Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s) to Rome. Your meals will be served on board.

Welcome to Rome, also known as “The Eternal City.” Upon landing at Rome airport, claim your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where your tour guide and/or driver will greet you. Following check-in at the hotel, enjoy some free time to unpack, relax, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later this afternoon, your group will meet in the hotel lobby for a meet and greet with fellow pilgrims and your priest. You will depart together for Mass, and following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you have to opportunity to join in a walk to St. Peter’s Square for the Rosary (optional).

This morning, we will attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square or at the Audience Hall. The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule). Next Trevi Fountain area for some free time and lunch (on your own). This afternoon, visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, the Archbasilica of St. John the Lateran, the cathedral church, and the seat of the Bishop of Rome. Cross the street to the very steps that lead up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem which Jesus climbed on His way to trial during his Passion. Holy Mass will be celebrated by our priest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. Dinner and overnight.

Today we tour St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter the Apostle was martyred. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to view Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture and pray at the tombs of Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. Next, you will visit the Vatican Museum, where you can see the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. After lunch, continue down the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads built in ancient Rome to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, built over the catacombs where St. Sebastian was buried, providing a serene place for reflection and prayer. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Today, we will continue our pilgrimage with Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, home to relics of the Passion of Christ and known for its beautiful frescoes and stunning altar. Next, we’ll visit San Lorenzo fuori le Mura, dedicated to St. Lawrence and known for its beautiful mosaics, located outside the city walls. Continue to visit the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings, in large part because it has been in continuous use throughout its history. Since the 7th century, it has been a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs and known as “Santa Maria Rotonda”. After, we will visit Chiesa del Gesu, the first Jesuit church built in Rome. The holy relics, unique sculptures, and magnificent frescoes made it one of the most outstanding art samples of the Baroque style. Then, we will visit Tempietto del Bramante which was built on the spot where it was said St. Peter was crucified. End the day with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere). This beautiful basilica is one of the oldest churches in Rome and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection.

After a good morning breakfast, we will make our way to our Ancient Rome tour where we will see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Access the Palatine Hill with no line and discover the hill where Rome was founded at the beginning. Then reach the Colosseum and be amazed by this monument that is the symbol of Rome in the world. The Amphitheater created to entertain ancient Roman citizens with bloody shows of gladiators, animals, and cruel games, is now one of the most fascinating landmarks of the city (no interior tour). Following lunch, we will have a downtown walking tour of Rome including, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Via del Corso, and Santa Maria Sopra. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

This morning, you will ride through the beautiful Umbrian mountains to Orvieto. This incredible town sits on a volcanic high rock formation. Here we visit one of the most beautiful and renowned Cathedrals in Italy. Because of its strategic location, its Christian history officially started in 1004, but Orvieto was built over preexisting Etruscan-era cave tunnels dating back 2,500 years, which some historians believe Christians used to celebrate Mass when Christianity was forbidden. Continue to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Upon arriving, visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of his life. This Basilica is made of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure is the “Porziuncola”, which is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second is the “Capella del Transito”, which is the place of St. Francis’ death. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived and prayed. Continue to the hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight.

As you visit the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th century. The tour will start at the St. Francis Basilica, visit his tomb of St. Francis, and have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint’s possessions. You will celebrate Mass at St Francis’s tomb (pending confirmation). Following Mass will be a visit to the Santuario Della Spogliazione where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb is placed. Carlo is the first millennial to be declared Blessed who loved the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. From there, you will continue with a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and the Bishop’s House. Enjoy some free time – you may take this time for additional prayer or shop in the many gift shops. After lunch, we will visit Cascia, known as Saint Rita of Cascia, and her message of dialogue and peace. Today, pilgrims and devotees come from all over the world to visit this small village and experience moments of true spirituality. Cascia is in the heart of the Valnerina, where the refinement of the works of art complements the flavors of the typical cuisine. We will be immersed in the natural landscape characterized by mountain peaks, rivers and streams, enclosed valleys, and ancient villages waiting to be discovered. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, head north towards the elegant and refined hill town of Montepulciano. It stands 605 meters above sea level, encircled by massive fortifications. It is like walking into the past. Later, it’s home to the highly esteemed Vino Nobile, where you will take part in your second wine-tasting session whilst visiting the cellar where the wine is stored. A perfectly tasteful way to explore one of the regions most loved by true and discerning Tuscans. Continue to drive to the Tuscan city of Siena for dinner in a local restaurant and overnight.

This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine “Doctor of the Church”, and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine spent a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy your walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Conclude at one of Italy’s finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your leisure. There are several restaurants surrounding the square to have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. The group will enjoy a farewell dinner together followed by a restful overnight.

Early morning transfer to Florence airport for your return flights home.

Or for pilgrims taking post tour:

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.