Shrines of Italy

Travel on an inspirational journey to some of the most fascinating religious sites and relics in the world.

Your tour opens in Rome, the spiritual centre of the Catholic faith. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, savour regional flavours as you join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Begin your exploration of Rome's most revered Christian sites with a visit to the Cathedral of Saint John Lateran and its ancient Baptistery. Continue to the <I>Scala Sancta</I>, the Holy Stairs, believed to be the very steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate. Then, visit the Marian Basilica of St. Mary Major, before concluding your day at Saint Praxedes, one of Rome's oldest churches, where you have the possibility of celebrating Mass.*

Travel north to the region of Umbria, known as “the green heart of Italy” and where St. Francis spent most of his life. Pause for lunch at a family-owned winery nestled in the countryside. This afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where you explore the <i>Porziuncola</i> – the small chapel that is the founding site of the Franciscan Order. Stroll through the rose garden, where tradition holds that the miracle of the thorny bush took place. Then pause for a moment of reflection at the Chapel of the Transitus, where St. Francis of Assisi passed away. You’ll have the opportunity to celebrate Mass* at the basilica before checking into your hotel in the early evening. Settle in for a four-night stay before spending an evening at leisure.

This morning, journey across the Apennine Mountains to the Marian shrine of Loreto, a site so sacred that more than fifty Popes have made a pilgrimage here. Pause for a moment of devotion at the statue of the Madonna di Loreto, especially venerated as the universal patroness of air travellers. Then, visit the shrine of the Holy House of Nazareth, which is believed to have been miraculously transported by angels from the Holy Land in 1294. The Holy House is revered as the place where the Virgin Mary was born, lived, and received the Annunciation. You have the opportunity of celebrating Mass* at the basilica before returning to Assisi in time for dinner at your hotel.

Guided by a local expert, set out on a morning-long walking tour of the medieval hilltop town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at the church of St. Clare, pausing for a moment of reflection at the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to Francis. Visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation that now enshrines the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint who used his skills in website design to document and share Eucharistic miracles. Then, explore the 13th-century basilica of St. Francis, where you can see many of his possessions and a series of famous frescoes depicting his life. You can celebrate Mass* at the basilica before an afternoon at leisure to spend in prayer and meditation or exploring more of this charming hilltop town on your own.

This morning, travel along the winding roads of Nera Valley to the hamlet of Roccaporena, the birthplace of St. Rita. Visit the humble home where the patron saint of impossible causes was born, and the small church of San Montano where she got married. You will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass* in Roccaporena before continuing your journey to Cascia for a visit to the basilica that houses St. Rita's earthly remains. Return to Assisi in the early evening, in time for dinner at your hotel.

This morning, say <I>ciao</I> to Assisi and travel back to Rome where you visit the Catacombs. Upon arrival, follow the steps down to the underground tunnels where early Christians, martyrs and saints gathered to worship and bury their dead. You have the possibility of celebrating Mass* in one of the garden chapels before continuing to your hotel. Then, settle in for a three-night stay and an evening at leisure.

Today, explore the Vatican Museum,** including the Sistine Chapel where the Pope is elected and where Michelangelo’s famous <i>Last Judgment</i> mural is located. End your visit in St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. Feel the grace around you as you meander along towering marble columns and stand in awe before the <i>Pietà</i>, Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture of the Christ and the Virgin Mary. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the Eternal City. You may celebrate Mass* at a local church before an evening at leisure.

Early this morning, attend the weekly Papal Audience*** in the Vatican City to receive the blessing given by the Holy Father. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the end of a memorable pilgrimage to Italy.

Your tour comes to a close in Rome.