ROME PILGRIMAGE
Every year, Chesterton Academy upperclassmen have the opportunity for a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, Italy. They encounter relics from the saints and see in real life the wonders of the ancient churches in the Eternal City.
ABOUT THE PILGRIMAGE
View of Saint Peter's, Rome by William Marlow, 1783
This pilgrimage begins with five nights in Rome, walking through the ancient and Christian heart of the Eternal City — from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the four papal basilicas, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s.
From Rome we travel south to Monte Cassino, the motherhouse of the Benedictine Order founded by St. Benedict in 529 AD, and on to San Giovanni Rotondo to venerate the tomb of St. Padre Pio. We continue to Monte Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest shrines in Western Christianity, and to Lanciano, home of the 8th-century Eucharistic Miracle. The pilgrimage closes with three nights in Assisi, walking in the footsteps of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Carlo Acutis. Pilgrims should expect to walk approximately 8-10 miles each day.
For a detailed day-by-day itinerary, please visit the site linked below.
Register at the link below and use the Registration Code: CSN12027
Please contact Claire Burand for questions about the Rome Pilgrimage.
TRIP DETAILS
PRICING, PAYMENTS, AND CANCELLATIONS
CHECK HERE
IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION
Student EligibilitySeniors in good standing are eligible to attend.
Smaller schools may include juniors when necessary to meet minimum numbers.
Schools should send a minimum of eight students (plus two chaperones) or partner with another nearby Chesterton school.
Students may participate only once as an upperclassman.
ChaperonesSchools provide their own chaperones.
We require one chaperone for every four to five students, with at least one full-time school employee accompanying the group as a chaperone.
Male and female students should have chaperones of the same gender.
RegistrationStudent registration is open through July 15, 2026. Students will register under CA St. Andrew.
Each student submits an online registration and a non-refundable $300 deposit to reserve their place.
Chaperone registration will open late July after student registration is complete and we know how many chaperones are needed.
PassportsPassports should be valid for at least six months beyond travel to Italy. Passport information will be uploaded no later than December 15, 2026.
PackingStudents and chaperones travel with carry-on luggage only:
One airline-approved carry-on (22" × 14" × 9")
One personal item (backpack or tote bag)
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are essential.
Each pilgrim receives a pilgrimage daypack to be used daily.
FundraisersThe pilgrimage to Rome is part of each student’s capstone experience. It is our goal to make this trip a possibility for each student. We will hold multiple fundraisers throughout the year to assist with funding.
1st two weeks in August - Pie Sale through Blue Raeven. Orders due Aug. 17th with delivery the week before Labor Day, Sept. 1-4.
August 8th - Car wash @ True Value, Philomath OR — 1-4 PM
August 29th - Car wash @ Les Schwab, Corvallis, OR — 11-2 PM
Please contact Claire Burand for questions concerning Rome fundraiser events.
IMPORTANT ACTION ITEMS
PLANNING CHECKLIST
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Click “Register Here” at the top of this page and follow the prompts on the form to begin your registration.
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After registering we’ll send you a link to upload your passport. New and renewed passports can take up to three months. Apply ASAP if needed. Passports must be valid six (6) months after the date of return.
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ProRome Tours will send you an insurance quote as soon as you register, typically 5–7% of total trip cost. We strongly recommend that every pilgrim purchase travel insurance.
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We recommend pilgrims start walking to prepare for the physical demands of this pilgrimage. Expect approximately 8 to 10 miles of walking each day, much of it on cobblestones, hills, and ancient stone steps — and a hike up to the Eremo delle Carceri in Assisi.
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Approximately six weeks prior to departure ProRome will host a Pre-Trip Zoom Meeting. This meeting is mandatory, and if you cannot attend, a recording of the meeting will be sent to you. An invitation to this meeting will be sent to you by email a few weeks in advance.
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Approximately one month before departure, ProRome Tours will send trip boxes to all participants. Items include name tags, luggage tags, final detailed itineraries, and more.
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Two weeks before departure, ProRome Tours will email each pilgrim the final trip information: detailed itineraries, rooming lists, e-ticket numbers (if booked through ProRome), and any other pertinent details.
GOOD TO KNOW
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Final routing will be confirmed based on best pricing and connections from a major international airport.
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The group flies into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) on March 9 and returns from FCO on March 19.
Final routing will be confirmed based on best pricing and connections from CSN home cities. The group flies into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) on March 9 and returns from FCO on March 19.
For seat selection, upgrades, or independent flights, contact office@prorome.com.
HOTEL INFORMATION
You will stay at religious guesthouses in keeping with the contemplative character of this pilgrimage.
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Rome (5 nights): Religious guesthouse near the Vatican (TBD)
San Giovanni Rotondo (2 nights): Religious guesthouse near the Sanctuary of St. Padre Pio (TBD)
Assisi (3 nights): Religious guesthouse in the centro storico (TBD)
Specific property details will be confirmed in the final trip information packet.
No dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or celiac — we work only with restaurants and caterers that have ample options.
DIETARY + HEALTH
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All participants are expected to be in active good health and able to travel as part of a group. Walking, stairs, and a hike to the Eremo delle Carceri are required. Any condition needing special attention should be reported in writing at registration.
Essentials: broken-in walking shoes, layered clothing for variable March weather…
WHAT TO PACK
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(highs 55–60°F, lows 40°F, cooler in Monte Cassino and Monte Sant’Angelo at elevation), modest attire for churches (shoulders and knees covered), and a light rain jacket.
Helpful: daypack, refillable water bottle, universal power adapter, prescription medications in original containers, and a small notebook for reflection.
Pack light — you will be moving between four lodging cities.
GROUP MEALS
Daily breakfast and one additional meal — either lunch or dinner, depending on final itinerary sequencing — are included.
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The other meal each day is on your own, allowing pilgrims to explore at their own pace.
Beverages other than water are not included in group meals.
If you have allergies, simply inform the tour manager at the start of the trip.
PLACING CALLS IN ITALY
From a U.S. or Canadian phone, dial the international code “011” or “+”, then Italy’s country code 39, then the number.
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Contact your service provider a few days before departure to activate international calling on your phone.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
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If you lose your passport, phone, or wallet: Notify your tour manager immediately. The U.S. Embassy in Rome can issue replacement passports within hours.
If injured: Notify your tour manager — we arrange emergency transport.
If lost: Stay put. Call your tour manager or take a taxi to the hotel.
COUNTRY INFORMATION
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Currency: Cards widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops and the southern shrines.
Outlets: 220V, two-round-prong plugs — bring an adapter.
Passports: No visa for U.S. or Canadian citizens. Carry your passport at all times by European law.
Italy: Capital Rome · Currency Euro · Italian language · 6 hours ahead of EST.