December 26, 2022 – January 3, 2023

Experience the Christmas Octave and New Year in Italy. Italy is rich with millennia-old, Catholic traditions and customs, and the New Year and Christmas season is no exception. Join chaplain Fr. Adam Hertzfeld of St. Michael the Archangel Parish (Findlay, Ohio) on a pilgrimage to some of the most beautiful and holy locations of Italy. Fr. Hertzfeld studied for many years in Rome, later served in the English Language Section of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and therefore, has a firsthand knowledge of Italy. This is an opportunity not to be missed!

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Travel Itinerary*
*Subject to change

Day 1 Dec 26 – Depart USA
Depart from Detroit (DTW) for your overnight flight to Rome (FCO).

Day 2 – Dec 27 – Rome / Assisi
Upon arrival in Rome airport you will be met by your Italian tour escort. We will depart for Assisi, the town of St Francis & St Clare. Stop en route in Santa Maria degli Angeli to visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of life, and is made up of two structures; both of which you will visit. The Porziuncola is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans), and the Capella del Transito, which is the place of St. Francis’ death. During this visit, your group will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. After visiting this beautiful Basilica, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 – Dec 28 – Assisi
This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the “Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.” Additionally, he is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order, and the inspiration for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He chose his name in admiration of the Saint of Nature, and Servant to the Poor. Known for being a humble man himself, Pope Francis spent most of his life denying the luxuries of life. He preferred to live in simplicity and humility, while giving up all other worldly possessions, just as St. Francis did. As your group visits the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th century. During the tour, your group will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis at his Basilica. Also, at the Basilica of St. Francis, you will have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, as well as, view a few of the saint’s possessions. Additionally, we will enjoy a walking tour of town, including the Church of San Rufino (with St. Francis’ baptismal font), and the Basilica of St. Clare (where her incorrupt body lies in repose). Afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 4 Dec 29 – Assisi / Siena
After breakfast, we will depart for an excursion to Siena, Tuscany where we will enjoy a walking tour of the medieval walled city, visiting the Piazza del Campo, St. Catherine of Siena’s Sanctuary birthplace, and the magnificent cathedral. Time permitting, and pending availability, we may walk to the Basilica of St. Francesco to view the Eucharistic Miracle. We will return to Assisi for dinner and overnight (B, D).

Day 5 – Dec 30 – Assisi / Orvieto / Rome
Today we travel to Orvieto, the town that sits on a 1,000-foot high rock formation, poetically crowned by Italy’s most renowned Gothic cathedral. Because of its strategic location, Orvieto for centuries served as a refuge for the popes in troubled times. We visit the famous Cathedral housing the corporale of the Miracle of the Eucharist in Bolsena. Continues on to Rome for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 6 – Dec 31 – Rome
After breakfast tour of the vast collections in the Vatican Museums including a visit to the Sistine Chapel where you will see Michelangelo’s famous frescoed ceiling and “Last Judgment”. In the afternoon explore Ancient Rome with a tour that includes a visit inside the Coliseum, Capitol Hill, the Vittorio Emmanuel Monument, the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus. Dinner/ overnight. (B, D)

Day 7 – Jan 1 – Rome
After breakfast, take a Christian Rome Tour, including St. Mary Major and John in Lateran, which is the Cathedral of Rome. Then see the Holy Steps climbed by Christ in Jerusalem, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross where some of Christianity’s most important relics are housed, including a piece of the True Cross, thorn and nails. Afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 8 Jan 2 – Rome
Full day at your leisure for last minute souvenir shopping before our farewell dinner this evening. Overnight. (B, D)

Day 9 – Jan 3 – Rome/USA
Transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport. (B)

NOTE: 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.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary and Terms & Conditions, Registration Form]

For additional information, questions, or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com

TOTAL COST

The TOTAL price of $3,959.00 per person Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy).  Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT with adjusted airline costs, but please contact Maggie to arrange flights from another domestic or international airport!

Included

Roundtrip airfare out of Detroit (DTW)
7 Nights accommodation
7 Breakfasts & 7 Dinners – Dinners to be at hotel or a restaurant within walking distant, glass of wine included with dinners
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers from international airport
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily
Tips to guide, driver, wait staff, porters, etc.
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Optional Travel insurance – (strongly recommended).
NOTE: Some countries may require travel insurance. (At this printing Italy is not requiring insurance. This could change by the time the group travels)
Lunches & beverages with meals other than those listed in “included”
Any/all health test(s)/screenings required by airlines/countries of entry, transfer, etc. for travel.
Transportation to/from Domestic Airport
Items of personal nature
Any items not specifically mentioned
Limited Single rooms add: $ 995.00 Cash or Check 

**Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any warning or advisory issued by the State Department or Center of Disease Control, or the occurrence of any terror, health or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment and any health issues you may have while traveling.

Click Here to Download the Registration Form!