Italy: Journey Towards the Face of Christ 2022

      Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

      It
      26 reviews
      May 28 - Jun 7, 2022
      Group size: 2 - 3
      Italy: Journey Towards the Face of Christ 2022
      Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

      26 reviews

      May 28 - Jun 7, 2022
      Group size: 2 - 3

      About this trip

      As we pilgrimage along the spiritual byways of Italy, sometimes over time-worn cobblestones in the city, and sometimes over highways through the beautiful countryside, we will encounter truly unique places and people that are today's living expressions of our 2,000-year-old faith.


      From the ancient rooms where St. Peter lived for seven years, to the bishop's residence in Assisi; from the treasure trove of art and faith at the Vatican Museum, to the Benedictine monastery of Norcia; we will encounter some of the "living stones" of our Church, as we journey toward the Face of Christ -- both spiritually and physically, in the form of the miraculous Face of Manoppello.


      Because of our work for Inside the Vatican magazine over these 35-plus years, we have formed relationships with many people over that time, allowing us rare access to locations and people that an ordinary "tourist" would never see, including:

      - The bishops of Loreto and Assisi, if they are available, and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager who died at 15 after cataloguing the world's Eucharistic miracles.

      - The column on which St. Paul was beheaded (microscopic analysis found flecks of blood on the column) is made available by our friend, the gatekeeper for veneration.

      - The church built over the home of St. Pudens who is mentioned in the Bible by St. Paul.  This home served as the first papal residence, where St. Peter lived for seven years.  Access to the oldest parts of this building, dating to the first century, is provided by another one of our gatekeeper-friends.

      - Sr. Emmanuela, another friend, the nun who wrote the guidebook for the outstanding "Faith and Art" tour at the Vatican museum, will lead us on our own private tour.

      - Our friend, Father Cassian Folsom, the modern re-founder and prior emeritus of the Benedictine community in Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict.


      And of course, a major highlight of our pilgrimage will be our awe-inspiring visit to the shrine where the mysterious image of the face of a Man - many believe he is the Man of Sorrows - appears on a piece of cloth, the Shrine of the Holy Face in Manoppello.

      Why Choose ITV Pilgrimages?

      With almost 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. 

      Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages! 

      Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages,  or a Classic Pilgrimage with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience, an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

      What is a Classic Pilgrimage?

      This pilgrimage is part of our boutique line of Classic Pilgrimages – carefully budgeted for pilgrims so that they can experience the unique qualities of Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages at our most affordable price, without sacrificing Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages integrity and style.  This Classic Pilgrimage is limited to 33 pilgrims. 


      Please note: We have scheduled plenty of free time to allow pilgrims to rest or explore the different cities we visit during this pilgrimage at their leisure. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass. As a note, we prefer to schedule Mass in the morning, but there is a possibility that Mass times can fluctuate due to circumstances and Vatican events. The Mass schedule will be finalized as we approach the departure date. 

      Terms and Conditions

      Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, Inside the Vatican, Inc., its employees, shareholders, officers and directors are collectively referred to herein as “ITVP.” 


      Household: ITVP defines household as those participants who dwell under the same roof and have the same address for at least 6 months per year. 

      Rates and Payments: Rates are based on applicable rates as of January 2022 and could change due to fluctuation in currency exchange rates or failure to have a minimum number of 15 pilgrims. If they change, we will invoice participants accordingly. 

      Land Package: $2,865.00 per participant. Does not include airfare.

      1st Payment: $500.00 non-refundable deposit – Due at time of booking. 

      2nd Payment: Balance due March 28, 2022, 60 days from departure. 

      Single Supplement fee: $600.00 for single occupancy room, if applicable. Due with 2nd payment. 

      Early Booking Discount: $100.00 discount – register by February 28, 2022.

      Fees: Applicable credit card fees are to be paid by the participant. These fees will be added to your invoice.

      Reservations and Payment Schedule: A $500.00 per participant, non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Balance is due 60 days prior to departure. If your reservation is received less than 60 days prior to departure, then full payment is due at the time of booking. Receipt of your non-refundable deposit shall act as your agreement to and understanding of these terms and conditions. Fax, internet, e-mail or phone reservations are welcome. The non-refundable deposit and/or payment in full must be received within 7 days of booking or reservation will cancel. 

      Disputes: A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by ITVP and any dispute shall be governed by Virginia law and must be litigated in Warren County, Virginia circuit or Virginia courts. In the event that an attorney is hired to enforce any part of these Terms and Conditions, participants are liable for all attorney fees and costs incurred by ITVP for enforcing or defending these Terms and Conditions.

