13-DAY ITALY

DAY 1 — FLIGHT TO MILAN

Your pilgrimage begins today, boarding your flight to Milan. Sit back and relax as you cross the Atlantic and prepare for this amazing spiritual adventure in Italy!

DAY 2 — ARRIVAL IN MILAN

Welcome to Italy! Upon arriving in Milan, your tour manager and driver will greet you. Enjoy some free time for breakfast or lunch before checking into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Milan’s vibrant culture, from the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to relaxing at a café. Mass will be celebrated, followed by a delightful dinner together.

DAY 3 — THE SPLENDOR OF MILAN

After breakfast, explore the treasures of Milan, beginning with the majestic Duomo, a stunning Gothic cathedral. Visit the Basilica of Saint Ambrose, a fourth-century church, followed by the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (availability permitting). Next, admire Castel Sforzesco, a fortress rich in history and art, and the beautiful façade of La Scala Opera House. Mass will be celebrated, followed by dinner at a riverside restaurant before returning to your hotel.

DAY 4 —FLORENCE: THE HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE

Today, we depart for Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. First, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome, then explore the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Uffizi Gallery, featuring works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Mass will be celebrated, and dinner will be served at our hotel, followed by a relaxing evening.

DAY 5 — ASSISI

This morning, you travel to Assisi, a serene medieval town. You visit the Basilica of St. Francis and reflect at his tomb, seeing the San Damiano crucifix that inspired Francis to “Rebuild My Church.” Nearby, the Basilica of St. Clare honors the life of St. Clare. You also explore the Santuario della Spogliazione, where Saint Carlo Acutis is buried. After Mass, enjoy free time for prayer, shopping, or strolling through Assisi’s stone streets before returning to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 6 — ASSISI TO ORVIETO

Your day begins at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, home of the Porziuncola chapel, where St. Francis and his early brothers prayed. Next, experience a warm Umbrian welcome at a local vineyard with wine tasting and a regional lunch. Then, visit the stunning Orvieto Cathedral, known for the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, where Mass will be celebrated. Finally, travel to Rome for dinner and overnight accommodations at your hotel.

DAY 7 — PAPAL AUDIENCE & ST. PETER’S BASILICA

This morning, you join pilgrims for the Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV. The atmosphere is filled with joy and hope. Then, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, home to Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s altar canopy. The spiritual weight is unforgettable. Mass will be celebrated, followed by a leisurely afternoon. Dinner tonight is on a rooftop terrace with city views.

DAY 8 — DOMINICAN ROME

Today, we celebrate Dominican heritage in Rome. You start at Santa Sabina on Aventine Hill, an ancient church where St. Dominic prayed and St. Thomas Aquinas taught. Then, visit Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a Gothic church located near the Pantheon, which is linked to Galileo. Your next stop will be the Basilica of St. Clemente. We will celebrate Mass and end our day with dinner and a restful night at your hotel.

DAY 9 — ROCCASECCA, FOSSANOVA, & PRIVERNO

Today, you trace the steps of St. Thomas Aquinas, starting in Roccasecca, his birthplace. Next, visit the Abbey of Fossanova, where he spent his final days in prayer. In Priverno, you’ll see a chapel that houses what is believed to be his skull, a significant site for pilgrims. Mass will be celebrated here before returning to Rome for dinner and a restful night at your hotel.

DAY 10 — MONTECASSINO TO NAPLES

Today’s journey takes you to Montecassino, founded by St. Benedict in 529. The Abbey stands as a symbol of prayer and resilience. You’ll visit the basilica, the relics of Saints Benedict and Scholastica, and the serene cloisters. A Mass will be celebrated before you head to Naples. Tonight’s dinner is hosted at a lovely Campania vineyard, showcasing the best of southern Italian hospitality.

DAY 11 — NAPLES 

This morning, visit the University of Naples Chapel, where St. Thomas Aquinas once taught. Enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza lunch, then explore the historic Naples Cathedral, home to the relics of St. Januarius. Mass will be celebrated. Optional: Hike Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano overlooking the Bay of Naples. We’ll return to your hotel for dinner afterward.

DAY 12 — THE AMALFI COAST   

Today is a highlight of our journey. After morning Mass, we travel to Salerno and board a boat to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast. Enjoy views of Positano’s colorful homes cascading down the cliffs and visit the historic town of Amalfi, where we’ll see the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew. We’ll return to Naples for dinner at your hotel.

DAY 13 — FAREWELL TO ITALY

This morning, you head to the airport for your return flight home with hearts full of gratitude for the blessings of this journey.