Ignatian Experience 2020:
Following in the footsteps of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
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Saturday – July 18, 2020
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.
Sunday– July 19, 2020
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 San Sebastian. (D)
Monday – July 20, 2020
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)
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Tuesday – July 21, 2020
Vive La France! We'll be waking early to travel through the Spanish countryside, over the Pyrenees and into Lourdes, France. 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 for our orientation to Lourdes. (B, D)
Wednesday – July 22, 2020
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 we will take a guided walking tour of Lourdes and visiting sites associated with Saint Bernadette. This evening we will participate in the candlelight Rosary procession (B, L, D).
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Thursday – July 23, 2020
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 we will participate in the candlelight Rosary procession (B, L, D).
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Friday- July 24, 2020
Back on the road again today. Say, "Au Revoir" to Lourdes and "Bon Dia" to Barcelona. Along the way back to Spain we'll be stopping in the medieval town of Carcassonne. It 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)
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Saturday – July 25, 2020
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 26, 2020
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. The group will celebrate Sunday Mass in this sacred place. We'll take time to pray and reflect by the river Cardoner, where St. Ignatius came to see God in all things. 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, D)
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Monday – July 27, 2020
Today you will wake up in Sorrento. 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 28, 2020
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)
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Wednesday – July 29, 2020
Today we will depart for The Eternal City; Rome. En route, we'll stop to view Mount Vesuvius and take a guided tour of her most famous victim: Pompeii. 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 Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Before we slip off to bed some Gelato from Giolitti’s. Gelato will be provided daily in Rome at selected famous Gelatarias. (B, D)
Thursday – July 30, 2020
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 . (B, ID)
Friday – July 31, 2020
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 an independent dinner in Trastevere (B, ID)
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Saturday – August 1, 2020
This morning we will go on a walking tour of Rome including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. This afternoon is a choose your own adventure day in Rome. The chaperones will present different options that students can choose from for their final day in Rome. This evening the group will attend the Sunday Vigil Mass before we enjoy our going away dinner. (B, D)
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Sunday – August 2, 2020
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 to ensure 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
ID = Independent Dinner
Tour Cost: $3899 + Airfare
The airfare will be approximately $1200
Payment deadlines:
1. $1000 Deposit due at time of registration
2. Friday, January 24, 2020 - $1500 is due
3. Friday, March 13, 2020 - the remaining $1399 of the land cost is due
3. Friday, May 8, 2020- Airfare is due
What is included?
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Group transfers and all ground transportation
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The 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 in 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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International Student Identity Card. This card will be valid one year from the date of the issue that will 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) and four independent meals
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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 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