Senior Class Trip to Italy

May 15 – 22, 2024 / $3980, air-inclusive from ATL

This pilgrimage will immerse you in the vast cultural and Catholic heritage of Italy. The itinerary features six nights in Rome with a day-trip to Assisi along the way. Daily Mass – the cornerstone of each day – will be complemented by a touring program designed to complement the rich Catholic classical education of  Holy Spirit Prep. Highlights in Rome include the Papal Basilicas, the Catacombs, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and many other incredible churches, basilicas and holy sites.

In Rome you will lodge near Vatican City for six nights at the Casa per Ferie at Santa Maria alle Fornaci. Private bus transportation, private Catholic guides, all tours, tickets and gratuities, and daily breakfast and daily lunch or dinner are included in the price. One daily meal (either lunch or dinner) is the only item not included in the price and roughly $150 should be budgeted for each student for meals that are not included and souvenirs.

This trip is open to seniors from Holy Spirit Prep. Each participant must register.

Trip Highlights

Rome

Our trip features six days in the Eternal City. We will explore Rome’s greatest sites, from the tunnels of crypts and catacombs to the many ancient amphitheaters and early Christian churches.

Vatican City

Our lodging in Rome – located just next to Vatican City – will give us easy access to the heart of the Church, the place of Saint Peter’s martyrdom and the seat of the Vicar of Christ, the Pope!

Angelus with the Pope

While in Rome we will attend a Papal Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square. Seeing the Vicar of Christ on earth is a powerful experience, reminding us that Jesus is still with us in the Church!

Panoramic view of Assisi. Umbria.
Assisi

Our pilgrimage features a day-trip to the Seraphic City, Assisi! Here we will explore this incredible medieval city, following in the footsteps of the great Saints Francis and Clare.,

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200 / due @ registration

$1890
due December 15, 2023
$1890
due February 15, 2024

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$3980 / per-person

Roundtrip Direct Airfare on Delta
Six Nights Lodging near Vatican City
All Tours, All Tour Fees and Most Meals
ProRome Tour Director, Private Guides, Headsets
All Transportation Expenses in Italy

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
important dates and action items

Planning Schedule

Registration - Until September 20, 2023

Registration is open through September 20, 2023.

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.

Welcome Boxes - March 2024

ProRome Tours will send your school welcome boxes to distribute to all trip participants in March 2024.

Zoom Meeting - April 2024

In April of 2024 (date TBD), ProRome Tours will host a Zoom meeting for all participants. Invite link will be sent out two weeks prior.

Final Trip Information - April 2024

Two weeks before the trip 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.  

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

On group bookings seat selection is not possible, nor can points be used towards a group booking. 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.

If you would like an upgrade or would like to use points, we suggest that you book the same flights on Delta.com. In this event you will be given the “flying separately discount, which is $1600, which will be deducted from the second installment.

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect warm weather in Italy in May. High temperatures will average in the lower-80s (Rome) and lower-70s (Assisi), with lows in the upper-60s. Do expect a few rain showers throughout the course of the trip. 

Packing 

Please remember to bring one rain jacket, an umbrella and at least two pairs of shoes – a pair for more formal occasions and a pair for touring. We will be walking (on average) four 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. 

Dress Suggestions

Tour Dress

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. 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!

Group Meals

The Meals

Breakfast and daily dinner is included in the tour package. Your meals been pre-arranged and selected by ProRome. You can expect three bountiful courses at dinner each evening- an antipasto – literally “before the meal,” a main course, and a desert. Beverages other than water are not included.

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

Tipping and Gratuities

Tips and gratuities are included in the price.

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.

Reading Suggestions

Coming soon.

Trip Patron

St. Joseph – the foster father of Jesus Christ – is the greatest of saints. As our trip patron, we will pray to St. Joseph before and during the trip, asking this incredible man, the protector of the child Jesus, to protect us on our pilgrimage!

“The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.