This is a SAMPLE ITINERARY, which may serve as a starting point for planning your customized group pilgrimage. Contact us to customize a tour based on your desired travel dates and destinations.
Day 1: Depart USA
We depart USA on overnight flight to Venice, Italy, enjoying dinner and breakfast served aboard flight.
Day 2: Venice
Arrive Venice Airport where we are met by our tour escort and awaiting motor coach for transfer to our hotel in Venice. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel (D)
Day 3: Venice
After breakfast, board your private motor launch to the main island of Venice for a walking tour beginning at Piazza San Marco, the most famous landmark of the island. Sites visited will include the Doges Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, San Marco Basilica (where we will celebrate Mass), and the Rialto. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the many shops or streets on your own. You may wish to experience a gondola ride along the famous canals of Venice this afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Venice. (B,D)
Day 4: Venice / Padua / Florence
Drive to Padua to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel, (if reservations can be confirmed). Pray at the Tomb of St. Anthony followed by Mass in a side chapel of this Basilica. Continue to Florence, the jewel of renaissance Art and former stronghold of the infamous Medici family. Overnight in Florence. (B,D)
Day 5 : Florence
On your city tour, see Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistry of St. John with Ghiberti’s bronze “Gates of Paradise” doors, and visit the Academy, where Michelangelo’s famous statue of David stands. No visit is complete without a visit to the massive Duomo which dominates the skyline and is an architectural marvel. Dinner and overnight in Florence. (B,D)
Day 6: Florence / Sienna / Assisi
Today we head south to visit the home of St. Catherine of Sienna, a Doctor of the Church. We will have a city tour on foot to visit the famous Piazza del Campo and then transfer to the Sanctuary, Birthplace of St. Catherine. A visit to the spectacular Cathedral is included before we head for Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Check in at Hotel and enjoy dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B,D)
Day 7: Assisi
After breakfast your walking tour includes the Basilica of St. Francis (Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis), the Church of St. Clare, and Santa Maria degli Angeli, built over the Porziuncola, believed to be the site of the founding of the Franciscan Order. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B,D).
Day 8: Assisi / Rome
After breakfast and Mass, depart for the Eternal City. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B.D)
Day 9: Rome
Morning visit and tours of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), and the Catacombs, where our group may celebrate Mass. In the afternoon, depart for Vatican City and a tour of the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael’s Room, and the Sistine Chapel, followed by an interior tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)
Day 10: Rome
After breakfast we transfer to St Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience. (Depending on the Holy Father’s Schedule). The afternoon is free for personal sight seeing or shopping. (B,D)
Day 11: Rome
This morning tour the remnants of “Ancient Rome.” Visit the Trevi Fountain, St. Paul Outside the Walls (Mass), and a stop at the Colosseum (outside view only). Your afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)
Day 12: Rome
After breakfast we depart for the Rome Airport for our return flight home. (B)
