Compare The 2025 Jubilee Tour - Faith-Based Travel - Catholic Itinerary by Cosmos vs Normandy, Brittany & Chateaux Country by Great Value Vacations
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4 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,099 | $ 4,131 |
| Price Per Day | $ 300 | $ 459 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Join us for the experience of a lifetime for the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church in Rome. Occurring only once every 25 years, the 27th Jubilee Year in 2025 promises to be a time of grace for thousands of pilgrims and the world's faithful. Pope Francis has named this year’s celebration “Pilgrims of Hope” as a celebration of peace, hope, and love. Visit some of the world’s most iconic and inspiring holy sites for an experience you’ll never forget. During the Jubilee Year, the Catholic Church offers the possibility of obtaining plenary indulgence for the faithful. The Pope inaugurates the Holy Year with the rite of the opening of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. After that, the Holy Doors of the other Papal Basilicas are opened and remain open until the end of the Jubilee Year. The completion of the Seven Churches Pilgrimage is one of the highlights of this tour. This is one of the oldest Catholic traditions, and foresees the visits of the 4 major Papal basilicas – St Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major- as well as the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls. Learn about the Catacombs, former underground burial grounds principally used by early Christians and Jews; spend time in prayer in the most significant Catholic places of worship and admire unique and precious works of art inspired by faith. Cosmos guests enjoy a number of special experiences during the Jubilee Year tour. Participate to the Papal audience and the Sunday Angelus prayer and blessing (if available) in St. Peter Square. See the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), which, according to Roman Catholic tradition, were the steps leading to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion. Visit Castel Gandolfo, the summer Papal residence in the Roman countryside featuring beautiful gardens and serene views. Celebrate Mass and share your faith and contagious spirit of communion with your travel companions, who by the end of the tour will also have become new friends. |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation. GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Savor the flavors of French cuisine, sip on local wine, visit Paris' most iconic landmarks, and explore the countryside beauties of Normandy, and Chateaux Country. Immerse yourself in history, visit storybook-like castles, and stroll through cobblestoned villages. Looking for a full, authentically French experience? You've found it! Start your adventure in the City of Lights - the always elegant Paris! Gawk at the Arc de Triomphe, shop the day away on Champs-Elysees, and see once-in-a-lifetime views from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower! Enjoy scenic rides to Rouen, Caen, and more. See history books play out before your eyes on the beaches of Normandy, then retreat to the coastal gem of Mont St. Michel! Visit magnificent castles in Chateaubriant and see the marvelous sights of the Loire Valley. Your journey comes full circle, as it ends with one last amazing night in Paris. What better way to say "au revoir" to France, than a sunset picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower? |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN ROME, ITALY
Welcome to Italy on this very special Holy Year occasion! Check into your hotel, then the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and touring companions, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey, then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (Dinner)
Day 2: ROME
This morning, celebrate Mass [M] at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, then walk to St Peter’s Square to attend the Papal Angelus Sunday prayer (subject to availability). The Pope delivers an address in Italian and ends his speech with the Papal blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle and one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Last but not least, spend time in prayer at the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls, named in honor of the soldier who was martyred at the time of Diocletian. A Local Guide will show you the nearby Catacombs, an underground cemetery decorated with frescoes, testifying the origins of Christianity. (Breakfast)
Day 3: ROME. EXCURSION TO CASTEL GANDOLFO
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. The included excursion to Castel Gandolfo takes us with a Local Guide to a quaint village in the hills outside Rome. Visit the Papal summer residence, a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the beautifully manicured gardens’ quietness and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time in Rome.Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (Breakfast)
Day 4: ROME
Join the optional day trip to Assisi, home of Italy’s patron Saint, Saint Francis. Attend Mass [M] at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto paintings depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and other significant sites of St. Francis’s life. Alternatively, spend the day at leisure in Rome. (Breakfast)
Day 5: ROME
Prepare for this morning’s unique opportunity to attend the Papal Audience (if available) in Vatican City: see the Pope and receive his blessing. In the afternoon, join a Local Guide for the visit of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. When Constantine moved the capital of the Roman empire to Constantinople (now Istanbul), his mother Helen decided to transform part of her Roman residence into a chapel for the relics of the Holy Cross, which she herself had found at the Calvary during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 325. The Basilica was built later around the original chapel. Complete the day with the visit of the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls—named for St. Lawrence, a deacon of Spanish origin who was martyred in 258 as a result of an edict by Emperor Valerian. Attend Mass [M] (Breakfast)
Day 6: ROME
Today is dedicated to two major Papal Basilicas: the impressive Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the magnificent St. Mary Major Basilica where you will celebrate Mass [M]. Additionally, experience the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Tonight, toast to the Jubilee experience with your touring companions during the farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 7: ROME
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Day 1 Welcome to Paris!
