Ignatian Experience 2022:
Celebrating the Ignatian Year and following in his footsteps
Friday - March 11, 2022
Meet the group at Walsh Jesuit High School as we board our coach bound for the airport. Depart this evening for your overnight flight to Paris.
Saturday– March 12, 2022
Once landed, get to know the City of Lights; a city famous for itstagramable 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)
Sunday – March 13, 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 chapel where the Jesuits were founded which is close by 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)
Monday – March 14, 2022
Rise and shine ascend the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular view of Paris with tickets to the summit. This afternoon we'll board the TGV train and travel south through the French countryside to Lourdes, France. Lourdes is 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)
Tuesday – March 15, 2022
This morning we will take a guided walking tour of Lourdes and visiting sites associated with Saint Bernadette. This afternoon 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 Mountains and Lourdes. This evening we will participate in the candlelight Rosary procession (B, L, D).
Wednesday – March 16, 2022
Options abound again today. Choose from either bathing in the holy water from the miraculous spring or explore the city's towering fortress. Lourdes is the world's second most visited site of Christian pilgrimage. (B , L, D)
Thursday- March 17, 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 pray 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. This evening we will continue on to the city of Pamplona where we will spend the night. (B, D)
Friday – March 18, 2022
This morning we will view the place where St. Ignatius wounded while defending the city. 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 beautiful 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)
Saturday – March 19, 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). This evening we will visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuic and have dining adventures in Las Arenas. (B, ID)
Sunday – March 20, 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 have the privilege of celebrating our Sunday Mass in Manresa. 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 Rome. Our coach will pick us up and bring us to our accommodation in the heart of Rome. (B, D)
Monday – March 21, 2022
Get ready to time travel and jump 2,000 years back in time. Our first stop is the site of crucifixions, combats, and even concerts: the Colosseum. Afterward, students will explore the heart of ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. We will make our way past the Vittorio Emmanuel Monument to the Boca de Verita to complete our “Roman Holiday.” This evening we will independently dine-in Campo di’ Fiori. Gelato will be provided daily in Rome at selected famous Gelaterias. (B, ID)
Tuesday – March 22, 2022
Today we will be exploring Ignatian Rome! We will visit the Ignatian Apartments, the Church of the Gesu, and the Church of St. Ignatius. This afternoon students will have some independent time to shop for souvenirs. After some pizza and pasta enjoy a walking tour around the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. Before we slip off to bed some Gelato from Giolitti’s. (B, ID)
Wednesday – March 23, 2022
Today will begin with an audience with Pope Francis. After we will spend the remainder of the day exploring Vatican City. After the audience, we will do a little penance climbing to the top of Saint Peter’s Basilica. This afternoon students will have an opportunity to visit the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel. Tonight there will be a special going away dinner. (B, D)
Thursday – March 24, 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 flight from Rome you’ll touch down safely back in North America. (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: $3799 + Airfare
The airfare will be approximately $1300
Payment deadlines:
1. $1000 Deposit due within 14 days of registration
2. Friday, September 17, 2021 - $1000 is due
3. Friday, January 7, 2022 - the remaining $1799 of the land cost is due
3. Friday, February 4, 2022- 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 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.
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
What's not included?​
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Transatlantic Airfare
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Lunch (except in Lourdes) and four independent meals
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Drinks with dinner
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$80 tip for bus driver and guide
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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.