Rome Religious Study Tour, a deeply enriching journey through the heart of Catholicism. Explore iconic religious landmarks such as the Vatican City, St. Peterβs Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, while engaging in guided tours, Mass participation, and insightful workshops on the history and challenges of the Catholic Church. This immersive experience provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection, cultural exploration, and a deeper understanding of early Christianity and modern Catholicism.
Overview
7-day spiritual journey in Rome offers a deep dive into Catholicismβs history, beliefs, and traditions. Highlights include Vatican City with guided tours of St. Peterβs Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. Participants will attend Mass at St. Peter’s, engage in reflection sessions, explore significant early Christian sites like the Catacombs, and visit sacred landmarks such as the Holy Stairs and the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura.
Itinerary
- 08:00 - 09:00: Departure from Switzerland to Rome (Flight)
- 09:00 - 10:30: Arrival at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, Rome; transfer to accommodation.
- 10:30 - 11:30: Check-in at the hotel; settle into rooms.
- 11:30 - 12:30: Orientation and introduction to the tour program.
- 12:30 - 13:30: Lunch at a local Italian restaurant.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Guided Walking Tour of Ancient Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum).
- 16:30 - 17:30: Reflection session on the significance of ancient Rome in Christian history.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
- 19:30 - 20:30: Evening prayers and discussion on the importance of pilgrimage.
- 21:00: Return to the hotel for rest.
- 07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 - 11:00: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums (including the Raphael Rooms).
- 11:00 - 12:30: Visit the Sistine Chapel.
- 12:30 - 13:30: Lunch at a nearby cafΓ©.
- 14:00 - 15:30: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica.
- 15:30 - 16:30: Participation in Daily Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
- 16:30 - 17:00: Group reflection on the Mass experience.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner at a local pizzeria.
- 19:30 - 20:30: Evening workshop on the history of the Catholic Church.
- 21:00: Return to the hotel for rest.
- 07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 - 10:30: Visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto.
- 10:30 - 12:00: Explore the Basilica of San Clemente.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at a local trattoria.
- 13:30 - 15:30: Workshop on the Early Church and Martyrdom.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Visit to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
- 17:30 - 18:30: Group prayer session and reflections.
- 19:00 - 20:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 20:30 - 21:30: Evening discussion on the impact of early Christianity.
- 21:30: Return to the hotel for rest.
- 07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 - 10:30: Visit to the Tomb of St. Peter under St. Peter's Basilica.
- 11:00 - 12:30: Reflection and journaling session in the Vatican Gardens.
- 12:30 - 13:30: Lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- 14:00 - 15:30: Guided Tour of the Apostolic Palace (including the Popeβs audience room).
- 16:00 - 17:30: Participation in a private audience with a Vatican representative.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 19:30 - 20:30: Evening workshop on modern Catholicism and its challenges.
- 21:00: Return to the hotel for rest.
- 07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 - 11:00: Visit to the Church of San Giovanni in Laterano.
- 11:30 - 13:00: Explore the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta).
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch at a local cafΓ©.
- 14:30 - 16:00: Guided Tour of the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura.
- 16:30 - 18:00: Group discussion on the importance of pilgrimage in modern times.
- 18:30 - 19:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.
- 20:00 - 21:00: Evening prayer and reflection on the dayβs experiences.
- 21:00: Return to the hotel for rest.
- 07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 - 10:30: Visit to the Centro Astalli (refugee assistance center run by Jesuits).
- 10:30 - 12:00: Community service activity at the center.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at the center.
- 13:30 - 15:30: Workshop on social justice in the Catholic Church.
- 16:00 - 17:30: Free time for personal exploration (shopping, visiting local sights).
- 18:00 - 19:00: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
- 19:30 - 20:30: Evening reflection session on service and faith.
- 21:00: Return to the hotel for rest.
07:30 - 08:30: Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 - 10:00: Group reflection and sharing experiences of the tour.
10:00 - 11:30: Check-out from the hotel; transfer to the airport.
11:30 - 13:00: Departure from Rome to Switzerland.13:00 - 14:00: Arrival in France; end of the tour.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you donβt have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This tour focuses on Catholicism, offering deep insights into the history of the Church, Vatican City, significant religious sites, and pilgrimage experiences.
Yes, the tour is open to everyone. It offers educational and cultural experiences about Catholicism, history, art, and architecture, regardless of religious background.
Yes, participants will have the opportunity to attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as engage in prayer sessions, reflections, and workshops on Catholicism.
The key highlights include visits to Vatican City, St. Peterβs Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs, and participation in Mass, as well as engaging in workshops on Church history and social justice.
Comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothing for church visits (modest attire), a journal for reflections, and a camera for capturing the beautiful sights.
Yes, lunch and dinner are provided daily at local restaurants, offering authentic Italian cuisine. Breakfast is provided at the hotel each morning.
Yes, there are scheduled free times for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing in various locations, including at the end of each day.
The tour involves moderate walking, especially around historical sites like the Vatican, catacombs, and basilicas. Comfortable footwear is recommended for walking tours.