Pilgrimage to Italy in Celebration of the 500th Anniversary

Our pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight to Venice!

We arrive in Venice, where we meet our Canterbury Tour Director. Spend the rest of the day marveling at the sights of this magical city, including the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. Welcome Mass followed by dinner.

Overnight in Venice

After breakfast, explore Venice (3 hours) before heading to the city honoring the “Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes,” St. Anthony. After Mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony, we head to Florence. Check-in at the hotel followed by a tour of Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Dinner and free evening.

Overnight in Florence

After breakfast, visit the medieval city of Siena. Head to the Cathedral to witness the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena, containing consecrated hosts that have remained almost uncorrupted for over 200 years! Continue to Assisi, home of the Franciscan Order. 

Overnight in Assisi

Full day in Assisi starting with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Clara and the lower crypt, where we’ll pray before her incorrupt body. Explore the opportunity to pray before the San Damiano Cross, the same cross through which Christ spoke to St. Francis, urging him to rebuild His Church. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis to pray at his tomb and the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Overnight in Assisi

Start the day in the lower town of Assisi to visit Santa Maria degli Angeli, where St. Francis spent most of his life. Explore the Porziuncola Chapel, the rose garden, and the cave where the saint withdrew for prayer. All roads lead to Rome. Next, check-in at the hotel. Dinner.

Overnight in Rome

Participate in the Opening Mass Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Theatine Order at Santa Andrea del Valle. Visit San Paolo Extramuros, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, with the opportunity to climb the Scala Sancta in prayer. After dinner, enjoy a walking tour of Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.

Overnight in Rome

After breakfast, visit Our Lady of the Apocalypse. Explore Santa Pudenziana, one of Rome’s oldest churches where St. Peter and St. Paul resided for a time. Finally, visit Santa Prassede, a 9th-century basilica with glorious Byzantine mosaics depicting images from the Book of Revelation. Dinner and free evening. 

Overnight in Rome

Today, visit Naples. Attend Mass at the Sanctuary of San Gennaro in the Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore. Explore the sites related to the founding of the Theatine Order. Return to Rome.

Overnight in Rome

After enjoying breakfast, head to the Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, where you’ll have the chance to see the chains that held St. Peter during his time in the Mamertine Prison in Rome. After prayer time, visit the Church of San Alfonso Ligouri, home of the original icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Then, head to the Convent of San Gregorio al Cielo, the Roman mother house of the Missionaries of Charity.

Overnight in Rome

After breakfast, depart early for St. Peter’s Square to attend the Private Audience. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Noche en Roma

Today, participate in the 500th Anniversary of the Theatine Order. Transfer for the Holy Mass at St. Peter’s. The rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight, gather for our Farewell Dinner.

Overnight in Rome

With a revitalized love for our Catholic faith, we board our plane for our return flight home.