Join the Community of Trinity Church on a 14 Day Pilgrimage to Italy from May 17 – 30, 2027 led by Ms. Summerlee Staten

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Day 1 – Monday, May 17   Departure from the USA

Depart the United States on an overnight flight to Italy. Meals will be served on board.

Day 2 – Tuesday, May 18   Arrival in Milan

Upon arrival in Milan, we meet our tour guide and transfer to our hotel. After check-in, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Milan. (D)

Day 3 – Wednesday, May 19  Milan: Cathedral, Early Christianity, and Monastic Heritage

Today we explore Milan, beginning with the Duomo of Milan, formally known as the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Construction began in the 14th century and took nearly six centuries to complete. We go beneath the Duomo to see the remains of the archaeological dig, including the Baptistry of San Giovanni alle Fonti, which was demolished during the cathedral’s construction. We continue to the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, commissioned by St. Ambrose in the 4th century. Built of brick from varied sources, the present structure dates primarily to the 11th and 12th centuries. The basilica features a semicircular apse and preserves the Oratory of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro, originally a freestanding chapel commissioned by Bishop Maternus to house relics of St. Victor. The chapel is renowned for its 5th-century mosaics and gilded dome, with a central portrait of the saint. We also visit San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan,” noted for its extensive Renaissance frescoes. Overnight in Milan. (B, D)Overnight in Milan.  (B,D)

Day 4 – Thursday, May 20   Day Trip to Pavia: Augustine and Lombard Christianity

We travel to Pavia, once the capital of the Lombard Kingdom.  Our visit begins at the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, identifiable historically by its ancient bell tower, demolished during the Napoleonic era. The church houses the Ark of St. Augustine, whose relics were transferred here in the 8th century. Adjacent is the Augustinian convent, now home to a nonprofit cultural center.  Next, we visit the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, originally founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 11th–12th centuries. Designed in a Latin-cross plan, the church features sculpted capitals depicting animals and plants, medieval frescoes, and sacred relics, including remnants of a 12th-century bronze bell and early liturgical objects.  We walk across the Ponte Coperto, the iconic covered bridge over the Ticino River, connecting the historic center of Pavia with the surrounding region.  We conclude at the Charterhouse of Pavia (Certosa di Pavia), one of Italy’s largest monasteries. Built in the 14th century, it belongs to the Carthusian Order founded by St. Bruno in 1044.  Return to Milan for overnight.  (B)

Day 5 – Friday, May 21  Milan → San Gimignano → Assisi

After breakfast, we checked out of our hotel and headed towards San Gimignano.  Arrive at the city center and meet a local guide for a visit to Sant Agostino, which opens at 3 pm. After, continue the visit of the Historic Center of San Gimignano: from Towers to Medieval palaces. San Gimignano sits on a 334-meter-high hill, surrounded by 13 towers. It is said that in 1300, there were 72 towers, one for each wealthy family in the city, who displayed their economic power by building a tower.  Please note that San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical part of the city with the towers is a gorgeous place to be at. Authentic Medieval structure The Sant’Agostino Church, which is famous for its fresco cycle by Benozzo, depicts the life of Saint Augustine. The church is dated to the 13th century and is a Romanesque-Gothic brick church. The interior features a single nave with frescoes and chapels, the most notable being the Cappella di San Bartolo, which houses the saint’s remains and features a magnificent altar by Benedetto da Maiano. At the end, continue to Assisi for dinner and overnight  (B,D)

Day 6 – Saturday, May 22    Assisi: Francis and Clare 

We begin at the Basilica of St. Francis, built to house the saint’s tomb and adorned with frescoes attributed to Giotto and his school. The basilica stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity.  We continue to the Church of Santa Chiara, constructed of pink and white stone, dedicated to St. Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The church preserves its relics and the crucifix traditionally believed to have spoken to St. Francis.  We visit the Casa Natale di San Francesco, believed to be the birthplace of St. Francis, followed by time in the Piazza del Comune and the Cathedral of San Rufino, where Francis and Clare were baptized.  Overnight in Assisi.  (B,D)

Day 7 – Sunday, May 23   Assisi → Rome

Depart Assisi to Orvieto  ( 1 ,5 hrs drive) Guided tour includes the gothic  Duomo, where we can admire the ceiling of San Brizio’s chapel. Luca Signorelli’s masterpiece “ The Last Judgment”, served as an inspiration for Michelangelo when creating the Sistine Chapel. We proceed to visit a local winery and have lunch that is paired with wines, particularly the locally produced white wine, Orvieto. We will also taste the Extra Virgin olive oil.  The afternoon continue to Rome. ( 3 hrs drive)  Dinner and overnight (B,L)

Day 8 – Monday, May 24    Vatican City and Baroque Rome

We visit the Vatican Museums, including the Court of the Pinecone, the Galleries of the Candelabra, Maps, and Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Genesis and Last Judgment are displayed.  Descending the Royal Staircase designed by Bernini, we enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Catholic Christianity, home to Michelangelo’s Pietà and countless artistic and historical treasures. Our visit concludes in St. Peter’s Square.   In the afternoon, we walk to Piazza Navona, the Basilica of Sant’Agostino, and the Pantheon.  Dinner and overnight in Rome.  (B,D)

Private Key Mastor Tour with Breakfast: 6:45 AM opening of the door situated at the exit of the Vatican Museums the  tour includes Pius-Clementine Museum, Upper Galleries (Candelabri, Tapestries, Geographical Maps),  Raphael Rooms,  Sistine Chapel, and 8:45 AM, the visit will conclude with an American breakfast in the Bistrot of the Pinecone Courtyard.  Please note:  Due to the fullness of this day, we will have a large breakfast/No lunch/Late Dinner

Day 9 – Tuesday, May 25   Imperial Rome and the Early Church

Morning at the Anglican Center till 12 noon.  A short walk to explore the Capitoline Hill, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, recalling the political, religious, and social foundations of ancient Rome. We visit the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, the Colosseum, and the Basilica of San Clemente, which reveals layers of Roman religious history—from pagan worship to early Christianity.  Overnight in Rome. (B)

Day 10 – Wednesday, May 26   St. Paul in Rome

Morning at the Anglican Center till 12 noon. Afternoon: We follow the footsteps of St. Paul, to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, site of Paul’s martyrdom, and to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, his burial place.  We also visit the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla and the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome’s cathedral church, including the Lateran Baptistery.  Overnight in Rome.  (B,L)

Day 11 – Thursday, May 27   Jewish Quarter and Early Christian Memory

After morning meetings at the Anglican Centre, we visit the Jewish Quarter, the Jewish Museum, and the exterior and Insula di San Paolo alla Regola, traditionally associated with Paul’s house arrest. of San Paolo alla Regola. Free time and dinner in the area.  Overnight in Rome.  (B,D)

Day 12 – Friday, May 28   Ostia Antica and Farewell Dinner

We visit San Francesco d’Assisi ad Acilia, a modern church dedicated to St. Francis, located near the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome at the mouth of the Tiber River. Ostia’s remarkably well-preserved ruins include ancient streets, mosaics, baths, a theater, and significant archaeological remains, such as St. Monica’s tombstone at its original site. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Rome. (B)

Day 13 – Saturday, May 29  Free Day in Rome

Free Day in Rome Suggestion (s) (optional) Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Gallery Museum (B)

Day 14 – Sunday, May 30    Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Rome’s airport for the return flight home. (B)