We begin our pilgrimage with Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where we marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpieces. We then visit St. Peter’s Basilica, exploring highlights such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the tomb
of St. John Paul II, and the Papal Crypt. In the afternoon, we visit St. Mary Major Basilica and the Holy Stairs, before ending the day at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme with relics from the Holy Land. Overnight in Rome. B,D

This morning, we attend the Papal Audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square (subject to availability). Later, we visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we celebrate Mass at the tomb of St. Paul. In the afternoon, we tour the ancient Catacombs and reflect on the early Christian faith. We conclude the day with dinner at a local trattoria. Overnight in Rome. B,D

We leave Rome and travel south to Pietrelcina, birthplace of St. Padre Pio. Visit the room where he was born, his family church, and the friary where he grew up. Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, where Padre Pio spent his life in prayer and penance. Overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. B,D

We tour the shrine of St. Padre Pio, including his tomb, cell, and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata. After an inspiring talk from one of the friars, we visit Monte Sant’Angelo, where we celebrate Mass in the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. Overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. B,D

Traveling north, we stop at Lanciano, site of an extraordinary Eucharistic miracle. We celebrate Mass and reflect on this miraculous event. We then continue to Assisi, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order and dedicated his life to serving the poor. Overnight in Assisi. B,D

In Assisi, we experience the profound presence of St. Francis. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis and pray at his tomb. We also visit the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young digital saint devoted to Eucharistic miracles. Explore the Church of San Damiano, where Francis received his calling, and the Hermitage, a peaceful retreat where he spent time in prayer. Overnight Assisi. B,D

We depart Assisi and head to Siena, where we visit St. Dominic’s Basilica and see the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. We also visit the Basilica of St. Francis, home to a Eucharistic miracle, before continuing to Florence, the heart of Italy’s Renaissance. Overnight in Florence.

In Florence, we celebrate Mass at the Church of Santa Croce, then explore masterpieces at the Academy of Fine Arts, including Michelangelo’s statue of David. We also visit the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and the Baptistery. Overnight in Florence. B,D

We begin the day with a panoramic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo before heading to Bologna, home to Italy’s oldest university. After visiting the Basilica of St. Dominic, we travel on to Padua, where we visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and celebrate Mass at his tomb. Overnight in Padua Mestre. B,D

We journey to Venice, famous for its canals and romantic ambiance. We celebrate Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, then explore the Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. After continue to Padua where we visit the Scrovegni Chapel, known for its stunning frescoes by Giotto. Overnight in Mestre area. B,D

A full day for you to explore the cafes, shops, art galleries and museums, or take a ride on the canals. There is easy and regular access from Venezia Mestre to Venezia Santa Lucia taking approx10 minutes. Overnight Mestre area. B

Today we say farewell to Italy as we are transferred to Venice Marco Polo International airport for onward flights. B