11-DAY ITALY (MILAN TO ROME)

After breakfast, we depart Milan and travel to Padova. Upon arrival, we will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Venice, where we will check into our hotel for the evening and get a good night’s rest. Dinner and overnight in Venice.

After breakfast, we begin our exciting day in Venice, “The Queen of the Adriatic.”  The total absence of wheeled transportation makes it one of the most charming and poetic cities in the world. Our day begins at the Basilica of St. Mark. Adorned with golden mosaics and religious icons, it was built to honor the body of St. Mark brought from Alexandria, Egypt. After Mass, we will visit the Piazza di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale (the palace of the Doge, the political leader of Venice). The rest of your day is free to explore this incredible city, preferably in a gondola! Once it’s time, we will depart for Florence. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

After breakfast at your hotel, we will begin exploring Florence, “The Jewel of the Renaissance.” We will visit the Duomo–Santa Maria, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and L’Accademia, a well-known art gallery with artwork from Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and Michelangelo (Sculpture of David). We will then celebrate Mass at a frescoed chapel in the Franciscan Church of Santa Croce. Afterward, we will drive to Assisi for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

After breakfast, we will begin exploring the hometown of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the founder of the Franciscan Order. First, we will celebrate Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. Inside, you will see the famous Porziuncola, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis started his ministry, and St. Clare began her religious life. Next, we will enjoy a tour of St. Francis of Assisi Basilica and view the crucifix that said to him, “Rebuild my Church.” Afterward, we will visit the Church of St. Clare, a follower of St. Francis and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, known today as the Order of Saint Clare. After our tour, we will depart for Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day walking through the Holy Doors and celebrating Mass at the grand St. Peter’s Basilica! Enjoy some time exploring independently before taking a more in-depth guided tour. Next, we will walk through the Holy Doors of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, and the burial place of St. Paul, the Apostle. Afterward, we will continue to St. Lawrence Outside the Walls, stop for lunch, and then visit the catacombs of St. Sebastian. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Church of Santa Croce in Jerusalem. Afterward, you can spend the remainder of your day visiting Rome’s other major basilicas, St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, we will begin our tour of Ancient Rome. We will visit the Colosseum, Capitol Hill, the Vittorio Emmanuel Monument, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. Afterward, you will have the afternoon to enjoy Rome on your own. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After an early breakfast, we will leave the hotel and participate in the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square with His Holiness Pope Francis. Enjoy lunch on your own before taking a walking tour of the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport this morning to catch our return flight home. We hope this spiritual journey has enlightened you and given you many beautiful memories to last a lifetime.