May 13 – 22, 2026

Join Father Aaron Kelly on a pilgrimage to Italy in the springtime! Walk in the footsteps of Sts. Francis and Claire in Assisi, Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, Sts. Peter and Paul, St. Maria Goretti, and too many more to list! Visit the Abbey of San Benedetto the birthplace of the Benedictine Monks of Norcia and their famous home-brew, Birra Nursia. Tour the major basilicas in Rome, have the opportunity for a papal audience (if available), and tour some of the most ancient sites in Rome. Your chaplain will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily at many of these holy sites.

CLICK HERE to Download the REGISTRATION FORM

Travel Itinerary
**Subject to change

Day 1 – Wednesday: Rochester / Rome
Depart U.S. from Rochester for overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2 – Thursday: Assisi
Arrive in Rome. Board our motor coach for Assisi, with a stop in Orvieto to visit the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena. Continue on to Assisi to check in to tour hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight at the Hotel. (The stop in Orvieto will depend on the flight schedule and our arrival time.)

Day 3 – Friday: Assisi
This morning, begin the day with Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis, pending confirmation. Continue with a guided tour of Assisi including such sites as the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis, the Church of Santa Clara which houses her incorrupt body, Santa Maria Maggiore to venerate the Tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis and the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels which houses the Porziuncola. The remainder of the day is free to explore this lovely hillside town on your own. Dinner tonight at your hotel.

Day 4 – Saturday: Day trip to Norcia
Today’s excursion takes us to Norcia, the birthplace of St. Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica. We will celebrate Mass in the side chapel, in Santae Mariae Misericordiae, of Abbazia di San Benedetto in Monte, pending confirmation, then join the Monks for their prayers. Afterward, we will have an update on the rebuilding of the Abbey by the founder of the order, Fr. Cassian Folsom, (pending confirmation) followed by lunch, on your own, in a local Agriturismo, where we will have the opportunity to taste the Beer the Monks brew to support themselves. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – Sunday: Assisi / Rome
This morning we will travel to Montepulciano, a small town in Tuscany for a visit and wine tasting. We will continue onto Rome for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 – Monday: Rome
We begin the day with a guided tour of Christian Rome. Visit St. Mary Major, Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), St. John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Complete our tour with a stop at the Catacombs. Return to hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 7 – Tuesday: Rome
This morning we will drive to the sea side town of Nettuno to visit the tomb of Saint Maria Goretti and the American Cemetery. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 8 – Wednesday: Rome
This morning attend the Papal Audience, pending the Holy Father’s schedule. This afternoon is free for shopping, exploring, or just enjoying the Eternal City. You may want to venture out to the historical centre of Rome to see the Trevi fountain, Pantheon and Navona square, or perhaps enjoy a gelato or glass of vine.

Day 9 – Thursday: Rome
This morning, we will head to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free to do as you wish.

Day 10 – Friday: Rome / USA
This morning depart for Rome airport for our return flight to Rochester, NY.

We will request the Scavi Tour once the group is full. If we are granted a reservation this will affect the free time available during the time in Rome. We may also need to rearrange the other visits scheduled for the group. (Estimated cost $15-20 per person, depending on the exchange rate at the time of the booking)

To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form and return with your deposit.

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

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

LAND-ONLY COST

The land-only price of $3,819.00 per person is is payable with Cash or Check discount (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). Credit cards are gladly accepted for the full price of $4,009.00. *Price could change depending on the currency exchange rate mid to late 2026. We are unable to predict this aspect of the program so far in advance of travel.

GROUP AIRFARE

If you would like to participate in the Group airfare from Rochester, NY (ROC), add $1,339.00, cash / check discount, to the “Land-only” cost above. Credit cards are gladly accepted for the full price of airfare of $1,405.00. Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT, but please contact Maggie to arrange flights from another domestic or international airport. DO NOT BOOK YOUR OWN AIRFARE WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH MAGGIE!

Included

8 nights accommodations
Breakfasts and Dinners daily
English speaking tour escort / guide throughout
Private motor coach throughout
Transfers to and from all international airports, for those on group air
Entrance fees as noted in itinerary
Private Mass arrangements daily (Locations noted pending confirmation)
Tips for Tour escort/guides & driver
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included

Round trip air (Option to add group airfare above)
Optional Travel insurance – (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!! )
Lunches & beverages w/meals other than those listed “included”
Transportation to/from Domestic Airport
Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)
Mass donations
Items of personal nature
Any item(s) not specifically mentioned
Any/all Covid-19 or other test(s) that may be required by airlines, departing/arriving countries and transfer countries. (Nothing required at time of this printing.)
New ETIAS travel authorization (due to be required in 2026; the exact start date has not yet been announced.)
Airline-imposed baggage fees
Limited Single Rooms – CALL FOR AVAILABILITY AND COST – No guarantee of a single room. Maggie – 419-290-8782

**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.

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 times and locations are subject to final confirmation. You must be physically fit and capable of walking on uneven terrain and being on your feet all day. Foreign countries do not have the “American Disabilities Act”. You are responsible for handling your own luggage. To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form and return with your deposit. Terms and conditions are on the back of the registration form. You must read and sign the form to register for this pilgrimage. I understand that countries may implement or change health requirements at anytime and I will abide by the requirements of the country I am in visiting and transferring through.In todays uncertain times all prices are subject to change prior to departure due to major currency fluctuations, changes in fuel prices and/or unforeseen economic circumstances beyond our control. I understand that Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC is not responsible for any changes/cancellation/ interruptions cause by force majeure.

Click Here to Download the Registration Form!