Overview
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From here, your spiritual experience continues to the places of St. Pio, Petrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo, and to the Sanctuaries of Loreto and Lanciano. You’ll also feel the magic atmosphere of Assisi, home to Saint Francis, immersed in the enchanting hills of Umbria. Visit Turin—home of the Holy Shroud Museum, and conclude your journey with the opportunity to attend the Papal Audience in Rome if possible. Follow in the footsteps of saints and stand near the sites of miracles.
Our comprehensive and affordable Italian vacation takes you to the most significant religious shrines of Italy.
Highlights
Visit St Ambrose Basilica and the Duomo
TURIN Day excursion with focus on the Holy Shroud and St. John Bosco
PAVIA Admire the Carthusian Monastery
PADUA Follow in the footsteps of St. Anthony
RAVENNA Discover its Byzantine mosaics
ROME Attend the Papal audience (subject to availability), visit the four Papal Major Basilicas and the Papal summer residence
PIETRELCINA and SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO Learn about St. Pio’s life
LANCIANO and LORETO Visit the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle and Holy House
ASSISI Get to know St. Francis’ home town
CASCIA Visit the Sanctuary
[M] MASS SERVICES: Milan, Turin, Padua, Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, Assisi (all in local language and venues subject to change).
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 13 breakfasts, 7 dinners
ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY.
Day1
Check into your hotel and spend free time exploring this busy city on your own before meeting your tour companions and Tour Director for an included welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals included:
- Dinner
MILAN
Day2
Dedicate the morning to Milan's most important Catholic churches: ST AMBROSE BASILICA and the DUOMO.Celebrate M Mass and admire the treasures of the Basilica and the Duomo with a Local Guide.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MILAN–TURIN.
Day3
Turin is known in the Catholic community worldwide as the home of the Holy Shroud, only available to the public on very special occasions, and St. John Bosco, the priest who founded the Salesian religious institute. Your visit includes the HOLY SHROUD MUSEUM, the BASILICA OF ST. MARY AUSILIATRICE, and a video on St John Bosco’s rooms, currently under renovation. You’ll have time to appreciate the elegance of this city and former capital of Italy before attending M Mass.
Today's Distance: 90 mi / 145 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
TURIN–PAVIA–SIRMIONE–PADUA
Day4
Pavia is home to a beautiful CARTHUSIAN MONASTERY, built in the 1400s by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. The monastery is one of Italy’s “hidden treasures” with lavish decorations and monks who still live a traditional life of seclusion and prayer. On the way to Padua, you’ll also stop in Sirmione, a charming village on Lake Garda, with a medieval peninsula protected by walls and a bridge connecting it to the mainland.
Today's Distance: 245 mi / 395 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PADUA–POMPOSA–RAVENNA
Day5
Attend morning M Mass at ST. ANTHONY BASILICA in Padua and enjoy a visit with a local guide, followed by a short city sightseeing and time on your own. In the afternoon, on the way to Ravenna, we’ll stop to see the ABBEY OF POMPOSA, where the Benedictine monk Guido d’Arezzo invented modern musical notation in the 11th century.
Today's Distance: 85 mi / 137 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
RAVENNA–ROME.
Day6
UNESCO declared the early Christian monuments of Ravenna as having “outstanding universal value”. Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments. All buildings—the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the NEONIAN BAPTISTRY, the BASILICA OF SANT’APOLLINARE NUOVO, the CHURCH OF SAN VITALE, and the ARCHBISHOP’S CHAPEL OF ST. ANDREW—were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and oriental and Western styles. The morning is dedicated to discovering these masterpieces and focusing on the Byzantine-style mosaics with a local guide. In the afternoon, travel to Rome.
Today's Distance: 221 mi / 355 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ROME
Day7
Today you have the unique chance to attend the PAPAL AUDIENCE in the Vatican (subject to availability). Afterwards, enjoy an included city tour with a local guide to see the BASILICA OF ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, where St. Paul was buried after his martyrdom, ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA, the Cathedral of Rome and the seat of its Bishop (the Pope) famous for the Holy Stairs. Said to have led Jesus to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, the stairs were transferred to Rome by St. Empress Helena. Finally, visit ST. MARY MAJOR BASILICA, where a reliquary contains wood from the Holy Crib. Attend M Mass here before returning to your hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME.
Day8
Visit the PAPAL SUMMER RESIDENCE in Castel Gandolfo. Wander through its GARDENS, an opportunity to reflect and meditate in quiet and relaxing surroundings. Walk through the rooms where many Popes have spent the summer months in the cooler countryside on the hills outside Rome. Later, you can join the optional excursion that will take you back to St. Peter’s to discover the treasures of the Vatican museum, or you can spend time at leisure enjoying the many monuments of Roman heritage.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME–PIETRELCINA–SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO
Day9
Dedicate the morning to an orientation of Imperial Rome with a local guide. Then, start your journey southward to stop in quaint Pietrelcina, to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, and continue towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the eastern coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968.
