January 18 - 25, 2025
Italy
Illinois Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome
The Illinois Patrons are going to Rome! It is with great enthusiasm that we are announcing an invitation to celebrate the Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope with the Illinois Patrons. During this visit we will experience a beautiful week of special visits and exclusive events planned by the Office of the Patrons, and we are partnering with Corporate Travel to secure the finest tour managers, guides and art-historians, and to provide each Patron with the experience of a lifetime. Highlights include 5-star luxury hotel accommodations at the Hotel de Russie, private tours throughout the Vatican, exclusive receptions and dinners in Rome, visits to the Major Basilicas of Rome to process through the Holy Doors, a day trip to Assisi, and a reception and Gala Dinner in the Vatican Museums.
Trip Code: 86883 | Group Code: 6612
Please note that pre and post nights at the hotel will be confirmed on a request basis after your registration is complete. Please email these requests and any other questions to Corporate Travel’s dedicated patrons’ staff at pavm@ctscentral.net or by phone at 313.426.0737.
INCLUSIONS
• Six nights’ accommodations at the luxury five-star hotel in Rome, Hotel de Russie
• Breakfast daily
• Welcome reception at the Hotel de Russie
• Gala reception and dinner in the Vatican Museums
• Farewell reception & dinner
• Wine-tasting Lunch in Assisi
• Luxury motor coach in Italy for specified sightseeing
• Local, Catholic tour manager while in Italy
• Local guides according to the itinerary
• Tour manager from the USA
• Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
• Arrangements of Mass, including donations in unique and historic churches
• Hotel & city taxes
• Whisper sets
• Gratuities payable to local tour manager, guides, and drivers
YOUR TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Airfare; this package is sold land only
• Airport transfers
• Meals and beverages not specifically identified
• Other personal expenses
• Items not specifically mentioned above
• Travel insurance
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saturday, January 18 - Depart USA
Depart the USA on independently scheduled flights to Rome, Italy. Pre-night hotel reservations are available upon request.
Day 2: Sunday, January 19 - Arrive in Rome
Arrive in Rome, Italy, and transfer independently to your five-star luxury hotel, Hotel de Russie. Embark on an optional orientation tour of the hotel’s neighborhood. Hotel check-in begins at 3 pm, with time to freshen up. Depart for a welcome Mass celebrated by Fr. Gerald Gunderson. Return to the hotel for a private welcome reception.
Day 3: Monday, January 20 - Major Basilicas Tour | Caravaggio Walking Tour
Begin your day with a trip to St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, and St. John Lateran Basilica. As part of the Jubilee, the Holy Doors will be opened and you will have the opportunity to process through them. After lunch on your own, enjoy a guided walking tour of some of Caravaggio’s masterpieces, including The Crucifixion of Peter and The Conversion of Paul and The Calling of Matthew. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Dinner on your own and overnight in Rome.
Day 4: Tuesday, January 21 - Assisi Day Trip
Depart for an excursion to Assisi, the City of Peace. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare with a chance to venerate their tombs. Savor the local cuisine and breath-taking views of the city. Finally, visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and walk through the doors of the Porziuncola to receive special graces. Return to Rome for dinner on your own and evening at leisure.
Day 5: Wednesday, January 22 - Papal Audience | Free Afternoon | Patrons’ Gala
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before attending the Papal Audience (pending the Pope’s final schedule). Experience a free afternoon for shopping and lunch on your own along the Borgo Pio. Return to your hotel to freshen up before departing for the Vatican to celebrate Mass at the Governatorato Chapel. Then, enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Conclude the evening with a special Patrons of the Arts’ reception and gala in the Museums. Return to the hotel for overnight in Rome.
Day 6: Thursday, January 23 - St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica | Vatican Library and Archives
Journey to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to see the statue of Mother Cabrini, donated by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Take time to process through the Holy Doors. Enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to the Vatican Library and Secret Archives to see the restorations. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own.
Day 7: Friday, January 24 - San Clemente Basilica and the Jesu | Basilica of San Bartholomew | Reception with US Ambassador (Subject to availability)
Depart for San Clemente Basilica to see the underground excavations. Continue to the Church of the Jesu to visit the home of St. Ignatius. After lunch on your own, see the Basilica of St. Bartholomew, the titular church of Cardinal Cupich. Return to the hotel to freshen up before a reception with the US Ambassador to the Vatican. Finally, celebrate the conclusion of this Jubilee trip with a farewell dinner.
Day 8: Saturday, January 25 - Return to USA
Check out this morning and schedule independent transfers to the airport for your return flight home. Post-night hotel reservations are available upon request.
Itinerary is tentative and subject to change
PRICES STARTING AT
$5,999* - Price per person, double occupancy
*This price reflects a $300 per person Early Booking Discount for deposits received before 5/31/2024 and an $175 per person Check Discount for those paying the remaining balance by check after the initial deposit.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT +$1,800*
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel protection is highly recommended.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION TERMS:
• Deposit: $1,000 per person due upon registration
• Second Deposit: $1,250 additional due on or before August 21, 2024
• Final Payment: Balance due on or before October 20, 2024
Please note late payments will incur a $50 late fee.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Payments are non-refundable and subject to CTS Terms and Conditions, including the CTS Liability Release. CTS reserves the right to cancel any reservation if payments are not made according to the payment schedule. A $25 fee will be added to any reinstated reservation.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS PILGRIMAGE YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO CORPORATE TRAVEL’S TERMS & CONDITIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? REVIEW OUR FAQs.