February 18 – 28, 2019

Day 1 Monday Feb 18 – Depart USA
Depart Alexandria, LA airport (AEX) for overnight flight to Rome (FCO) with transfers. Meals served on board.

Day 2 Tuesday Feb 19 – Arrive in Rome, Italy
Arrive in Rome (FCO) transfer to Assisi & check in at the Hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight at the Hotel.

Day 3 Wednesday Feb 20 – Assisi
This morning, begin the day with Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis (if confirmed). After breakfast, you will participate in a guided tour of Assisi, including such sites as the beautiful Basilica of St Francis, the Church of Santa Claire which houses her incorrupt body and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels which houses the Porziuncola. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this lovely hillside town on your own. Dinner tonight at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4 Thursday Feb 21- Norcia
Today’s excursion takes us to Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica. We will celebrate Mass with the Monks in the new San Benedetto Monastery in Monte, pending confirmation. Afterward, we will have a update on the rebuilding of the town and Monastery by the founder of the order, Fr. Cassian Folsom, (pending confirmation) followed by lunch, on your own, in a local restaurant. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 5 Friday Feb 22 – Lanciano / San Giovanni Rotondo
Depart Assisi this morning after breakfast. Drive east and south to Lanciano, a city noted for the oldest Eucharistic Miracle. Continue in the afternoon toward the Adriatic Coast and arrive at San Giovanni Rotondo late afternoon, check-in at Hotel and dinner. This evening join other pilgrims to pray the rosary. (B, D)

Day 6 Saturday Feb 23 – San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning we will visit Monte Sant’Angelo, where St. Michael appeared in 490. Visit the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, built in the 13th century by Charles I of Anjou. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo this afternoon to visit the sites associated with the life of St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin monk noted for his deep humility, pious exercises and the stigmata he bore of the wounds of Christ. Three days after the monks celebrated the Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis, St. Padre Pio was “gifted” with the outward signs of the wounds of Christ, though he had suffered from these wounds for 8 years internally. Visits include his tomb and cell, the old church where he received the stigmata, and his confessional. Mass to be celebrated at the Tomb of St. Padre Pio (If confirmed). Dinner and overnight in SGR. (B, D)

Day 7 Sunday Feb 24 – San Giovanni Rotondo / Pietrelcina / Rome
Today we head to Rome. En-route, we will stop in Pietrelcina, birthplace of St. Padre Pio. You will visit his home, St. Mary of the Angels church where he said his first Mass and administered his first Baptism and the Sacred Family Church, which houses a museum dedicated to the of St. Padre Pio. Arrive Rome late afternoon/early evening. (B, D)

Day 8 Monday Feb 25 – Rome
This morning we begin with visits to the three major basilicas in Rome, including the 1600-year-old St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the Saint’s burial place, and the Catacombs. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 9 Tuesday Feb 26 – Rome
Today we begin with Mass at St. Peter’s (if confirmed). After Mass we will take our guided tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Remainder of day is free to shop or explore Rome on your own. (B, D)

Day 10 Wednesday Feb 27 – Rome
Walk to St. Peter’s for the Papal audience, (if available). After a brief stop for lunch, on your own, we will have our tour of ancient Rome. The highlights include the Capitoline Hill, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Palazzo Venezia. (B, D)

Day 11 Thursday Feb 28 – Rome / USA
Early morning depart for the Rome airport (FCO) for our return flight home, (AEX) with transfers.

NOTE: A Scavi Tour will be requested, if confirmed group will be notified and free time will be effected. While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to pending schedule confirmations, and/or, due to changes beyond our control.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary and Terms & Conditions]

Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT with additional cost of airfare, please contact Maggie if you are interested in this option. For additional information or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com

Total Cost: $ 3,925 per person, discounted for Cash/Check payment, based on 20-24 participants, & double occupancy. We gladly accept credit cards for the full price of $4,081.00 per person.
(Should the group be 25-29 pilgrims at double occupancy, the price will decrease to $3,739.00 per person – Cash/Check discount or Full Price with Credit Card: $3,888.00 per person.)

Included

Round Trip Airfare from AEX / FCO
9 Nights hotels
9 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners
English speaking tour escort/guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Optional Travel insurance: (strongly recommended)
Lunches & beverages with meals
Transportation to/from Domestic Airpor
All tips to tour escort, guide and drivers
Baggage fees imposed by airlines
Items of personal nature
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited Single rooms add: $ 675.00 cash / check or $ 702.00 credit Card