Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). 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 will greet you. We leave Rome and travel North through the Umbrian Hills 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, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

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. You will start your tour at the St. Francis Basilica, visit the 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. Followed by 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 on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and end with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. Enjoy some free time on your own – you may take this time for additional prayer, shop in the many gift shops, or enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, you will board the bus, which will take you outside of the walls of Assisi, to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. This Basilica is made up 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, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

After breakfast, travel to Bevagna, a charming town in the heart of Umbria. Bevagna is not only a treasure of historical and artistic gems, but also a place of profound religious significance. Its rich Catholic heritage is evident in its numerous churches, monasteries, and religious institutions, each bearing witness to the town’s deep-rooted faith and devotion. Visit the Church of San Francesco which is located in Bevagna’s historic center. The Church of San Francesco is a haven for Franciscan spirituality. Its simple yet elegant architecture reflects the Franciscan Order’s values of humility and simplicity. Inside, the church houses a beautiful fresco depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Continue to the Monastery of San Silvestro, on a hilltop overlooking Bevagna. The Monastery of San Silvestro offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking spiritual solace. Founded in the 13th century, the monastery has been a center of religious life for centuries. Its serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside provide an ideal setting for contemplation and prayer. After lunch visit the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie. This is a beloved pilgrimage site for Catholics in the region. The sanctuary, dating back to the 15th century, is home to a venerated statue of the Virgin Mary, believed to possess miraculous powers. Visitors come from far and wide to seek blessings and pray for intercession. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast, celebrate Mass and depart Assisi for Siena, stopping at the walled medieval city of San Gimignano. Resting on the top of a hill, explore the area’s impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture, frescoes, towers, and more. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will show you first to the medieval city of Siena. Siena is also the city of Saint Catherine of Siena: she is one of the two patron saints of Italy, together with St. Francis of Assisi. Begin with a private tour of the Siena Cathedral, admiring the unique marble stripes of its interior as well as the Piccolomini Library, which hosts illuminated choir books and frescoes. Your tour will continue to the Piazza del Campo, the famed site of the Palio di Siena, the horse races held twice a year. Afterward, soak up some free time to continue exploring independently or to purchase lunch. Continue to Rome for 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 Museums, where you can see the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel. Visit as well the Scavi Tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Today you will visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiated as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. To conclude your day, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning after Mass we will visit the Catacombs in Rome. The world’s largest underground burial of its ancient Christian community. After we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul, outside the walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle. Stroll through the third largest public park containing many buildings, museums, and attractions in Rome Villa Borghese, whose landscapes and gardens are similar to those of an English manor. The rest of your day is free to explore. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

This morning we 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). Balance of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

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, Pantheon, and Santa Maria Sopra. Dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome airport for return flights home.

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