Overview & Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Highlight
The pilgrimage begins with a flight from Heathrow to Rome, followed by a visit to Greccio, where Mass is celebrated, before continuing to Assisi for dinner and accommodation.
The following days are based in Assisi, combining guided visits, prayer, and free time. Highlights include Mass at the Basilicas of St Francis or St Clare, a walking tour of Assisi, and visits to key Franciscan sites such as San Damiano, the Porziuncola, and the Eremo delle Carceri.
There is also a deeper exploration of Assisi’s spiritual heritage, including the Shrine of the Renunciation and the Basilica of St Francis, with opportunities for quiet prayer and veneration of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Day 1 - Arrival & Greccio
Your pilgrimage begins with a flight from Heathrow to Rome, where you will be met by your guide and transferred by private coach into the beautiful Umbrian countryside. En route to Assisi, you will visit the Sanctuary of Greccio, one of the most important Franciscan sites, where St Francis recreated the first Nativity scene. Here, there will be time to explore and, if possible, celebrate Mass.
Afterwards, continue on to Assisi, your base for the pilgrimage, and check in at Hotel Fontebella. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel and time to settle in ahead of the days of prayer, reflection, and exploration to come.
“Group Pilgrimage with a five day stay in Rome, visiting the Vatican and various other significant places. Excellent service from the office when making the arrangements, great help from representative at the airport of departure and a superb courier in Rome.”
Day 2 - Assisi Exploration
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before walking to one of Assisi’s great basilicas, where Mass will be celebrated at either the Basilica of St Francis or St Clare. The morning then opens into free time, allowing you to explore the town at your own pace and enjoy lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, a guided orientation walking tour introduces you to the beauty, history, and spiritual significance of Assisi. There is time to relax or continue exploring before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3 - Gubbio & Cortona
Today’s full-day excursion takes you deeper into the landscapes and stories of St Francis. The first stop is the medieval town of Gubbio, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Ingino and closely linked to the life of St Francis.
From here
In the afternoon, visit the charming hilltop town of Cortona, renowned for its picturesque streets and sweeping views across the countryside. After time to explore, return to Assisi for dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 - Franciscan Sites Around Assisi
Today is dedicated to exploring some of the most significant Franciscan sites surrounding Assisi. Travel into the wooded slopes of Mount Subasio to visit the Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage where St Francis and his companions retreated for prayer. Here, there is time for Mass and quiet reflection in this deeply spiritual setting.
Continue to San Damiano, the place where Christ spoke to St Francis from the crucifix, calling him to rebuild the Church. The journey then leads to Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the Porziuncola, the small chapel at the heart of the Franciscan movement. There will be time to visit the basilica.
Day 5 - Assisi Highlights
Today offers a deeper immersion into the spiritual and historical heart of Assisi. Begin with a visit to the Basilica of St Clare, where Mass will be celebrated, followed by a guided tour to explore its rich heritage.
Continue with a walking exploration of Assisi’s historic centre, discovering key landmarks and gaining a fuller understanding of the town’s significance. The journey includes a visit to the Shrine of the Renunciation, where St Francis famously gave up his worldly possessions.
After time for lunch at leisure, the afternoon is dedicated to the Basilica of St Francis, with the option to spend quiet time in prayer at the saint’s tomb and an opportunity to venerate Blessed Carlo Acutis. The day concludes with free time before gathering for dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 - Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, depart Assisi and travel by private transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport. Following check-in, your return flight departs for Heathrow, bringing this beautiful pilgrimage Assisi to a close.
