This pilgrimage itinerary through Italy encompasses visits to key cities such as Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi, and Rome, with ample opportunities for prayer and reflection. The journey begins in Venice with a warm welcome and a visit to the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua. Highlights include guided explorations of iconic sites like St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the Florence Cathedral. In Assisi, pilgrims will celebrate Mass at St. Francis’s Tomb and visit significant locations associated with St. Francis and St. Clare. The itinerary features important Roman landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica with Mass at the Altar of the Chair and a tour of the Vatican Museums showcasing Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Participants will also attend a Papal Audience, explore the Christian Basilicas, and visit the Catacombs. Additionally, there are customizable options to include destinations such as Milan, Ravenna, or Capri, further enriching the spiritual journey.
Itinerary
Upon arriving in Venice, you will be warmly welcomed before heading to Padua. There, you will visit the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony and view the Chapel of the Relics. A Mass will be celebrated during your visit. Overnight in hotel in Venice
Take a vaporetto to discover Venice and its bustling center, Piazza San Marco. Attend Mass at the Basilica of San Marco during your visit. Overnight in hotel in Venice
Leave Venice and head to Florence, where you will enjoy a guided tour of the city. This tour will include visits to the Accademia, Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John, known for its “Gates of Paradise.” You will also have the opportunity to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Holy Cross. Overnight in hotel in Florence
Leave Florence and travel to Assisi, where you will celebrate Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis. Your guided visits will include the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, where you can view her relics and the San Damiano Cross. Afterward, proceed to Rome. Overnight in hotel in Rome
Participate in Mass at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica, then attend the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. Afterwards, take a tour of Imperial Rome, which will include visits to the Church of St. Peter in Chains, the ancient Roman Forum, the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine, the surrounding area of the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column, and the Market. Overnight in hotel in Rome
Celebrate Mass at the Tomb of St. Peter, then take a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, concluding with a look at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, home to his renowned “Pietà.” An optional tour of the Scavi is also available. Overnight in hotel in Rome
Attend Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Afterwards, proceed to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Scala Sancta, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Rome at your leisure. Overnight in hotel in Rome
Participate in the General Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square and receive the Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father. Discover Rome and the surrounding areas along the ancient Appian Way. Visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, and celebrate Mass at the Catacombs. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Rome. Depending on your flight schedule, depart for home, concluding your trip.
