Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy

A Journey with UMBC Catholic Retrievers

May 24 - June 1, 2025
Register
Payment

About

Join UMBC Catholic Retrievers and Verso Ministries on a pilgrimage to Italy and be transformed by the beauty and universality of the Catholic Church during this historic Holy Year. This handcrafted journey invites you into a prayerful, authentic, and joyful encounter with the centuries-old practice of Jubilee pilgrimages. Explore Rome’s major basilicas and churches, enter through the Holy Doors, and grow in fellowship with other pilgrims as you discover Rome and Assisi.

Trip Details

Group Type

Private, Hosted by UMBC Catholic Retrievers

Activity Level

Moderate

Length

9 days, 8 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$2,398

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Pilgrimage director, supplemented by local guides
Verso Jubilee formation resources
Catholic Chaplain
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Standard accommodations
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Audio headsets

Itinerary

May 24
Depart for Rome
  • Depart the U.S. and begin your pilgrimage journey
May 25
Arrival to Rome
  • Arrive Rome, meet up at the accommodations (hotel transfer not included)
  • Mass at Mary Major, then welcome dinner in local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Dinner
May 26
Day at the Vatican
  • Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed opportunity to walk through the Holy Door (pending availability), tour of the church, and free time for personal devotions
  • Afternoon entrance to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
  • Overnight Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast
May 27
Ancient Rome
  • Morning Ancient Rome tour of the Coliseum and Roman Forum
  • Afternoon visits to the Basilica of the Holy Cross, St. John Lateran (including Mass), & the Holy Stairs
  • Evening to explore the city center highlights (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, etc. – self-guided)
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast
May 28
Papal Audience and Catacombs
  • Morning Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square (pending Holy Father’s schedule)
  • Afternoon Mass in the catacombs at St. Callixtus
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast
May 29
Assisi
  • Day trip to Assisi including tour and Mass
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast
May 30
City Center Churches
  • Free day to explore the city center churches, including Mass
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast
May 31
St. Paul's, Free Day
  • Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, followed by free time to explore the city
  • Farewell dinner in a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Rome
  • Accommodations: Hotel Pace Helvezia
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
June 1
Departure
  • Transfer to Rome airport and depart for the U.S. (transportation not included)
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Register

Pricing

As low as

$2,398

Package Cost

$2,398

Optional Add-ons

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$522 /person
Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide, meals, transportation, & hotels
$TBD /person
Travel protection
Quote available upon 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.

  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals (optional add-on)
  • Airport transfers
  • 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

UMBC Catholic Retrievers will be purchasing a group flight.  If you choose not to participate in our group flight, please indicate in the registration form and let Fr. Matt know ASAP at mhimes1@umbc.edu.

Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: May 25, 2025
    • Arrival time: Arrive by 12:00 P.M.
    • Arrival airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Arrival transfer: Transfer to the hotel via taxi or public transit.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: June 1, 2025
    • Departure time: Depart any time on June 1
    • Departure airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
    • Departure transfer: Transfer to the airport via taxi or public transit.

Want help arranging your flights or transfers?

Learn more information about the Jubilee Year and why Jubilee pilgrimage is important in the life of the Church.

Standard Accommodations

  • Rome: Hotel Pace Helvezia

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Please note: Airport transfers 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

There is no extension being offered for this pilgrimage.

UMBC Catholic Retrievers will administer registration and submit payments to Verso Ministries on behalf of pilgrims.

Rather than each individual booking his or her own flight, Fr. Matt will book a group flight; the breakdown of the cost will be shared on or around October 1, 2024.  A deposit is required to solidify your spot. We anticipate the overall cost will be around $3,100 (it will hopefully be cheaper with overall fundraising) which projects the following timeline:

Initial Deposit of $500 (through payment link): October 1, 2024

Second deposit of $600 (through payment link): December 1, 2024
Third deposit of $600 (through payment link): January 1, 2025
Fourth deposit of $700 (through payment link): February 1, 2025
Final deposit of $700 (through payment link): March 1, 2025
MAKING YOUR PAYMENTS:
Each month, you may deposit an amount that exceeds the minimum payment due if you so desire; you must talk with Fr. Matt if you will depositing less than the minimum payment due.
 
Final payment is due by MARCH 1, 2025.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of June 2024. 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 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). Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and are 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

*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 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

Click here to learn more about the Jubilee Year and why Jubilee pilgrimages are important in the life of the Church. Additionally, check out our Pilgrim Support Center for answers to more frequently asked questions!

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?

Facebook Instagram Youtube

Destinations

About

Info

Contact

© 2023, all rights reserved. Site designed by Ashley Paul Swanson
×
×

Cart

Holy Land
The Camino
Italy
France
Jubilee
World Youth Day
Resource Library
All Departures
Search

Featured Trip

Jubilee of Deacons

February 18 - 24, 2025

Learn More

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.

Attend our next Webinar!

Sign up to recieve information about upcoming and on-demand webinars.