Saints and Sailors

A Journey through France

May 2 – 11, 2023 / $4900.00 land-only

This journey will immerse you in the vast cultural and Catholic heritage of the “Eldest Daughter of the Church”, France. Along the way you will visit Paris, Lisieux, the beaches at Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Rouen and Chartres.

On this trip you can expect a daily private Mass, exquisite four-star hotels and beautiful religious guesthouses, and a variety of private tours and experiences crafted carefully by your hosts.

Your hosts on this journey are Matt and Liz Marcolini and Jerry and Mary Lenaburg. Parents first, entrepreneurs and public speakers second, you can expect a journey that is not only fun and engaging, but filled with incredible lessons on life, culture and living out one’s faith in the Third Millennium.

This trip is limited to 35 guests and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Adults, children over the age of sixteen and babes in arms are welcome!

Covid-19 Travel Requirements? None!

There are currently no required Covid-19 vaccines or testing requirements in place in order to visit France. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.

Highlights

Paris

This trip features three full days in the City of Light. Our hotel of choice is the magnificent Hotel Bedford, a family-owned luxury hotel in the heart of the city. From here we will visit Paris’s greatest sites and enjoy some magnificent experiences, such as a world-class cooking class and a dinner river cruise!

Normandy

From Paris our private coach will take us north into Normandy. Our base here is Lisieux, the birthplace and burial-place of the “Little Flower”, Saint Therese of Lisieux. Here we will allow Saint Therese to work in our hearts. In Normandy we’ll also visit the D-Day beaches and the American Cemetery!

Mont Saint-Michel

Next up, Mont Saint-Michel. This great island is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, who in the 8th century appeared to a local bishop and asked that the island be dedicated to God. Ever since this has been one of Europe’s greatest pilgrimage destinations!

The,South,View,Of,Cathedral,Of,Our,Lady,Of,Chartres,
Rouen & Chartres

On our way to Chartres we’ll visit the city of Rouen, where Saint Joan of Arc was held captive and later martyred. We’ll see the Cathedral of Rouen and then depart for Chartres, our final destination! Get ready for cobblestones, great food and a stained-glass class!

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200.00 / due @ registration

$2350
due November 15, 2022
$2350
due January 15, 2023
$1200 Single Room Supplement
due January 15, 2023

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$4900.00 / per-person

Beautiful four-star hotels
Private transportation
Exquisite four-course dinner daily
Private bilingual tour manager
Unique touring program and private events
All tours and entrance fees
Daily private Catholic Mass

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

Planning Checklist

Register

In order to register simply fill out the form at the top this page! Your place on the trip is then secure!

Purchase Travel Insurance

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

Upload Passport Information

Apply as soon as possible. NB - Passports that expire within six months of the travel dates are not valid to enter Europe.

Flight Information

We suggest that you arrange your flights through ProRome Tours. If you plan on using Miles or Points towards your flights, please arrange your flights directly with the airline.

We suggest that you arrive in Paris no later than 12:00 PM on May 3, and depart from Paris no earlier than 10:00 AM on May 11.

Meet Your Hosts

Meet the ProRome Team

  • Client Logo Image
  • Client Logo Image
  • Client Logo Image

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/

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect mild weather in France in May. High temperatures will average in the mid-60s (Paris) and lower-60s (Normandy), with lows in the lower-50s. Do expect a few rain showers throughout the course of the trip. 

Tip: Hope for the best, plan for the worst. A winter hat might very well come in handy! 

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. Although we’ve eliminated as much walking as possible, French 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. We would also suggest bringing one heavy jacket for those evenings that you might enjoy strolling through town. 

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 France style is everything. You’ll find that the the French 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 French culture. They like to dress well!

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

Group Meals

The Meals

Daily breakfast and daily dinner are included in the tour package. Your dinner menus have been selected by ProRome. You can expect four bountiful courses at each dinner. Beverages are not included, however do not be surprised if your waiter brings some complimentary wine! 

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 not included in the price. We suggest 30-50 euro per person tip for both the bus driver and the tour manager. This can be offered in person at the end of the tour.

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 France

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, France is 33), 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.

Crisis Management

The following scenarios are typical “crisis” situations that may occur while on tour France 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. Therese of Lisieux – the Little Flower – is one of history’s greatest saints. As our trip patron, we will pray to St. Therese before and during the trip, asking this incredible saint to protect us through our journey!

“God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; so in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint.”