Join Father John Brancich and Father Carl Gismondi, FSSP

A Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage Through Italy

November 10 – 20, 2024

$4590 per person (includes airfare from either Newark or Boston Airport)

Led by Fr. John Brancich and Fr. Carl Gismondi of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, this pilgrimage will immerse you in the vast cultural and Catholic heritage of Italy. The itinerary features four nights in Rome, two nights in Florence and three nights in Padua, with day trips to Bologna, Trent and Venice built in as well.

The daily touring program begins with the Traditional Latin Mass and will be followed by a variety of Catholic tours through Italy’s most sacred and beautiful places. In addition to the sacred, you will also enjoy some of Italy’s great cultural experiences, such as a day-trip through Venice, the Accademia Gallery of Florence and the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Couple this with four-star hotels, private bus transportation, sumptuous meals and plenty of time for prayer, shopping and exploration, and this makes for the trip of a lifetime. 

When registering, pilgrims will be able to select Newark (EWR) or Boston (BOS) as their airport of choice.

THIS TRIP IS FULL. PLEASE EMAIL OFFICE@PROROME.COM TO BE PUT ON THE WAITING LIST

Trip Highlights

Our itinerary will give us the incredible opportunity to pray in front of the relics and tombs of many saints including St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Agnes, St. Monica, St. Philip Neri, St. Lawrence, St. Dominic, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Athanasius and more!

Rome

Our trip begins with four days in the Eternal City allowing us to experience the saints, basilicas, relics and history of the Catholic Church. We will stay at the beautiful four-star Hotel Michelangelo next to the Vatican.

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Florence

We then continue on our journey to Florence. Here we will enjoy two full days in which we will visit the Duomo, the Basilica and Monastery of San Marco (where Fra Angelico lived and painted) and Michelangelo’s David, to name the highlights.

Padua

From Florence we head north to Padua, stopping in Bolgona to visit the tomb of the founder of the Order of Preachers, St. Dominic. We will then continue to Padua where we will visit the Basilica of St. Anthony. From Padua we’ll visit Vicenza and Trent on day-trips.

Venice

Our pilgrimage concludes with our last full day spent in La Serenissima – Venice. Here we will take in the beautiful St. Mark’s Square, multiple gorgeous basilicas and world-renowned pieces of art by Bellini and Titian.

IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS

Planning Checklist

Registration

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.

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.  

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200 / due @ registration

$2195
due May 10, 2024
$2195
due July 10, 2024
$990 Single Room Supplement
IF APPLICABLE due July 10, 2024

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$4590 / per-person

Roundtrip Airfare in Economy
Air France from Newark Airport (EWR) or Delta/KLM from Boston Airport (BOS)
Nine Nights Lodging in Four-Star Hotels
Daily Breakfast and Dinner
Three courses, pre-selected menus
All Tours and All Tour Fees
ProRome Tour Director, Private Guides, Headsets
Private Bus Transportation

Cancellation

If you cancel, this policy applies.

Our Policy

100 Days or More before Tour
Full refund less $200.00 deposit
100-75 Days before Tour
50% Refund
Within 75 Days of Tour
No Refund

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/

Flight Information

Airline

The group is flying on both Air France from Newark Airport (EWR) and on Delta/KLM from Boston Airport (BOS). See the brochure for the detailed flight itinerary. The cost of $900 is included in the package price. If you opt to fly on your own this amount will be deducted from your invoice.

Seating

The group will be allocated a block of seats in the economy cabin of the airplane and seats will be assigned automatically during check-in. Passengers with the same last name will be seated next to each other.

Upgrades

As upgrades are not possible on group bookings, we can book you the same flight as the group but in an upgraded cabin. In this event you will be given the “flying separately discount” which is $900 and the new airfare cost will be added to your invoice. Please contact our travel agent Alex for more information: alex@prorome.com

Please refer to our Airfare FAQs and General FAQs for more information.

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect mild to cooler weather in Italy in November. High temperatures will average in the mid-60s, with lows in the lower-50s. However in the northern portion of Italy, such as Venice, it will be chillier, sometimes dipping into the low-40s. There will most likely be 1-2 days with some rain 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, Italian city-centers are more often than not pedestrian only. We will be walking (on average) three to six 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. 

