Day 1 Departure
Our spiritual program begins as we depart the USA on our overnight flight to Italy. Meals will be served on board.
Day 2 Arrive in Rome
Upon arriving at Rome Airport, we will be greeted by our tour escort and driver. Transferred to our hotel, dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 3 : Rome: Appian Way, Catacombs, Imperial,
Rome & Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
This morning, we will start the day exploring the ancient Appian Way. Stop to visit the Catacombs and the Basilica of Saint Sebastian. Continue for a visit to the church of Domine Que Vadis, Where we will see the Stone with the Footprints of Jesus. Our day continues with a walking tour of Imperial Rome, including an exterior visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as the arches of Constantine and Titus. After lunch, celebrate mass at San Francesca. Following mass, we will visit one of Rome‘s major Basilicas, St. Mary Major, to walk through the first holy door of our pilgrimage. This Basilica is one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary. Continue to the Trastevere Neighborhood, known for its historic charm and vibrant local life. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Rome: Papal Audience- St. John Lateran -Holy Stairs.
Early morning, transferred to Saint Peter Square to join pilgrims from all over the world to attend the weekly Papal audience and blessings. Continue to visit the Basilica of Saint John Lateran , Where we will walk through the second holy door of our pilgrimage. Continue to the Shrine of the holy stairs, believed to be those that led to the praetorians of Pontius Pilate In Jerusalem. Later this afternoon, we will visit the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walks to walk-through the third holy door of our pilgrimage before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Rome: Vatican city & Baroque Rome
After breakfast, we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, walking through the fourth holy door of our journey and celebrating mass. Enjoying a guided tour of the Basilica, admiring Michelangelo’s Pieta and the tombs of Saint Peter and Pope John Paul II. Continue the Vatican Museum and walk-through the richly decorated galleries and visit the Sistine Chapel. In the morning, visit the most beautiful monuments of the Baroque Rome area, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps. Enjoy some time for shopping before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Rome/San Giovanni Rotondo.
After breakfast, drive to San Giovanni Rotondo (approximately 4hrs) . This small town is in southern Italy and is best known for being the home of Sent Padre Pio. Upon arrival, we will visit the Sanctuary of Saint Padre Pio, which includes the church of Santa Maria delle Grazia. Celebrate mass at the shrine of Saint Padre Pio. We will also have the opportunity to reflect on the life of the miracles of Padre Pio and visit significant places connected to his life and work, including his cell and his tomb.
Day 7: San Giovanni Rondo- Assisi
This morning, after breakfast, we will leave San Giovanni Retondo, and make a special visit to Saint Michael’s Cave( Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo). This ancient pilgrimage site is renowned for its historic significance and the legendary appearances of the Archangel Michael. We'll have the opportunity to explore the caves, remarkable beauty and spiritual atmosphere. Following our visit we will continue our journey to Assisi , which takes about 4 1/2 half hours. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner together before spending the night in Assisi.
Day 8: Assisi
Today, we will enjoy a full day of touring the hometown of San Francis. We will start the tour at the sanctuary of San Damiano, where Saint Francis received his divine calling. Next, we will visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Home to the Porziuncola , The tiny chapel, where San Francis founded the Franciscan order. Continue to the basilica of San Francis, where we will celebrate mass and visit his tomb. Later this afternoon, visit the Basilica of Saint Clare. After our guided tour, you’ll have some free time to wander through the charming medieval town of Assisi. Its narrow cobblestone streets And rich historical ambience provide a perfect setting for exploration and reflection.
Day 9: Assisi- Florence
After breakfast, will have Assisi And head to Florence, approximately 2 1/2 hour drive. Once we arrive, will check into our hotel and park on a guided walking tour in the city. We will visit Michelangelo Square for stunning panoramic views of Florence, Explore the Duomo, See the exterior of the Baptistery, and admire the famous Ponte Vecchio. Later, will attend mass at the church of Santa Croce, where notable figures such as Michelangelo are buried. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Florence at your own pace. Return to the hotel and dinner and an overnight stay in Florence.
Day 10: Florence- Padua- Mestre
After breakfast will leave Florence and head to Padua. We will visit the basilica of Santa Anthony, a renowned Pilgrimage site dedicated to one of the Catholic Church's most cherished saints. Will celebrate mass at the basilica and take time to appreciate its magnificent architecture and tomb of Saint Anthony. Following our visit, will continue our journey to Mestre, Which is about an hour away from Padua. Upon arrival, will check into our hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or explore Mestre At your leisure.
Day 11: Mestre- Venice
Today, we will travel to Venice by private motorboat. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a guided tour of this enchanting city, including an exterior visit to the Doge’s Palace and an interior visit to Saint Patrick’s Basilica. In the afternoon, free time for an optional gondola ride, Or shopping. Then, we will board to private boat back to our bus and drive to our hotel in Mestre
Day 12: Return to USA
Today our pilgrimage comes to an end we will transfer to the airport for our Return flight.
Holy Land Bible Tours.