Light of the World Catholic Church

A Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Italy

May 20 – 31, 2024 / $5240 air-inclusive from DENVER

*UPDATE – THIS TRIP IS FULL. A SECOND TRIP HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR LIGHT OF THE WORLD – JUNE 17 – 28, 2024. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBPAGE.

Led by Father Matthew Book, the pastor of Light of the World Catholic Church, this pilgrimage includes visits to Italy’s most beautiful and sacred places, with a particular emphasis on the Eucharistic Miracles of Italy. The itinerary features two nights in Siena, two nights in Assisi, two nights in San Giovanni Rotondo and four nights in Rome, with day trips to Orvieto, Lanciano, Monte Cassino and the Sanctuary of Saint Michael included along the way. 

Daily Mass – the cornerstone of each day – will be complemented by a rich Catholic touring program designed to bring the pilgrims face to face with the great saints, martyrs, Eucharistic Miracles and cultural heritage of Roman Catholicism. 

Beautiful four star hotels, private bus transportation, private Catholic guides, all tours, tickets and gratuities, and daily breakfast and dinner are included in the price. 

View Brochure

Growing Closer to Our Lord in the Eucharist

This pilgrimage will emphasize the miracle of the Real Presence in the Eucharist, so profoundly evidenced in the three Eucharistic Miracles that we will visit along the way. Father Matthew Book will lead us in daily Mass, prayers and meditations, drawing on the writings and legacies of the saints and martyrs that we will visit along the way, such as Saint Padre Pio, Saint Paul, Saint Francis of Assisi and more.

Trip Highlights

The Eucharistic Miracles of Bolsena (in Orvieto), Lanciano and Siena are included, as are visits to the tombs of Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Saint Padre Pio, Saint Benedict, Saint Scholastica, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and so many more.

Scenery,Of,Siena,,A,Beautiful,Medieval,Town,In,Tuscany,,With
Siena

Our trip begins with a visit to Orvieto, where we will venerate the great Eucharistic Miracle. We’re then off to Siena, a medieval city in Tuscany famous for its wine, horse races and most importantly, its saints and miracles. Our hotel here is the four-star Hotel Garden.

Assisi

From Siena we’re off to Assisi, where we will venerate the relics of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and explore the many sites associated with these great saints. Our hotel here is the four-star Asisium Hotel, located next to the Basilica of Saint Clare in the heart of Assisi.

San Giovanni

After Assisi we’re headed south to San Giovanni Rotondo, where Saint Padre Pio lived, worked countless miracles and where his incorrupt body now lies. We’ll also visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. Our hotel here is the four-star Hotel Gran Paradiso.

Rome

Leaving Padre Pio, we head northeast towards Rome, stopping at Monte Cassino along the way. Our pilgrimage will then culminate with four days in the Eternal City, where we will stay in the beautiful four-star Hotel Michelangelo next to the Vatican.

Planning Checklist

Register - DEADLINE September 20, 2023

In order to register simply fill out the registration form. Your place on the trip is then secure.

Register Now
Purchase Travel Insurance

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

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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.

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200 / due @ registration

$2520
due November 17, 2023
$2520
due January 19, 2024
$990 Single Room Supplement
IF APPLICABLE due January 19, 2024
Make Payment →

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$5240 / per-person

Roundtrip Airfare on American Airlines
From Denver
Ten 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
See Brochure →

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
Full Terms →

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 American Airlines from Denver (DEN). Each direction includes one layover (Outbound – Chicago; Return – Dallas). See the brochure for the detailed flight itinerary. The cost of $1800 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 $1800 and the new airfare cost will be added to your invoice. Please contact our travel agent Alex for more information: alex@prorome.com

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect warm weather in Italy in May. High temperatures will average in the upper-70s, with lows in the upper-60s. There will most likely be 1-3 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. 

Your hotels in Siena and San Giovanni Rotondo have very nice outdoor pools, so make sure to bring a swimsuit as well!

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 traveler’s best friend.

Group Meals

The Meals

Daily breakfast and daily dinner are included in the tour package. The main meal of the day – dinner – has been pre-arranged and selected by ProRome. 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.“