Literary Heroes, Saints & Martyrs

A Pilgrimage through Merrie England

With Father Spencer Howe and the Society of G.K. Chesterton

August 4 – 14, 2025

Optional Extension to Walsingham August 14 – 16, 2025

$4387 per person + Airfare

A Chestertonian pilgrimage in every respect, this journey is animated by the life and work of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. His personal and intellectual gifts and his conversion to Catholicism form the lens through which he teaches us to see the whole, the universal, and the authentic meaning of things. No modern thinker has so skillfully as Chesterton interpreted history, sacred and mundane, with such comprehension and then proclaimed it so beautifully through the art of the pen.

This pilgrimage will explore the sites and stories of the life of G.K. Chesterton. From our overnight destinations of Oxford, London and Canterbury, we’ll venture out and explore the sacred history of Merrie England. An optional two-night extension (minimum 20 required to operate) features two nights in Cambridge with a day-trip to Walsingham, the greatest Marian shrine of England and the beating heart of Catholic Britain.

Land Only: $4387 per person
Airfare: $1080 per person (from John F. Kennedy Airport) 
Total Package Including Airfare: $5467 per person

REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 18, 2025

“There is one thing which gives radiance to everything. It is the idea of something around the corner.” – G.K. Chesterton

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Itinerary Overview

A Deeply Catholic Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of G.K. Chesterton

August 5 - 8: Oxford

Oxford is a fitting home for the first three days (August 5 – 8) of the pilgrimage. G. K. Chesterton’s intellectual influence extended to Oxford University’s sphere via C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Besides the history and beauties of Oxford itself, the pilgrimage will explore Beaconsfield where Chesterton spent the better part of his life and is buried with his wife Frances. Pilgrims will also visit Uffington; the Battle of the White Horse was fought in its environs.

August 8 - 11: London

The next few days (August 8 – 11) will be spent in one of the world’s greatest cities, called Londinium by the Romans who founded it. Fifteen centuries later London would see the martyrdom of England’s greatest heroes, Sir Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher, betrayed by their king and countrymen who rejected the Catholic Faith. Yet, the Christian West will always be defined by what is Catholic and London holds reminders of its once Catholic identity. Tyburn Convent keeps alive the memory of martyrs of the Reformation; the famous neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament buildings were designed by Augustus W. N. Pugin, a devout Catholic convert whose buildings recapture pre-Reformation medieval architecture; the great Anglican (once Benedictine) Westminster Abbey holds the undisturbed remains of St. Edward the Confessor, the ideal Englishman and last king of the House of Wessex.

August 11 - 14: Canterbury

To complete this pilgrimage (August 11 -13) we go like Chaucer’s joyful pilgrims who “from every shires ende Of Engelond, to Caunterbury they wende, The hooly blisful martir for to seke, That hem hath holpen whan that they were seeke.”  As the medieval pilgrims sought Christ Himself, we will do the same at Canterbury through the intercession of St. Thomas Becket.  Evenings in Canterbury in the shade of the great Cathedral will be a homey respite after three days of exploration: from the monastery of St. Simon Stock, to the altar of Becket’s martyrdom, to the glorious coastline of ancient Albion and Ramsgate where St. Augustine of Canterbury landed in 597 and the White Cliffs of Dover have stared down many a conqueror.

August 14 - 16: Optional Extension to Walsingham

Disclaimer –  the Optional Extension requires twenty paying pilgrims to operate.

The optional extension features two nights in Cambridge with a day-trip to Walsingham. The shrine at Walsingham dates to the eleventh century, when Our Lady appeared to Richeldis de Faverches, revealing to her the house where the Annunciation occurred and instructing her to build a replica in England. While the original shrine was destroyed during the English Reformation, it was rebuilt and received papal approval at the end of the nineteenth century. It is quite remarkable that Our Lady appeared here nearly 800 years prior to apparitions in France at Rue-de-Bac and Lourdes!

chesterton
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TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payment Schedule

Below is the payment schedule.

$200 / due @ registration

$2094
Due March 4, 2025
$2093
Due April 4, 2025
$1295 - Single Occupancy Surcharge
Due April 4, 2025
$698 - Optional Extension to Cambridge/Walsingham
Due April 4, 2025
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Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$4387 / LAND ONLY per person

9 Nights Lodging in Four-Star Hotels, Double Occupancy
ProRome Tour Director
Private Guides
All Tours and Entrance Fees
Daily Continental Breakfast
6 Three-Course Dinners
Private Bus Transportation Daily
Donation to the GK Chesterton Society
See Brochure →

Cancellation

If you cancel, this policy applies.

Our Policy

100 Days or More before Tour
Full refund less $500.00 deposit
100-75 Days before Tour
50% Refund
Within 75 Days of Tour
No Refund
Full Terms →

Planning Checklist

Register

In order to register, click "Register Now" on the top of this webpage and follow the prompts on the form.

