March 22 to April 2, 2025 (12 days / 10 nights)
Experience a pilgrimage to Northern Italy in the spring of 2025, in a group accompanied by Father Éric Vaillancourt.
THIS JOURNEY IS GUIDED IN FRENCH
5,599.00$ – 6,469.00$
CULTURAL TRIPS
CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES
Discover Italy on pilgrimage with Father Eric Vaillancourt. Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the countless works of art, breathtaking landscapes and inspiring characters that dot this exceptional country. Get ready to awaken all your senses as you explore this cradle of Western Christianity and the Roman Empire. Beyond the visible wonders, perceive the traces of the invisible, left by a multitude of witnesses who walked this path before us, in search of the Invisible. An unmissable journey for the culture, art and history lover in you!
Highlights
Highlights
A native of the Eastern Townships, Father Eric Vaillancourt studied at the Grand Séminaire de Québec and Université Laval. In addition to his theological studies, he holds a master’s degree in art history. He was ordained a priest in 1998, and over the years has served in several parishes in the Archdiocese of Sherbrooke. Since 2020, he has ministered in the three parishes of Magog, Eastman and Mansonville.
Meeting in the early evening at P.E. Trudeau Airport (Montreal). Overnight international flight from Montreal to Venice.
Arrival at Venice Airport. Transfer by coach to the hotel in Padua. Check-in. If time allows, enjoy a free visit to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, the largest church in Padua. This major sanctuary, a pilgrimage site for faithful from around the world, is the most visited. In Saint Anthony’s chapel, you can pause for reflection at “The Ark,” the saint’s tomb.
This morning, transfer to Venice. Guided tour of the political, religious, and cultural heart of the city: St. Mark’s Square, surrounded by the Basilica of St. Mark (also known as the Basilica of Gold), an external visit to the Doge’s Palace (the seat of the city’s ancient magistrates), the Rialto Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs. Dinner and overnight stay in Padua.
Morning departure and transfer to Turin. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Help, founded by Don Bosco. Admire the relics of Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio. Take time for prayer and contemplation of the magnificent frescoes and sculptures. Then, head to the Turin Cathedral to see the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Although the Shroud is only displayed on special occasions, the chapel is worth visiting for its historical and religious significance. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight in Turin. (B/D)
Morning departure for Becchi, where you will begin the day by visiting Don Bosco’s birthplace. Explore the house where Don Bosco was born, restored to reflect its original state. Visit the large Don Bosco Basilica nearby, dedicated to him and offering a beautiful view of the surroundings. Free lunch at “Mamma Margherita” Restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the village of Saint Dominic Savio in Mondonio. Discover the house where Dominic Savio lived and the chapel where he prayed, then explore the parish church where Savio was initially buried before his relics were moved. Return to Turin for dinner and overnight stay.
Early morning departure from Turin by coach, heading toward Pisa. Arrival at noon for a free lunch in a local restaurant and a visit to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and its surroundings. In the afternoon, travel to Florence, arriving late in the afternoon. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to rest. Dinner at the hotel and free evening with the option for a stroll to get a first glimpse of the city, followed by a well-deserved night’s rest. (B/D)
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Florence, a “museum city” and the most prestigious heir of the Renaissance, the former capital of the Medicis. In this city of unique beauty, you will discover Santa Maria del Fiore Square with its Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower—one of the most remarkable in Italy—and the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist, with its three beautifully decorated bronze doors. Don’t forget the city’s most famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest, with its small goldsmith shops. Free lunch and departure for Assisi. Check-in at the hotel, free time, dinner, and overnight stay in Assisi. (B/D)
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of the village of Assisi, starting at the Basilica of Santa Chiara, where the body of Saint Clare, the first female disciple of Saint Francis, is preserved. Continue to the Basilica of Saint Francis, which houses the Tomb of Saint Francis. Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli and a visit to the Porziuncola Chapel. Free lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to stroll through other corners of the village of Assisi and its surroundings, visit its beautiful churches, buy souvenirs, or simply relax! Dinner and overnight stay in Assisi. (B/D)
Free morning to relax and continue exploring this magnificent Umbrian town. Free lunch. Afternoon transfer to Rome. Check-in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of Baroque Rome with your tour leader. Discover Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, the Trevi Fountain, and more. In the evening, the most beautiful monuments are illuminated—it’s stunning! Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B/D)
In the morning, guided tour of Christian Rome, including the Basilica of St. John Lateran, considered the “mother” of all churches in Rome and the world, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, dedicated to Saint Paul, and finally, the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the largest and oldest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, visit the catacombs of Rome, underground burial places where the early Christians, among others, buried their dead. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
In the morning, mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, free time for shopping or exploring the Eternal City at your own pace.
Transfer to the airport, flight back to Montreal. (B)
***Itinerary subject to change***
PRICE
Early booking: $5,499 / pers. (multiple occupancy). Early-bird discount of $100 if booked before November 22, 2024.
Regular price: $5,599 / pers. (multiple occupancy)
Single room supplement: + $870 / pers.
*Spiritours offers the possibility of pairing, but exceptionally, Spiritours cannot assume the additional costs for single occupancy if we are unable to pair you.
* All prices are based on the exchange rate in effect on August 7, 2024.
PACKAGE INCLUDES
Round-trip flight Montreal-Venice / Rome-Montreal (with Air Transat or similar).
Accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels and some religious houses, based on double occupancy.
Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner)
Services of a French-speaking national tour guide
All visits mentioned in the program
Headset rental for duration of stay
All taxes and service charges
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
Lunch
Beverages with meals
Travel insurance
Gratuities (allow $12/day/person)
Personal expenses
Travel agent customer compensation fund (currently free).
REGISTRATION
Registration deadline: January 22, 2025 (60 days before departure or when the maximum number of passengers has been reached). It is possible to register after this date, but a supplement may apply.
To register: you can register on our website (see top right of the trip web page) or download and fill in the PDF form and send it to us with your $750 deposit. Please register as soon as possible, as places are limited. Please enclose a photocopy of your passport with your registration (international travel only).
Travel insurance: for travel insurance, contact us to find out your premium.
Number of participants: Minimum 25 – Maximum 48
Documentation required: all Canadian travelers to Europe must be in possession of a passport valid for at least three months after the planned return date.
For further information, please contact
Shaina-Solange Louis-Jean
(514) 374-7965, ext. 200
shaina.LJ@spiritours.com
ACCOMMODATION
Padua: Hotel Casa del Pellegrino (or similar)
Turin: Hotel Genio (or similar)
Florence: Hotel 3* type Hotel Corona (or similar)
Assisi: Suore Francescane Angeline religious institute (or similar)
Rome: Hotel Marc’Aurelio (or similar)
Travel insurance is undoubtedly a PEACE OF MIND that allows you to live and fully enjoy your trip. It allows you to deal with the unexpected without finding yourself with a financial burden. Travel insurance allows you to travel in complete SAFETY. Did you know that when you take a group trip with Spiritours, you automatically get a 10% discount on your insurance? Check with your agent for more information, or click below to shop for an individual insurance premium with Blue Cross.
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