Catholic Art Pilgrimage

Diving Deeper into the Beauty of the Church

October 10 - 17, 2023
Register

About

Experience the fullness of life and the beauty of the Catholic Church on a trip to Rome and Florence. Handcrafted by Elizabeth Zelasko and Verso Ministries, this pilgrimage for artists and art lovers to spend quality time with some of the most powerful works of art throughout western history that belong to our Church. Join Elizabeth for inspiring encounters with Catholic holy sites and the Italy’s finest museums coupled with the best food, wine, and lodging.

Trip Details

Group Type & Size

Open to All (up to 45 pax)

Activity Level

Moderate

Length

8 days, 7 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$5,149

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Professional, licensed tour guide(s)
Catholic Chaplain
Daily Mass
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary, including the Drawing Workshop at the Sacred Art School Firenze
Private transportation on motor coach
2nd class train tickets from Rome - Florence
Standard accommodations
Breakfast daily at hotel, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners
Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
Audio headsets

Itinerary

October 10
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
October 11
Rome
  • Arrive in Rome
  • Panoramic tour of Rome from the bus, then check into hotel
  • Welcome Mass in a local church, followed by Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accomodations: Hotel TwentyOne or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
October 12
Rome
  • Morning Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by tour and free time to explore and pray within the Basilica
  • Afternoon entrance to the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accomodations: Hotel TwentyOne or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 13
Rome, Florence
  • Optional “Ancient Mosaic Making” workshop at Studio Cassio (optional add-on) or walking pilgrimage of the artistic highlights of Roman churches
  • Afternoon transfer to Florence by train
  • Evening wine-tasting and dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Florence
  • Accommodations: Leonardo DaVinci or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 14
Florence
  • Drawing Workshop at the Sacred Art Academy (included in the price)
  • Overnight in Florence
  • Accommodations: Leonardo DaVinci or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast
October 15
Florence
  • Visit the Uffizi Museum, followed by lunch
  • Tour the Academia Gallery and see the “David” statue
  • Overnight in Florence
  • Accommodations: Leonardo DaVinci or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
October 16
Florence
  • Visit the Bargello Museum
  • Afternoon visit to the Boboli Gardens
  • Farewell Mass, followed by dinner in a local restaurant
  • Depart Florence
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 17
Departure
  • Depart Florence (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Register

Led by

Group Leader
Elizabeth Zelasko
Catholic Fine Artist

Elizabeth studied fine art at The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan before attending the Prosopon School of Iconology where she studied traditional Orthodox iconography. She moved to Denver to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, graduating as valedictorian of her class.

Elizabeth works with Catholic publishers and institutions, creating commissioned pieces. She gives talks on the theological aspects and material processes of writing a traditional icon. Elizabeth also creates privately commissioned icons, paintings, and drawings. Her work has been featured on EWTN, FORMED, the National Catholic Register, Denver Catholic, and the Denver Art Museum.

https://www.elizabethzelasko.com/

Pricing

As low as

$5,149

Package Cost (without savings)

$5,349

Trip Savings

Early bird (first 10 pilgrims to register)
Save $200/person

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$745/person
Ancient Mosaic Making Workshop on Day 4
$114/person
Travel protection
Quote available upon request*

“As low as” price includes early bird savings.
Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

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

Rates assume a minimum of 30 full-paying pilgrims.

  • Airfare
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not listed on the itinerary
  • Drinks at meals
  • Recommended travel protection
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: October 11, 2023
    • Arrival time: Between 3:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will need to make their own arrangements from the airport to the hotel. Instructions for transfer and check-in will be provided. If you’d like a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: October 17, 2023
    • Departure time: Anytime on October 17
    • Departure airport: Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will need to make their own arrangements from the hotel to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. If you’d like a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, you may miss out on some of the planned activities.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Standard Accommodations

  • Rome: Hotel TwentyOne or similar
  • Florence: Leonardo da Vinci or similar

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Private transfer between Rome airport to Rome hotel/city center – $188 per transfer (up to 7 pax)
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

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

 

Additional services

  • Half-day tour of Rome
    • Without transportation – $403/group (up to 7 pax)
    • With transportation – $1,138/group (up to 7 pax)
  • Full-day tour of Rome
    • Without transportation – $619/group (up to 7 pax)
    • With transportation – $1,570/group (up to 7 pax)
  • Please note: Tips, meals, and entrance fees are not included in price.
  • Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

There is no extension being offered for the pilgrimage.

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.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of April 2023. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates could affect the final pilgrimage pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • 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

*Free cancellation (if deposit is made more than 180 days prior to departure)

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.

Register

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you are one of the first 20 pilgrims to register you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 180 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 180 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance, register now and begin your journey.

We highly recommend that all pilgrims buy travel protection. Travel protection is not only for peace of mind, but 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. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call the issuing company. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

Have a Question?

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.