SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Fr. John McNamara
PILGRIMAGE DATES
October 19 – 29, 2026
TRIP COST
$5,600 from Chicago (ORD)
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
– Psalm 84:5
Join us on a life-changing pilgrimage to Italy, walking in the footsteps of Saints and the faithful of the early Church as you visit holy sites and sacred shrines that bring the Bible to life. Journey through iconic destinations, including Rome, Monte Cassino, San Giovanni Rotondo, Siena, Assisi, and many more, on this unforgettable experience of faith, history, and devotion.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Monday, October 19, 2026
Departure – Chicago to Rome
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from Chicago O’Hare Airport on an overnight flight to Rome. Please arrive at the airport independently (unless parish transportation is arranged). Enjoy in-flight meals as you prepare spiritually and mentally for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Arrival in Rome | Major Basilicas
Arrive in Rome mid-morning, where your professional guide and private motor coach will welcome you.
Begin your pilgrimage at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four Major Basilicas, where you will have a guided tour, time for prayer at the tomb of St. Paul, and celebration of Holy Mass.
Continue to St. Mary Major, another Major Basilica and burial place of Pope Francis, for a guided visit.
Transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to refresh before gathering for a special Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Roman cuisine. (Lunch on your own.)
Day 3 – Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Vatican City | Papal Audience | St. Peter’s Basilica
After breakfast, travel to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Papal Audience (schedule permitting).
Following the audience, enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Continue directly into St. Peter’s Basilica for a guided visit of Christendom’s most iconic church.
Enjoy free time afterward to explore at your leisure. (Dinner on your own.)
Day 4 – Thursday, October 22, 2026
Ancient Rome & Sacred Sites
Explore the historic heart of Rome on a guided walking tour featuring:
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Piazza Navona
- Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
- The Pantheon
- Trevi Fountain
Celebrate Holy Mass at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, where St. Catherine of Siena is buried.
After lunch, visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, stepping into the grandeur of ancient Rome.
Evening at leisure. (Dinner on your own.)
Day 5 – Friday, October 23, 2026
Catacombs & Pilgrim Churches of St. Philip Neri
Begin with a visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus for a guided tour and Holy Mass.
Continue your pilgrimage through several of Rome’s sacred sites:
- Sebastian Outside the Walls
- Lawrence Outside the Walls
- Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (relics of the Passion)
- John Lateran (Cathedral of Rome)
- Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure and preparation for departure the next day. (Dinner on your own.)
Day 6 – Saturday, October 24, 2026
Monte Cassino | Journey to San Giovanni Rotondo
Depart Rome and journey south. Stop at the historic Abbey of Monte Cassino, final resting place of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, where you will celebrate Holy Mass.
Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, arriving for hotel check-in and dinner.
Day 7 – Sunday, October 25, 2026
Padre Pio Shrine | Monte Sant’Angelo
Attend Holy Mass at the shrine of St. Padre Pio, visit the crucifix associated with his stigmata, and pray before his preserved body.
Travel along the scenic Gargano Peninsula to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, a powerful site of pilgrimage.
Return for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Monday, October 26, 2026
Assisi | St. Clare & St. Francis
Depart early for Assisi. Upon arrival:
- Visit the Basilica of St. Clare
- Pray at the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis
- Celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis followed by a guided tour
Continue to Perugia for hotel check-in. (Dinner on your own.)
Day 9 – Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Siena | St. Catherine
Travel to Siena, birthplace of St. Catherine, Doctor of the Church.
Celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Domenico, home to her relics, followed by visits to:
- Shrine of St. Catherine
- Piazza del Campo
- Siena Cathedral (Duomo)
Return to Perugia. (Dinner on your own.)
Day 10 – Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Perugia | Assisi | Return to Rome
Begin with a brief tour of Perugia, including the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.
Return to Assisi to visit Santa Maria degli Angeli, where you will celebrate Holy Mass and tour the basilica.
Travel back to Rome for your final evening and enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Day 11 – Thursday, October 29, 2026
Departure – Rome to Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. After check-in and security, enjoy time for breakfast before departure, bringing home lasting memories of faith, history, and spiritual renewal.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Round-Trip Airfare
Breakfast & Dinner
Daily Mass
Airport Taxes/Fuel Surcharges
Private Transportation
Sightseeing/Admission Fees
First-Class Hotels
Professional Guide
Medical Coverage
Medical Insurance
MORE THAN JUST DESTINATIONS
These are spiritual encounters with God!
NATIVITY GUIDES
To accompany your pilgrimage, we have created these customized guides
designed to help you learn, prepare, and enhance your spiritual journey.
PROTECT YOUR TRIP
Every pilgrim traveling with Nativity Pilgrimage is provided with complimentary medical and emergency insurance, covering the duration of the trip for added peace of mind.
To further protect your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance (available at an additional cost). This coverage helps safeguard your travel plans in the event of unforeseen circumstances requiring cancellation. For full details, please visit the link below or contact Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289 or via email at info@trawickinternational.com.
Important: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage must be purchased within 14 days of registration to be eligible.
VIEW OUR UPCOMING TRIPS
We provide pilgrims with the opportunity of spiritual travel to
destinations across the globe, such as the Holy Land, Egypt, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, plus all across Mexico, South America, and even Asia!