Joan Watson St. Catherine of Siena Retreat and Pilgrimage Italy – October 2027

Pilgrimage to Italy

Trip Date:

Oct 1, 2027

- Oct 11, 2027

Group Type

Open

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

From $4,998

Deposit $500

Hosted by

Joan Watson

or call us at (574) 383-9396

Trip Overview

What would it look like to follow St. Catherine of Siena beyond the pages of a book — and into the places that shaped her life, her faith, and her extraordinary love? This retreat-pilgrimage to Siena and Rome has been intentionally designed around the life and mission of St. Catherine. We will walk in her footsteps, visiting the places where she was born, prayed, served the poor and sick, encountered Christ, and discerned her particular call to love and serve the Church. Throughout the journey, we will encounter the Church she loved and prayed for—and consider how we
can become, in our own lives, people with that same courageous charity.

Come walk where Catherine walked. Pray where she prayed. And discover how her radical charity might change the way you love the Church today.

What’s Included?

Verso Pilgrimage Director
Professional English-speaking tour escort
Transportation on private motorcoach on Days 4, 6, 8, 9
Opportunity for daily Mass
Accommodations in double-occupancy rooms (single rooms available on a limited basis)
Meals as indicated on itinerary
Tickets for included activities
Audio headset for each pilgrim
Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
Preparation and follow-up materials
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
Pack & Prep Meeting for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations
"Coached by Catherine of Siena: Lessons in Charity" book by Joan Watson

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Rome

October 1, 2027

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Rome

Day 2: Arrive in Rome

October 2, 2027

Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport and transfer to the accommodations
At 2:00pm, enjoy an Opening Talk and Introductions, led by Joan Watson at the hotel
Check in at hotel around 3:00pm
Transfer to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva at 3:30pm
Celebrate an Opening Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the Basilica housing the tomb of St. Catherine. Take time after Mass to visit the small chapel located in Santa Maria’s sacristy containing the walls of the room St. Catherine died in
Walk to Palazzo Santa Chiara, where St. Catherine lived and died in Rome
Embark on a Pilgrimage Walk to St. Peter’s, reminiscent of the daily pilgrimage St. Catherine made, as she prayed for the unity and reform of the Church during the Western Schism
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione

Meals included: Dinner

Day 3: Angelus, Monte Mario, Trastevere

October 3, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Free morning to rest or explore the city
Visit St. Peter’s Square to pray the Angelus with the Pope
Time for lunch on your own
Transfer to Chiesa della Madonna del Rosario to celebrate Mass. Take time after to venerate the Maria Advocata, thought to be the oldest extant image of Mary in Rome, and the left hand of St. Catherine
Transfer to Trastevere
Visit the Church of Santa Cecilia, built on the 3rd-century site of St. Cecilia’s home and containing her remains under the high altar
Visit the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome and used as the official papal residence when the Pope returned to Rome from Avignon in 1377, before the eventual relocation to the Vatican
Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant
Transfer back to hotel
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: St. Peter's Basilica

October 4, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Celebrate morning Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Enjoy a free morning to explore the Vatican
- Suggestions include visiting the Vatican Museums, climbing the Cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation inside the Basilica, or shopping in the neighborhoods around the Vatican
Time for lunch on your own
Meet back at St. Peter’s Basilica for a 2:30pm tour with a seminarian from the North American College
Enjoy a free evening in Rome, with the opportunity to explore and get dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: St. John Lateran

October 5, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and home to a relic of the table used during the Last Supper
Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, taking time to venerate relics from the Passion of Christ, including a piece of the True Cross, one of the Holy Nails, and a portion of the Crown of Thorns
Prayerfully climb the Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs that Jesus climbed up to Pontius Pilate’s palace during His Passion
Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant
Depending on time, visit the Basilica of San Clemente and its excavations, as the Basilica is made up of three layers: a 12th century Basilica, built upon a 4th century church, built upon 1st century Roman buildings
Celebrate Mass at Santa Francesca Romana, which contains the tomb of Pope Gregory XI, who returned the papacy to Rome from Avignon after encouragement from St. Catherine
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Papal Audience

October 6, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square
Following the Audience, enjoy a bit of free time, including lunch on your own
Meet at the Church of St. Catherine of Siena on Via Giulia and celebrate Mass. This Church acts as the national church and spiritual home for the Sienese community living in Rome.
Enjoy an optional walking tour of the city center, ending at Santa Maria sopra Minerva for the chance for more prayer and reflection
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Transfer to Siena

