Shrines of Italy

Your exciting pilgrimage starts today as you board your flight to Rome! Embrace the incredible spiritual journey ahead in Italy, cherishing every moment of this remarkable adventure.

DAY 2: WELCOME TO ROME

Welcome to beautiful Rome! Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and driver and begin a panoramic tour of the “Eternal City.” We’ll visit the iconic Trevi Fountain, where you’ll have time for lunch. After settling into your hotel, enjoy dinner with your fellow pilgrims.

DAY 3: PAPAL AUDIENCE / THE VATICAN

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV! After the audience, we’ll explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom and the epicenter of Catholicism. You will view incredible artwork, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and “The Last Judgement,” in the Sistine Chapel! You’ll also tour the Vatican Museums and honor Saint John Paul II at his tomb in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. Afterward, we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which holds a relic from Jesus’ manger. Finally, we return to the hotel and relax before dinner.

DAY 4: ROME

Today begins with a visit to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome’s oldest basilica. Next, explore the Holy Stairs, where Jesus ascended to his trial in Jerusalem. The steps were brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4^th century. Next, we’ll stroll down the ancient Appian Way, passing by the Domus Aurea, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. Finally, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle, and then return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.

DAY 5: ANCIENT ROME / ASSISI

After breakfast, we’ll start our walking tour of ancient Rome at Piazza Venezia. We’ll visit iconic sites such as Capitoline Hill, the Pantheon, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven, and the historic Mamertine Prison. We’ll stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali to see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Arch of Constantine. After a nice lunch, we’ll explore the Basilica of St. Clement before departing for Assisi. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel and get ready for tonight’s group dinner.

DAY 6: ASSISI

Enjoy a tour of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis! We’ll visit the Basilica of St. Francis to pray at his tomb and explore the chapel where he once prayed. Next, we’ll see the Church of St. Clare and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, home to the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis began his ministry. Enjoy free time in the medieval streets for shopping and lunch before visiting the Santuario Della Spogliazione to pay respects at the Tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis. The day will end with dinner at your hotel.

DAY 7: LORETO / LANCIANO / SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO

Join us as we journey to the beautiful Adriatic coast to visit the Marian shrine of Loreto, home to the Holy House of Nazareth. We’ll then head to the historic town of Lanciano to celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus, known for the remarkable 8th-century Eucharistic Miracle. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore before continuing to San Giovanni Rotondo, where we’ll settle into our hotel before dinner.

DAY 8: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO / MONTE SANT’ANGELO

After breakfast, we’ll explore the Old Church, touring the sanctuary to admire the crucifix where St. Pio received the stigmata and visit his cherished confessional. Then, we’ll enjoy a scenic bus ride to the Gargano Peninsula, where we will visit the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. After some free time, we’ll return to San Giovanni Rotondo, enjoying the beautiful ocean and countryside views. We’ll end the day with dinner at your hotel.

DAY 9: MONTE CASSINO / ROME

As we journey north through the stunning Italian countryside with its vibrant vineyards and olive groves. Our destination is Monte Cassino, established by St. Benedict in 529, where we’ll explore the impressive Abbey of Monte Cassino. Afterward, we’ll continue back to Rome for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and comfortable accommodations at your hotel.

DAY 10: RETURN FLIGHT HOME

This morning, we’re gearing up for our journey back home as we make our way to the airport to catch our flight!