      Deposit: The non-refundable $500.00 deposit due at the time of booking is an Evergreen Deposit.  An Evergreen Deposit will not expire and can be transferred to another pilgrimage even if you choose to cancel, regardless of the reason.  This Evergreen Deposit is transferable to another person.  The transfer of the deposit must be communicated in writing.  

      Form of Payment: Bank/Certified Checks, Money Orders, ACH or Wire Transfers (please fax a copy of bank confirmation when wiring funds) are accepted forms of payment at any time. Personal checks are acceptable if received more than 30 days prior to departure date. You may also make Direct Credit Card Payments to ITVP (Discover, Visa and Master Card). Every reservation must be accompanied by a signed Registration Form. Returned checks will incur a $50.00 service fee.  If there is a returned check, then we will only accept certified checks thereafter. 

      In case of computer or human billing error, we reserve the right to re-invoice participants with corrected billing. 

      Transfers: Two (2) group transfers to and from Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) are included. Only participants whose flights arrive into FCO before 10:00 am on Saturday, May 28, 2022 and depart FCO no earlier than 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 will be included in the group transfers. It is the responsibility of participant to notify ITVP of any flight delays. If the participant’s flight is delayed and this delay causes the participant to miss the scheduled group transfer, the cost and arrangement of transfer from the airport to the hotel or location of the tour bus becomes the participant’s responsibility. Individual transfers to and from the airport are not included in this package. Although ITVP can book an individual transfer to the airport upon request, the participant is financially responsible for that transfer. 

      Flight schedule: Land Package participants are responsible for purchasing their own airline tickets only after they receive written notification from our office that this pilgrimage will travel due to meeting the minimum number of participants required to travel.  ITVP encourages all participants who purchase the Land Package to arrive in Rome Friday, May 27, 2022, one day before the pilgrimage start date.  Land Package participants should schedule their departure from Rome for Tuesday, June 7, 2022 after 10:00 am.  Should a participant encounter a flight delay/cancellation, it is the participant’s responsibility to notify ITVP. 

      Insurance: Travel insurance is not included in the Land Package; however, we strongly recommend that you purchase it. 

      Travel Documents: All travel documents are the responsibility of the participant. A valid passport is required for travel to Italy and must remain valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Italy. For passport holders from countries other than the United States, you are responsible for determining the required travel documents. ITVP will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of the pilgrimage, due to improper travel documentation. Cancellations due to lack of appropriate documents will incur the usual penalties. 

      U.S. State Department & Other Agencies: 

      From time to time the U.S. State Department (www.state.gov) and the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and other government agencies and departments issue travel advisories or warnings for one or more of the destinations that you may be visiting on pilgrimage. We encourage you to contact these agencies directly to obtain the most current information. ITVP cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any such warning or advisory or the occurrence of any terror, problems or ill health, or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties must remain in full force and effect as outlined on this form. Travel insurance may or may not cover these possible causes for cancellations. 

      Photography: Agents of ITVP may take photographs or videos of its pilgrimages and pilgrimage participants. Participants grant ITVP permission to do so and allow ITVP to use such photos and videos for promotional or commercial use without payment of any fees or royalties. These photos will be available on our photo website InsideTheVaticanPhotos.com following the pilgrimage. A code is required to download these photos from Inside the Vatican’s photo gallery. The code will be provided after the pilgrimage. 

      Private Rooms and Single Supplement: A limited number of single rooms are available at the single supplement rate. If the allotted number of single rooms is booked, any additional single rooms that we may be able to book, if available, incur a fee in addition to the Single Supplement fee. 

      Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellations must be received in writing in order for any refunds to be issued, and will be processed according to the date the written notice is received. Although a verbal cancellation is also appreciated, it will not be accepted as official notice. Please mail the cancellation notice to Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages 14 Main St. Front Royal VA 22630. In the event of cancellation, monies will be refunded minus the cancellation fee. The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows: 

      • 60 days or more prior to departure: $500.00 per participant deposit 

      • 59 to 30 days prior to departure: $500 per participant deposit and 50% of total remaining cost* 

      • 29 days or less prior to departure: 100% of total cost* (no refund)

      * Cost includes: Land Package and single supplement, if applicable. 


      If you purchase travel insurance, it may cover the amount remaining after refund, depending on the circumstances of the cancellation and the conditions of the policy. Check with your travel insurance provider, if applicable. 


