12-DAY MEDJUGORJE & ITALY

While in Medjugorje, you’ll have a unique chance to deepen your faith and connect with fellow pilgrims from around the globe. This morning begins with a heartfelt mass, followed by a climb up Apparition Hill, the sacred site where the visionaries first saw Our Lady. At the base of the hill, take note of the blue cross, marking where Mary appeared to the children as they sought refuge from the communist police. The day will be filled with exploration and the enchanting spirit of Medjugorje. You’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight at your hotel, allowing for reflection on your experiences.

We will start our journey today in the picturesque town of Medjugorje, taking in the stunning landscapes as we travel towards Split, Croatia. Upon arrival in Split, we will board an overnight ferry to Ancona, Italy. Meals will be served on board, and our overnight accommodations will be in comfortable cabins on the ferry, ensuring a restful journey across the Adriatic Sea.

Welcome to Italy! Upon your arrival in Ancona, your Nativity Pilgrimage tour guide will greet you. We’ll take a bus to Assisi and visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, the home of the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis started the Franciscan movement. We’ll also celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. We’ll also explore the chapel where St. Francis spent time and visit the Church of St. Clare. After a day of exploration, enjoy free time for shopping or relaxing, followed by dinner and overnight at the hotel.

I’m excited to share that after a delightful breakfast, we’ll set off on a rich, full-day exploration of stunning Assisi! You’ll also have the chance to engage in personal activities, visit sacred sites, and enjoy moments of prayer. Dinner and a cozy hotel stay await you!

After breakfast, we’ll head to the enchanting city of Siena! Explore its stunning Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, built in 1380, and visit the Sanctuary of St. Catherine, home to the Miraculous Crucifix. Next, we’ll stroll through the iconic Piazza del Campo, admiring the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre Del Mangia. We’ll also see the relics of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic before driving to Rome for dinner and an overnight stay at our hotel!

We’re excited to start our day with Mass at the Basilica of St. Cecelia in Trastevere, built over the home of St. Cecelia, who was martyred in the 3rd century. Our journey continues at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where Pope Innocent III granted St. Francis permission to establish the Franciscan Order. Next, we’ll visit St. Paul Outside the Walls to pay our respects at the saint’s burial site, followed by the iconic Trevi Fountain, where tossing a coin promises a future visit to Rome. After a delightful lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to shop, relax, or explore. We’ll gather for dinner and enjoy the comforts of our hotel for the night.

After a delightful breakfast, I’m excited to start our walking tour of Rome at Piazza Venezia! We’ll visit iconic landmarks like Capitoline Hill, the Pantheon, and the Capitoline Museums. Our journey will also include the Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven, Mamertine Prison, and a stroll down Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Arch of Constantine. We’ll take a moment at the Basilicas of St. Clement and St. Gregory the Great, including a prayer at the Mother Teresa Convent. After a rich day of exploration, we’ll return to your hotel for dinner and a restful night. I can’t wait to share these amazing experiences with you!

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we have a wonderful morning planned that begins with Mass at the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by an unforgettable experience at a general papal audience with Pope Francis. After this inspiring encounter, we’ll explore the Vatican Museums, where we can marvel at centuries of breathtaking artwork and significant religious treasures, including Michelangelo’s Pieta and the magnificent Sistine Chapel. After a delightful lunch, we’ll embark on the fascinating Scavi tour to discover the ancient necropolis beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where St. Peter’s tomb rests. Our day will wrap up with a serene visit to the interior of the Basilica and the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. Dinner and a cozy overnight stay will be at your hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Jerusalem, one of the Seven Pilgrimage Churches of Rome, housing sacred relics of Christ’s Passion. Next, we’ll ascend the Scala Sancta, the steps Jesus climbed before Pontius Pilate, with an option to do so on our knees. After a lovely lunch and some shopping, we’ll explore the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and discover Santa Prassede, a 9th-century basilica with relics from Christ’s scourging column. We’ll end our day with dinner and relaxation at the hotel.

This morning, we’ll head to the airport for our flight home. We truly hope you cherished this spiritual journey as much as we did! Thank you for being a part of Nativity Pilgrimage, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!