Upon arrival in Amman, make your way to the baggage claim area and collect your luggage. Proceed to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by your tour guide/driver. Transfer to the hotel in Amman for check-in. Enjoy our included welcome dinner at the hotel. D

This morning, you will transfer to the “lost” city of Petra. This city is located amongst rugged desert canyons and mountains. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital and trading centre. Your first stop will be a visit to the Siq, a mile-long gorge where magnificent structures have been carved into the mountains. The walk culminates with a visit to the Petra Museum, to see artefacts from the Neolithic period of the Nabataen history. The museum also contains architecture from Romans times and a Byzantine chapel. This afternoon is at leisure to shop, relax or rest before dinner and overnight. B,D

Today, after breakfast travel to the Castle of Kerak; the largest castle among mountain-top crusaders. Following this visit, transfer to the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba. While in this city, you will visit St. George’s Church that is home to a true treasure of Christianity. This Church houses the oldest map of the Holy Land which includes Israel, Palestine, and Southern Egypt. Later, visit Mt. Nebo, the most revered holy sites of Jordan. This mountain was mentioned in Deuteronomy 34, “Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah…” While here, you will tour the Holy site of where Moses died and was buried. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight. B,D

Following breakfast, you will depart for Jerash, nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, is the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy. It’s paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. We return to our hotel in Amman for dinner and overnight. B,D

Following breakfast, we will drive to Amman international aiport for our flight to Rome FCO. On arrival Rome FCO airport we board our coach for San Giovanni Rotondo. Nestled in southern Italy the town of San Giovanni Rotondo welcomes Catholic pilgrims worldwide to visit the home and shrine of Padre Pio. The town echoes with spiritual significance. At the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, worshippers gather to pay homage to Saint Pio, seeking intercession and blessings. Pilgrims embrace the aura of sanctity and grace, finding comfort and faith in this hallowed pilgrimage site.

Group members are invited to participate in the evening candle vigil. We then transfer to our San Giovanni Rotondo hotel (our base for 2 nights) for dinner and overnight. B,D

After breakfast, we will drive to the town of Cassino – a significant battle site for New Zealand troops and the Allies advancing through Italy in WW2 and visit the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery where many New Zealanders and other Commonwealth allies are buried. We then reboard our coach to visit the famous mountaintop Monte Cassino Abbey, destroyed during the war. Benedictine monks and the international community rebuilt the monastery after its destruction. Known for its cultural contributions, it remains a symbol of resilience, spirituality, and preservation of knowledge and art. We then drive north to Assisi. Check in to our hotel in Assisi – our base for 2 nights. B

This morning and optional Mass, enjoy breakfast before we explore Assisi. This significant hilltop town has major links with St. Francis, including the Basilica di San Francesco with its stunning frescoes, the peaceful Porziuncola chapel, and the Eremo delle Carceri hermitage. Visitors also adore the medieval charm of Assisi's streets, the Rocca Maggiore fortress, and the captivating views of Umbria's countryside. Return to our Assisi hotel. B

Following breakfast at your hotel, we will travel down from the village to The St. Mary of the Angels Chapel (Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is famous for its association with St. Francis of Assisi, the revered saint who founded the Franciscan order. The chapel is significant as it houses the Porziuncola, a small church within the larger chapel. The Porziuncola Chapel is where St. Francis recognized his vocation and where he founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) in the early 13th century. The larger church, St. Mary of the Angels, was built around the Porziuncola to protect it and is now part of the pilgrimage route for those following the footsteps of St. Francis.

We then depart for Siena - an Italian gem, boasting stunning medieval cityscapes crowned by the Palazzo Pubblico and the iconic Piazza del Campo – home of the famous Palio horse race. Its vibrant Contrade culture, the exhilarating festivals, and the intricate marble cathedral make it a living testament to history. Art, tradition, and community converge in this captivating Tuscan city. We then reboard our coach and continue to check in at our Florence area hotel (our base for 2 nights) for dinner and overnight. B,D

After breakfast, we will make our way into Florence to explore this truly amazing Renaissance city. The city teems with cultural treasures. The Uffizi Gallery showcases Renaissance masterpieces like Botticelli's -The Birth of Venus; The iconic Duomo, Florence's cathedral, flaunts Brunelleschi's stunning dome. Ponte Vecchio's medieval bridge charms with jewelry shops. Michelangelo's David stands tall at the Accademia Gallery, captivating visitors. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. B,D

After breakfast this morning its time to depart for Rome – the eternal city, boasts millennia of history, art, and culture. From the Colosseum's grandeur to the Vatican's spiritual magnificence, to world famous fountains and piazzas, it's a living museum. Its fusion of ancient wonders and vibrant life captivates hearts worldwide. Check in to our hotel. B

After an early breakfast transfer to the Rome FCO airport for onward flights. B Options are available to extend your time in Rome.