Day 1 Tues Sept 18 — USA to Rome
Depart USA for overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 Wed Sept 19 — Rome to Norcia
Upon arrival in Rome set off into the wild hills of Umbria for the Norcia; birth place of St. Benedict and his twin sister, St. Scholastica, in 480. Upon arrival meet with Fr. Cassian, founder of the Monks of Norcia, and host for our stay in Italy. After time to freshen up we will head into the town of Norcia. We will visit the local shops, the square where the Statue of St. Benedict reminds us of the rule, and see where the Basilica of St. Benedict stood before earthquakes of 2016. Join the Monks for Vespers then dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 Thu Sept 20 — Norcia
Today will be a retreat day planned by Fr. Cassian. Dinner and overnight in Norcia. (B, D)

Day 4 Fri Sept 21 — Norcia & Assisi
Early departure for our excursion to Assisi, the 12th Century birthplace of St. Francis & St. Clare, who, like Benedict & Scholastica, dedicated their lives to God and changed history. Upon arrival will visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angles which houses the Porziuncola. We will continue up to Assisi and enter the walled city to visit the Church of Santa Clara which houses her incorrupt body and the Basilica of St. Francis where his remains are located. Enjoy time in Assisi for some lunch and shopping. Return to Norcia for dinner and overnight. (B, D) (Mass to be scheduled somewhere in Assisi or St. Mary of the Angels). (B, D)

Day 5 Sat Sep 22 — Excursion to Cascia
This morning we make our way to Cascia, home of St. Rita. Time permitting some may wish to make a small walking pilgrimage back to Norcia. From Sarevalle to Norcia walk the old railroad line as you meditate on spiritual reflections given by Fr. Cassian. If we have time we will make a visit to the church remains of  Santa Scholastica and Sant Eutizio. Return to Norcia for dinner and overnight. (B, D). (The bus will take all those who do not wish to walk to Norcia from Saravelle).

Day 6 Sun Sept 23 — Subiaco
Approximately 9 am departure for the Monastery of Sacro Speco in Subiaco. Prior to our arriving in Subiaco al we will stop for lunch. Upon arrival we will visit this monastery built into a mountain cliff sacred cave where St. Benedict spent three years living an eremitical life. Mass to be celebrated in Sacro Speco. Dinner and overnight at the Monastery of Santa Scholastica, also founded by St. Benedict. (B, D)

Day 7 Mon Sept 24 — Monte Cassino & Rome
Morning departure for Monte Cassino, where in 529, St. Benedict founded the abbey on the ruins of a pagan fortress. Monte Cassino, world renowned as a beacon of holiness and culture as well as the burial place of its beloved founder. This afternoon we take our departure and head for the Eternal City, Rome. Upon arrival we check into our hotel with time before dinner free. (B, D)

Day 8 Tue Sept 25 – Rome
Morning tour of Christian Rome to include St Mary Major, St. John Lateran and Santa Croce in Gerusaleme. The afternoon celebrate Mass in Santa Trinita dei Pellegrini in the historic area of Rome. The remainder of your day is free for leisure or perhaps explore Rome on your own. Enjoy the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and/or Trevi Fountain. Or you may wish to do some shopping or enjoy a caffé or gelato (B, D)

Day 9 Wed Sept 26 — Rome
This morning we will head to St Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience, pending confirmation. After lunch we head to St. Paul Outside the Walls where we will celebrate Mass, continue to the Catacombs. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome. (B, D)

Day 10 Thu Sept 27 — Rome
After breakfast we make our way to the Aventine Hill to visit Sant’ Anselmo, Santa Sabina, and Sant’ Alessio. Celebrate Mass at Sant’ Anselmo. The remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 11 Fri Sept 28 — Rome to USA
Morning departure to Fumicino Airport for your return flight to USA.

The total cost of the pilgrimage is $3989.00 per person cash/check discount (based on 20 participants, double occupancy). We gladly accept credit card payment for the full cost of $4148.00 per person.

Included:

Group air out of NY or DTW based on 10 participants per gateway
10 Seats available out of NY / 10 seats available out of DTW
9 Nights accommodations
9 Breakfasts and Dinners
English speaking tour escort/ guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfer from Rome (FCO) airport, to Norcia for those arriving on group air from NY or DTW or arriving by 10:15 am on 19 September
Transfer from Rome Hotel to FCO based on first group flight departing at 11:15 am.
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) – Click Here to purchase travel insurance from our trusted provider.
Lunches & beverages w/meals
All tips to tour escort’s, guides and drivers
Items of personal nature
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited Single rooms add: $ 799.00

** NOTES:  While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes beyond our control. All Masses are subject to final confirmation. Some evening gatherings, led by Fr. Cassian, will take place throughout the pilgrimage. The itinerary, especially in Umbria, will be monitored and updated based on progress of rebuilding from the earthquakes of 2016.  A Scavi tour (excavations below St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome) will be requested. If confirmed the itinerary and free time may be adjusted to accommodate the tour. There are a limited number of single rooms available for $799.00 per person. Contact Maggie as soon as possible if you would like to secure one.

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