Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight(s) to Italy. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, we are met by our Canterbury tour manager and board our private motor coach for a scenic drive through the rolling countryside of Lazio and Tuscany. As we make our way to Florence. Upon arrival, we check in and gather for our welcome dinner. Overnight in Florence.

We begin the day with a guided walking tour of Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and one of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities. Highlights include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), with its iconic red dome, and the Baptistery of St. John with its magnificent bronze doors known as the “Gates of Paradise.” We continue to the Basilica of Santa Croce, where great figures such as Galileo and Michelangelo are buried. Enjoy time for personal prayer, local shopping, or exploring Florence’s many chapels and piazzas. Celebrate Mass in a historic Florentine church. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

After breakfast, we will journey to Pisa and visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we see the world-famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral, marvels of medieval architecture. After time for photos and lunch, we travel across Tuscany and into the green hills of Umbria, arriving in the tranquil town of Assisi. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Today we encounter the heart of Assisi. We begin with Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, home to his tomb and adorned with frescoes by Giotto that tell the story of his life. We then visit the Basilica of St. Clare, where her incorrupt body rests, and where we venerate the original San Damiano Cross, which spoke to Francis and called him to “rebuild the Church.” In the afternoon, we walk to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, where we pray at the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a modern teen whose Eucharistic devotion and digital evangelization continues to inspire young Catholics around the world. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.

After breakfast, we visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which shelters the Porziuncola—the small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order. Following Mass, we begin our drive to Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic bus tour featuring highlights such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Victor Emmanuel Monument. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Today we enter Vatican City, the world’s smallest sovereign state and head of the Catholic Church. If the Holy Father is in residence, we will attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, joining pilgrims from around the globe. After lunch, we visit the Vatican Museums, home to countless works of sacred art and history, including the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Our day concludes inside St. Peter’s Basilica, where we venerate the tombs of St. Peter and St. John Paul II. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

We begin our final full day with Mass at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles. We then visit St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral, and climb (in prayer) the Holy Stairs, believed to be those brought from Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. After lunch, we visit St. Mary Major, the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tonight, we share a festive farewell dinner, reflecting on the blessings received. Overnight in Rome.

With grateful hearts and renewed spirits, we transfer to the airport for our return flight home, carrying with us the graces, memories, and friendships formed on this sacred journey through Italy.