Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 — USA – Rome

Our Pilgrimage Begins

Today we begin our journey to Italy.

At the appropriate time, we will meet at our designated U.S. departure airport and board our overnight transatlantic flight to Rome.

Dinner and breakfast will be served on board according to the airline’s schedule.

Overnight flight to Italy.

Day 2 — Arrival in Rome

Welcome to the Eternal City

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, we will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to our hotel.

Depending on arrival time, the remainder of the day may include a short panoramic introduction to Rome, time to rest after the flight, or an introductory celebration of the Eucharist.

Lunch and dinner according to the final program.

Overnight: Rome

Day 3 — Vatican Museums & St. Paul Outside the Walls

Faith, Art & the Legacy of the Apostles

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the Vatican.

Our visit will take us through the extraordinary Vatican Museums, where centuries of papal patronage have preserved some of the greatest works of art in the world.

Depending on the final route and access arrangements, we may admire the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms and other important collections.

The highlight of the visit will be the magnificent Sistine Chapel, forever associated with Michelangelo and one of the most celebrated sacred spaces in the world.

Later in the day, we continue to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four Major Basilicas of Rome and traditionally associated with the burial place of the Apostle Paul.

Time will be provided for prayer and, subject to arrangements, the celebration of Mass.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Rome

Day 4 — Papal Encounter & the Major Basilicas of Rome

At the Heart of the Universal Church

This morning, depending on the official schedule of the Holy Father, we may have the opportunity to participate in the Angelus, Papal Audience or another public papal encounter.

The exact format will depend on the day of the week, liturgical calendar and Vatican schedule.

Later, we continue our pilgrimage through the great basilicas of Rome.

We visit the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the principal Marian churches of the Catholic world and home to some of Rome’s finest early Christian mosaics.

We then continue to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome.

Depending on time and group interests, additional visits may be incorporated in the surrounding area.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Rome

Day 5 — Rome – Cascia – Assisi

St. Rita & the Journey to Assisi

After breakfast, we depart Rome and travel through the beautiful landscapes of central Italy toward Cascia.

Here we will visit the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia, one of Italy’s most beloved pilgrimage destinations.

Pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray before the saint’s body and reflect upon her extraordinary witness of forgiveness, perseverance and trust in God.

Depending on the final schedule, time may also be available for additional visits connected with the life of St. Rita and for the celebration of Mass.

After lunch, we continue toward Assisi.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Assisi

Day 6 — Assisi

St. Francis, St. Clare & St. Carlo Acutis

Today we dedicate a full day to Assisi, one of the most important pilgrimage cities in the Catholic world.

We begin by discovering the places associated with St. Francis and St. Clare, whose witness gave birth to one of the great spiritual movements of the Church.

Our visit will include the Basilica of St. Clare and the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to extraordinary fresco cycles associated with Giotto and Cimabue.

We will descend to the Lower Basilica, where the tomb of St. Francis is venerated.

Depending on the final program and current access arrangements, we may also include a visit connected with St. Carlo Acutis, whose witness has inspired a new generation of Catholics around the world.

Later, we continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where we will visit the Porziuncola, the small chapel at the heart of Franciscan spirituality.

Time will be provided for prayer, Mass and personal reflection.

Dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Assisi

Day 7 — Assisi – Loreto – San Giovanni Rotondo

The Holy House of Loreto

After breakfast, we depart Assisi and continue toward Loreto, one of the great Marian pilgrimage destinations of Italy.

Our principal visit will be the Sanctuary of the Holy House, where tradition venerates the house of Nazareth associated with the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Family.

The sanctuary has drawn pilgrims for centuries and remains one of the most important Marian shrines in Europe.

Depending on time, we may also discover the historic center of Loreto and the monumental buildings surrounding the main square.

After lunch, we continue toward San Giovanni Rotondo, forever associated with St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: San Giovanni Rotondo

Day 8 — San Giovanni Rotondo – Rome

In the Footsteps of Padre Pio

After breakfast, we dedicate the morning to the places associated with St. Padre Pio.

Our visit may include the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the convent where Padre Pio lived and carried out much of his ministry, and the modern sanctuary complex dedicated to the saint.

Depending on the final arrangements, we may also visit a museum or exhibition dedicated to Padre Pio, pray at his tomb and celebrate or attend Holy Mass.

After lunch, we begin our journey back toward Rome.

Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Rome

Day 9 — Catacombs, Ancient Rome & Baroque Rome

From the Early Church to the Eternal City

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, one of the most important early Christian burial complexes in Rome.

Here we reflect upon the first centuries of Christianity, the witness of the martyrs and the communities that preserved their faith during times of persecution.

We then continue toward the monumental center of ancient Rome.

Our visit may include the Colosseum and Roman Forum, providing a deeper understanding of the political, social and religious world in which Christianity first emerged and grew.

Later, we discover some of Rome’s most celebrated squares and fountains.

Depending on the final walking route, we may visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Colonna and Piazza Navona, enjoying the extraordinary atmosphere of the Eternal City.

Time may also be provided for free exploration, shopping or a final moment of prayer.

In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Rome

Day 10 — Rome – USA

Return Home

After breakfast, at the appropriate time, transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to the United States.

As our pilgrimage comes to an end, we return home carrying with us the witness of the Apostles, martyrs and saints we have encountered throughout Italy.

We leave strengthened by the spirituality of St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Rita, St. Carlo Acutis and St. Padre Pio, and renewed through our time in the heart of the universal Church.

Arrival in the United States and end of our pilgrimage services.