Shrines of Italy

DAY 1: FLIGHT TO ITALY

Your pilgrimage begins as you board your international flight to Italy. Relax, settle in, and prepare spiritually for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Catholic world.

DAY 2: ARRIVAL | TRANSFER TO FLORENCE

Upon arrival in Italy, you will be greeted by your professional Nativity manager who will accompany you throughout the pilgrimage. After collecting your luggage, you will transfer by private motor coach to the beautiful Renaissance city of Florence. As you travel through the Tuscan countryside, you will enjoy the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. Upon arrival in Florence, you will check into your hotel and have time to rest before gathering for dinner.

DAY 3: FLORENCE

This morning features a guided tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. You’ll visit the Academy Gallery to see Michelangelo’s statue of David and the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s dome. Explore Piazza della Signoria, filled with remarkable sculptures, and view the medieval Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River. After the tour, enjoy personal time before dinner at your hotel.

DAY 4: SIENA AND ASSISI

After breakfast, we will head south to Siena, a beloved medieval city. You’ll explore the charming streets and visit the historic center, including Piazza del Campo and the Basilica of St. Dominic. Enjoy some time for lunch and reflection before traveling to Assisi, the serene hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to settle in before dinner.

DAY 5: ORVIETO AND ASSISI

This morning, we head to the ancient city of Orvieto, perched above the Umbrian landscape. You’ll visit the stunning Orvieto Cathedral, known for its ornate façade and connection to the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. After some time for prayer and reflection inside, you’ll return to Assisi for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 6: ASSISI | LORETO | PESCARA

Your morning begins with a visit to Assisi, where you’ll see the Basilica of St. Francis with its frescoes and the Basilica of St. Clare, including her tomb and the San Damiano Cross. You’ll also stop by the San Damiano chapel, the site of St. Francis’s mission. Next, travel to Loreto to view the Holy House, believed to be the Virgin Mary’s home, before heading to Pescara on the Adriatic Coast for dinner and overnight accommodations.

DAY 7 – LANCIANO | SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO

After breakfast, depart for Lanciano, home to the oldest recognized Eucharistic Miracle in the Catholic Church. At the Church of St. Legontian, pray before the miraculous Host and Precious Blood preserved for over twelve centuries. Then, continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, linked to St. Padre Pio. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO

Today focuses on the spiritual legacy of St. Padre Pio. You’ll visit the Old Church of Our Lady of Grace, where he celebrated Mass, and the adjoining crypt housing his body. You’ll also explore the modern basilica by Renzo Piano and key locations from Padre Pio’s life, including his confessional and cell. This day offers moments of quiet, prayer, and connection. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and a restful night in San Giovanni Rotondo.

DAY 9: SORRENTO

This morning, you will depart San Giovanni Rotondo and travel across southern Italy toward the Bay of Naples. The drive offers beautiful views of mountains, countryside, and coastline. Upon arrival in Sorrento, a charming town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you will check into your hotel and enjoy time to relax or explore the town’s lively streets and shops before dinner.

DAY 10: POSITANO

After breakfast, you will travel along the world-renowned Amalfi Coast to the picturesque village of Positano. Then, you will continue to Amalfi to visit the Cathedral and specifically to visit the Tomb of St. Andrew the Apostle. After the visit, enjoy the Limoncello experience. In the afternoon, you will return to Sorrento for dinner at your hotel.

DAY 11: CAPRI

This morning, you will sail across the Bay of Naples to the enchanting island of Capri, long admired for its beauty by saints, artists, and emperors. Upon arrival, you will meet your local guide who will lead you through the island’s highlights, including Anacapri and the breathtaking views from Mount Solaro. You will also have time to explore shops, enjoy a café, or take an optional visit to the Blue Grotto. Later, you will return to Sorrento by boat for dinner at your hotel.

DAY 12: ROME

After breakfast, you will depart Sorrento and drive to Rome, arriving in the Eternal City in the early afternoon. Your first visit will be to the ancient Catacombs of Callixtus, where early Christians buried their dead and secretly celebrated the faith during times of persecution. The quiet corridors and ancient frescoes offer a profound encounter with the roots of the Church. After the visit, you will check into your hotel and relax before dinner.

DAY 13: ROME | THE VATICAN

This morning, you’ll visit the Vatican Museums to see centuries of sacred art, culminating in the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Next, explore St. Peter’s Basilica, a key site of Catholicism filled with treasures. In the afternoon, continue your pilgrimage to St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, connecting deeply with the Church’s foundations. Dinner and overnight will be in Rome.

DAY 14: ANCIENT ROME

Today, you will journey back to Ancient Rome, exploring the Colosseum, the arena of gladiators, and the ruins of the Roman Forum, where history was made. You’ll also visit the Church of St. Peter in Chains, home to Michelangelo’s statue of Moses and the chains said to have bound St. Peter. Dinner and overnight will be in Rome.

DAY 15: PAPAL AUDIENCE

This morning, you will attend the Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, where pilgrims gather to receive the Holy Father’s blessing and hear his reflections. The rest of the day is free to explore Rome, shop, revisit favorite sites, or enjoy personal prayer in the city’s churches. Dinner and overnight will be in Rome.

DAY 16: RETURN HOME

After breakfast, you will transfer to Rome airport for your return flight home. You will leave Italy enriched by the faith, beauty, and community you experienced throughout this unforgettable pilgrimage.