Following breakfast drive to Lucca, known as the “city of a hundred churches,” due to the high number of churches within the city walls, as well as the countless noble chapels in private buildings. Many of the relics pilgrims prayed before in medieval times can still be visited today. The most important traditional churches are the Cathedral of San Martino, the Basilica of San Frediano, and San Michele in Foro. Within the cathedral, or Duomo, is contained an important statue. Known as the Holy Face of Jesus, it was sculpted from cedar wood. Pope John Paul II visited Lucca in 1989 and left a beautiful prayer dedicated to it. Continue onto the city of Milan for dinner and a restful overnight.

Today we explore the best of what Milan has to offer to a Catholic traveler. We begin at the Portinari Chapel in the Basilicia of Sant’ Eustorgio to visit the tomb of St. Peter Martyr. This great Dominican preacher, who received the habit from St. Dominic himself, labored continuously for the propagation and defense of the faith until he was martyred by heretics in 1252. Our visit continues to the magnificent Duomo Cathedral of Milan. This cathedral is the largest in Italy and is a symbol of faith and art which spans over six centuries. Buried here is St. Charles Borromeo. During the time when the Protestant Refomation was spreading through northern Europe, St. Charles staunchly defended the Catholic faith by eradicating corruption and educating the clergy until his death in 1584. We will visit the Sant’Ambrogio Basilica; one of Milan’s oldest churches. It was built by St. Ambrose, the great confessor and Doctor of the Church, who was appointed as Bishop of Milan from 374-397. St. Ambrose is buried in the Basilica along with Saints Gervase and Protase (early Christian martyrs). Dinner and overnight in Milan.

This morning we will drive to the city of Turin, capital of the Piedmont region and home of the famous Shroud of Turin. This relic appears to bear the image of our crucified Lord. Years and years of research attest to its authenticity, and millions believe it to be the linen burial cloth on which Christ’s face was miraculously permanently imprinted. The shroud has a fascinating history and has sparked countless deep conversions throughout the world. (Shroud display is pending official Vatican confirmation). While visiting Cathedral of St. John the Baptist we will venerate the buried body of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, which was found incorrupt when transferred to this cathedral in 1981. This young, fun-loving, athletic man died at the age of 24 leaving behind many people who loved him. He cared for the poor, hiked, laughed often, and prayed devoutly. Frassati was a strong catholic with a simple life for all of us to emulate. We will then move on to the Sanctuary of Maria Ausiliatrice, (the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians) completed in 1868. This church was originally part of a home for impoverished boys founded by Saint John Bosco. For this reason the Saint is buried here along with the relics of St. Dominic Savio and other saints. Lastly we will visit the Corpus Domini Basilica, the site of the 15th century Eucharistic miracle. French soldiers looted the main church, and the montrance containing the Blessed Sacrament was put in a bag and loaded on a mule. The mule stumbled as they were leaving and the monstrance with our Lord rose above the surrounding houses, arousing wonder in all of the witnesses. The bishop, people, and clergy prayed “stay with us, Lord.” The montrance fell leaving the host free and shining, and the bishop lifted up a chalice into which the host came down and rested. A railing in the basilica sets off the place where this miraculous event took place in 1453. This afternoon you will have free time for some shopping before gathering at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart towards Verona. Upon arrival tour this medieval old town built between the meandering Adige river. Its famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” A 14th-century residence with a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House.” Walk on Piazza delle Erbe, the town’s forum in Roman times, which is home to a produce market and the Torre dei Lamberti bell tower, started in 1172. San Zeno Basilica has a fresco-filled interior and medieval bronze doors depicting biblical stories. Verona Cathedral, built mainly in the 12th-century, contains “The Assumption of the Virgin,” a 16th-century painting by Titian. Along the Adige River, the Museo di Castelvecchio, in a 14th-century fortified castle, houses paintings, sculptures and military weapons from the Middle Ages. The Ponte Pietra is a Roman-era stone bridge. After lunch we continue to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Today, you will have early breakfast and then board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass, enjoy a tour of the “city paved with water!” Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges’ Palace (Duke’s Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Turin airport for your return flights. You will arrive home with several countries and countless stories under your belt. Thank you for joining us for your multi-cultural pilgrimage experience!

Or for pilgrims taking post tour to Medjugorje:

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Venice airport for your short flights to Medjugorje. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your tour guide and/or driver, who will take you on the 2.5 hour drive to the village of Medjugorje. Dinner and an overnight.

The most beautiful features of Medjugorje are its simplicity and peace. While in Medjugorje, you may experience your faith grow, and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. A local guide will accompany your group throughout your stay in the village.

Some activities that will accompany you in your spiritual journey:

Attend Daily Mass: Each morning at 10:00 AM, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). At the end of each Mass, regardless of language, there is a blessing of the religious articles that you have with you.

On Feast Days, and Sundays: English Mass is at 12 PM.

Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. At the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions. While climbing, your group is invited to recite the Rosary, pausing five times for each decade of the Rosary. At the top of the hill, you will witness the exact location of the first alleged apparition of Our Lady to the visionaries, and enjoy private time for prayer.

Climb Mt. Krizevac (Cross Mountain): In 1933, the villagers built a 30′ high cross atop a mountain to commemorate Jesus’ passion and death on the cross. Your group will have the opportunity to climb this mountain, and venerate that very cross. While climbing, your group is invited to pray the Stations of the Cross (to meditate on Jesus’ suffering Road to Calvary), pausing fifteen times for each Station.

Apparitions: Each evening at 5:00 PM (or 6:00 PM depending on Daylight Savings Time), your group can join the villagers and fellow pilgrims of Medjugorje at either St James Church or Apparition Hill to commemorate the time Our Lady appears to the Visionaries. There you can pray the Rosary, as you all await that time (5:40 PM or 6:40 PM during Daylight Savings Time).

*Afterward, Croatian Mass is held at St. James Church and is free to all to attend. It is broadcasted by the radio, simultaneously in order to translate the services from Croatian into many languages. Following the Croatian Mass, there is a Blessing of the Sick.
**For details about the Visionaries, please visit: www.206tours.com/visionaries

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Our Lady has always called us to be close to her Son. For this, you will have the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament at the altar outside of St. James Church. Adoration is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays; Veneration of the Cross is held on Fridays inside the church. Additionally, there is an Adoration Chapel on the grounds of St. James Church, where Adoration is held in the afternoon hours.

Visit to the Community of Cenacolo: You will have the opportunity to visit the community of Cenacolo, founded by the Sisters of Charity, for young men and women who have taken a wrong path and are on the road to recovery. You will be able to listen to their inspirational words about their journeys back to Jesus Christ.

Prayer at the Statue of the Risen Christ: The bronze statue of the Risen Christ is located on the grounds of St. James Church. Many pilgrims sit and pray on the benches surrounding this peaceful statue. This statue miraculously seeps droplets of water at all times of the day, out of Christ’s right knee.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we transfer for Dubrovnik Airport (Split or Sarajevo) for return flights home.