Glorious Rome
Rome, Pompeii, Assisi and Tivoli
October 8-17, 2027
Full Itinerary
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group
Day 1: Departure from US
(October 8)
Overnight flight departing from Philadelphia.
Day 2: Arrival
(October 9)
Arrive into Rome and meet with the tour escort that will accompany the group for the entire stay in Italy.
Take a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica. Often referred to as the Mouth of Rome or Rome’s Ancient Port, Ostia Antica offers an exceptional glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire. Highlights of the visit include remarkably preserved paths, forum, theater, and the Ostian Gate, also known as the Gate of St. Paul, an impressive remnant of the city’s fortifications.
Transfer to the hotel in Rome where we will stay for 8 nights.
A welcome dinner at the hotel is included this evening.
Day 3: Rome
(October 10)
This morning attend a worship service at All Saints Anglican Church.
Afterwards take a guided tour starting at the Abbey of the Three Fountains, traditionally recognized as the site of Apostle Paul’s martyrdom and the ancient road believed to have been his final path. Continue to the Scala Sancta, otherwise known as the “Holy Stairs”. According to tradition, these were the very steps from Pontius Pilate’s judgment hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, mother of emperor Constantine. Martin Luther visited these stairs in 1510. While climbing the stairs on his knees, he experienced doubt and questioning, particularly regarding the practice of indulgences. Luther’s experience at the Scala Sancta is often seen as a turning point in his journey toward the Reformation.
An afternoon walking tour includes majestic Piazza Navona, a visit to the stunningly beautiful Trevi Fountain, and to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.
Dinner on your own
Day 4: Pompeii
(October 11)
Travel south to enjoy a walking tour of Pompeii, the 1st-century community captured in time when buried in ash by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.Afterwards enjoy the scenery of the Italian countryside on the transfer back to Rome.
Dinner on your own
Day 5: Rome
(October 12)
After breakfast you will set out for a full day of sightseeing, beginning with a visit to Vatican City. There you will explore the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, gaze up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and wander through the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s most remarkable art collections
The day continues with a visit to the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb.
In the afternoon you will descend into the Catacombs, a network of underground burial chambers where thousands of early Christians were laid to rest in tiered galleries, offering a powerful glimpse into the early Church’s history.
Dinner included at a local restaurant tonight.
Day 6: Rome
(October 13)
We begin our tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will reveal the stories and secrets behind the heart of ancient Rome. Among the highlights is the Arch of Titus, commemorating the Roman sack of Jerusalem in AD 70. We will also visit the interior of the Mamertine Prison, traditionally believed to be where the Apostle Paul was held. While the Roman Church also attributes Peter’s imprisonment to this site, there is no historical or empirical evidence confirming Peter was ever in Rome.
Next, we explore the Colosseum, an enduring symbol of imperial power. The Colosseum first opened in AD 80 and could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 spectators. Within the first 100 days of its opening 5,000 wild beasts were killed and the brutal contests continued for over three centuries. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the dramatic stories of the games that have captivated the world for centuries.
Enjoy some free time in Rome this afternoon.
Attend a Wednesday night service at St. Paul Within the Walls Episcopal Church.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 7: Assisi
(October 14)
We board your coach for a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Umbria to the ancient, walled hillside town of Assisi.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch on your own before setting out on a guided tour of this enchanting medieval village.
Highlights include the Basilica of San Francesco, decorated with some of the world’s most celebrated frescoes. The inspiring story of St. Francis and his life of humility and service will offer meaningful encouragement.
Return to Rome with dinner on your own tonight.
Day 8: Rome
(October 15)
Today we start at the Borghese Gallery which is one of the most famous art galleries in the world. It is housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. The gallery houses a considerable part of the Borghese collection of paintings, sculpture and antiquities, begun by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V (reign 1605–1621). Not only the gallery attracts thousands of visitors, but also astonishing green gardens that surround it in the third largest park in Rome, on the territory of which the Galleria Borghese located.
Continue to The National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, an iconic fortress located on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome, connected to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo. Built between 123 and 135 AD, it has undergone many transformations over the centuries, also serving as a prison of the Papal States.
