Today: In the morning, we begin by attending a papal audience with Pope Francis. After the audience we visit the Vatican Museums to see centuries of beautiful art work and artifacts. See the artwork of Michelangelo such as the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel. We will explore St. Peter’s Basilica in all of its splendor, built over St. Peter’s tomb. Finally, we will visit the recently excavated necropolis.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: We begin by seeing the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which contains a relic from the manger. From here, we visit the Scala Sancta, the stairs Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate. Those who which may climb the stairs, as is the custom, on their knees. The Basilica of St. John Lateran, once the residence for popes, is a marvelous site, as is St. Paul Outside the Walls, which shelters the relic of St. Paul the Apostle. We visit the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where Christ appeared to Peter and gave him the courage to follow him to martyrdom, as foretold in the Gospels. Finally, we visit the catacombs to see where the persecuted Christians practiced their faith in hiding and are buried.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: Heading south, we pass through the rich Italian country side of vineyards, orchards and olive groves. We take in the amazing panoramic views as the hills and valleys call to us. We find ourselves in Montecassino, a town founded by St. Benedict in 529. We continue on to San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of St. Padre Pio.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: We celebrate mass at the tomb of St. Padre Pio and take a tour of the sanctuary. We see the old church and the crucifix before which he received the stigmata in 1918. We see the confessional where Padre Pio directed people on their path. We stand and pray before Padre Pio’s incorrupt body. Moving on, we have a stunning view of the Gargano Peninsula as we pass by to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Saints, popes, and people from all over have come to this grotto looking for the protection and intercession of St. Michael.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: We travel to Lanciano to visit the Church of St. Longinus, home of a Eucharistic miracle. We marvel at the miracle and celebrate Mass before traveling to see the Holy House of Nazareth, the house where Mary first prayed the Magnificat, and the Madonna of Loreto.

Evening: Depart on an overnight ferry from Ancona, Italy to Split, Croatia. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be on board.

Today: This morning, upon arrival you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver, who will take you on a drive to the village of Medjugorje. Enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the village. Enjoy dinner before retiring for the evening.

Evening: Overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: While in Medjugorje, you will have the opportunity to experience your faith grow and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. Attend Mass. Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Also, at the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions.

Evening: Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at your hotel.

Today: This morning we will transfer to the airport to catch our return flight home.