God is Full of Life

A Pilgrimage to Italy

January 29 - February 7, 2024
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About

Join Fr. Eric Augenstein and Nativity Catholic Church on a pilgrimage to Rome, Greccio, & Assisi to experience the fullness of life and the beauty of the Catholic Church. Handcrafted to celebrate Nativity’s 75th anniversary, this pilgrimage is designed for inspiring encounters with our Catholic heritage, incredible walks through history, the best food, wine, and lodging, and a special visit to Greccio, site of the very first nativity scene that St. Francis of Assisi created to celebrate Christmas in 1223, exactly 800 years ago.

Trip Details

Group Type

Open to all, 15-45 pilgrims

Activity Level

Moderate

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Verso Pilgrimage Director (groups of 30+ get a dedicated director)
Verso pilgrimage booklets & pilgrim kits
Catholic Chaplain
Daily Mass
Group transfers to/from the airport on Days 2 and 10
Private transportation on motor coach on Days 5, 7, and 9
Local, licensed tour guide(s) on Days 7, 8, and 9
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Standard accommodations
Breakfast daily at hotel, 3 lunches, 5 dinners (including wine at opening & closing dinners)
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals
Audio headsets

Itinerary

January 29
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
January 30
Arrive in Rome (D)
  • Arrive Rome and transfer to hotel
  • Welcome Mass and tour at the Basilica of San Clemente, where one can traverse the layers of Ancient Rome’s history and architecture.
  • Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Dinner
January 31
Rome Landmarks (B, D)
  • Explore the highlights of Rome – Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and  more – with Fr. Eric as your guide, 
  • Mass at local church
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
February 1
The Vatican Museums, Tomb of St. Peter (B, D)
  • Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica 
  • Discover the Vatican Museums on exclusive early morning guided tour
  • Pray at the tomb of St. Peter on the Scavi Tour (pending availability)
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
February 2
Free Day, Candlemas Mass (B)
  • Delve into the history and culture of the Eternal City and Roman Empire with exploration, prayer, and shopping
  • Celebrate Candlemas Mass with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s Square
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Breakfast
February 3
Major Basilicas of Rome, Basilica of the Holy Cross (B, L)
  • Celebrate Mass at Saint Paul Outside the Walls
  • Journey to Saint Mary Major Basilica, featuring the relics of the wood from the manger
  • After lunch, visit Saint John Lateran Basilica, the Cathedral of Rome
  • Pray with the Passion Relics at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and on the “Holy Stairs” – the stairs which Christ climbed on trial to Pilot
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
February 4
Greccio Nativity (B, L, D)
  • Depart Rome, transfer to Greccio
  • Mass at the Sanctuary of Greccio home to the first known Nativity Scene
  • Explore Greccio, with lunch at a local restaurant and time to go to the International Nativity Scene Museum featuring scenes from around the world
  • Afternoon transfer to Assisi
  • Overnight in Assisi
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
February 5
Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare (B, L)
  • All day tour of Assisi, including Mass and visits to the Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare, the original San Damiano Crucifix, and the Basilica of St. Mary and the Angels, and the Porziuncola
  • Overnight in Assisi
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
February 6
Orvieto, Rome (B, D)
  • Transfer back to Rome
  • En-route visit Orvieto with Mass at the Basilica and pray at the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena
  • Farewell Dinner in local restaurant in Rome
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
February 7
Departure (B)
  • Depart Rome (flights not included in the package)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Register

Led by

Chaplain & Group Leader
Fr. Eric Augenstein
Indianapolis, IN

Father Eric Augenstein, “Fr. Eric,” currently shepherds the community of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis as pastor, and is also Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, a role he has held since 2013. A seasoned pilgrimage chaplain, he has accompanied groups to Oberammergau, Italy, Greece, the Holy Land, Poland, and three World Youth Days (Rio de Janeiro, Krakow, and Panama City).

Fr. Eric was ordained a priest in 2004 and previously served as Associate Pastor of the Richmond Catholic Community and Chaplain of Seton Catholic High School, Richmond, IN (2004-2007), Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, New Albany, IN (2007-2013), Chaplain of Our Lady of Providence High School, Clarksville, IN (2011-2013), and Sacramental Minister of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Nashville, IN (2013-2019).

Pricing

As low as

Package Cost

$4,128

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$712/person
Travel protection
Price calculated during 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 price is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Rates assume a minimum of 15 full-paying pilgrims.

All pilgrims previously registered for the Nativity Holy Land Pilgrimage in January/February 2024 should contact hello@versoministries.com to transfer their booking to the new destination.

  • Roundtrip airfare (optional add-on)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling, as well as those not listed on the itinerary
  • Drinks at meals, other wine at opening & closing dinners
  • Recommended travel protection (optional add-on)
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: January 30, 2024
    • Arrival time: Arrive by 12:00 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the hotel in one group.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: February 7, 2023
    • Departure time: Depart at or after 11:00 a.m.
    • Departure airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one group at 7:00 a.m.

Want help arranging your flights?

Standard Accommodations

  • Rome: Hotel Michelangelo or similar
  • Assisi: Hotel Giotto 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.

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 November 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 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?

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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.