1. How long is the trip?

 

The Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage is 8 days, 6 nights. How is that possible? Well, when you fly to Italy from the U.S. you ‘lose’ 6 hours, meaning your first ‘night’ is spent on the plane, and you arrive the following day in Italy whereas when you fly back to the U.S. you will arrive in the U.S. on the same day. The length of the trip is enough time to do penance, see the many important pilgrimage sites in Rome, learn, attend a Papal Audience, and have time for community life without feeling drained or rushed.

 

2. Who will be offering Masses?

 

The masses will be offered during regular mass times at the parishes in the care of the FSSP and ICKSP parishes in the center of Rome. This allows pilgrims to be a part of the TLM community in the Eternal City and experience parish life.

 

3. How does the flight work? Is that extra?

 

The flight is an additional cost and pilgrims will arrange with the pilgrimage coordinator whether it will be an additional cost or pilgrims are free to purchase their own flight. Travel will be arranged from Rome Fiumicino Airport to the accommodation only on the first day of the pilgrimage. Having the flight as an extra cost allows Traditional Catholics from all over to attend this pilgrimage and gives pilgrims the flexibility to stay in Europe before or after the pilgrimage should they so choose. 

 

4. What travel restrictions for COVID should I be aware of?

 

The travel coordinators and business administrators of Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage are updated to the constantly changing covid regulations in Italy, the U.S., and all regulations pertaining to international travel. More importantly, however, we are 100% accommodating to the desires of pilgrims who ought to be trusted to make health decisions for themselves. Vaccinations are not required to come on this pilgrimage.

 

5. What are the accommodations? Are they shared or private?

 

Pricing is for shared accommodations. Requests may be made to share accommodations with particular pilgrims. At an extra cost, pilgrims can request private accommodations. Accommodations are separated between men and women unless pilgrims are married. The accommodations themselves are good quality, comfortable, and accomodating.

 

6. Are meals set or on our own? Are they included in the price?

 

Daily Italian breakfast is included in the price. An Italian breakfast is a cold breakfast consisting of coffee, fresh fruit, dairy, and a starch. There are also 2 traditional Italian meals that pilgrims will experience during the week, a late supper and a large lunch during the pilgrimage. Otherwise, pilgrims are encouraged to supply their own food.

 

7. How can you accommodate food allergies?

 

All food allergies will be accommodated to the greatest extent possible. Pilgrims who require specific dietary foods will inform the pilgrimage coordinator beforehand.

 

8. Will meals on Fridays be meatless?

 

Yes.

 

9. How much does the trip cost?

 

The $4160 plus flight.

 

10. Are the costs refundable?

 

All costs are non-refundable unless otherwise noted.

 

11. How do I apply?

 

Pilgrims fill out the online application and secure their spot with a refundable $100 application fee. Pilgrims will have an interview with the pilgrimage coordinator. After the pilgrim and pilgrimage coordinator confirm this pilgrimage is right for them, there will be two non-refundable $2,030 payments. Payment plans are available upon request.

 

12. What is the deadline to apply to any trip?

 

The deadline for application is 8 weeks prior to the first day of the Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage. The deadline for last payment and flight purchase is generally 6 weeks prior to the first day of the Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage.

 

13. Can children attempt? If so, what do you charge for them?

 

Minors must be accompanied by their guardian. This trip is intended for adult Catholics, 18+. Special circumstances can be considered (siblings, seminarians, etc.)

 

14. Will each day be very active? Do I need to be in good physical shape?

 

A pilgrimage is not a vacation. Rome is an active pedestrian city and a lot of walking, often fast-paced is to be expected. Standing in metro lines, heat, and going up and down the Seven Hills of Rome can be grueling. A general level of fitness is required of pilgrims. Accommodations can be made for those who need them. However, penitential suffering, to an extent, is a crucial part of a pilgrimage.

 

15. Do I need a travel VISA?

 

U.S. citizens with valid passports do not need a visa to enter Italy or anywhere in the Schengen zone of Europe.

 

16. Can you help me get my passport?

 

Pilgrims are expected to get their passports on their own and passport services are not included as a part of the Traditional Catholic Pilgrimage price.