Trip Overview

Join St. Mary Church on a pilgrimage to Italy and Poland with Fr. Corey Piccinino and experience the beauty of the Catholic faith in Rome, Assisi, and Krakow. 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. In Poland, pray at the Basilica of Divine Mercy and visit Wadowice, the hometown of St. John Paul II. 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 English-speaking tour escort accompanying the group
  • Local, licensed tour guide(s)
  • Estimated $250/person for internal flights between Rome and Krakow (not included if Italy-only package is chosen)
  • Transportation on private motorcoach (not included on Days 3, 6, 8)
  • 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
  • Tickets for included activities
  • Audio headset for each pilgrim
  • Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
  • Preparation and follow-up materials
  • Pack & Prep Meeting for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations

Itinerary

May 10, 2027
  • Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Rome
May 11, 2027
  • Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport – Transfer to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
  • Celebrate an Opening Mass and pray at the tomb of St. Paul
  • Transfer to the hotel to check-in and freshen up
  • Welcome Dinner at local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Meals included: Breakfast

May 12, 2027
  • Papal Audience (pending the Holy Father’s schedule)
  • Time for lunch
  • Entrance to the Colosseum and Roman Forum (no tour)
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Meals included: Breakfast

May 13, 2027
  • 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
  • Time for lunch
  • Late afternoon entrance and tour of the Vatican Museums, home of the Sistine Chapel
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

May 14, 2027
  • Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest basilica in the West and cathedral of the Diocese of Rome
  • Across the street, pray on the Holy Stairs that Christ climbed on his way to his trial in the palace of Pontius Pilate, brought to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena
  • Venerate the Passion relics at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
  • Time for lunch
  • Transfer to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the oldest Marian shrine in the West, containing a relic of the Bethlehem manger and the tomb of Pope Francis
  • Free time to explore the sites of city center, with dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Meals included: Breakfast

May 15, 2027
  • Free day in Rome
    • Consider taking the train to Florence
  • Overnight in Rome

Accommodations: Hotel Della Conciliazione
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

May 16, 2027
  • Transfer to Assisi
  • Celebrate Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli and see the Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded the Franciscans and where he died
  • Time to explore the Old City of Assisi, including the Basilica of St. Francis and Basilica of St. Clare, where the San Damiano Crucifix is held along with the tomb of St. Clare
  • Dinner at the hotel
  • Overnight in Assisi

Accommodations: Asisium Boutique Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

May 17, 2027
  • Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, where St. Francis is buried and decorated with murals by Giotto
  • Free day in Assisi to experience the peaceful medieval town and visit Santa Maria Maggiore and the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, San Damiano Monastery, the Cathedral of San Rufino, Chiesa Nuova, or the fortress of Rocca Maggiore
  • Overnight in Assisi

Accommodations: Asisium Boutique Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

May 18, 2027
  • Free morning in Assisi, with a closing Mass at one of the Basilicas
  • Transfer back to Rome for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome near the airport

Accommodations: Hotel Isola Sacra or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

pilgrims enjoy a beautiful sunset in Assisi and pose for pictures
May 19, 2027
  • Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport and fly home

Meals included: Breakfast

Extensions

May 19, 2027
  • Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport and fly to Krakow
  • Celebrate Mass in Krakow
  • Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Krakow

Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

May 20, 2027
  • Celebrate Mass at a local church
  • Begin your tour of Krakow at Wawel Hill outside the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic castle and former royal residence which served as the home of Polish kings from the 11th-17th centuries (exterior view only)
  • Continue to Wawel Cathedral, Krakow’s most historic and important Catholic Church – site of royal coronations and burials which includes the tombs of several former kings of Poland, national heroes, and St. Stanislaus Poland’s patron saint
  • Visit the Market Square, one of Europe’s largest and oldest medieval town squares, a centrepiece of Polish history, culture, and daily life
  • Pray at Mariacki Church, the Basilica of St. Mary, famous for its breathtaking wooden Viet Stoss altarpiece, and listen to the call of the trumpeter from the church’s tower
  • Free time for lunch
  • Finish the afternoon at the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will descend into the fascinating underground world with centuries-old chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved from salt
  • Dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Krakow

Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s
Meals included: Breakfast

May 21, 2027
  • Transfer to Oswiecim to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp where St. Teresa Benedicta and St. Maximillian Kolbe were killed
  • Tour the camp and visit the Martyrdom Museum
  • Time for lunch
  • Transfer to Lagiewniki
  • Mass at the Basilica of the Divine Mercy
  • Visit the convent and Chapel of the Apparitions and see the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska
  • Visit the “Have No Fear” St. John Paul II Center and pray in the Sanctuary, where there are his relics
  • Transfer to Krakow
  • Free evening to enjoy dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Krakow

Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s
Meals included: Breakfast

May 22, 2027
  • Transfer to Wadowice, the hometown of St John Paul II
  • Visit the childhood home of St. John Paul II and the church where he was baptized
  • Mass at the Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • Lunch at a local restaurant, including a taste of kremówka papieska, the “pope’s cake,” a cream cake that was a favorite of St. John Paul II
  • Return to Krakow
  • Free time for a last bit of exploring of Krakow on your own
  • Return to Krakow for a dinner at a local restaurant with a folk show
  • Overnight in Krakow

Accommodations: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

May 23, 2027
  • Transfer to Krakow Airport and depart on your journey home

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Standard Accommodations

  • Rome: Hotel Della Conciliazione or similar
  • Assisi: Asisium Boutique Hotel or similar
  • Ostia: Hotel Isola Sacra or similar

Extension:

  • Krakow: Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s or similar

Please Note: Pilgrims should reference their Pack & Prep Handout, distributed approximately one month prior to departure, for finalized accommodation details.

Pricing

Package Cost
$7,449

Trip Savings

Italy-only Savings (time in Poland Days 10-14 not included)
Save $2,999 / person

Optional Add-ons

Group Flight (only for pilgrims traveling to both Italy and Poland)
$1,183 / person
Single room supplement (Italy and Poland)
$2,185 / person
Single room supplement (Italy only)
$1,440 / 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.

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

Group Leader/Chaplain
Fr. Corey Piccinino
Bethel, CT
Ordained forty years ago, Father Corey Piccinino is known for his good-humored spirit, genuine compassion, and homilies that leave parishioners inspired, smiling, and on time for their coffee date. What may not be as well known is that he wields a passport full of stamps and a heart full of stories of his favorite place on earth. Father Corey has spent years traveling to Italy in retreat and for fun. His love of the ancient churches and sacred pilgrimage sites throughout the land radiates when asked to share his experiences. He has a gift for finding life’s holy moments in everyday experiences, often sharing humorous travel mishaps, cultural adventures, and personal reflections that remind people faith doesn’t have to be solemn to be meaningful. Come share in a pilgrimage that will help shape your faith (and social!) life too, as Father Corey guides us on a trip of a lifetime.

Flights

There is an optional group flight available for this pilgrimage. Pilgrims can also book their own flights to/from the pilgrimage on their own using the information below regarding airports and designated arrival/departure times.

Arrival Flight Information - May 10-May 11, 2027

  • Delta Airlines 230:
    • Departs from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) at 7:30 pm
    • Arrives in Rome Fiumicino (FCO) at 10:10 am

Departure Flight Information - May 23, 2027

  • KLM Airlines 1324:
    • Departs from Krakow Airport (KRK) at 11:50 am
    • Arrives in Amsterdam Airport (AMS) at 1:50 pm
  • KLM Airlines 643 :
    • Departs from Amsterdam Airport (AMS) at 5:05 pm
    • Arrives in John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) at 7:05 pm

Transfer Information

  • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transported together to the hotel in Rome upon arrival.
  • Pilgrims on the group flight will be transported together from the hotel in Krakow to the airport.

Arrival Flight Information:

  • Arrival Date: May 11, 2027
  • Arrival Time: At or before 10:10 am (group flight arrival time)
  • Arrival Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

Departure Flight Information (if only partaking in Italy portion)

  • Departure Date: May 19, 2027
  • Departure Time: Any time
  • Departure Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO)

Departure Flight Information (if joining Poland extension)

  • Departure Date: May 23, 2027
  • Departure Time: Any time
  • Departure Airport: Krakow Airport (KRK)

Transfer information

  • Airport/hotel transfers are not included for pilgrims booking their own flights, however if your arrival/departure time coincides with the group flight you are more than welcome to join the group transfer. If you arrive before the group flight, you are welcome to wait for the group to arrive.

More Details

The following are not included in the core package:

  • Roundtrip group flight with airport transfers (unless group flight package is selected)
  • 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.

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.
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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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