Quality Franciscan Pilgrimages since 1972

Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
Pilgrimage for Educators, Administrators and Alumni

Being a part of a Franciscan college or university is an exciting experience.  To be connected to a school in which the heart of your role is to promote Franciscan values can be a challenege.  St. Francis saw people and their relationships with God as pivotal.  He viewed people as unique creations in the world who have value and meaning in whatever positions of life they are in.  Francis also viewed education as a gift that helped people understand better their relationship to creation, to one another, and to their Creator.

In an effort to support you in your ministry we invite you to participate in a pilgrimage to Italy to visit places in Rome and Assisi where SS. Francis and Clare lived their lives, thereby helping to make you more aware of the spirit of the Franciscan charism.

Hopefully, when you return, you will have a more personal experience of Franciscan life and be able to share that with others, whether they be faculty, alumni, or staff.

• DEPARTURE
Overseas flight to Rome
• ASSISI - 5 DAYS
Every significant place associated with SS. Francis and Clare (For example: Chiesa Nuova l S. Maria Maggiore l San Damiano l The Porziuncola l Rivo Torto l Carceri l Basilicas of SS. Francis and Clare) will be seen accompanied with lectures, readings, study, prayer and leisure. You will visit LaVerna, the sanctuary where Francis received the stigmata.

En route to Rome you will visit the sanctuary where St. Francis revitalized the Christmas créche.

• ROME - 2 DAYS
You will see St. John Lateran, the baptistry of the Franciscan Order and the Vatican of Francis’ day and St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Depart for USA
Program and staff subject to change and adaptation.

DATES

COST

SOME EXPECTATIONS

RESERVATIONS •  DEPOSITS Each reservation requires that we receive the completed registration form and a $200.00 deposit. Deposits are not refundable, but can be credited to a future pilgrimage. Travel arrangements not included in the Full Package Price are subject to a $50.00 office fee (this excludes connecting flights to departure cities).

TRAVEL We use a variety of airlines to accommodate the needs of our pilgrims.  Our office can arrange travel from various cities in the US to arrive at the departure cities, extended travel to other destinations before or after any programs, or air travel for the California program, at an additional cost.

PAYMENTS Full payment and completed forms are due 95 days prior to departure. Late registrations are accepted, only if space is available.

CANCELLATIONS Prior to airline ticketing, full payment is refunded minus the $200 deposit, which is non-refundable.  If the airline ticket has been written, airline penalties apply, and the airline ticket may also be non-refundable.

NON INCLUSIONS Price does not include: (a) passport and visa fees; (b) travel, visits, gratuities, or excursions not scheduled as part of the official program; (c) travel, life, accident or health insurance; (d) airport or border taxes for extracurricular travel before or after a program. Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. is not responsible for any additional air or surface transportation costs incurred by participants who miss scheduled group travel departure times, nor is it responsible for any medical expenses incurred by any member of the group or any additional costs incurred by participants who are unable to complete the program for whatever reason.

PASSPORTS & VISAS Required for the office - photocopy of the first page (photograph/signature page only) of your valid passport is needed for all international destinations. If you have residency in a country other than the USA, please check with your local consulate or travel office to find out if you need a visa to enter Italy or the Holy Land. If required, let us know as soon as possible and we will send you a letter to take to the respective Consulate.

MEDICAL CONDITION Good health is necessary to enjoy the experience. Pilgrimages are strenuous, with considerable walking (often in hilly areas),  and stair climbing each day. Most international sites are not handicap or wheelchair accessible. Please consult with your doctor, if health problems exist.

REQUIREMENTS Participation is required from beginning to end; no cutting short or extracurricular activity during the program. Your full commitment is needed to share, enjoy leisure time, read, and use the experience in life and ministry.

RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. cannot be responsible for the suppliers providing transportation, sightseeing arrangements and hotel accommodations for Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. They are independent contractors and are not agents or employees of Franciscan Pilgrimages Programs, Inc.  All coupons, receipts and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by suppliers.  By utilizing the service of the suppliers, you agree that Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. will not be liable for any change in schedule, strikes, delay, acts of governments, acts of war, acts of terrorism, fires, riots, theft, pilferage, epidemics, quarantine, medical or customs regulations, accident, loss, injury, or damage to you or to those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, transportation or any other services or resulting directly or indirectly from any occurence or conditions beyond its control, including defects in vehicles, breakdown in equipment, thefts, delay or cancellation of or changes in itinerary for any act, omission, or event during the pilgrimage.  Neither Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and/or agents of the airlines concerned are to be held responsible for the late arrival of passengers at airports or hotels due to inclement weather, nor are they to be held liable for payment or any refund for unused hotel accommodations or meals occasioned by such late arrivals at the hotels holding rooms as confirmed itineraries.  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. and suppliers contracted for services reserve the right to refuse to accept or retain any person whose behavior is deemed likely to affect the smooth operation of a tour, or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other pilgrims.  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc., its agents, and suppliers shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising.

TRAVEL INSURANCE  Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs, Inc. strongly suggests the purchase of travel insurance. There are a number of options for such insurance.  A brochure is supplied to us by our travel agent (TravelLite Insurance) and can be sent to you.  An alternative is Tripmate Insurance Company (www.Tripmate.com at 1-800-888-7292).  Your own insurance agent may have a recommendation.  It is the sole responsiblity of the pilgrim to request and review the insurance brochure.  Policies and restrictions imposed by the insurance company are not limited to that which is stated in the insurance brochure..

Round trip air • Ground transportation by private air-conditioned motor coach • Pensioni lodging: clean, comfortable, secure, good food and location and full private bath • All meals except 6 •  Books, notebooks • All tips, offerings • Full services of our staff • Daily input, lectures • Snacks, shopping are extra • Prices are based on double occupancy • Single rooms at an additional $300  are limited and available on a first come basis • Land Only includes all the above except air.

STAFF

Staff assignments are subject to change.