Our pilgrimage begins today as we embark on our overnight flight(s) to Italy.

Upon arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, we are greeted by our local guide and board our private motor coach for the scenic drive to Assisi. Along the way, we enjoy glimpses of the beautiful Umbrian countryside. After checking into our hotel, we gather for a welcome dinner and get to know our fellow pilgrims before retiring for the night.

We begin our day with a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, admiring its stunning frescoes and venerating the tomb of St. Francis. Next, we visit the Basilica of St. Clare, where we view the San Damiano Cross that spoke to St. Francis. After lunch, we walk through the charming streets of Assisi, visiting the birthplace of St. Francis and other key sites. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, home to the Porziuncola, and return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today, we journey to the peaceful Eremo delle Carceri, a hermitage nestled in the hills where St. Francis and his followers retreated for prayer and contemplation. We have time for personal reflection in this serene setting. In the afternoon, we visit the Church of San Damiano, where St. Clare lived and where St. Francis received his calling. We then visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, where we venerate the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be beatified. We celebrate Mass and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Assisi’s local shops and cafes before dinner.

We embark on a day trip to Siena, a city rich in Catholic heritage. Our first stop is the Basilica of San Domenico, which houses the relics of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church and co-patroness of Europe. We visit the Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and explore the Piazza del Campo, famous for the Palio horse race. After celebrating Mass, we return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Assisi and make our way to Rome. En route, we stop in the hilltop town of Orvieto to visit the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral, which houses the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. We celebrate Mass here, reflecting on the profound significance of the miracle. We then continue our journey to Rome, check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner together.

Our pilgrimage in Rome begins with a visit to Vatican City. We enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic Church. If available, we attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square with our new Holy Father. After lunch, we tour the Vatican Museums, marveling at the treasures of the Church, including the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling. We celebrate Mass at a Vatican chapel and return to our hotel for dinner.

Today, we explore the four major basilicas of Rome, beginning with St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. We visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps Jesus ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. Next, we visit St. Mary Major, one of the oldest churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, here we will visit the tomb of Pope Francis. In the afternoon, we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we venerate the tomb of St. Paul. We celebrate Mass at one of these sacred sites and have free time in the evening to explore Rome.

We step back in time as we explore ancient Rome. Our day includes a guided tour of the Colosseum, symbol of the Roman Empire, and the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient political life. We visit Palatine Hill, the legendary founding site of Rome. After lunch, we walk along the Appian Way, one of the earliest roads of the Roman Republic, and visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where early Christians gathered and were buried. We celebrate Mass and return to our hotel for dinner.

Our final full day in Rome will be a day at leisure to rest or explore on your own (transportation to and from the city center will be provided in the morning and afternoon). You could visit the Pantheon, an architectural marvel, or toss coins into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to Rome. We’ll celebrate our final Mass and gather for a farewell dinner, sharing memories from our pilgrimage.

We transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our flight back home, carrying with us the spiritual graces, friendships, and unforgettable experiences from our pilgrimage.