Ignatian Experience 2023:
Following in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
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Thursday – June 29, 2023
Meet the group at Walsh Jesuit High School as we board our coach bound for the airport. Say “Adieu” to your family as we head to the airport to catch our direct flight to Paris.
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Friday– June 30, 2023
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 and 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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Saturday – July 1, 2023
This morning we will begin the day at the Eiffel Tower to take in the best views of Paris! After we will explore the neighborhood of Montmartre - one of the highest points in Paris. The area is famous for the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur. You will have time to explore the cobblestone streets that wind through the surrounding village of art galleries and cafes. We will also see the place where the Jesuits were founded in this area. (B, ID)
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Sunday – July 2, 2023
This morning This afternoon you will tour of Le Marais and the Place de Voges: the oldest planned square in Paris. This afternoon we will have free time in Pairs before we board the TGV train and travel south through the French countryside to Lourdes, France. Lourdes is nestled 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. Sunday Mass will be celebrated in Paris or Lourdes TBA (B, D)
Monday – July 3, 2023
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).
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Tuesday – July 4, 2023
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. Of course, we will have our own celebration of the 4th of July in France which was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States. Lourdes is the world's second most visited site of Christian pilgrimage. (B , L, D).
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Wednesday – July 5, 2023
Today we will journey to Spain via the beautiful seaside resort town of St. Jean-de-Luz. You will have time to explore this beautiful French Basque town and the church of St. Jean-Baptiste where Louis XIV married Marie-Therese of Spain. Grab your last macaroon before we make our way to San Sebastian, Spain (B, ID).
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Thursday – July 6, 2023
This morning we will 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 Mass here and share reflections in the place that shaped and formed Íñigo López de Loyola. This afternoon students will have time to explore nearby San Sebastian. (B, D)
Friday- July 7, 2023.
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. Pamplona is also famous for the of the running of the bulls.. and the festival starts today! Students will have some free time to explore beautiful Pamplona before we continue our journey to Barcelona. Upon arrival in Barcelona we will check into our accommodation before diving into the masterpiece that is Barcelona. (B, D)
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Saturday – July 8, 2023
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)
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Sunday – July 9, 2023
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 celebrate Sunday Mass in this place that shaped St. Ignatius! 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)
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Monday – July 10, 2023
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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Tuesday – July 11, 2023
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 addition cost for the boat tour – approximately $125). tonight, there will be a special dinner in Sorrento (B, D)
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Wednesday – July 12, 2023
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 Gelatarias. (B, D)
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Thursday – July 13, 2023
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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Friday – July 14, 2023
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 visit the Church of the Gesu. This evening the celebration will continue with our special going away dinner (B, D)
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Saturday – July 15, 2023
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 North America in the late afternoon & enjoy a pleasant return drive to Cleveland. The group should arrive back at Walsh Jesuit High School around 10:00pm 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: $3999 + Airfare
The airfare related expenses will be approximately $1300
Payment deadlines:
1. $750 Deposit due at time of registration
2. Friday, January 13, 2023 - $1500 is due
3. Friday, March 31, 2023 - $1500 is due
4. Friday, May 12, 2023- the remaining $249 + 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.
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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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All students will have Travel Medical Insurance, including Covid-19 coverage, 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.