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ABOUT YOUR TRIP
Embarking on a Catholic pilgrimage to Italy is a profound journey of faith, history, and spirituality. With its rich religious heritage, Italy is home to countless sacred sites, each imbued with centuries of devotion and significance. From the majestic basilicas of Rome to the serene hilltop sanctuaries of Assisi, every step in Italy is a testament to the enduring faith of millions.
Beginning in Rome, the heart of Catholicism, pilgrims are greeted by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the spiritual aura of Vatican City. Here, they can participate in a papal audience, attend Mass in one of the city’s four major basilicas, and explore the Vatican Museums, home to priceless treasures of art and history. Experience the culture, cuisine, artwork, and religious history of other Italian cities such as Florence, Assisi, Venice, and Milan!
Under Nativity’s excellent organization and leadership, our pilgrimages offer complete itineraries that include round-trip airfare, first-class hotel accommodations, breakfast, dinner, all transportation, daily Masses, and more!
ITINERARY
Today, your pilgrimage begins by boarding your international flight to Rome! Rest assured, all the necessary preparations for your trip have been made so you can relax, enjoy your flight, and focus on the spiritual journey ahead.
Upon arrival at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome, you will meet your tour guide and driver. After a quick bus tour of “The Eternal City,” we will visit the famous Trevi Fountain. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy some free time before dinner, which will be at the hotel.
We will depart early for the papal audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. Afterward, we’ll explore St. Peter’s Basilica, featuring highlights like Michelangelo’s Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, and the Tomb of St. John Paul II. Next, we’ll tour the Vatican Museums, home to stunning artworks like the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Michelangelo’s “The Last Judgement.” Finally, we’ll drive through Rome to soak in its ancient ambiance before returning to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
This morning, we will visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, renowned for its stunning mosaics and gilded gold ceilings. Next, we’ll see the Scala Sancta, the 28 marble steps that Jesus is believed to have walked during his Passion. We will then head to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and travel down the Appian Way, exploring landmarks such as the Domine Quo Vadis Chapel, Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. Finally, we will visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.
After breakfast, we’ll head south through the lush Italian countryside, featuring vineyards and olive groves, enjoying stunning views along the way. Our first stop is Monte Cassino, founded by St. Benedict in 529, where we can explore the historic Abbey. Then, we’ll continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of St. Padre Pio, and check into our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.
After breakfast, we’ll celebrate mass at the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church, pray over his tomb, and take a sanctuary tour to see the crucifix where St. Pio received the stigmata and the confessional he used. We’ll also pray before his incorrupt body. As we drive to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, enjoy the stunning views of the Gargano Peninsula. Many have sought St. Michael’s protection here. After visiting the grotto, we’ll return to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.
In the morning, we’ll travel to Lanciano to celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus, site of a remarkable Eucharistic Miracle from the eighth century. A Basilian monk’s doubts about the Eucharist were transformed when the bread became living flesh and the wine live blood during Mass. Next, we’ll head to the Marian shrine of Loreto to explore the Holy House of Nazareth and see the Madonna of Loreto. Finally, we’ll arrive in Assisi, the hometown of Saint Francis. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at your hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll attend Mass at the stunning St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, home to the Porziuncola, where St. Francis began his ministry. Next, we’ll tour the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, seeing personal items of St. Francis, including the crucifix that spoke to him. Our visit also includes the chapel where he spent much time and the Church of St. Clare, housing her relics. The rest of the day is free for shopping or relaxation, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll continue our pilgrimage to Siena in Tuscany. We’ll visit the Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, the Sanctuary of St. Catherine to see the Miraculous Crucifix, and stroll through Piazza del Campo to view the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre Del Mangia. We’ll also see the relics of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic before heading to Florence for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Today, we’ll explore Florence, the capital of Tuscany. We’ll start at the Church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo and Galileo are buried, then visit Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Next, we’ll see the impressive dome of Santa Maria del Fiore and visit L’Accademia to view works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Michelangelo’s “David.” Enjoy some free time before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Get ready for our trip to Milan! We’ll visit the stunning Duomo, then the Basilica of St. Ambrose, followed by mass at Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see The Last Supper. We’ll also explore Sforzesco Castle and La Scala Opera House. Enjoy free time for shopping at Forza boutiques and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Arcade. Tonight, we’ll have a farewell dinner with our spiritual director and fellow pilgrims before heading to our hotel for the night!
We will transfer to the airport this morning to catch our return flight home, taking with us incredible memories of our time together in Italy!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Round-trip airfare
All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
First-class hotels
Prices based on double occupancy
Land transportation
Breakfast and dinner
Sightseeing/admissions fees
Daily Masses
Professional local guides
Printed promotional brochures and marketing materials
Medical Protection Plan
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended)
Passport & visa costs
Tips for the tour manager, guides, and driver
Personal items/expenses (hotel extras, laundry, phone calls, etc.)
GALLERY
PLAN A TRIP
Booking your spiritual journey with Nativity Pilgrimage relieves you of all the hassles. There is no need to worry about the logistics such as flights, hotels, guides and timing. Invite your parish, family & friends and let Nativity do the rest! When you choose Nativity Pilgrimage you won’t have to worry about the details; hotels, flights, Mass venues, language and cultural barriers or marketing materials.
Our team is always available to ensure the process is simple and seamless. We provide comprehensive support, process all reservations, handle all accounting, invoicing and payment processing, issue travel documents and answer any questions that come up during the process.
We will walk you through all of your options for each itinerary and our expert team will make sure we create the pilgrimage of a lifetime.
TRAVEL PROTECTION
Although travel insurance is optional, it is highly recommended. Be prepared for unforeseen events that can leave you to cancel your trip, or worse, with out-of-pocket expenses! We have partnered with Trawick Insurance to offer you coverage for the unexpected. Buy it now upon registration to get “cancel for any reason.” There are 2 options for travel insurance:
- Buy directly online through our website after submitting the application
- Buy insurance from your own insurance company.