Mother of Divine Grace

An Italy Trip for Mothers and Daughters

July 20 – August 1, 2023 / $3400.00 per person (without airfare)

This trip is for Mother of Divine Grace female students (ages 13 – 18) who are accompanied by their mothers.* With overnight stays in Rome (6), Assisi (3) and Florence (2), this trip will explore the most beautiful places of Italy over the course of ten full days.

Although the focus is primarily on Rome and Florence, the girls will also visit Assisi and Castel Gandolfo. The daily program features lessons in Art History, Italian and Cooking, as well as private tours through the most incredible art, monuments and churches of Roman and Christian civilization. Fundamental to the trip is formation and prayer. The girls will have the opportunity to attend daily Mass and venerate the relics of dozens of incredible saints and martyrs along the way.

*If a mother cannot attend, please see the FAQ section at the bottom of this webpage.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE APRIL 9, 2023

Covid-19 Travel Requirements? None!

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

Overview

Trip Highlights

The Eternal City

Rome is the Eternal City. There is no place more beautiful and more important in the history of the world than Rome. As Catholics, Rome’s eternal purpose is to civilize and save the world through the work of Christ’s Church.

Florence

Florence’s beautiful natural surroundings undoubtedly inspired artists like Botticelli, Fra Angelico and later Michelangelo. That’s why we chose a villa nestled among olive groves and overlooking Florence for our campus!

Assisi

Known as the Seraphic City for its angelic beauty, you will explore the timeless charm of Assisi for two days. You will go back in time to the 13th century, when St. Francis and St. Claire gave up their lives to follow Christ and proclaim the Gospel.

castelli-romani
Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is an incredible town outside of Rome that sits 500 feet above the crater-lake of Albano. Since ancient times emperors have come here to escape the Roman summer, and we’ll get to do the same!

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payment Schedule

ProRome sends reminders two weeks prior to each due date. Check, e-check, credit card and PayPal accepted.

$200.00 / due @ registration

$1600.00
Due March 31, 2023
$1600.00
Due May 15, 2023

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$3400.00 / per person

Ten Nights Lodging in Private Villas and Guesthouses
ProRome Tour Director, Private Guides, Headsets
All Tours and All Tour Fees
Private Bus Transportation
Daily Breakfast and Dinner with Water/Wine
All Activities Listed in Itinerary

Cancellation

If you cancel, this policy applies. If ProRome cancels, the trip will be rescheduled and credits will be issued.

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 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.

Flight Information

Everyone is expected to arrange their own flights for this trip. If you would like ProRome to arrange your flights, please contact us by email at office@prorome.com, detailing your request. Please note that we cannot arrange flights using Points or Miles. If you would like to use Points or Miles to book your flight, please contact the airline directly.

Departure, July 20, 2023: Please arrange flights to Rome departing North America on the 20th of July, arriving in Rome on July 21st. You should fly into Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). We suggest arriving in Rome in the morning or early afternoon.

Return, August 1, 2023: Departure is on August 1, 2023. Please arrange flights with a departure time later in the late morning or afternoon if possible, as the transfer from Assisi to Rome FCO on the 1st is about 2.5 hours by car.

Meet the Team

Lucas Bergeman
Director of Tour Coordination
Brendan McGlone
Tour Manager
Alexander Zigarevich
Travel Agent
Michele McCormack
Director of Client Relations
Marilyn Looker
Tour Manager
Mary Kate Vander Woude
Director of Tour Development
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Client Logo Image
Client Logo Image
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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/

Parent/Chaperone Policy

This program is intended to be for mothers and daughters. If a parent cannot attend, another female family member (age 25-65) or another parent in attendance is permitted to act as the chaperone. 

In this case the parent of the student in attendance would be asked to fill out the below forms.

RELEASE FORM

Accomodations

In Rome the group will be staying at the Villa Magnolia, a private villa located near Vatican City, complete with a yard, barbecue pit and more. Please note that this vis a private villa leased by ProRome Tours for summer trips, and the website linked above is outdated.

In Florence the group will be staying at the Pensione Bencista, a 14th century villa nestled among olive groves and overlooking the beautiful city of Florence.

In Assisi the group will be staying at the Hotel Pax, a medieval home-turned-hotel in the middle of the historic district of Assisi.

Weather and Packing

The Weather 

You can expect warm weather in Italy in July. High temperatures will average in the upper-80s (Rome) and lower-80s (Assisi), with lows in the mid-70s. 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, Italian city-centers are more often than not pedestrian only. We will be walking (on average) two to five 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. 

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. Water and house wine are 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.

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.

Reading Suggestions

Coming soon.

Trip Patron

Our program patron is Catherine of Siena – Saint, Doctor of the Church, and patron of Italy. An incredible woman, born in the 14th century during the Black Death, who would become one of the most influential women of all time, solely because of her faith in God that was rooted in her experience of true beauty. She knew that God loved her and pursued a beautiful life because of it.

“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze.