Prep & Plan Trip

Preparation for World Youth Day - March 2023

March 27 - April 1, 2023

About

We’ll explore Lisbon and Fatima, meet with the local WYD planning committee, and plan out all of the details for groups traveling to World Youth Day 2023. In addition to familiarizing yourself with local hotels and restaurants, you’ll get a better idea of what it will be like to work and travel with Verso Ministries.

Trip Details

Group Type & Size

Private trip for WYD Group Leaders, Minimum 10 Pilgrims

Length

6 days, 5 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$999

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Verso Ministries staff to accompany the group
Local tour guide
Meeting with WYD local committee (pending availability)
Standard accommodations
One or two meals each day while in Portugal, including Farewell Dinner
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Private transportation

Itinerary

March 27
Depart U.S.
  • Depart U.S. (flights not included in the package)
March 28
Lisbon
  • Arrive to Lisbon and enjoy a panoramic city tour
  • Welcome Meeting
  • Overnight in Lisbon
  • Accommodations: Centrally located 3-star hotel
  • Meals included: Dinner
March 29
Lisbon, Santarem, Batlaha, Alcobaça, Fatima
  • Meet with local WYD organizers, then scope out possible WYD event locations (pending)
  • Review accommodation options
  • Transfer to Fatima
  • Enroute visits to Santarem, Batlaha, and/or Alcobaça (time permitting)
  • Overnight in Fatima
  • Accommodations: Centrally located 3-star hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
March 30
Fatima, Sintra/Obidos, Lisbon
  • Explore the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, including Aljustrel and Valinhos
  • Visit Sintra or Obidos (time permitting) on the way back to Lisbon
  • Overnight in Lisbon
  • Accommodations: Centrally located 3-star hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast
March 31
Lisbon
  • Continue reviewing accommodation options or take some free time to explore the neighborhoods of Lisbon
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Overnight in Lisbon
  • Accommodations: Centrally located 3-star hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
April 1
Departure
  • Depart Lisbon for U.S.
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

As low as

$999

Package Cost (without savings)

Optional

Single room supplement (limited availability)
$299/person
Travel protection
Quotes provided upon registration*

Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms. Final pricing may adjust based on any significant changes in currency exchange rates.

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 10 full-paying pilgrims.

 

WYD Prep and Plan Trip is FREE* for group leaders who bring 40 or more full-paying pilgrims to WYD!
Group leaders who bring a group of 40 pilgrims or more to WYD 2023 will receive an invoice credit for one WYD Prep and Plan Trip registration fee ($999 value), plus up to $1,000 in airfare reimbursement. In order to receive airfare reimbursement, receipts for airfare costs must be submitted to Verso Ministries.

  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Meals while traveling and any meals not mentioned on itinerary
  • Drinks at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), and meals
  • Travel protection
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Arranging your own flights?
Designated arrival and departures times

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: March 28, 2023
    • Arrival time: By 12 p.m.
    • Arrival airport: Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
    • Arrival transfer: Group leaders will be transferred by arrival time from the airport to the Lisbon hotel.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: April 1, 2023
    • Departure time: Anytime on April 1
    • Departure airport: Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)
    • Departure transfer: Group leaders will be transferred by departure time from the Lisbon hotel to the airport.

 

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.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Standard Accommodations

  • Lisbon: Centrally located 3-Star hotel
  • Fatima: Centrally located 3-Star hotel

 

Need to get around? Private transfers

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times at the Lisbon 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

There is no extension planned for this trip.

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 7 days after registration – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Balance payments must be made via check. Please make checks payable to “Verso Ministries, LLC” and include the Booking # listed at the top of the invoice in the memo line. Please mail check payments to Verso Ministries, P.O. Box 986, Notre Dame, IN, 46556.

Final package price is estimated. Prices are based on the exchange rate as of December 2021. 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.

  • After deposit: Deposit is retained
  • After December 31, 2022: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, WYD registration, 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

Group leaders who bring a group of 40 pilgrims or more to WYD 2023 will receive an invoice credit for one WYD Prep and Plan Trip registration fee ($999 value), plus up to $1,000 in airfare reimbursement. In order to receive airfare reimbursement, receipts for airfare costs must be submitted to Verso Ministries.

All participants on the WYD Prep and Plan Trips will be required to pay the $999 registration fee in order to participate. Group leaders eligible for reimbursement will receive an invoice credit for the registration fee ($999) and airfare reimbursement (up to $1,000) on their group’s final invoice.

Absolutely! Anyone planning to work with Verso Ministries for WYD is able to participate, whether you bring 1 pilgrim or 1,000 pilgrims. Group leaders who bring groups smaller than 40 pilgrims are welcome to join one or more of the WYD Prep and Plan Trips but will not receive reimbursement.

Group leaders are welcome to attend more than one Prep and Plan Trip but are eligible for only one reimbursement.

Yes, each group can bring up to three representatives on any WYD Prep and Plan Trip. Additional group leaders are welcome to attend, but eligible groups will only receive one reimbursement.

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.

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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.