Arrive in the twinkling city of elegance, style, and sophistication! Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first luxurious accommodation, then get ready for an exciting night. At 5:30 pm, you'll meet your tour director and traveling companions for a lovely welcome dinner at one of Paris' posh restaurants. Clink glasses, enjoy local wine, and get to know each other! Then comes the icing on the cake - take the elevator to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a dazzling view of the "City of Light."
Day 2 Paris
Ahh, wake up smiling - you're in Paris! Enjoy breakfast, then join your local guide and venture out for a day of sightseeing. Stand in front of the Arc de Triomphe, strut down the Champs-Elysees, see the Courtyard of Les Invalides, and more! Later tonight, enjoy dinner and a lively cabaret show at one of Paris' nightclubs!
Day 3 Paris - Giverny - Rouen - Deauville
Recharge with a quick breakfast, then set off on a scenic ride through France! Start the day with a visit to Claude Monet's House and Gardens. In Rouen, admire the ornate facade of the magnificent cathedral, which was one of Monet's favorite subjects for his paintings (many of which you can find today in Paris' Musee d'Orsay). Stroll along the charming cobblestoned Rue-du-Gros-Horloge and find yourself at the very square where the Joan of Arc was burned in 1431! Arrive in Deauville, the seaside resort famous for its international film festival. you may enjoy visiting the Promenade des Planches before you leave!
Day 4 Deauville - Normandy Beaches - Caen
Take a day to walk through world history as you visit Pointe Du Hoc and Omaha beach today. You'll visit the cemetery and see the Monument to the Braves. After, continue on to Fold Beach to see the Mulberry Harbour remains at Arromanches. After a day of exploration, you'll finish the trip to Caen for your overnight stay.
Day 5 Caen - Mont St. Michel
After breakfast, you'll have the chance to see the history of D-Day, June 6, 1944, right before your eyes. Drive by Juno Beach and stop at Gold Beach for a view of the Mulberry Harbor remains at Arromanches. Visit the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach, then continue to Sainte Mere Eglise, where American soldiers parachuted into the town the night before D-Day! Grab your camera, join your guide, and get ready for an afternoon of sightseeing. Even enjoy a guided visit of the famous Abbey of Mont St. Michel, perched on a rocky isle in the Gulf of Saint Malo! Breathe in the salty sea air and enjoy a relaxing night on the coast near Mont St. Michel.
Day 6 Mont St. Michel - Cheverny (Loire Valley)
Rejuvenate with a pleasant breakfast, then enjoy a scenic ride across Brittany, via Chateaubriant, to Angers! Don't worry, you will definitely be able to stop for pictures of the stunning 13th-century castle. Continue your journey to the picturesque Loire Valley, a whimsical region of manicured gardens, storybook-like castles and homes, quaint villages, and lush greenery. Tonight, treat yourself to some authentic French cuisine at one of the area's amazing restaurants.
Day 7 Cheverny (Loire Valley)
Waking up in the Loire Valley is like waking up in a fairy tale. After breakfast, visit two of the most important castles in the area! You'll start at the "jewel of the French Renaissance," Chateau Chambord, then you'll move on to 16th-century Chenonceau, the 16th-century chateau of Catherine de Medici. Sip and swirl during a wine tasting at the Pere August wine cellar in Civray de Touraine, where you'll learn all about local wines. Return to your chateau and enjoy a delightful dinner!
Day 8 Cheverny (Loire Valley) - Paris
You'll eventually head back to the beautiful city of Paris today, but not before you do more exploring in the French countryside! Stop in Chartres and see its superb 13th-century gothic cathedral - a medieval architectural gem. Upon arrival in Paris, enjoy the freedom to roam around on your own! Revisit your favorite sights or discover new ones. Why not treat yourself to dinner at a romantic restaurant or a lively cabaret show at one of Paris' nightclubs? Make your last night one to remember.
Day 9 Depart France
Enjoy one last flaky croissant for breakfast, then enjoy a convenient ride to the airport (CDG). Spend your relaxing flight home scrolling through photos and dreaming about your next vacation!