Today's Distance: 255 mi / 410 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. EXCURSION TO MONTE SANT’ANGELO
Day10
Attend M Mass this morning at SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE (Old Church), then visit the FRIARY of St. Pio, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and ST. PIO'S PILGRIMAGE CHURCH (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby SHRINE OF MONTE SANT’ANGELO, one of Christendom’s most celebrated shrines and where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656.
Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO–LANCIANO–LORETO–ASSISI AREA.
Day11
Visit ST. FRANCIS’ church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning M Mass. Continue to the LORETO SANCTUARY, including the HOLY HOUSE, where, according to tradition, angels transported the home of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ASSISI
Day12
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning M Mass at ST. FRANCIS BASILICA, famous for its 14th-century Giotto paintings depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the UPPER and LOWER BASILICAS of St. Francis and the BASILICA OF ST. CLARE, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, visit the BASILICA of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the Saint died in 1226.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ASSISI AREA–CASCIA–ROME
Day13
Travel to Cascia this morning, situated in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the SANCTUARY and see the Major Basilica, the chapel that houses the tomb of St. Rita. Also, see the Minor Basilica, home of the Eucharistic Miracle that is commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay.
Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME
Day14
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Departure September 14 Anniversary of St Pio's Passing - No Papal audience on this departure.Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Starhotels Business Palace
Superior First-Class
An icon of industry transformed into a landmark of luxury. This 247-room hotel is set inside a converted early 1900s factory and facilities include a fully-equipped fitness room which boasts a panoramic view of the city, two verdant internal courtyards and a lounge bar with a billiards table. A rich menu and a wide selection of wines featuring intriguing labels from Italian vineyards can be enjoyed in the restaurant and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Location
Via privata Pietro Gaggia, 3, Milano, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
Plaza
Superior Tourist-Class
Located in the picturesque San Salvario Valentino area between the historic Old Town and the Lingotto exhibition center, this modern hotel has 65 comfortable classically styled guest rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, in-room safe, and free Wi-Fi access. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the breakfast room and drinks can be enjoyed in the bar/lounge area.
Location
Via Ilarione Petitti, 18, Turin, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
Hotel NH Padova
First-Class
NH Padova hotel (formerly known as NH Mantegna) is an easy walk from Padua's historic center, and just 900 meters from the city's main train station. The hotel itself is a modern affair that blends comfort with cutting-edge design. It was originally named after the painter Andrea Mantegna and is dotted with reproductions of his work. The hotel's 190 rooms are stylishly appointed and the in-house restaurant offers stunning city views and a daily breakfast buffet, as well as incredible food and wine from all over Italy with specialities from the local region. There's also a stylish lounge bar for late-night cocktails.
Location
Via Niccolo Tommaseo, 61, Padova, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Dry Cleaning
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
Centrale Byron
Superior Tourist-Class
A modern 52 room hotel located in a quiet pedestrian zone in the heart of the historic center of Ravenna where elegant boutiques and typical local restaurants line the streets. All guestrooms are air conditioned and equipped with minibars, in-room safes, and offer free Wi-Fi access. A buffet breakfast is served every morning and there is also a lobby bar serving drinks.
Location
IV Novembre, 14, Ravenna, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Mini-bar
Hotel Oly
First-Class
This 103-room property is located in a quiet area of Rome's business district, just a short walk away from San Paolo Metro Station. A smart contemporary dining room offers typical regional dishes and Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.
Location
Via Santuario Regina Degli Apostoli 36, Rome, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Dry Cleaning
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- In-Room Safe
Pineta Palace
Moderate First-Class
The Hotel Pineta Palace is a 4-star hotel in Rome, located not far from Vatican City.
Location
Via San Lino Papa, Roma, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Alarm Clock
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
Parco Delle Rose
First-Class
This family-run, 205-room hotel boasts a large outdoor area with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wonderful sun terrace and a room with a grand piano. The in-house restaurant offers both traditional and international cuisine and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the property.
Location
Viale Also Moro, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Dry Cleaning
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Cable/Satellite
- Mini-bar
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Window Opens
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
Casa Leonori
First-Class
Casa Leonori is located in Santa Maria degli Angeli, facing the Subasio Hills on which lies the Assisi Basilica. This 60-room hotel is set in its own courtyard and boasts a a gourmet restaurant and spacious communal areas. The adjacent courtyard offers a nice alternative to relax with its green and peaceful location. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
Location
Via G. Borsi, 11 / 13, Santa Maria Degli Angeli, Assisi, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Dry Cleaning
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Window Opens
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Wake-Up Calls
- In-Room Safe
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
