A Jubilee Tour of Italy and Switzerland

Sometimes the most memorable moments of a vacation are the ones you never planned.

During their journey through Italy and Switzerland, Jim and Nancy Kennedy experienced several unexpected highlights—from a chance encounter with a Hollywood star to a spur-of-the-moment sighting of the Pope—along with some architectural details that transformed their trip into a deeply immersive and educational adventure.

Originally traveling to visit religious sites, including a monastery outside Zurich, their tour soon opened their eyes to the many small details that truly capture the magic and history of Europe.

Italy Tour Highlights

During the planning process, the Kennedys made sure to emphasize the sites they were most excited to see: a Papal Audience at the Vatican, Castel Gandolfo, and the Holy Doors.

Within minutes of arriving at their Rome hotel, the Kennedys heard that the street was shutting down so the Pope could pass through. They quickly made their way outside to catch a glimpse of the surprise procession.

“We were practically the only people on the street, and he waved right at us,” they said. “A couple days later we saw him again at the Papal Audience in Saint Peter's Square, though this was alongside many thousands of pilgrims.”

Unique to 2025

One of the most unique aspects of travel can be choosing the right time for your trip. Coordinating your journey with regional traditions, special events, and meaningful time periods can turn a typical vacation into a fully immersive cultural experience. 

For the Kennedys, the timing of their trip meant they were able to travel during a Jubilee Year—an event in Catholic tradition that occurs only once every 25 years. This sacred year of grace made their journey through these renowned religious sites even more meaningful.

One particularly exciting highlight was walking through the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica, which are usually sealed with brick and mortar outside of Jubilee years.

The EJ Experience 

Sure—you can plan your own tour. But when you’re guided and supported by travel professionals, the whole experience becomes smoother, easier, and more refined to suit your interests.

Expert Tour Guides

When it came to guides, we made sure to connect the Kennedys with highly qualified local experts who know the stories of these places not only through research, but through lived experience.

“All of them had encyclopedic knowledge of the sights we visited and none of them were repetitive, so each tour taught us entirely new things,” they said.

Their guides helped them avoid long lines, provided deeper insights into local history and architecture, and explained the cultural and religious significance behind each destination.

“It was an immersive educational experience we won't forget,” they said. 

Traveling through historic cities like Florence and Rome can feel like a treasure hunt. Many of these destinations are peppered with subtle details—clues that offer a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us.

In Italy, the couple discovered many of these fascinating architectural details thanks to their local guides. Some of their favorites included:

• High water marks on the buildings in Florence, displaying how high up the

  waters of the Arno River rose during past floods.

• Brass plaques on certain homes in Florence where Holocaust victims once lived.

• The iron and bronze bars of the Colosseum that had been removed over generations, which eventually destabilized the structure and led to its partial collapse.

• Roman numerals etched above the archways of the Colosseum, showing visitors which entrance led to their seats—a system that still influences the way modern stadiums are organized today.

Hideaway Gems: Hollywood A-Lister Approved

Anyone traveling with Exceptional Journeys knows we love uncovering those low-key restaurants, private beaches, and local gems that elevate a luxury tour experience.

During their meal in the Tuscan Hills, the Kennedys had a chance encounter with some Hollywood A-listers.

“We already knew the food was good and the location beautiful, but seeing them there with us made clear how special a place this was,” the Kennedys said. “We did not want to bother them, so we kept silent - no interruptions for an annoying selfie!”

Personal Touches 

While we have plenty of connections of our own, personal connections can sometimes add an extra layer of magic to a journey.

The Kennedys happen to have a friend that works for the Vatican, which helped their advisor arrange a meeting with the director of the Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer retreat.

They were also able to tour the historic Papal Observatories and Papal Palace in Italy, an experience they describe as “extraordinary”. 

“Its setting, high up on a mountain outside Rome, was idyllic, complete with a picturesque village overlooking a lake in the volcanic crater,” they said.

The Exceptional Journeys Difference

“While you could probably cobble together a similar vacation at a lower cost on your own, you would not have the range of local contacts and insights Exceptional Journeys can bring to the table,” the Kennedys said. “Having them help you is like what I imagine having an experienced personal assistant by your side, leaving you freer to enjoy the journey and not sweat the small stuff.”

Ready to start planning your own unforgettable journey? Exceptional Journeys can help you experience Europe—and the world—at its most meaningful and memorable.