End with a walking tour of the vibrant, Bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere. Enjoy the cobblestone streets, ivy covered buildings located on the west bank of the Tiber River.
This area is known for the best culinary spots in the city. Dinner is on your own tonight with lots of great choices.
Day 9: Tivoli
(October 16)
Enjoy a day in the historic town of Tivoli, located 10 miles northeast of Rome. It is famous for its stunning ancient villas and water fountains.
Return to Rome and enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Home
(October 17)
Transfer to Rome airport for the flight home, filled with fond memories of glorious, magnificent Rome.
FAQs
LODGING
Location: Hotel
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge – 2 nights
Canterbury, United Kingdom
This unique hotel and conference venue is situated in the idyllic grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the very heart of the city of Canterbury. Renowned for the stylish and comfortable hotel accommodations.
Winchester Royal Hotel – 2 nights
Winchester, United Kingdom
The hotel blends rich history with modern comfort, making it one of the most regal places to stay in the city of Winchester. Winchester Royal Hotel delivers luxury without pretentiousness, placing it among the best hotels in Hampshire, with 81 stylish bedrooms, a garden restaurant, and a stunning walled garden.
Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross – 3 nights
Kings Cross Road, London, United Kingdom
A premium London hotel located near St Pancras International and Farringdon stations, steps away from Eurostar, Elizabeth line, and London Underground trains at Russell Square and Kings Cross St Pancras stations
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
Flight upgrades to Economy Plus or Business Class
Alcohol drinks & snacks
Lunches; 5 dinners
Souvenirs
Personal Items
Travel Insurance – while travel insurance is optional, it is highly recommended! Be sure to check that you are covered for overseas medical expenses
PRICE INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
Roundtrip international flights: Philadelphia / Rome
9 nights lodging: 4-star hotel
Breakfast each morning
3 dinners
Airport transfers
Dedicated tour guide & bus driver
Air-conditioned coach
Daily worship opportunities
Site entrance fees & local guides
Tips for dedicated tour guide, bus driver, local guides
Pricing
$7400.00 per person, double occupancy
$975 per person additonal, single occupancy
*Single supplement of $975.00 applies for limited number of single rooms available.
Economy Plus Supplement: prices available December 2026*
Business Class Supplement: prices available December 2026*
*The actual cost will be determined when tickets are booked
To reserve your spot, please complete form and send with $1,000 deposit and copy of passport photo/information page:
Spirited Pilgrimages, P.O. Box #15, Lansdale, PA 19446
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that all travelers obtain travel insurance and overseas medical insurance before beginning the trip.
Reservation, Deposit & Final Payment Deadline Dates
Reservations must be received by 30 March 2027
Deposit: $1,000 per person payable with reservation form submission
Supplements also payable with reservation
Final Payment Due: 31 July 2027
Pilgrim Reservation Form
DEPOSIT: $1,000.00 deposit reserves your space – DEADLINE: 30 March 2027
Spaces reserved on ‘first received, first reserved’ basis. With only 25 spaces available for the pilgrimage, it is advisable to submit your deposit as early as possible.
At the present time, Spirited Pilgrimages is unable to process credit card payments. We are working to accommodate credit card payments in the near future. In the meantime, please submit deposit payments by check, made payable to ‘Spirited Pilgrimages’.
Mail with completed pilgrimage reservation form to: P.O. Box #15, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Please include a copy of passport photo/information page
FINAL BALANCE DUE: 31 July 2027
AIR TERMS & CONDITIONS:
In order to keep the price affordable, Spirited Pilgrimages utilizes group airline ticket pricing. Group air tickets are priced in economy. Seat upgrades may be requested but cannot be guaranteed. Additional cost will be charged to traveler.
Spirited Pilgrimages does not have the ability to guarantee assigned seating when making group air arrangements. Air carriers are responsible for seat assignments, and most group air contracts assign seats at the airport check-in on day of departure.
Mileage credit for individuals on group air contracts is not guaranteed and is subject to the rules of each airline under contract.
Passengers wishing to cancel or change their air reservation may be subject to cancellation penalties.
Air schedules may be subject to change at the discretion of the airline.