God is Full of Life

A Pilgrimage to Italy

March 1 - 10, 2024

About

Join Fr. Aaron Kuhn, Fr. Matthew Kuhn, and Verso Ministries to experience the fullness of life and the beauty of the Catholic Church on a trip to Rome and Assisi. Handcrafted by Verso Ministries, this pilgrimage is designed for inspiring encounters with the Pope and Catholic sites, incredible walks through history, and the best food, wine, and lodging.

Trip Details

Group Type

Area Catholic Community, 30-45 Pilgrims

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Simple

Cost

As low as

$4,986

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Pilgrimage Director (groups of 30+ pilgrims)
Local, licensed tour guide(s)
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Roundtrip airfare
Catholic Chaplain
Daily Mass
Private transportation on motor coach
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Simple accommodations
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 4 dinners including wine
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
Audio headsets

Itinerary

March 1
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights included in the package)
March 2
Rome
  • Arrive Rome and transfer to hotel
  • Welcome Mass in a local church
  • Welcome dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Dinner
March 3
St. Peter's Basilica, Rome Landmarks
  • Morning visit and tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the Noon Angelus with the Holy Father (pending availability)
  • City center tour including the Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps
  • Pasta making class for dinner
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
March 4
The Vatican Museum, Tomb of St. Peter
  •  Visit to the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel
  • Pray at the tomb of St. Peter on the Scavi Tour
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
March 5
Basilicas of Rome, Catacombs
  • Celebrate Mass at St. Sebastian Catacombs
  • Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, then discover the ancient Christian catacombs
  • Visit two of the major basilicas throughout this day as you pray at St. John Lateran and Mary Major
  • Contemplate the passion of Christ as you pray on the Holy Stairs and the Holy Cross in Jerusalem
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
March 6
Ancient Rome
  • Explore Ancient Rome with a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
  • Free time to explore the city on your own in the afternoon
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast
March 7
St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi
  • Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica (pending availability)
  • Free morning to explore on own
  • Afternoon transfer to Assisi
  • Overnight in Assisi
  • Accommodations: Hotel San Pietro or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
March 8
Assisi
  •  Celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis
  • Visit the Basilica of St. Clare, the original San Damiano Crucifix, and the Basilica of St. Mary and the Angels
  • Explore other important churches in the Old City of Assisi
  • Overnight in Assisi
  • Accommodations: Hotel San Pietro or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
March 9
Orvieto, Rome
  • Transfer to Orvieto
  • Visit the site of the Duomo of Orvieto and the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena
  • Then, transfer back to Rome for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
March 10
Departure
  • Depart Rome (flights included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
(extension)March 10
Tuscany, Siena
  • Depart Rome and drive north to Florence and take in coastal views
  • Wine tasting and lunch in Tuscany region
  • Explore Siena with a guided walking tour, including the Basilica of Saint Dominic and Basilica of Saint Francis
  • Transfer to Florence
  • Overnight in Florence
  • Accommodations: Diplomat Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
(extension)March 11
Florence
  • Discover Florence with half-day guided walking tour
  • Tour includes the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower (“the Duomo”), Baptistry of St. John, Giotto’s Campanile, Signoria Square with exterior views of Signoria Palace, Loggia de Lanzi and statues of Renaissance, and a tour of the Accademia Gallery
  • Begin your afternoon with lunch in local restaurant
  • Free afternoon to explore the city on own
  • Overnight in Florence
  • Accommodations: Diplomat Hotel or similar
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
(extension)March 12
Departure
  • Depart Florence (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Led by

ChaplainChaplain
Fr. Aaron Kuhn
Mary, Mother of the Church ACC

Father Kuhn is a priest of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, in Minnesota. Ordained in 2007, he has been a priest for over 15 years and now serves as pastor of eight parishes in the Area Catholic Community of Mary, Mother of the Church (www.MarysACC.org): in Bertha, Bluegrass, Bluffton, Menahga, Motley, Staples, Verndale, and Wadena. 

Father Kuhn has traveled to the Holy Land three times (2006, 2017, 2023), as well as lived in Rome, Italy for four years (2003-2007), has traveled extensively in Europe, the United States, and visited Guatemala and Kenya. He speaks English and Italian, enjoys performing music, cooking, and building cars. His favorite part of ministry is to accompany suffering souls in the process of healing and holiness. 

Fr. Matthew Kuhn
Area Catholic Community

Father Matthew Kuhn is a priest of the Diocese of Saint Cloud for 13 years. For two years, he has been pastor of three parishes that make up the Area Catholic Community of Come to the Water. He loves traveling and has been to much of Europe and the United States. He lived in Rome, Italy for four years of seminary and has been to the Holy Land twice. For fun, he loves cooking, baking, and gaming.

Pricing

As low as

$4,986

Package Cost (without savings)

$5,386

Trip Savings

Early bird savings (first 10 pilgrims to register before July 8)
Save $400/person
Land-only savings
Save $1,250/person

Optional Add-ons

Travel protection
Quote available upon request*
Single room supplement (limited availability)
$690/person
Florence extension (March 10 -12)
$1,621/person
Extension single room supplement (limited availability)
$268/person

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.

  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Group Flight details

  • March 1, 2024

    • KLM Flight KL656 departs Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) at 9:20 PM, arrives Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) at 12:10 PM on March 2
    • KLM Flight KL1607 departs Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) 4:55 PM, arrives Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) 7:10 PM on March 2
  • March 10, 2024
    • KLM Flight KL1596 departs Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) at 6:10 AM, arrives Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) 8:45 AM
    • Delta FLight DL161 departs Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) 10:35 AM, Arrives Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) 1:25 PM

 

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: March 2, 2024
    • Arrival time: Arrive by 7:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in one group from the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the hotel.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: March 10, 2024
    • Departure time: Depart at or after 6:00 a.m.
    • Departure airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in one group from the hotel to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.
  • Extension departure information
    • If you have elected to add on the Extension package, you will need to arrange your own flights. Please arrange your departing flight plan according to the following information.
      • Depart on: March 12, 2024
      • Departure time: Depart at or after 11:00 a.m.
      • Departure airport: Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)
      • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in one group from the hotel to Florence Airport, Peretola.

 

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.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

Simple Accommodations

  • Rome: Hotel Ergife or similar
  • Assisi: Hotel San Pietro or similar
  • Florence: Diplomat Hotel or similar

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times at the Rome airport, 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? 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

Florence Extension
March 10 -12, 2024 (3 days / 2 nights)

Price: $1,621/person in double occupancy room
Rates assume a minimum of 4 full-paying pilgrims; pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms.

Single room supplement: $268/person
The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Standard Accommodations: 
Florence: Hotel Diplomat or similar

 

Extension includes:

  • Professional English-speaking local guides in Siena and Florence
  • Private transportation on motor coach or van
  • All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary, including wine tasting
  • Standard accommodations
  • Breakfast and lunch daily

Extension does not include:

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling and all dinners
  • Drinks at meals
  • Gratuities for guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

 

Curious how this extension will affect your flight arrangements?

  • Please see the Flight Information section above for more information about flight arrangements.

Need to get around? Private transfers

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

Staying late? Post-stay options

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. Prices are based on the current exchange rate (as of May 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.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering early guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but you don’t want to miss out on available discounts, including the early bird savings (see “Trip Savings” in the Pricing section above more details). 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 180s 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?

×
×

Cart

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.