October 7: Overnight Flight to Italy

Today we embark on our pilgrimage with an overnight flight(s) from your local airport to Rome. Enjoy meals and refreshments served on the plane.

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October 8: Arrival in Rome

Upon arrival in Rome, we will gather our bags and meet our tour manager. Check-in at our hotel in Rome and settle in. Later, we will take a "get yourself acquainted" bus tour of the eternal city before celebrating Mass and enjoying a welcome dinner for our pilgrimage in the evening. Dinner. Overnight in Rome.

 

October 9: Tour of Papal Basilicas

After breakfast, we'll embark on a tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, Scavi Tour (subject to availability) and attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Mass at Santa Maria Della Vittoria, home to Bernini’s most famous sculpture, St. Theresa in Ecstasy. From there we will walk to the Piazza Barbarini where we visit the creative ossuary of Santa Maria Concezione. We then make our way to the famous Spanish steps before visiting the Trevi Fountain and throwing a coin to be sure we will return to Rome. Overnight in Rome.

 

October 10: Walk through the Holy Doors

Today we will visit and have an opportunity to walk through the Holy Doors at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. At the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran we also will have the opportunity to climb the Lateran Steps and attend Mass. Overnight in Rome.

 

October 11: Jubilee of Marian Spirituality

Today we will spend the participating in events connected with the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality. Later this afternoon we will join the Prayer Vigil at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Overnight in Rome.

 

October 12: Jubilee of Marian Spirituality

After breakfast, we will head to the Vatican to celebrate Sunday Mass presided over by the Holy Father Pope Francis. Following Mass, we’ll have a break for lunch then and an optional walking tour of Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spanga, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. For those who would not like to participate in the walking tour you can either explore Rome on your own or a transfer will be provided for you back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

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October 13: Orvieto & Assisi

Today we depart Rome and make our way to the hill town of Orvieto where St. Thomas Aquinas taught and where the Eucharistic Miracle took place in 1263. Ascend by funicular to the Cathedral and its wonderful Fresco Cycle by Signorelli including “The Last Judgment.” After Mass here, there will be time for lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants. We will  

have some leisure time before we board the bus and depart for Assisi. Upon arrival in Assisi, we will check in to the hotel then walk into town and watch as Assisi is illuminated by oil lamps, for the feast of St. Francis, burning consecrated oil brought from a different Italian town each year. Overnight in Assisi.

October 14: Florence
Today we travel to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. After breakfast we will enjoy a tour of the Convent of San Domenico. Next, we will visit the Convento di San Marco, an architectural masterpiece built by Michelozzo by appointment of Cosimo de' Medici. Continue through Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore 13th century cathedral. Overnight in Assisi.
 

October 15: Eucharistic Miracle of Siena
Morning departure for the medieval city of Siena, St. Catherine’s home. We’ll visit the Duomo di Siena celebrate Mass and adore the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena: consecrated hosts that have remained uncorrupted for over 200 years! Overnight in Assisi.
 

October 16: Assisi
After breakfast, we will visit the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, when St. Francis began his ministry. We begin with Mass at Chiesa Nuova, built in 1615 on the site of the birthplace of St. Francis. Next, we will proceed to the Church of St. Clare to see the Saint’s body and pray for her intercession. St. Clare was the foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s. Then on to the basilica of St. Francis where we will pray over his tomb. The remainder of the day has been set aside for you to visit Assisi as you wish. Overnight in Assisi.
 

October 17: Greccio
Today we take an excursion to visit the medieval town of Greccio. Greccio itself, set on a beautiful mountaintop, is famous for its cool summer climate and its mineral springs. However, it is even more renowned for its connections with St. Francis of Assisi and as the birthplace of the Christmas crèche. On Christmas Night 1223, St. Francis led shepherds to the top of a nearby hill where they gathered together in a stable sheltering an ox and a donkey. According to legend, the Baby Jesus miraculously appeared in the manger. On this spot the Franciscan convent of Greccio was built, and the Chapel of The Crib was erected in 1228, the year St. Francis was canonized. All roads lead to Rome… After our visit, we will transfer to Rome and check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
 

October 18: Return home
With a renewed sense of pilgrimage, and an invigorated love of our Catholic faith, we transfer to the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and board our return flight home.