Today: We begin by attending a public papal audience with Pope Francis. We visit the Vatican-Museums to see centuries of beautiful artwork and artifacts. See the artwork of Michelangelo such as the Pieta and then visit the Sistine Chapel. We will explore St. Peter’s Basilica in its entire splendor. Visit the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. We drive through Rome and take in the sites on the way back to your hotel.

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

Today: We travel to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Mother. From here, we visit the Scala Sancta, the stairs Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate. Those who wish may climb the stairs, as is the custom, on their knees. Nearby we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran which was once the residents for popes. It is here that St. Francis persuaded Pope Innocent III to give permission to begin the Franciscan Order. We visit the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls where the body of St. Paul is buried. It is the second largest Basilica in Rome and one of the five largest in the world. At the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, is located on the spot where tradition says Saint Peter had a vision of the risen Christ while fleeing persecution in Rome. Finally, we visit the catacombs of St. Callixtus which are among the greatest and most important of Rome. Here are buried early martyrs and popes of the early church.

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 St. Padre Pio’s incorrupt body. Moving on, we have a stunning view of the Gargano Peninsula as we travel to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel.

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

Today: We make our way to Lanciano and visit the Church of St. Longinus where we will see the Eucharistic Miracle and celebrate/ attend Mass. Continue on toward the Adriatic coast to the great Marian Shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Enjoy lunch before we make our way to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the founder of the Franciscan Order.

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

Today: We will celebrate Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, the tiny church in the woods where St. Francis began his ministry and where St. Clare began her religious life. We will tour the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and view many of his personal possessions. The crucifix that spoke to him, asking him, “Rebuild my Church.” We visit the chapel where St. Francis spent most of his time as well as the Church of St. Clare, where her relics are housed. The rest of the day is for shopping or relaxing.

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

Today: We head to Siena and view the city’s Romanesque-Gothic cathedral that was completed in 1380. The Sanctuary of St. Catherine of Siena houses the Miraculous Crucifix from which she received her stigmata. We walk the shell shaped Piazza del Campo town square which houses the Palazza Pubblico and the Torre Del Mangia two of their many architectural treasures. We continue on to see the incorrupt relics of St. Catherine of Siena at the Basilica of St. Dominic. Continue to Florence.

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

Today: Your full day in Florence includes the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce where many nobles are buried such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. A walking portion through the Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the City of Florence. After the tour, visit L’Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. Enjoy free time to explore the museum and later, the city.

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

Today: We proceed to Milan. Visit the Duomo, “the most magnificent Gothic building in Northern Italy”. Tour the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and the Tomb of St. Ambrose. We will travel to the Church Santa Maria delle Grazie and celebrate Mass (subject to availability and reconfirmation). Stop at Castel Sforzesco to see history and style combined with Milanese flair. Nearby is the famous La Scala Opera House. The rest of the day is free to visit the stores and browse the Forza boutiques. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade with its luxury outlets to shop and also admire the chic goods on display. At the evening, enjoy a special evening meal (on us) with your spiritual director and fellow pilgrims. Share your experiences and expectations of your spiritual journey together in Italy.

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.