Ignatian Experience 2019:
Following in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Wednesday - July 18, 2019
Meet the group at Walsh Jesuit High School as we board our coach bound for Toronto. Say “Adios” to your family as we head to the Canadian border to grab our direct flight to Madrid.
Thursday – July 19, 2019
Once landed, get to know the rest of our group while en route to sunny San Sebastian via Pamplona. We will visit the spot Saint Ignatius was injured with the cannonball and discover this city made famous by Hemingway. This evening enjoy a walking tour of San Sebastian. We'll be finished by dining together in one of the food capitals of Europe (D).
Friday – July 20, 2019
It's our first full day in Spain and we'll be heading out to the Santuario de Loyola! Here, we'll see the beautiful mountains of the Basque countryside as well as the Holy House of Saint Ignatius. The group will pray and share reflections in the place that shaped and formed Íñigo López de Loyola. In the evening the bus will return us to San Sebastian for some beach time and a culinary adventure! (B,D)
Saturday – July 21, 2019
Vive La France! We'll be waking early to travel through the Spanish countryside, over the Pyrenees and into Lourdes, France. Lourdes is the world's second most visited site of Christian pilgrimage. Along the way lunch awaits us at the French seaside resort town of St. Jean de Luz. Once we've checked into our hotel the group will gather in preparation for our participation at this evenings candlelight Rosary procession. (B,L,D)
Sunday – July 22, 2019
Today we will begin with Sunday Mass with fellow pilgrims. After liturgy we will take a guided walking tour of Lourdes and visiting sites holy to Saint Bernadette. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy praying and making friends with pilgrims from all over the world. (B, L, D).
Monday – July 23, 2019
Options abound again today. Choose from either bathing in the holy water from the miraculous spring or explore the city's towering fortress. This evening your group will dedicate its pilgrimage candle. (B,L,D)
Tuesday- July 24, 2019
Back on the road again today. Say, "Au Revoir" to Lourdes and "Bonjour" to Barcelona. Along the way back to Spain we'll be stopping in the medieval town of Carcassonne. This is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Take the time back in time to ramble along the ramparts before rejoining reality. Upon arrival in Spain check into your accommodation before diving into the masterpiece that is Barcelona. (B,D)
Wednesday – July 25, 2019
In the morning we'll be taking a guided tour of Barcelona with a focus on the famous Gaudi sites: Parc Güell and La Sagrada Familia (admission included). We'll spend the afternoon on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. (B,D)
Thursday – July 26, 2019
A rolling stone gathers no moss. We're back on the road today en route to the Ignatian sites of Montserrat and Manresa. High up in the mountains we'll visit the sanctuary, pray at the Black Madonna, and see where Ignatius ultimately laid down his sword. Manresa holds the chapel built over the cave in which St. Ignatius lived for 10 months and formulated much of the Spiritual Exercises. We'll take time to pray and reflect by the River Cardoner, where St. Ignatius came to see God in all things. Souls spiritually full, we'll return to Barcelona where we'll fill our appetites as well. (B,D)
Friday – July 27, 2019
Adiós España. Ciao Italia! We will fly from Barcelona to Naples. Our coach will pick us up and lead us through the countryside of Campania toward Sorrento. Before we arrive at our final destination, we'll stop to view Mount Vesuvius and take a guided tour of her most famous victim: Pompeii. Later in the evening, the views will get even better as we approach the Amalfi Coast. Dinner will be in our hometown for the next two nights: Sorrento. Perched on the edge of the sea, the narrow medieval lanes of this tiny resort town are yours to explore! (B,D)
Saturday – July 28, 2019
We've had a lot of travel and seen an awful lot ... although maybe it wasn't so awful;) We will get a later start today and enjoy the beautiful town of Sorrento. Students will be given two options today. Option #1: We will have time to shop, explore Sorrento and relax. Option #2: It will be possible to charter a boat to some of the neighboring towns along the Amalfi coast and explore the island of Capri (There will be an additional cost for the boat tour – approximately $100. It will be offered at a later time based on interest). (B,D)
Sunday – July 29, 2019
This morning will attend Sunday mass in Sorrento before departing for The Eternal City. Our coach will pick us up as we pass over the Apennines and make our way to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome we will check into our accommodations taking in many iconic Roman sites along the way. After some pizza and pasta enjoy an evening walking tour around the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Before we slip off to bed some Gelatto from Giolitti’s. (B,D)
Monday – July 30, 2018
We'll journey to the center of the city and jump 2,000 years back in time. Our first stop is the site of crucifixions, combats, and even concerts: the Colosseum. Students will make their way through the heart of ancient Rome to visit the Boca de Verita to complete their “Roman Holiday.” This evening we will dine in Campo di’ Fiori before our night walking tour of Rome including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Tuesday – July 31, 2019
Did we mention today is the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola? In the morning we will visit the Vatican Museum and do a little penance climbing to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica. After lunch we will be exploring Ignatian Rome! We will visit the Rooms of St. Ignatius and celebrate Mass at the Church of the Gesu. This evening we the celebration will continue with a dinner in Trastevere (B,D)
Wednesday – August 1, 2019
Today cross another international border and visit Vatican City for an audience with Pope Francis! Today you will tour Bernini’s Piazza and see the heart of the Catholic Church. This afternoon there will be free time for shopping and exploration. Enjoy a culinary adventure tonight for our going away dinner. (B,D)
Thursday – August 2, 2019
Rise and Shine! Ciao, Italia! We’ll be transferred to Rome's airport very early this morning to begin the long trek home. Hopefully, you threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (ensuring your return one day). After boarding our direct flight from Rome you’ll touch down safely back in Toronto in the late afternoon & enjoy a pleasant return drive to Cleveland. The group should arrive back at Walsh Jesuit High School around 10:00 pm with stories, pictures, and an experience to last a lifetime. (B)
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
Tour Cost: $3799 + Airfare
The airfare will be approximately $1200
Payment deadlines:
1. $800 Deposit due at time of registration
2. Friday, February 23, 2018 - $1500 is due
3. Friday, April 20, 2018 - the remaining $1499 of the land cost is due
4. Friday, May 25, 2018- the Airfare is due
What is included?
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Group transfers and all ground transportation
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Direct flight from Barcelona to Naples
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All accommodations in central locations
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All Museum Entrance Fees
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All Transportation Costs (Bus, Metro both inside and outside of cities)
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Meals as indicated on the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Excellent dinners; allowing for choice whenever possible
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Assistance of English speaking guides throughout the travel program
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Unique, personalized travel experiences
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International Student Identity Card. This card will be valid one year from the date of issue give you Medical Insurance and a host of other benefits when you travel.
What's not included?​
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Airfare
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Lunch; except in Lourdes
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Drinks with dinner
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$70 tip for bus driver and guide
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Optional Amalfi Coast/Capri boat trip
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Pilgrimage polos
How do I sign-up?
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The registration process is completed online. Click "Register Here" to sign-up!
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Space is limited.