Air
Car
Hotel
Cruise
Groups
Exclusive Caribbean Rates
0 Cruise(s) Available

With its many places of worship, Italy is a destination for travelers who want to rejoice in their faith. On this inspirational Italy tour, you'll overnight in Rome, the heart of Christianity; San Giovanni Rotondo, where St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina lived and worked his miracles; and Assisi, where St. Francis was born, worked, and died. Along the way, you'll visit many of Italy’s treasured basilicas, churches, and more.

In Rome, you'll encounter four of Rome's four major Papal basilicas. You'll attend Mass in Rome at St. Mary Major Basilica, the most important Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary; in San Giovanni Rotondo at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), consecrated in 1629; in Lanciano at St. Francis’ Church, home to the relics of the earliest-known Eucharistic Miracle; and in Assisi at St. Francis Basilica, one of Italy's oldest gothic churches. Other tour highlights include visits to the Loreto Sanctuary and Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the home of the blessed Virgin Mary; the Shrine of Monte Sant'Angelo, one of Christendom's most celebrated shrines and where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656; the Abbey at Monte Cassino, founded by St. Benedict in 529 AD; and much more.

On this tour designed for value-minded travelers, you'll see why Italy is a mandatory destination for faith-based travelers. It's a vacation you can believe in!

Highlights:

  • Enjoying extraterritorial rights and San Paolo fuori le Mura
  • Papal audience in the Vatican (subject to availability), visit the four Major Basilicas of Rome, and the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.

DAY 1 - Arrive in Rome, Italy
Welcome to Italy! Check into your hotel, then the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey. Later this evening, a welcome dinner awaits at your hotel.
Meal: Dinner

DAY 2 - Rome. Excursion to Castel Gandolfo
This morning, attend the PAPAL AUDIENCE (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, visit ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle and one of Rome’s four major Papal basilicas, along with ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Next, visit the papal sanctuary of the SCALA SANTA (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive ST. MARY MAJOR BASILICA and attend Mass.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3 - Rome
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the PAPAL SUMMER RESIDENCE and GARDENS. Visit the rooms that have been occupied by many popes over the centuries and enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Rome or join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgment.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4 - Rome–Pietrelcina–San Giovanni Rotondo
Before leaving the capital city of Italy, step back in time with the help of a Local Guide and experience the power and beauty of Imperial Rome on the included orientation. On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina, birthplace of the beloved St. Pio, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5 - San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion to Monte Sant'Angelo
Attend Mass this morning at SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE (Old Church), then visit the FRIARY of Padre Pio, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and the PADRE PIO PILGRIMAGE CHURCH (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby SHRINE OF MONTE SANT’ANGELO, one of Christendom’s most celebrated shrines and where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6 - San Giovanni Rotondo–Lanciano–Loreto–Assisi
Visit ST. FRANCIS’ church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning Mass. Continue to the LORETO SANCTUARY, including the HOLY HOUSE, where, according to tradition, angels transported the home of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 - Assisi
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning Mass at ST. FRANCIS BASILICA, famous for its 14th-century Giotto paintings depicting the life of St. Francis, then meet your Local Guide and visit the UPPER and LOWER BASILICAS of St. Francis and the BASILICA OF ST. CLARE, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, visit the BASILICA of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the Saint died in 1226.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8 - Assisi–Cascia–Rome
Travel to Cascia this morning, situated in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the SANCTUARY and see the Major Basilica, the chapel that houses the tomb of St. Rita. Also see the Minor Basilica, home of the Eucharistic Miracle that is commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9 - ROME
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast

Call us for latest price and availability.

Prices are based on double occupancy and are subject to availability. Airfare is not included.

Tour Code: GJ

Help Me Plan This Tour

Tours are custom planned for you!