A Pilgrimage through Sicily

Join Jesuit Father John Predmore for an inspiring journey and pilgrimage through Sicily. Our customized itinerary blends historical and contemporary Italian culture – including wonderful Sicilian cuisine, archaeological sites, and urban settings with churches, cafes, museums, and squares. Highlights of the tour will acquaint you with Jesuit universities and museums and daily faith-sharing. You will enjoy local expert guides, the attentive care of a full-time tour manager, and first class centrally-located accommodations.  We hope to see you in Sicily!

Program Itinerary

Sunday, February 9, 2025
Depart Boston on overnight flights to Palermo.  Dinner and breakfast will be served on the flights.

Monday, February 10, 2025
Arrival at Palermo Airport and transfer to the hotel.  Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a restaurant for a welcome dinner. On the way from the airport, there will be a light survey of the tour and some information about Palermo.  Overnight Palermo.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Breakfast. Morning: Walk to Teatro Massimo (Piazza Verdi). Visit the Church of La Martorana (UNESCO site). Explore 4 Canti, Pretoria Fountain, and the Cathedral of Palermo.  Midday: Visit the Jesuit University of Palermo.  
Afternoon: Time for a cannolo or a bite near the Cathedral. Visit Cappella Palatina inside Palazzo dei Normanni. Optional: Guests can explore Palazzo dei Normanni on their own.  Dinner and overnight Palermo.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Breakfast. This morning we will visit Ballarò Market and Casa Professa (Jesuit architectural complex in Palermo). We will tour the market, church, and the Jesuit Museum. Short break for a bite nearby. Head to Monreale to visit the Basilica Cathedral and the cloister.  Return to the hotel.  Dinner and overnight Palermo.

Thursday, February 13, 2025
Breakfast. Depart from Palermo and head to Cefalù. Visit the Cathedral (Norman Heritage, UNESCO), the Marina, and the Corso with the old washhouse. Light break.  Afternoon: Continue to Tindari and visit the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna. Arrival in Messina for hotel check-in.  Evening: Orientation walk in Messina to see the Cathedral, Annunziata dei Catalani, and Vittorio Emanuele Theatre.  Dinner and overnight Messina.

Friday, February 14, 2025
Breakfast. Explore the famous clock at the Messina Cathedral at noon. Detailed exploration of the Cathedral and surrounding sights.  Afternoon: Visit Collegio Ignaziano (Catholic University in Messina). Free time for guests to explore. Dinner and overnight Messina.

Saturday, February 15, 2025
Breakfast. Free day for guests to explore at their leisure. Activity ideas: Visit the Regional Archaeological and Paintings Museum, featuring works by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio. Go to Milazzo (Castle) or the lakes of Ganzirri (Natural Reserve with fish restaurants). Relax and shop around Messina.  Dinner and overnight Messina.

Sunday, February 16, 2025
Breakfast. Depart from Messina and reach Taormina. Visit the Ancient Theatre and take a short orientation walk.  
Lunch will be included in Taormina, followed by some leisure time to explore the area.
2:30/3:00 PM: Depart for Catania. Arrival before 4:30 PM for a Sunday evening walk to see the Square with the Elephant and Via Etnea.  Dinner and overnight Catania.

Monday, February 17, 2025
Breakfast. Morning: Visit the Church of Saint Francis (San Francesco all'Immacolata) and Collegio on Via Crociferi. Visit the Church of San Francesco Borgia.  Afternoon: Leisure time for guests. Suggestions: visit to the market or the Cathedral.  Dinner/overnight Catania.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Breakfast. Morning: Depart from Catania and drive via Caltanissetta. 2.5 to 3 hours: Travel time. Comfort stop on the way. Arrival in Agrigento.  Afternoon: Visit the Regional Archaeological Museum Pietro Griffo. Check into the hotel.  Dinner and overnight Agrigento.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Breakfast. Morning: Visit the Valley of the Temples Archaeological Area.  Afternoon: Free time for guests. Dinner and overnight Agrigento.

Thursday, February 20, 2025
Breakfast. Departure to Palermo.  Free day for guests until the farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight Palermo.

Friday, February 21, 2025
Breakfast.  Transfer to the airport for return flight to Boston.
 

Inclusive Features:

Roundtrip flights Boston-Palermo, 11-nights accommodations in centrally located 4-star hotels, breakfast daily, one lunches, dinner daily, local transportation via deluxe motorcoach, a full-time local tour manager and guide, and entrances and guided visits per the itinerary.

Please note the above group flight schedule is subject to change. 

Complete Program Prices:

Includes group airfare and airport transfers
$5995 per person based on double occupancy 
$900 supplement for single occupancy

Land Only Program Prices:

Excludes all airfare and airport transfers
$5295 per person based on double occupancy
$900 supplement for single occupancy

+budget an additional $200 for gratuities for motorcoach drivers, local experts and guides, and your tour manager. More specific tipping guidelines can be found on our Travel Planning Guide and will be sent to pilgrims prior to departure.

Prices are based on a minimum group size of 21 participants

Please note: If you have selected double occupancy but no roommate is available due to uneven numbers or if your roommate should cancel you will be in a single room and responsible for the single room supplement.

All prices listed are discounted for payment by check. When paying with a credit card, you will be charged the standard base price, which is 5% higher.

All program prices are based on availability of services at the time registration material is received, minimum group size, currency exchange rates in effect September 13, 2024 —and are subject to change. All services are provided subject to Illume’s Conditions and Clauses.

The program prices will be reviewed before the invoices for the final payment are mailed, and will reflect the current prices.

Program Registration:

With questions, please contact:

info@travelillume.com 

Step 1: Complete the Event Registration Form by October 18, 2024

EVENT REGISTRATION FORM

Step 2: Submit your $1500 registration deposit per person to illume by October 18, 2024

Checks should be made payable to "Waterfront Travel Service, Inc." and mailed to 236 Lewis Wharf, Boston MA 02110. Please include the program number 25.10670 on the memo line.

You will receive a Welcome E-mail from illume after your deposit payment is received. You will also receive a link to add optional Travel Insurance/Protection to your program at that time.
 
Balance of payment due not later than: November 8, 2024

Note: Any changes to the program will be outlined in the final documents which you will receive one month prior to departure. If changes are made that affect the program price, you will receive an invoice or a credit accordingly.

Program No. 25.10670