R E C O M M E N D ED
ITINERARY9-Day Pilgrimage
DAY 1
Depart home for Italy (North American departures) DAY 2 - Rome to Assisi Arrive in Rome, and travel by bus or train to Assisi, the medieval hillside hamlet of Saints Francis & Clare. (Flight arrival time permitting), watch the sunset from the castle (pictured right) and settle into your first evening in Italy. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. |
DAY 3 - Assisi
Begin the day with visits to the principle churches of Assisi, beginning with the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare (pictured left). Continue to Santa Maria sopra Minerva, an ancient temple to the Roman goddess Minerva that was converted into a Catholic church honoring our Blessed Mother in the 16th century. In the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, visit the Porziuncola where St. Francis founded the Franciscan religious order. Enjoy a free afternoon to independently explore this charming city. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. |
DAY 4 - Rome
After breakfast, depart for Rome. Upon arrival, step back into history as you visit Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps (pictured right). Throughout the day, take in the beauty of many important churches as you admire sacred art, spend time in prayer, and venerate holy relics. Dinner and overnight in Rome. |
DAY 5 - Vatican City
Enter the Holy See. Papal schedule permitting, attend the General Audience with the Pope. Marvel at the collections of the Vatican Museums and the famed Sistene Chapel. Then, wonder at the incredible beauty of St. Peter's Basilica. Pray in the many chapels, and take time for both Reconciliation and Adoration before day's end. Dinner and overnight in Rome. |
DAY 6 - Rome
Your walking tour of Rome continues. Pray inside St. Peter in Chains, stroll along the Roman Forum* (pictured right), and behold the iconic Colosseum*. Continue to the mother church of the Society of Jesus, the Church of the Gesú, which is home to many important Jesuit relics including the tomb of St. Ignatius. As the day draws to a close, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return trip to the Eternal City. Dinner and overnight in Rome. *Admission may be added as a group option. |
DAY 7 - Rome
Descend into the depths of Church history as you go down into the Catacombs of San Callisto (pictured left). Experience the life of Early Christians as you walk among their tombs. Return to daylight to visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the only church with its own feast day. Cross the street to ascend the Holy Stairs that were climbed by Christ to approach Pontius Pilate. Conclude the day in Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where you will venerate important relics of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Dinner and overnight in Rome. |
DAY 8 - Rome
Spend the morning in the Basilica of St. Mary Major (pictured right) where the reliquary beneath the altar contains wood from the manger of the Nativity. Continue to the Basilica of Santa Prassede to venerate the very pillar where Christ was scourged by Roman soldiers. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to independently explore the city. Gather as a group for your final Italian dinner together. Overnight in Rome. DAY 9 Depart for home, carrying with you the many graces of your pilgrimage experience. DAILY MASS is always included in your itinerary, except on air travel days. |