flight back to the UK.

Essential Information

The cost for this six day tour is £2,590 per person. The cost is based on sharing a double or twin-bedded room and includes all excursions and most expenses. A number of single rooms are available for a supplement from £290.

This tour includes:
• Return flights from a London airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport
• Five nights in Rome at Casa Tra Noi Hotel on half board basis
• Private deluxe motor coach for transfers and touring as per itinerary
• English-speaking local guides
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Gratuities are included and will be disbursed locally

Flights from regional airports can be arranged at a supplement subject to availability, you can also book this tour without flights.For more information please ask for details.

A £500 per person non-refundable deposit is payable now with the balance due twelve weeks prior to departure.

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 forat 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.
• British passport holders travelling to Italy do not require a visa.
• Non British passport holders will need to contact us for further details.
• There are no mandatory inoculations required for Italy, however we advise that you 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 security
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. The McCabe ATOL number is 2920.

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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