DAY 1: U.S.A. / EUROPE

Pilgrims will depart for Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard the flight.

DAY 2: ROME / ORVIETO / FLORENCE

Upon arrival, meeting with our driver and tour leader, followed by transfer to Florence. During the transfer, we will stop in Orvieto.

In the Cathedral is preserved the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, which led to the institution of the Feast of Corpus Christi. The cathedral dominates the town of Orvieto, which sits atop a volcanic rock. Its façade is a masterpiece of religious architecture, featuring a large rose window, golden mosaics, and three bronze doors. Inside, two frescoed chapels display powerful depictions of the Last Judgment.

After the visit, we will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the cathedral chapels and then continue to Florence.

Accommodation at our hotel, dinner, and overnight.

DAY 3: FLORENCE

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day visit of Florence. We will visit Piazza del Duomo, th Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery of St. John, and Giotto’s Bell Tower.

We continue with the Church of St. Ambrogio, built in 989, where the saint stayed during his visit in 393. This church is known for two Eucharistic miracles (1230 and 1595), which are preserved as relics.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and celebrate Holy Mass.

Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue with Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio, known for its historic goldsmith shops. Free time in the city center.

Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 4: FLORENCE / SIENA / ASSISI

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Siena.

Siena is the birthplace of St. Catherine, Doctor of the Church, and St. Bernardine. Visit Piazza del Campo, the Cathedral, and the Basilica of St. Francis, site of the Eucharistic Miracle of 1730, where consecrated Hosts were found intact and remain incorrupt.

Continue to the Basilica of St. Dominic, where the incorrupt head of St. Catherine is venerated.

Holy Mass and free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to Assisi.

Accommodation at our hotel, dinner, and overnight.

DAY 5: ASSISI

Breakfast at the hotel and full day guided visit of Assisi.

Visit the Church of St. Clare, which houses her incorrupt body. One chapel contains the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis, calling him to “repair My Church.”

Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, built in 1228 to house his relics. The Upper Basilica contains the famous frescoes of Giotto, illustrating the life and spirituality of St. Francis.

Holy Mass.

In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where St. Francis spent much of his life. Inside are the Porziuncola, where the Franciscan Order was founded, and the Chapel of the Transitus, marking the place of his death.

We will also visit the Rose Garden and the cave where St. Francis withdrew for prayer.

Dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: ASSISI / ROME

Breakfast at the hotel.

Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

After Mass, departure to Rome. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and transfer to the city center for free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, guided visit of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum (Anfiteatro Flavio) and Via dei Fori Imperiali.

Accommodation at our hotel, dinner, and overnight.

DAY 7: ROME

After breakfast, transfer to St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience**.

Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling (1508–1512) and The Last Judgment (1535–1541). The chapel is also the site of the Papal Conclave.

St. Peter’s Basilica, completed in 1590, stands over the tomb of Saint Peter and contains more than 100 tombs, including that of Saint John Paul II.

Holy Mass at the Maria Bambina Chapel.

Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 8: ROME

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest Marian church in Rome, built after the Council of Ephesus (431), which proclaimed Mary as Mother of God. Saint Jerome is buried here.

Visit the Confessio, housing the relics of the Holy Crib.

Holy Mass and prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis.

Continue to Santa Prassede and the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where relics of the Passion brought by Saint Helena are preserved.

Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran and the Holy Staircase (Scala Santa), brought from Jerusalem by Saint Helena. Climbing the stairs on one’s knees is a traditional devotion.

Return to the hotel. Free time.

Dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: ROME

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle, martyred under Emperor Nero.

Holy Mass in one of the chapels.

In the afternoon, guided visit of central Rome, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Church of St. Augustine (housing Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Pilgrims), and the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi (with The Calling of St. Matthew).

Continue to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

DAY 10: ROME / U.S.A.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time as available.

Transfer to the airport for departure, carrying the spiritual fruits and memories of this pilgrimage.