October 7, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a free morning in Rome, taking time to explore or revisit your favorite sites
Lunch on your own
Meet back at the hotel and transfer to Siena
Arrive in Siena and check into your hotel
Celebrate Mass at a local church
Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Siena

Accommodations: NH Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Siena, Retreat Day

October 8, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Enjoy a talk by Joan, preparing for a day of intentional contemplation and prayer
Celebrate Mass and venerate the relics of St. Catherine at the Basilica of San Domenico
After Mass, enjoy free time and lunch on your own
Meet back up in the afternoon for a walking tour of Siena
Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Siena

Accommodations: NH Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Siena, Retreat Day

October 9, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Celebrate Mass at the House of St. Catherine, pending availability
Gather for a talk by Joan at the hotel
Following the talk, enter into a time of retreat, using the free morning to pray, reflect, and explore Siena
Time for lunch on your own
Continue with a free afternoon to allow for deeper prayer, reflection, and contemplation
Dinner on your own
Overnight in Siena

Accommodations: NH Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Final Day in Siena

October 10, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of San Francesco, home to a Eucharistic Miracle. In 1730, thieves stole a silver ciborium containing 351 consecrated hosts. The sacred hosts were discovered three days later and, after being returned to the church, have remained pristine and intact since.
Enjoy a group lunch at a local winery
Transfer to Rome, near the airport
Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Ostia/Fiumicino

Accommodations: Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Depart Italy

October 11, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the airport and depart on your journey home

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Standard Accommodations

Rome: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Siena: Hotel NH
Ostia: Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare or similar

Hotel Della Conciliazione

Smy Aran Blu Roma Mare or similar

Pricing

Package Cost

$4,998

Trip Savings

Optional Add-ons

Single Room Supplement (limited availability)

$1,403/person

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.

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

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

Led by

Group Leader

Joan Watson

South Bend, IN

Joan fell in love with the Church while studying in Rome and has been committed to sharing those graces ever since. Witnessing the funeral of Pope St. John Paul and the election of Pope Benedict instilled in Joan the passion to evangelize, especially through pilgrimage. With degrees in history and theology from Christendom College and Franciscan University of Steubenville, Joan has worked for the Church and various religious apostolates for seventeen years. She is also a Catholic speaker, writer, and podcaster and loves introducing people to the things she loves. She and her husband live in South Bend, Indiana.

Flights

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

Flight information forthcoming.

More Details

What's Not Included

Roundtrip airfare
Airport/hotel transfers
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 and Cancellation Policy

Payment Schedule

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
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 September 2025. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final 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 of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Individual pilgrims should cancel with their group leaders, who are then responsible for notifying Verso Ministries in writing (email or letter). 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*
14 days after deposit & 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.

Additional Information

Want help arranging your flights?

Need assistance? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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Why should I travel with Verso Ministries?

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 that everything – from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims – shape the ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, but it’s how you prepare – from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. We shepherd you through the entire process so you can achieve the most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts; we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

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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.

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Why should I register now?

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Pilgrimages can fill up quickly, especially if pilgrims decide to bulk register as a group, so registering as soon as you think you will be able to travel with us guarantees you a spot on open pilgrimages. If you register and find out you can no longer attend, as long as you registered more than 180 days prior to the departure and cancel within 14-days of registering, we will fully refund your deposit. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest.

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Resources

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

What is a Catholic Pilgrimage?

What are the 4 Major Basilicas?

How to Prepare for Your Trip to Rome

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

“Verso provided a safe, quality travel experience, but even more important – a transformative pilgrimage. You are making a solid choice when traveling with Verso and will not regret the decision.”

Rev. Jonathan Meyer

Pastor, All Saints Parish

“It was the experience of a lifetime. This pilgrimage gave us a true glimpse of what it would be like to walk with Jesus in the Holy Land. Celebrating Mass, traveling with superb guides, and reflecting on Biblical passages enriched our love of the Holy Land and deepened our faith.”

Deacon John & Ada H.

Pilgrims, Holy Land

“Who doesn’t love a trip that’s already perfectly planned for you? You don’t have to do much except come and experience the trip. I’m really grateful for Verso because they know what they’re doing.”

McKenzy S.

Pilgrim, World Youth Day

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