13 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
Day 1: Thursday, June 11 – Departure
Depart the USA for an overnight flight to Italy. Meals will be served on board.
Day 2: Arrival in Florence – Lucca
Arrive in Florence and travel to Lucca. In Lucca, visit the Cathedral of St. Martin, where the ancient crucifix, Volto Santo, is displayed. This special wooden cross has been honored by many saints. Celebrate Mass here and feel the peace of your arrival. Take a stroll through Lucca’s quiet streets and visit the Church of San Michele. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to reflect. Dinner and overnight in Lucca.
Day 3: Santa Gemma Galgani – Assisi
In the morning, visit the Monastery of Santa Gemma Galgani. This holy woman, known for her deep love of Christ, suffered greatly for Him. Visit her tomb, pray, and attend Mass in the chapel where she received the stigmata. Travel on to Assisi, passing through vineyards and olive groves. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy along the way, offering it for those in need of God’s love. Arrive in Assisi as the bells of San Damiano ring. Visit the cross that spoke to St. Francis and ask: “What must I rebuild in my life?” Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 4: Assisi – Following St. Francis
Begin your day at the Basilica of St. Francis. Pray at his tomb and attend Mass in the crypt. Then, see the beautiful frescoes that tell the story of his life. Visit the Porziuncola, the small chapel where St. Francis first felt God’s call. Pray in this holy place and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” In the evening, climb to Rocca Maggiore for a stunning view of the Umbria region. Reflect on the beauty of creation, just as St. Francis did in his “Canticle of the Creatures.” Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 5: Assisi – Cascia – Loreto
In Cascia, visit the shrine of St. Rita, where roses bloom even in the winter. Pray for the “impossible” in your life and reflect on her example of suffering and grace. Celebrate Mass here.
Next, travel to Loreto, where the Holy House of Nazareth is kept. This is where Mary said “yes” to God’s will, and where the Word became flesh. Attend Mass and spend time in this holy place, a reminder of God’s presence. Dinner and overnight in Loreto.
Day 6: Lanciano – Manoppello – San Giovanni Rotondo
Visit Lanciano, where the first Eucharistic miracle took place in the 8th century. Here, the bread and wine became the actual Body and Blood of Christ. Kneel in awe and attend Mass at the site of the miracle. Travel on to Manoppello, where the Holy Face is said to be imprinted on a cloth. Many believe this is the veil of Veronica. Pray as you stand before this mysterious image of Christ.
In the evening, arrive in San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio. Visit his tomb and reflect on his message: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Day 7: San Giovanni Rotondo – The Wounds of Love
In the morning, visit the Old Church, where Padre Pio celebrated Mass with his stigmata. Spend time in prayer and reflect on the power of confession, just as thousands did with Padre Pio. Walk the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) and reflect on each station. At the top, pause before the bronze crucifix, contemplating Christ’s suffering. In the afternoon, visit San Michele’s Cave, where the Archangel Michael appeared. Pray for protection against darkness, both in the world and in your own heart. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Day 8: San Giovanni Rotondo – Isola del Gran Sasso – Rome
In the early morning, travel to Isola del Gran Sasso to visit the incorrupt body of St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, a young Passionist who died at just 24. Pray for the young people in your life and ask for God’s guidance. As you make your way to Rome, pray the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) and reflect on your journey as you approach the Eternal City. What is Christ asking you to witness to? Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 9: Rome – Peter & The Church Universal
Begin your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums. Stand before Raphael’s “Transfiguration”, a glimpse of the Resurrection, then spend time in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment reminds us of God’s eternal justice. At St. Peter’s Basilica, kneel at the Confession above the tomb of St. Peter. Visit Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches dedicated to Mary. Spend time in prayer, asking for renewal in the Church. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 10: Rome – The Passion & The Cross
Visit Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where the relics of Christ’s Passion are kept. Here, you’ll find pieces of the Cross and the crown of thorns. Reflect on Christ’s love for us. Climb the Holy Stairs on your knees, praying at each step. At the top, you’ll find the Acheiropoieton, a miraculous icon of Christ. In the afternoon, visit St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral, and attend Mass there. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 11: June 21 (Sunday) – Rome: Feast of St. Aloysius & Papal Blessing
In the morning, attend the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square. Join pilgrims from all over the world as you wait for the Pope’s blessing, hearing his words of mercy. In the afternoon, visit the Church of St. Ignatius, where the remains of St. Aloysius Gonzaga lie in peace. Celebrate Mass and reflect on his pure heart and dedication to God. Celebrate Mass here and feel connected to the whole Church. In the evening, explore Rome’s piazzas like the Trevi Fountain, where water sparkles like grace, and Piazza Navona, where you’ll find beauty in the fountains and art. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 12: Nettuno – A Saint’s Purity
Visit Nettuno, where St. Maria Goretti is buried. Her life was one of purity and forgiveness, even in the face of great suffering. Pray for the courage to forgive. In the afternoon, return to Rome and visit the Basilica of San Clemente, which reveals layers of Christian history—from a 12th-century church to an ancient Roman temple. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 13: Departure – A Blessing for the Road
Breakfast followed by mass. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. As you board your flight home, reflect on the graces of the pilgrimage and the transformation that has taken place in your heart.
Leave a review