Trip Overview

Join Dr. Lance Richey and the University of Saint Francis on pilgrimage to Italy and experience the beauty of the Catholic faith in Rome and Assisi. In Rome, pray in great churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica, and walk streets filled with the history of the early Church. In Assisi, find peace at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and reflect in the quiet hills where St. Francis lived and served. Through shared meals, prayer, and time together in these sacred places, this pilgrimage offers a simple and beautiful opportunity to grow closer to Christ.

What’s Included?

  • Professional tour manager for the duration of the pilgrimage
  • Local, licensed tour guides
  • Transportation on private motorcoach (pending hotel location, coach will be included some days, but other days pilgrims will walk to nearby sites)
  • Accommodations in double-occupancy rooms (single rooms available on a limited basis)
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
  • Opportunity for daily Mass (attending public Masses, mostly in Italian)
  • Tickets for included activities
  • Audio headset for each pilgrim
  • Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
  • Preparation and follow-up materials

Itinerary

April 5, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Rome
April 6, 2027
  • Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport
  • Make your way to the hotel (check-in will likely be at 3 p.m.)
  • The pilgrimage will officially begin at 5 p.m. this afternoon in the hotel lobby
  • Gather for a Presidential Welcome Reception at the hotel with cocktails, followed by a Welcome Dinner at local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: NYX Hotel Rome, Starhotels Michaelangelo, or similar
Meals included: Dinner

April 7, 2027
  • Papal Audience (pending the Holy Father’s schedule)
  • After free time for lunch, visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme and venerate the relics from Christ’s Passion
  • Prayerfully climb the Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs that Christ climbed on his way to his trial, brought to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena
  • Close the day’s visit by attending 6 p.m. public Mass in Italian at the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome where a relic of the table of the Last Supper is held
  • Enjoy a free evening in Rome to spend as you choose
    • Consider walking down the Via dei Fori Imperiali for views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: NYX Hotel Rome, Starhotels Michaelangelo, or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

April 8, 2027
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour of the churches and piazzas of central Rome
    • Stops can include Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva (with the tomb of St Catherine of Siena), Sant’Agostino (with the tomb of St Monica), and the Gesu (with the tomb of St Ignatius of Loyola)
  • Following a group lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to the Basilica of St. Mary Major
  • Enjoy a tour of Mary Major, home of a relic of the Bethlehem manger and the tomb of Pope Francis
  • Transfer to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
  • Enjoy a tour of the basilica and pray at the tomb of St. Paul
  • Attend 6 p.m. public Mass in Italian at the Basilica
  • Transfer back to the hotel and then have free time to continue exploring the city at your leisure
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: NYX Hotel Rome, Starhotels Michaelangelo, or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

April 9, 2027
  • Private Mass in the Crypt at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a tour of the Basilica, including time to pray at the tomb of Pope St. John Paul II and to see Michelangelo’s Pieta (pending chaplain recruitment, or attend the public Mass at the Altar of St Joseph at 7:30 a.m.)
  • Scavi Tour (pending availability)
  • In the late afternoon, explore Ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum
  • Free for the rest of the evening
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: NYX Hotel Rome, Starhotels Michaelangelo, or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

April 10, 2027
  • In the morning, attend a public Mass in Italian at a church within walking distance of the hotel
  • Check-out of the hotel and depart Rome for a visit to the scenic Rieti Valley
  • Explore the Sanctuary of Greccio, established by St. Francis, constructed in 1228, and the site of the first nativity scene
  • Free time for lunch, and a chance to visit the International Museum of the Crib, displaying creches from around the world
  • Continue to Assisi and check-in to the hotel
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Assisi

Accommodations: Hotel Giotto
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

April 11, 2027
  • Enjoy a day trip to La Verna
  • Explore the Sanctuary of La Verna and the Chapel of the Stigmata, where St. Francis received the stigmata
  • Attend 11 a.m. public Mass in Italian, followed by time to pray and reflect
  • Transfer back to Assisi to enjoy an evening on your own
  • Dinner on your own in Assisi
  • Overnight in Assisi

Accommodations: Hotel Giotto
Meals included: Breakfast

April 12, 2027
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Assisi, including the Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Complete the morning with 11 a.m. public Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, where St. Francis is buried and decorated with murals by Giotto
  • Free for the rest of the day to have lunch and to explore the peaceful medieval town
  • Overnight in Assisi

Accommodations: Hotel Giotto
Meals included: Breakfast

April 13, 2027
  • Morning visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli with 9 a.m. public Mass next to the Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded the Franciscans and where he died
  • Continue for a visit to the San Damiano Church and Monastery of St. Clare
  • Following free time for lunch, transfer back to Rome
  • Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome near the airport

Accommodations: Mercure Rome Airport, Hilton Rome Airport, Hotel Isola Sacra, or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

April 14, 2027
  • Make your way to Rome Fiumicino Airport and depart on your journey home

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Standard Accommodations

Pricing

Package Cost
$4,988

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$1,499 / person
Group Flight
Quote available ten months prior to departure
Travel Protection
Quote provided after registration

Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare. The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

*Travel protection is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Led by

Dr. Lance Richey
University of Saint Francis
Dr. Lance Richey, 11th President of the University of Saint Francis, holds doctorates in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has published widely in both disciplines. He also holds a certificate in pre-theological studies from Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri and a B.A. in History from Furman University. President Richey served as interim President for one year prior to his inauguration and first began serving the University 14 years ago as a Theology Professor. Beyond his academic career, he is an award-winning author for his three-volume biography on Lawrence Welk, “Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century”.
Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration
University of Saint Francis
The Sisters of StFrancis of Perpetual Adoration founded the University in 1890 and continue to sponsor the University as one of their active ministries. Six Sisters currently live on campus and are active in the community serving in many leadership roles. Rooted in their Charisms of Ceaseless Adoration, Sisterly Love, and Franciscan Joy, the Sisters provide a great opportunity to understand the impact of Saint Francis on our journey through Assisi.

Flights

Pilgrims are responsible for booking their own flights to/from the pilgrimage using the information below regarding airports and designated arrival/departure times.

Designated arrival and departure times for land-only pilgrims will be announced ten months prior to the pilgrimage.

Designated arrival and departure times for land-only pilgrims will be announced ten months prior to the pilgrimage.

More Details

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Airport/hotel transfers
  • Verso Pilgrimage Director (included if group is 30+ pilgrims)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Quoted rates may fluctuate based on accommodation selection and availability. Rates also assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims. Final pricing may adjust based any significant changes in currency exchange rates.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims. Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*To qualify for free cancellation within 2 weeks of deposit, deposit must be made 180 days or more prior to departure.

Any cancellation charges incurred from other supplies or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, etc.) will come in addition to the administrative fees listed within this contract. Cancellation fees will be charged per person, per booking. Cancellation fees apply to individual pilgrims who cancel their booking or organizing groups if the original number of pilgrims is reduced and the group size is altered.

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With A Roommate

  1. Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
  2. If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
  3. If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

 

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.
Read More

Should I purchase travel protection?

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.  According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help. Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.
Read More

What is my Pilgrim Portal?

Your Pilgrim Portal is how you will securely share the information we need for your trip. We collect all this information through your “tasks” in your Pilgrim Portal. After booking, you will receive access to your portal and can log in at the link at the top of this page.
Read More

Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

A metaphor of one of the benefits of going on a pilgrimage, a highway comes into sharp focus through a camera lens.

5 Benefits of Going on a Pilgrimage

A journal with pen and flower laid on top.

5 Ways to Pray Before and During your Pilgrimage

A picture of the cieling of St. Peter's Basilica.

Finding the Saints in Rome

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

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