      Tour/Pilgrimage Cancellation by ITVP: On rare occasions a pilgrimage may have to be canceled due to lack of participation. 


      In such a case, ITVP’s sole responsibility is to provide a full refund. ITVP is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through ITVP. 

      Cancellations due to state advisories and/or state warnings, acts of war, war, terrorism, acts of God, natural disaster or any other circumstance outside the control of ITVP, are not the fault of ITVP. Great effort will be made to accommodate transfers to another pilgrimage or to revise the itinerary; however, cancellation for any of these reasons will not be eligible for a refund. 

      Room Service and Other Extraneous Charges: Room Service and extraneous charges not expressly listed as part of the Pilgrimage Package are not included. Should a participant request room service, or any other extraneous charge, including, but not limited to, mini bar, laundry services, internet charges or pay-per-view, the participant will be financially responsible for those charges to be paid at the time of check-out. If these charges are not paid at check-out, ITVP will bill the participant accordingly.  Payment due upon receipt.  Any unpaid bills will bear interest at 1.5% monthly (18% annually). 


      Luggage: Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the pilgrimage. 

      Airfare: No airfare is included in the cost of the Land Package. To obtain assistance purchasing airfare, please contact our office. 

      Gratuities: Gratuities are not included.  

      Health Requirements: This pilgrimage requires significant walking. Any medical conditions or special equipment needs must be listed on the registration form. ITVP is not responsible for any medical condition that occurs prior to, during or after the pilgrimage. 

      Final Package: A final package containing documents, applicable airline ticket information, local contact information, a pilgrim book, and travel tips will be mailed to each participant approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks prior to departure. Upon receipt of your documents, you are responsible to check your itinerary, spelling of your name, dates, times and other important information to ensure their validity. Should your final documents have any errors, it is the participant’s responsibility to contact ITVP immediately. Documents, including tickets, are not guaranteed if final payment and booking forms are not received by the deadline. 

      Unused Services: There will be no refund for any unused portions of the pilgrimage. Refunds will not be made to participants who miss any part of the pilgrimage for any cause whatsoever. 

      Itinerary: Although ITVP and its agents and representatives will make every effort to adhere to the printed program and itinerary, on rare occasions it may be necessary to adjust arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (including, but not limited to, such circumstances as weather, acts of God, airline schedule change, hotel requisitions, political disturbances, or transportation mechanical problems). 

      Should such adjustments be necessary, substitutions will be made to the best of our abilities. A refund will not be given. Any additional costs necessitated by such changes are the full responsibility of the participant. We do not guarantee preferred seating at events. 

      Printing Disclaimer: ITVP is not responsible for typographical or printing errors including errors in pilgrimage cost. We reserve the right to re-invoice or correct billing at any time. 

      Release

      Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, Inside the Vatican, Inc., its employees, shareholders, officers and directors (collectively “ITVP”) does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip/pilgrimage, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities, which may utilize the ITVP name, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, ITVP is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control. Without limitations ITVP is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willfully or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as a cruise line, airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the ITVP name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. 


      Similarly, ITVP is not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default or any third party, attacks or bites by animals, insects or pests, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control. Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ITVP and its employees, owners, officers, directors, shareholders and agents from any and all claims, damages, losses, or actions resulting from or arising out of the Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage.


      Should Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any other guest leader be unable to participate in this event, reasonable efforts will be made to secure a substitute. Regardless of the participation of Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any other guest leader, the tour will proceed as scheduled on the dates listed. By signing this form to participate on this trip you agree that the terms of the cancellation penalty will be binding upon you regardless of whether Dr. Robert Moynihan, Deborah Tomlinson or any other guest leader is able to participate. ITVP is not responsible for any loss incurred by participant including lost days of the scheduled cruise/tour, due to a canceled flight or other means and modes of transportation. We will have daily Mass and strive to be in places as indicated. However, sometimes this is not possible as the site may not be available for Mass or itinerary changes are forced upon us. In this case, an alternative site for Mass will be arranged, when possible.

      Register by Mail

      If you prefer to register by mail, please request a registration packet by calling our U.S. Office +1.202.536.4555. 

      Discount Codes

      $100 Early Booking Discount - To apply this discount apply on or before February 28, 2022 and use discount code: EARLY, when registering.


      Call our office for information about any additional discount codes – U.S. Office at +1 202.536.4555.

