Special Considerations When Traveling to the Jubilee

The Jubilee in 2025 will be a fabulous year to visit Italy! You will be in good company and lots of it! Because of all that is happening during the Jubilee celebration, there are some additional things that you should know. 

Lines and Crowds

A Jubilee Year is a celebration, and many other Catholics from around the world will be in Italy to celebrate alongside you. In anticipation of the crowds, the Vatican has required timed entries and registrations for the many pilgrims (yourself included) coming to walk through the Holy Doors. What that means practically is this:

Lines

• You and your group must be punctual. Listen closely to the Tour Manager for information on meeting times and places, and adhere to the schedule.
• You will be standing in line more than is typical, so wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and wear layers to adjust to the temperature and weather. Depending on the event, you may be in line for a long time. This is especially true for those attending the canonization events.
• Patience and flexibility are the keys to enjoying your trip, and don’t worry; there is plenty to look at while waiting.
• Be prepared to identify yourself at check-in. Your Tour Manager will advise you daily, so pay attention to their announcements. 

Crowds

• Crowds of tourists are an invitation to pickpockets, so safeguard your valuables by being a less attractive target.
• NEVER hang your bag on the seat back in a restaurant or church. Keep it in your lap.
• Keep wallets in zippered pockets or money belts.
• Keep your purse or shoulder bag in front of your body when navigating crowds.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash.
• Use RFID-proof wallets or credit card sleeves to protect from identity theft by passers-by.
• When navigating crowds, leave expensive jewelry at home or in the hotel safe rather than in a bag or on your person.
• Stay with your group. Follow the flags. Keep up and make sure to watch where you are going.

Security

There are security checkpoints at many of the sites you will visit. Be prepared to put your bag through metal detectors (please do not carry knives, anything sharp, or anything that might be considered a weapon). Most sites will limit your bag size, and full-size backpacks will most likely not be allowed. 

Some everyday items may not be allowed in your bag or on your person while visiting the Major Basilicas. Please leave reusable water bottles, phone chargers (including battery banks), hand sanitizer bottles, large cameras, and large umbrellas behind when visiting basilicas or walking through Holy Doors. Follow the instructions in the security lines and assemble your group on the other side of the checkpoint. Security regulations are subject to change anytime, so please pay attention to your tour manager and guide for up-to-the-minute information.

Hotels

Most hotels in major cities, like Rome, will be fully booked during the Jubilee, so be prepared to wait for the elevators, which are generally smaller than we’re used to. This is yet another reason to limit your luggage. If you can carry your bag up a few flights of stairs, you won’t have to wait for the elevator!

 Be prepared for your room to be considerably smaller than one in the U.S. or even the Holy Land. Additionally, the AC/Heating system will be more limited than in the US. Prepare to be a little warmer in the room than most Americans are used to.

IMPORTANT: Be early for hotel meals, and you may have to wait longer than usual to get a seat. Breakfast is essential for pilgrims, so plan accordingly.

Luggage

What to Pack

In addition to the packing lists in your other travel documents. The following items are critical for a Jubilee Trip.

• Clothing layers to adjust to changing weather and temperatures.
• Sun protection (i.e., hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Comfortable, sturdy, broken-in footwear.
• First aid supplies (Band-Aids, Moleskin for blisters, and general OTC medications, including pain relief, antacids, allergy medications, and anti-diarrheal medications). Carry these daily.
• Consider carrying a change of socks in your day bag in case your feet get wet during the day. This will help you avoid painful blisters. 

Walking

If you read nothing else, please read this! You must be prepared to walk a lot and be on your feet a lot in Italy. Roman roads were not built for buses. Parking is not always convenient for the sites, and you must walk from the bus to the churches and other destinations. The paths and steps you will use to get there were built to last, not for comfort. Cobblestones, marble, and granite can be slippery when wet and hard, no matter your shoes. 

Make no mistake, you will average 12,000-15,000 a day on your journey, and you will be walking with purpose, not dawdling, so plan and prepare accordingly. If you cannot keep up with the group, you may need to stay on the bus for some site visits. Seating will be in short supply, so be prepared to stand in lines while site-seeing and occasionally for Mass. We do our best to take reasonable breaks throughout the day, but it is sometimes not possible when on a schedule.

Itinerary Adjustments and Notes

Please read through your itinerary carefully. Some sites you might expect are NOT INCLUDED in a Jubilee Year visit. For instance, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican Museums are NOT INCLUDED on most Jubilee Year trips, so plan to see these on your own during days at leisure. Most will require advanced registration, so arrange your visits and secure tickets for yourself early. Many sites are within walking distance of hotels, but if not, the concierge can help you arrange a cab.

While we do our best to plan, unforeseen travel circumstances often require on-the-ground itinerary changes. This is typical and should be expected. Your Tour Manager will notify you of changes in the order or day of visits. We do our best to ensure you see everything on the itinerary.

Conclusion

The Jubilee Year will be an amazing and glorious celebration for Catholics worldwide. You are so blessed to be able to attend the events, and we are confident that they will be memories you will cherish forever. Plan well, prepare well, and have a flexible and positive mindset, and you will enjoy the trip immensely.