Passports - Upload or Apply Today

After registering we will send you a link to upload your passport. If you do not have a valid passport you must apply ASAP. It can take up to three months for new and renewed passports to arrive. Passports must be valid six (6) months AFTER the date of return to the USA.

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Purchase Travel Insurance

ProRome Tours will send you an insurance quote as soon as you register. We strongly suggest that everyone purchase travel insurance.

Prepare Physically

We recommend that pilgrims start walking to prepare for the physical demands of this pilgrimage. We will take the bus whenever possible, but this trip will include approximately 4-7 miles walking, spread throughout the duration of each day.

Pre-Trip Video

Approximately two months before departure, ProRome Tours will send a preparatory pre-trip video to all participants regarding their pilgrimage.

Welcome Boxes

Approximately one month before departure, ProRome Tours will send welcome boxes to all trip participants. Items include: name tags, luggage tags, final detailed itineraries and more.

Final Trip Information

Two weeks before departure, ProRome Tours will email each pilgrim the final trip information, which will include the final detailed itineraries, the rooming lists, the e-ticket numbers for your flights (if booked through ProRome) and any other pertinent trip information.  

Flight Information

Overview

Group airfare is $1080 per person and is included in the the total cost of $5467 per person. We have arranged flights on American Airlines from John F. Kennedy Airport to London Heathrow. Please see the brochure for detailed flight information. Please note that group seats are allocated in the economy cabin of the airplane.

1 AA 106  04AUG JFK-LHR 7:30PM-7:45AM  05AUG

2 AA 101   14AUG  LHR-JFK 9:45AM-12:40PM

Prefer to Upgrade? 

If you would like a quote for flying with the group but in an upgraded cabin please make sure to select this option on the Flight Preferences form. Our travel agent Alex Zigarevich will then be in touch by email.

Using Points or Miles?

On group bookings we cannot apply Points or Miles towards a ticket. If you would like to use Points or Miles to book your flight, please arrange the same flights as the group using your Points or Miles.

Additional Trip Information

Registration, Payments and Cancellation

In order to register please click on the “Register Now” button at the top of this webpage. We will then process your registration and contact you by email with more information.

For questions regarding cancellation, please refer to our Terms and Conditions found here: https://prorometours.com/terms-conditions/

Accomodations

Hotels

While on your pilgrimage you will be staying at the following hotels. More information regarding these hotels is forthcoming.

  1. Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House in Oxford
  2. The Wellington by Blue Orchid Hotels in London
  3. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Hotel in Canterbury

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect warm weather in England in August. High temperatures will average in the upper-70s with lows averaging in the lower-60s. Do expect a few rain showers throughout the course of the trip. 

Packing 

Please remember to bring one rain jacket and at least two pairs of shoes – a pair for more formal occasions and a pair for touring. Although we’ve eliminated as much walking as possible, some city-centers are more often than not pedestrian only. We will be walking (on average) two to three miles each day. Make sure your “tour shoes” are broken-in and comfortable. 

Tip: Many seasoned travelers pack the essentials in their carry-on bag, in case their luggage happens to get lost or delayed. 

Group Meals

The Meals

Daily breakfast and six dinners are included in the tour package. The main meal for six of the days (dinner) has been pre-arranged and selected by ProRome. You can expect three courses – an appetizer, one main courses, and a desert.

Tip: If you are allergic to something simply inform the tour director at the beginning of the trip. 

Dietary and Health Restrictions

We can accommodate any dietary restrictions. Vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free or celiac, we work only with restaurants and caterers who have ample options for you.

Regarding health, please review a clause from our Terms and Conditions.

ProRome Tours expects you to make a realistic assessment of your health. All Participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, to board the aircraft, and as part of many excursions. Prior to traveling, we highly recommend visiting your personal physician for a check-up, so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate Participants with special needs; however, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our Tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the Participant. If you would like to forgo some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time.

Placing Calls in England

If you are calling from an American phone number, you must dial the international “dial out” code first, which is “00”, or simply the “+” symbol. You must then dial the country code (USA is 1, England is 44), followed by the number. 

NB – Remember to CONTACT YOUR SERVICE provider a few days before the trip and activate international calling on your phone.

