Join Father William Langan on Pilgrimage

Sicily and Malta

October 15 - 25, 2024

$5290 air-inclusive from JFK AIRPORT

Our pilgrimage will explore the rich culture, history, and architectural and artistic traditions of Sicily and Malta. We’ll begin in Palermo, the capital of the autonomous region of Sicily, founded some 2700 years ago by the Phoenicians, the famous seafaring people of classical antiquity. After two nights in Palermo we will set out and explore Sicily’s many wonders, such as Agrigento, Siracusa, Taormina and Mount Etna. We’re then off by ferry to Malta, the island-stronghold of the Mediterranean Sea, whose official state religion is still Roman Catholicism. Here we will spend three nights in Valletta, the capital, before returning home. 

This trip is limited to 40 guests and registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Trip Overview

Morning Mass will begin each day, opening our hearts and minds to the grace of God. The daily program will follow, complete with private tours and excursions, all by private coach (note that roughly 3-6 miles will be walked each day). At the end of each day we'll then sit down together to enjoy the culinary delights of the Mediterranean. All hotels are rated 4 or 5 stars and your tours and transfers will be privately guided.

Palermo

Our pilgrimage begins in Palermo, the fascinating capital city of Sicily. Here we will spend two days exploring the rich history and monuments of this incredible city. Our hotel is the four-star NH Palermo.

Siracusa

Leaving Palermo behind we’ll traverse Sicily towards Siracusa, stopping along the way at the Greek temples near Agrigento. Continuing on to Siracusa, we’ll spend two nights at the four-star Mercure Siracusa

Taormina

From Siracusa we head east towards Taormina, stopping along the way at Europe’s most famous volcano, Mount Etna. In Taormina our hotel is the four-star EuroStars MonteTauro, which overlooks the Mediteran Sea.

Malta

Leaving Sicily behind, we’ll board a ferry for the Catholic island-country of Malta. For three nights we will stay in the historic center at the five-star Palazzo Consiglia. Tour concludes in Malta.

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing, Payments & Cancellation

Payments

Below is the payment schedule.

$200 / due @ registration

50% First Installment
Due April 15, 2024
50% Second Installment
due June 15, 2024
$990 Single Occupancy Room Surcharge
due June 15, 2024

Regular Price

See brochure for full list of inclusions.

$5290 / per-person

Nine nights lodging in 4 and 5 star hotels
Private transportation by AC motorcoach
Exquisite four-course dinner daily
No choice of menus
ProRome tour manager on tour
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 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.

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.

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 Swiss Airlines from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) and Lufthansa Airlines on the return. See below for the detailed flight itinerary. The cost of $1500 is included in the package price. If you opt to fly on your own this amount will be deducted from your invoice.

10/15/24 LX15 JFK-ZRH 8:30pm-10:25am 10/16/24
10/16/24 LX1742 ZRH-PMO 11:55am-1:50pm

10/25/24 LH1277 MLA-FRA 12:25pm-3:10pm
10/25/24 LH404 FRA-JFK 5:15pm-8:05pm

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 $1500 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 days and cool evenings in Sicily and Malta and October. Although the weather will vary from place to place, we will be staying in coastal cities and the highs are expected to be in mid-70s with lows in the upper 50s. You can expect one or two rain days throughout the course of the trip. 

Packing 

Please remember to bring one jacket – preferably water-proof, 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, city-centers are more often than not pedestrian only. 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. 

Tour Dress and Dinner Dress Suggestions

Tour Dress

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. Please pack accordingly. 

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. Water and house wine are included in the price. 

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 traveler leave $20 – $30 per person for both the driver and the tour manager.

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 Sicily and Malta

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, Malta is 356), followed by the number. 

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

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 city centers, 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 Palermo and Valletta 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

Saint Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, will be our trip patron. Not only did Saint Paul sojourn in Malta and help to establish a Christian community there, but he also visited Sicily and assuredly assisted in the formation of a Christian community in Siracusa. As the patron saint of Malta, Saint Paul will protect us on our journey. Saint Paul, pray for us!