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Planning an
Italy Pilgrimage
A typical pilgrimage to Italy is 11 days and costs around $4,400 per person with a group of 16-25 pilgrims, plus airfare. The 11-day length balances affordability while providing sufficient time to explore Florence, visit Assisi, and see other important sites related to the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis. The best time to plan your pilgrimage to Italy is February to May, or September and October. Progressive Pilgrimage's prices include guides, hotels, ground transportation, entry fees, many meals, and all gratuities.
When you mention religious travel to Italy, most people instantly think the Vatican. However, Italy contains numerous important sites that are just as relevant to Protestants.
You may explore the faith of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi, learn about the Renaissance and humanist movements in Florence, or make a pilgrimage with your feet along the Via Francigena.
When should we go to Italy?
Italy is in southern Europe, and travel is possible for most of the year. However, our groups generally avoid November through January, as it is normally rainy, and June, July, and August are normally very crowded with tourists in addition to pilgrims.
What should we do in Italy?
The curse of traveling to Italy is that there are so many historical, cultural, and religious sites to see. We encourage our groups to focus on the lesser-known sites in Italy, those places that your average tourist wouldn't visit. You are always welcome to arrive early or stay late to explore Rome or Venice on your own.
For a typical pilgrimage, we recommend spending a few days in Florence and surrounding areas, introducing yourself to Italian culture and history before traveling to Assisi to explore the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis.
If you desire a hiking pilgrimage, the Via Francigena offers an opportunity to enjoy silence and solitude along the hiking trail.
While we're happy to take groups to Rome, most people have such diverse interests that exploring Rome is best done as part of a smaller group.
How much does it cost to go to Italy?
While budget and luxury accommodations are available, most groups choose to stay in mid-range hotels, and our pricing is based accordingly. For a group of 16-25, expect a land cost of $400 per person per day, or about $4,400, plus airfare, for an 11-day trip. These are averages, and the final price is determined by the activities on your itinerary. Our prices are always transparent and inclusive of entry fees, many meals, and all gratuities. There will be no hidden costs for your travelers.
It's difficult to estimate airfare since it can vary widely depending on your airport and departure date. Group airfare rates are generally not lower than what is available to individual travelers; however, group airfare allows a much higher level of flexibility. We can help you estimate your airfare during the planning process. The actual airfare prices cannot be quoted more than 11 months before your departure date.