Country-Specific Information

Quick Facts – England

  • Official Name: “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”, aka “Great Britain”
  • Population: 55.9 Million 
  • Capital: London  
  • Language: English 
  • Type of Government: Republic 
  • Money: Pound Sterling 
  • Time Zone: 5 hours ahead of EST
  • Most Popular Sport: Soccer (“Football”) 
  • Best Club Team: Manchester United
  • Industries: Retail, hospitality, professional services, business administration and finance

A Few Common British Phrases

  • Alright? – Although it may mean “ok” in North America, it’s the equivalent of “how are you?” in British English.
  • I’m knackered – I’m tired.
  • Cheeky – Mischievous or playful.
  • Bloody – This is a very British thing to say – meaning very.
  • I’m pissed – Not meaning the regular “angry”, in British talk it actually means you’re very drunk and is used quite a lot when you are out drinking with friends.
  • Mate – A common one and quite cliché – mate means friend.
  • Rubbish – It could mean garbage or nonsense depending on the context.
  • Cockney – A person native to East London.
  • Blimey – Similar to the American wow, blimey is used to describe something that takes you by surprise.
  • Bloke – Similar to guy in America, it is a blanket term to describe a man in general.
  • Bollocks – One of the more well-known British terms, it actually has a multitude of meanings. It could be used to symbolize disbelief, or just to talk about a man’s private parts.

Visas and Passports 

Visas to England are not required for U.S. citizens. If you hold a passport from another country, please check with your local consulate about requirements for travel to Italy. All passengers traveling internationally are required to have a passport. Please carry proper identification (your passport) on you and do not leave it in your suitcase or hotel room. British law requires you to carry your passport with you at all times. 

Currency – The Pound Sterling 

The official currency of England is the Pound Sterling.  1 GBP is roughly $1.22 (as of December 14, 2022). Credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants. However, smaller shops will ask you to pay in cash or have a minimum amount required to use a credit card. You should always carry some cash on you for small purchases such as postcards, gelato or a refreshing drink. 

Budgeting and Shopping 

The following budget guidelines are just approximate values or starting values for meals and are per person. Actual prices will vary widely by restaurant and city within a country but below are some averages as provided by our experienced personnel. 

  • The approximate cost of a soft drink/mineral water/coffee is £3-5. 
  • An average lunch consisting of a salad or sandwich and a soda or water starts at approximately £15. 
  • Dinner at a mid-range restaurant starts at approximately £30. 

Please note that soft drinks and mineral water are often as expensive, if not more expensive than wine or beer. Sales tax or VAT (value added tax) is included on price tags. To obtain VAT refunds (which may take up to three months to process), special forms usually have to be stamped by Customs; please ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions for completion. Customs import charges on items shipped home are not included in purchase prices. 

Electrical Outlets 

England runs on 230V and 50Hz. The associated plug type is G, which is the plug that three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Here is a link to one on Amazon. 

Crisis Management

The following scenarios are typical “crisis” situations that may occur while on tour in England and how to best prevent and manage them. Please read. If you would like to read our full plan please download it here: https://prorometours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ProRome-Crisis-Management-Plan-.pdf. 

You Get Lost

This is a common occurrence. First of all, stay put. Most folks who get really lost do so by running in the wrong direction! Your tour manager will find you if you stay put. If you have a cell phone, please call your tour manager, or any other group member you may be in contact with. If you cannot dial “+” on your phone, dial “00” followed by “1”, followed by the number. If after 30 minutes you are unable to reach your tour manager and cannot find the group, proceed to the nearest Taxi stand and have a cab take you back to the hotel. The hotel address can be found below. If you do not see a cab stand nearby, enter the nearest hotel and ask the concierge to call you a cab. Upon arrival at the hotel please call your tour manager and let him know that you have returned to the hotel. 

You Lose Your Phone, Wallet or Passport 

Nine times out of ten, this can be prevented. Theft is not uncommon in big cities like London, so remember to keep your valuables as protected as possible. Fanny packs under the shirt are ideal. If you use a purse or backpack, hold it in front especially in crowds. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on those around you as well. If you do lose your phone, wallet or passport, inform your tour manager immediately. We will then inform the local authorities and say a prayer to St. Anthony! The US embassy in London can turn around new passports within a few hours, but expect a hefty fee – 500 Pounds!

You Get Injured 

Again, nine times out of ten we can prevent personal injuries by following rules and guidelines that are put in place. That includes never standing while the bus is moving, only crossing the street at crosswalks, and wearing sturdy walking shoes and keeping your eyes on the road. If you do experience an injury, inform your tour manager immediately. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Dehydration and Fatigue

It is crucially important to begin hydration at least three days prior to departure, and to increase your electrolyte intake as well. Touring in autumn can be deceiving, because while you may not feel thirsty in 60 degree weather, your body will nonetheless require lots of water. Always carry a water bottle with you. If you do experience dizziness, a fever or sudden fatigue, notify your tour manager immediately and sit still. If necessary, we will arrange emergency transportation to the nearest hospital for care.

Reading Suggestions

Coming soon.

Trip Chaplain

Our trip chaplain will be Fr. Spencer Howe, pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church located in northeast Minneapolis.