Ignatian Experience 2022:
Celebrating the Ignatian Year and following in his footsteps
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Sunday – July 17, 2022
Meet the group at Walsh Jesuit High School as we board our coach bound for Newark. Say “Adieu” to your family as we head to the airport to catch our direct flight to Paris.
Monday– July 18, 2022
Once landed, get to know the City of Lights; a city famous for Intstagramable streets, fashion, landmarks, and attractions. Dive into Paris with a guided panoramic tour that will introduce you to the major landmarks as we make our way to our hotel. This evening we will explore the heart of the city and French culture. You will stroll past Notre Dame explore the bohemian Latin Quarter, named for the language you would hear in this university area in the Middle Ages. Students, like Ignatius, have come here to learn and explore since that time. We will have our dinner here and get much-needed rest. (B, D)
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Tuesday – July 19, 2022
This morning we will begin the day exploring Montmartre - one of the highest points in Paris. The area is famous for the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur where you will attend Sunday Mass. After Mass, you will have time to explore the cobblestone streets that wind through the surrounding village of art galleries and cafes. We will also visit the place where the Jesuits were founded in this area. This afternoon you will have a guided tour of the Ile de la Cite, Le Marais, and the Place de Voges: the oldest planned square in Paris. (B, ID)
Wednesday – July 20, 2022
Today we'll board the TGV train and travel south through the French countryside to Lourdes, France. Lourdes in nested in the Pyrenees Mountains near the border with Spain. Once we've checked into our hotel, the group will gather for our orientation to Lourdes. (B, D)
Thursday – July 21, 2022
This afternoon we will take a guided walking tour of Lourdes and visit sites associated with Saint Bernadette. This evening we will participate in the candlelight Rosary procession (B, L, D).
Friday – July 22, 2022
Options abound again today. The morning students have an option to visit the Pic du Jer. You will ascend 1000 meters on the Funiculaire (Incline) to get the best views of the Pyrenees and Lourdes. This afternoon choose from either bathing in the holy water from the miraculous spring or getting religious souvenirs for family and friends. Lourdes is the world's second most visited site of Christian pilgrimage. (B, L, D)
Saturday – July 23, 2022
Today we will journey to Spain to visit 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 celebrate our Sunday Vigil Mass here and share reflections in the place that shaped and formed Íñigo López de Loyola. This evening students will have time to explore nearby San Sebastian. (B, D)
Sunday- July 24, 2022
Back on the road again today in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius. This morning we will view the place where St. Ignatius was wounded while defending Pamplona. This year marks the 500th Anniversary of this event. We will continue toward Barcelona via Zaragoza. We will visit the Catedral del Salvador in Zaragoza where Ignatius prayed on his own journey to Barcelona. The cathedral is dedicated to the” Virgin of the Pillar” the patron saint of Spain. Students will have some free time to explore Zaragoza before we continue on our journey. Upon arrival in Barcelona check into your accommodation before diving into the masterpiece that is Barcelona. (B, D)
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Monday – July 25, 2022
In the morning we'll be taking a guided tour of Barcelona with a focus on the famous Gaudi
sites throughout the city including La Sagrada Familia (admission included). (B, ID)
Tuesday – July 26, 2022
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 will make our way to the airport for our evening flight to Italy. Adiós España. Ciao Italia! This evening we will fly from Barcelona to Naples. Our coach will pick us up and lead us through the countryside of Campania to Sorrento. (B, ID)
Wednesday – July 27, 2022
Perched on the edge of the sea, the narrow medieval lanes of this tiny resort town are yours to explore! This evening you will be able to find an Italian feast in Sorrento. (B, ID)
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Thursday – July 28, 2022
Today 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 (There will be an additional cost for the boat tour – approximately $100). tonight there will be a special dinner in Sorrento (B, D)
Friday – July 29, 2022
Today we will depart 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 Gelato from Giolitti’s. Gelato will be provided daily in Rome at selected famous Gelaterias. (B, D)
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Saturday – July 30, 2022
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 our “Roman Holiday.” This evening we will independently dine-in Campo di’ Fiori or Trastevere. (B, ID)
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Sunday – July 31, 2022
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 the celebration will continue with our special going-away dinner (B, D)
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Monday – August 1, 2022
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 Newark n 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)
* All places listed on the itinerary will be visited, but the sequence is subject to change.
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B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
ID = Independent Dinner
Tour Cost: $3899 + Airfare
The airfare related expenses will be approximately $1300
Payment deadlines:
1. $750 Deposit due at time of registration
2. Friday, February 11, 2022 - $1500 is due
3. Friday, April 1, 2022 - $1500 is due
4. Friday, May 20, 2022- the remaining $149 + Airfare is due
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Can I protect my trip?
Trip Protection Plan: We always recommend that people who think they may cancel their trip purchase a Trip Protection Plan or Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance (CFAR). In the age of COVID-19, we are all aware that government-imposed travel restrictions can impact travel plans.
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We are offering a Trip Protection Plan for $450. This will allow you to Cancel for Any Reason up to 45 days before travel. On day 44 before travel, you will revert back to the standard Cancellation Policy in the Terms & Conditions and $250 will be credited back to your account - you will have this extended protection for $200. You will be contacted approximately 60 days in advance and be offered a final opportunity to Opt-Out. If you Opt-Out of your tour for 45 days or more, you will be fully refunded less the $450 from the Trip Protection Plan. If you choose to remain committed to your tour $250 will be credited toward your final payment. This coverage only applies to monies paid toward this tour.
We are offering this because so many customers in the past have declined to purchase Cancel for Any Reason Insurance (CFAR) due to its expense. Most plans cost in excess of $400 and give 50%-75% coverage for non-refundable expenses. This will give you an extended period of time to Opt-Out for a more reasonable cost. We do encourage combining this with other insurance plans that would specifically cover you if you came down with COVID-19 immediately before departure.
What is included?
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Group transfers and all ground transportation
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Direct flight from Barcelona to Rome
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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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The assistance of English speaking guides throughout the travel program
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Unique, personalized travel experiences
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Travel Medical Insurance that covers you in Europe
What's not included?​
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Transatlantic Airfare
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Lunch (except in Lourdes) and five independent meals
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Drinks with dinner
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$80 tip for bus driver and guides
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Pilgrimage polos (arranged by Walsh Jesuit)
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.