      What’s included

      • Meals
        Ten (10) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, and 10 (10) dinners are included. On your own meals: eight (8) lunches.
      • Private Motor Coach
        Private, first-class motor coach bus and all group transfers are included.
      • Taxes and Fees
        All local taxes are included.
      • Entrance Fees
        All entrance fees are included.
      • Arrival Transfers
        There will be a group transfer from FCO to the Villa Serenella.
      • Departure Transfers
        There will be a group transfer to FCO from the Villa Serenella.

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
        Airfare to and from Italy.
      • Gratuities
        Gratuities payable to the bus driver.
      • Arrival Transfers
        Airport transfers for those not arriving within specified time frames to participate in the group transfers.
      • Departure Transfers
        Airport transfers for those not arriving within specified time frames to participate in the group transfers.
      • Meals
        Meals not specifically identified.
      • Other Personal Expenses
        Other personal expenses including, but not limited to, laundry services, minibar in hotel rooms, et cetera.
      • Other
        Items not specifically mentioned in the pilgrimage description literature.

      Available Packages

      Double Room
      $2,865
      Deposit: $500
      Single Room
      $3,465
      Deposit: $500

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Sat. May 28, 2022
      Arrival: Welcome to Italy!

      You arrive at Fiumicino Airport, about 10 miles outside of Rome to the west, near the Mediterranean Sea.  You may have seen the sea as your plane circled to land. Dr. Moynihan and Deborah Tomlinson will meet you in the area beyond customs.  We may have time for a quick morning coffee, tea and cornetto before we board our private motor coach, and journey to Assisi.

      After approximately two hours of driving, we will arrive into the walled city of Assisi, and you will be escorted to your guest rooms at the serene St. Anthony's Guesthouse with its beautiful outside gardens.  Sister Sue will be there to greet us.

      After a quick lunch, we will rest for a few hours, then attend our private, welcome Mass.  We will then have a welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Assisi.

      Overnight in Assisi. Dinner is included. Lunch is on your own.

      Your Organizer


      It
      Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages
      26 reviews
      With more than 30 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family. Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Every detail has been arranged to create a unique experience; an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim.

      Reviews

      Great experience visiting southern Spain. Evening with father Murr was wonderful Nice to meet and spend time with other pilgrims from around the world
      By thomas a for Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr on Mar 26, 2024
      GN
      All was as we expected . Excellent presentations by Fr Charles Murr each day. Carmona Convento was a very well managed and safe place to stay as our home for the week. We would return there if planning another visit. Travel was planned on first rate buses with professional drivers. The event at Fr Murr’s residence was a pleasant surprise and was very enjoyable. A memorable evening! The Seville trip could have had some better planning ahead of time we were unable to participate in a few venues due to tickets being unavailable and that was disappointing for many of us. Would have enjoyed time in the Cathedral.
      By Gary N for Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr on Mar 22, 2024
      The talks were the best retreat talks, I think, that I have heard so I am very glad I made this retreat. Fr. Murr has the ability to explain theology in a way that is easy to understand as well as adding in his good humor and stories. An added bonus was being with such pleasant people which made it all the more enjoyable.
      By Thomas L for Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr on Mar 21, 2024
      Excellent trip. Amazing people. Great accommodations. Deborah and Damian were wonderful. Beautiful experience that I will always remember.
      By Viviana V for Spain: Pilgrimage and Lenten Retreat with Father Murr on Mar 21, 2024
      The trip was educational and fun, and we got to see many monasteries and sites crafted and built beyond our imagination. The people in Lebanon were very friendly and welcoming especially our tour guide Eli who was so genuine and helpful and a Colonel in the Airforce and his family who welcomed us into their house for dessert and helped us have the golf cart rides into town. We were also blessed to have Dr. Rober Moynihan and Deborah Tomilinson travel with us and generously share their knowledge of Lebanon with us. A big thank you to Fr. John for saying mass and my fellow pilgrims who got along so well with each other. It was a great pilgrimage, and I would do it again, but I would love a better price! Bhimla
      By Bhimla A for Lebanon: Ancient Monasteries and Modern Saints 2023 on Oct 10, 2023
      Show More Reviews

      References

      This was a wonderful pilgrimage! I am impressed by the vastness of the land, farms , rivers and lakes. The Catholic-European influence in the Heartland of Mary is undeniable. I enjoyed the Catholic spirit that was present among the pilgrims and at our accommodations. Thanks for all the work that went into planning this beautiful event. Mechtild Boles, Pilgrim "Wisconsin, the Heartland of Mary"
      By Mechtild B on 13 Sep, 2022