France & Italy Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of the Saints – FIP

Trace the routes of New Zealand leaders Marcellin Champagnat and the legacy of Suzanne Aubert and Bishop Pompallier, to the inspiring sanctuaries of St Francis and St Clare in Assisi, this journey offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith while exploring places that have shaped the Catholic worldfor centuries.

Travel through picturesque French villages, the rolling landscapes of Tuscanyand Umbria, the canals of Venice, and the grandeur of Rome and Vatican City. Along the way, celebrate Mass in sacred settings, visit the tombs of saints, encounter the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, and walk where countless pilgrims have journeyed before you in search of inspiration and renewal.

More than a tour, this is a pilgrimage of discovery, reflection and fellowship — an enriching experience shared with like-minded travellers as you explore
some of Europe’s most treasured spiritual and cultural landmarks. Return home with cherished memories, lasting friendships and a renewed sense of faith inspired by the places, people and stories encountered along the way.

Tour commences in Lyon and concludes in Rome

Itinerary

18 Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday | Lyon

Your pilgrimage begins as you arrive in the historic city of Lyon. Settle into your hotel and allow the journey ahead to gently unfold. Tonight, you gather with fellow pilgrims for a shared dinner and the first moments of connection on this sacred path.

Accommodation: Lyon | Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Wednesday | Le Rosey & Marlhes

Travel into the peaceful Loire countryside, where faith and legacy quietly endure. In Marlhes, the birthplace of Marcellin Champagnat, walk in the footsteps of a man whose vision transformed Catholic education. Visit his family home and parish church, where his story first began.

Accommodation: Lyon | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Thursday | Lyon

Today, Lyon reveals its spiritual depth. Stand before the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a soaring symbol of devotion overlooking the city.

Continue to the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and the Church of Saint-Nizier, sacred places forever linked to Suzanne Aubert and Bishop Pompallier.

A day of reflection, reverence, and quiet inspiration.

Accommodation: Lyon | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Friday | Dardilly, Ars & Cuet

Journey deeper into the heart of French spirituality. In Dardilly, encounter the humble beginnings of St John Vianney. In Ars-sur-Formans, enter a place of profound holiness at the basilica and the preserved home of the Curé of Ars. Continue to Cuet via the Sanctuaire Saint-Pierre-Chanel, where missionary courage and devotion are honoured.

Accommodation: Cuet | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Saturday | Cuet to Turin

Today we cross the border into Italy as the landscape transforms and your pilgrimage enters a new chapter. Arrive in elegant Turin, a city of quiet grandeur and sacred heritage. The evening is yours to rest and reflect.

Accommodation: Turin | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 – Sunday | Turin

Discover Turin’s spiritual and royal splendour. Visit the elevated Basilica of Superga, where sweeping views invite contemplation. Stand before the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, guardian of the revered Shroud of Turin. Conclude at the Royal Palace and Piazza Castello, where history and devotion intertwine.

Accommodation: Turin | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Monday | Turin to Venice

Begin the day at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians before travelling onward to Venice — a city of dreams rising from water and light. Arrive and settle into your hotel as the canals shimmer into evening.

Accommodation: Venice | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Tuesday | Venice

Experience Venice at its most enchanting. Wander St Mark’s Square and enter the breathtaking Basilica of St Mark, where golden mosaics reflect centuries of faith and artistry. Let the city’s timeless beauty surround you.

Accommodation: Venice | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Wednesday | Padua

Travel to Padua, a revered pilgrimage destination. Visit the Basilica of St Anthony, a place of miracles and devotion, before exploring the historic heart of the city. Return to Venice enriched by its spiritual resonance.

Accommodation: Venice | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 – Thursday | Venice to Siena

Journey into Tuscany’s rolling hills and arrive in Siena, one of Italy’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. Walk through its ancient streets to the Basilica of San Domenico, Piazza del Campo, and the magnificent Cathedral — each a testament to enduring faith and artistry.

Accommodation: Siena | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 – Friday | Siena to Assisi

Travel through Umbria’s serene landscapes to Assisi. En route, pause at the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, home to the sacred Porziuncola — the heart of the Franciscan story and a place of profound simplicity and grace.

Accommodation: Assisi | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 – Saturday | Assisi

Walk in the footsteps of St Francis and St Clare. Visit the Basilica of St Francis, where sacred art and devotion meet in breathtaking harmony, and the Basilica of St Clare. Continue to the Sanctuary of the Renunciation and the resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a modern witness to faith in the digital age.

Accommodation: Assisi | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 – Sunday | Assisi

Today offers quiet moments of reflection. Visit St Damiano, where St Clare lived in devotion for decades, and ascend to the Hermitage of the Carceri — a place of silence, forest, and spiritual encounter.

Accommodation: Assisi | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 – Monday | Assisi to Rome

Travel to Rome, the Eternal City. Visit St Paul Outside the Walls and descend into the ancient Catacombs, where the early Christian story is etched into stone and memory.

Accommodation: Rome | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 – Tuesday | Vatican City & Rome

A defining moment of your pilgrimage. Celebrate a private Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, then explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel — masterpieces of faith and human creativity. Continue to Rome’s major basilicas, including St Mary Major, St John Lateran, and San Clemente. A day of awe, reverence, and spiritual depth.

Accommodation: Rome | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 – Wednesday | Rome

Attend the Papal Audience in St Peter’s Square — a rare and unforgettable experience shared with pilgrims from around the world. Later, explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus, where ancient history meets enduring faith.

Accommodation: Rome | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17 – Thursday | Rome

Discover the contemplative side of Rome. Visit the Capuchin Crypts before wandering the atmospheric streets of Trastevere. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner in a traditional Roman trattoria — a celebration of friendship, faith, and shared experience.

Accommodation: Rome | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 – Friday | Rome Departure

Your journey of faith, history, and beauty finishes after breakfast this morning. Transfer to Rome Airport for your journey home.

Carry with you the memories of sacred places, meaningful encounters, and a pilgrimage that will remain in your heart long after you return.

Meals: Breakfast