Tour Dress and Dinner Dress Suggestions

Tour Dress

In Italy style is everything. You’ll find that the Italians dress incredibly well and you’ll want to dress up yourself. That being said, comfort is paramount. We will be walking a lot and will be constantly getting on and off the bus. The most important thing to keep in mind is your feet. 

Tip: Worn-in walking shoes – preferably water proof – will serve you faithfully. Moleskin and baby powder might also come in handy!

Dinner Dress 

We call the dinner dress code “country club casual” or “smart casual. ” That means something like collared shirts and non-jeans pants for men, and a casual dress or pants with a nice top for women. These suggestions are by no means mandatory, they are solely meant to be taken as humble advice if you would like to fit in with the Italian culture. They like to dress well!

Tip: A jacket that can be dressed up and dressed down is an autumn traveler’s best friend.

Group Meals

The Meals

Daily breakfast and daily lunch or dinner are included in the tour package (see the brochure for the specific meals included). At these group meals you can expect three or four bountiful courses – an antipasto – literally “before the meal,” a main course, and a desert. Beverages OTHER THAN water and house wine are not included. 

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

Tipping and Gratuities

We suggest that each pilgrim leaves $20-$30 (or euro) for both the tour manager and the driver. A collection will be taken at the end of the trip for this.

If you feel inclined to leave a tip for the housekeeping at the hotel, a few euro left in your room is more than sufficient.

Tipping is not required nor expected in restaurants, taxis or bars.

Dietary and Health Restrictions

There are no 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 Italy

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, Italy is 39), followed by the number. 

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

Luggage Service at Hotels

Porterage is not included in the price. If you require a porter to deliver your luggage to your room, please inform your tour manager prior to arrival at the hotel.

Country-Specific Information

Quick Facts 

  • Official Name: Italian Republic 
  • Population: 60.36 Million 
  • Capital: Rome 
  • Language: Italian 
  • Type of Government: Republic 
  • Money: Euro 
  • Time Zone: 6 hours ahead of EST
  • Most Popular Sport: Soccer (“Football”) 
  • Best Club Team: AS Roma!
  • Industries: Tourism, Manufacturing, Import/Export (Wine, Olives) 

Basic Italian 

  • Buongiorno: Good morning/good afternoon 
  • Buona Sera: Good afternoon/evening 
  • Ciao – Hi or Bye 
  • Arrivederci: Goodbye 
  • Per favore: Please 
  • Grazie mille – Thank you very much 
  • Prego – You’re welcome 
  • Mi Scusi – Excuse Me 
  • Mi dispiace: I’m sorry 
  • Yes/No: Si/No 
  • I am American: Sono Americano (Americana if a female) 
  • Do you speak English?: Parla inglese?
  • I don’t understand: Non capisco 
  • How much?: Quanto costa? 
  • Where is…?: Dov’è…? 
  • Bathroom: Toilette 
  • Tea: Té 
  • Coffee: Caffé, Cappuccino, Caffe Latte, Caffe Macchiato 
  • Cheers!: Salute! 
  • Restaurant check/bill: Il conto, per favore!
  • Have a nice day!: Buona giornata!
  • Have a nice evening!: Buona serata! 
  • Numbers 1-10: Uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque, sei, sette, otto, nove, dieci! 
  • The Week: Lunedi, Martedi, Mercoledi, Giovedi, Venerdi, Sabato, Domenica 
  • Happy Birthday!: Buon compleanno!

Visas and Passports 

Visas to Italy 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. European law requires you to carry your passport with you at all times. 

Currency – The Euro 

The official currency of Italy is the Euro.  1 euro is roughly $1.17 (as of September 28, 2021). 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 

Italy runs on 220V. Like the rest of Europe, the plugs are two round prongs. If you have a cell phone, you will need to bring an adapter for the plugs. Here is a link to one on Amazon for less than $10.00 

Crisis Management

The following scenarios are typical “crisis” situations that may occur while on tour Italy 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 Rome, 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 Rome can turn around new passports within a few hours, but expect a hefty fee – 500 euro!

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.

Trip Patron

St. Peter, the patron of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter, the first successor of Our Lord Jesus Christ, will be our trip patron.