Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel 2023
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
53003
Start City:
Rome
End City:
Rome
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
9 days
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 | Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Oct 17, 2023 | Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON COSMOS TOURS
Why pay full price? Call us or click above for a quick quote and save money on Cosmos Tours.
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Promotion Details
The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
On this inspirational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Catholic icons of Rome, such as the four major Basilicas, the Scala Sancta and the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo; attend the Papal Audience, learn about some of Italy’s beloved Saints, and celebrate Mass. Learn about St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern-day saint, visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, gather in prayer at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, reflect in the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and admire the timeless beauty of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi. Italy is a must for Catholic travelers and art lovers.
Assisi , Cascia , Lanciano , Loreto , Pietrelcina , Puglia , Rome , San Giovanni Rotondo
-
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALYWelcome to Italy! Check into your hotel, with rest of the day free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey. Later this evening, a welcome dinner awaits at your hotel. (D)
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
ROMEThis morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, St John Lateran Basilica and St. Mary Major Basilica, the Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
ROME. EXCURSION TO CASTEL GANDOLFOA different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, take advantage of time at leisure in Rome or join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgment. Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
ROME–PIETRELCINA–SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDOOn your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina, to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today's Distance: 258 mi / 415 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. EXCURSION TO MONTE SANT’ANGELOAttend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio’s friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo. Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 6
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO–LANCIANO–LORETO–ASSISI AREAVisit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
ASSISIToday, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
ASSISI AREA–CASCIA–ROMETravel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita’s tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
ROMEYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change
Departure May 21 St. Pio's feast day (25 May) – No Papal audience on this departure
Departure September 19 Anniversary of St. Pio's passing (23 September) – No Papal audience on this departure
Departure June 16 – No Papal audience on this departure
Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 dinners
Health and Safety Protocols for Cosmos Tours
The world is waiting to be rediscovered! And Cosmos helps you reunite with your favorite destinations through our ongoing commitment to travel with the ease and confidence travelers have come to expect on tour with us. No matter where you travel, our global network of travel experts has you ready to reconnect.
And along the way, we’re step-for step with you to remove the worries and hassles that might make aspiring globetrotters hesitate when taking that first step in discovering dream destinations once again. With exceptional health and safety protocols and on-trip contingency plans for unexpected surprises, Cosmos travelers see more of the world with more peace of mind.
A SAFE & WARM WELCOMEWe will conduct tour check-in procedures and pre-trip health screenings to offer guests a safe start and peace of mind throughout the journey. This includes proof of vaccination for all guests. See our complete Health & Safety Pre-Trip Screening Instructions on our website for full details.
BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCEThere may be times on tour or on the motorcoach when social distancing is required. We will take care in assuring any local guidelines are followed in a safe and comfortable way for our guests. For any cases where masks are required due to local guidelines, we ask that guests bring their own approved N95 (FFP2) masks for their own comfort and safety. Our wireless listening technology enables safe distances between our guests and other travelers during excursions.
FOCUS ON GUEST AND TEAM MEMBER HEALTHTo ensure a healthy environment for each of our guests and our team, our Tour Directors, Local Hosts, and motorcoach drivers are fully vaccinated, and we are also requiring that all travelers are fully vaccinated before joining our trips. Additionally, we will conduct regular guest checks, and, when required by local guidelines, masks will be worn by our guests and by our team when accompanying guests. In all other cases, masks are optional for guests.
TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDSTraveling with Cosmos removes many of the “touch points” of travel, including luggage handling, check in/out, expedited entry into attractions and more. Cosmos are further reducing risk with hands-free service, meaning all self-services replaced by staff, including buffet meals replaced with table service. Cosmos will also ensure hand sanitizing is available throughout each trip, on coach and in hotels.
COMMITMENT TO CLEANAs a part of Cosmos' commitment to clean, Cosmos is requiring enhanced cleaning procedures with hotel partners, on motorcoaches, vehicles and throughout every trip, including additional daily disinfecting procedures that go above-and-beyond already strict health and safety procedures. And our motorcoaches are equipped with air filters that clean the air as well as provide constant ventilation.
PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY AND IN HEALTHCosmos has strict health and safety protocols, which have been in place for years, focused on ensuring all aspects of operation- from vehicles and equipment used on trip to excursions and hotel procedures. This process will continue with new, elevated health and safety checks, to maintain their promise that each touch-point on tours and cruises are considered in their commitment to guest and team member well-being.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
I love this trip because our tour director Roberto did his job very well unlike my previous two Cosmos tours. He made me believe that Cosmos can do a good job. I almost gave up on Cosmos.Will take a trip with cosmos again.
Spiritual Highlights of Italy. We enjoyed our tour to Italy very much. Our tour director and driver was amazing,very organized. Tour guides were very knowledgeable. I would take another trip to Europe as good as this one.
The accomodation in Oly Hotel (Rome) was not good. There was no AC, so we had to open the windows and ended up with mosquito bites on our faces and arms for two nights. They need to tend to the comfort of the customers.
Call Us Now 1-800-935-2620
How It Works
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
1. Free Quote
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-935-2620. No robots here!
2. Dedicated Travel Consultant
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
3. Lowest Price Guaranteed
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
4. Stress Free Travel
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Know your weather in advance and don't overpack, especially outerwear. The best decision I made was to carry a special cushion for my airplane seat - no more pain! Plan ahead with smartphone - there are all kinds of apps to help with bookings, local area facilities, language. Find a local telephone shop and put in a local chip. Electric plug adaptor - go to you local thrift store - donate to your last hotel. Tell everyone about your dietary restrictions - this really helps. Make at least one credit card accessible to foreign ATMs, but don't be afraid of turning down vendors, taxis etc who do not accept credit cards. Don't automatically book an excursion in every port, many are just not worth it and often the most worth while sites are a walk or local bus ride away. Don\t be afraid to asking/telling your waiter/cleaner what you want - tip those who help you. Complain about the deficiencies you find - this helps the next person.