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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 as you depart on your overnight flight to Rome. Meals and drinks are served during your flight.
Today: We arrive in the beautiful, picturesque city of Rome. We will meet our tour guide, board our touring vehicle, and begin a panoramic tour of the ” Eternal City.” Then, we will continue to your hotel to settle in and unpack. There will be free time for personal activities.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We begin by attending a papal audience with Pope Francis. Next, we will explore the Vatican Museums to see centuries of beautiful artifacts and artwork, like Michelangelo’s Pieta. We will then visit the Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica. You will also see the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. We will take in more sites on the way back to your hotel.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We will travel to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Rome’s largest church dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Next, we visit the Scala Sancta, the stairs Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Nearby, we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where Pope Innocent III permitted St. Francis to begin the Franciscan Order. We will also visit the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome’s second-largest basilica, where St. Paul is buried. Afterward, we will explore the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where Saint Peter had a vision of the risen Christ while fleeing persecution in Rome. Finally, we will visit the catacombs of St. Callixtus, amongst the most significant in Rome, where martyrs and popes of the early church are buried.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: Heading south, we pass through the rich Italian countryside of vineyards, orchards, and olive groves, taking in the amazing panoramic views. We find ourselves in Monte Cassino, a town founded by St. Benedict in 529. We tour the magnificent Abbey of Monte Cassino, where St. Benedict founded the Benedictine Order, followed by the Church of St. Peter and Paul. Finally, we will continue to San Giovanni Rotondo for the evening,
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We begin by celebrating Mass at the tomb of St. Padre Pio, followed by a sanctuary tour. We will see the old church and the crucifix he stood before when he received the stigmata in 1918. We will also see the confessional where Padre Pio directed people on their path. Finally, we will pray before St. Padre Pio’s incorrupt body. As we continue, we’ll have a stunning view of the Gargano Peninsula as we travel to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We will make our way to Lanciano and celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus, where we will see the Eucharistic Miracle. Next, we will continue toward the Adriatic coast to the great Marian Shrine of Loreto, where we will visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Enjoy lunch before we continue to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the founder of the Franciscan Order.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We will celebrate Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, where we will see the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis began his ministry and St. Clare began her religious life. Next, we will tour the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and view the crucifix that said to him, “Rebuild my Church.” Next, we will visit the chapel where St. Francis spent most of his time and the Church of St. Clare. The rest of the day is free for shopping or relaxing at your hotel.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We will travel to Siena and visit the city’s Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1380. We will visit the Sanctuary of St. Catherine of Siena, which contains the Miraculous Crucifix from which she received her stigmata. Next, we will walk the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo town square and see the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre Del Mangia, two of their many architectural treasures. We continue and see the incorrupt relics of St. Catherine of Siena at the Basilica of St. Dominic before continuing to Florence.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: Your full day in Florence includes visits to the Church of the Holy Cross and the Santa Croce, where many nobles such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried. Next, we’ll walk through the Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square. Next, we will visit the famous Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, an iconic piece of Florence architecture. After the tour, we will visit L’Accademia, the well-known art gallery displaying works of Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and the ever-famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore more of the museum and the city.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We countinue our journey to Milan, where we will visit the most magnificent Gothic building in Northern Italy, the Duomo! Next, we will see the Basilica and Tomb of St. Ambrose. We will then visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church and celebrate Mass (subject to availability and reconfirmation). Afterward, we’ll stop at Castel Sforzesco to see history and style combined with Milanese flair. Nearby is the famous La Scala Opera House. After your visit, the rest of the day is free to browse the Forza boutiques and stroll through the luxury outlets of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade. This evening, enjoy a special dinner (on us) with your spiritual director and fellow pilgrims. Share your experiences and expectations of your spiritual journey together in Italy.
Tonight: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.
Today: We will transfer to the airport this morning to catch our return flight home.
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.