Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Arrive at Paris airport and proceed to the arrivals hall, where your driver will greet you. Meet up with your Spiritual Director, Tour Escort, and fellow pilgrims. Attend Mass at the magnificent Sacre Coeur Basilica that stands atop Montmartre Hill. The Basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was originally built in 1914 as an act of penance for the infidelity that France was experiencing during that time. See the beautiful mosaic of the Risen Christ and the remarkable Grand Organ. Celebrate Mass at the Crypt containing the tombs of many notable Cardinals. Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to ascend a staircase to the Dome, where you will take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris. Following this visit, you will enjoy lunch on your own and then depart for Lisieux. According to Pope Pius X, St. Therese of Lisieux was the “greatest Saint of modern times.” During your visit, you will see the beautiful Basilica of St. Therese, which contains magnificent mosaics and stained glass. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Lisieux.

Upon waking up in Lisieux, enjoy breakfast, and then your group will celebrate Mass. After Mass and following a visit to the Basilica, you will have the opportunity to view relics, clothing, and personal objects that belonged to St. Therese when you visit her family home, Les Buissonnets. Additionally, you will tour the Carmelite Convent, which she entered in 1888 and where she is now buried. This afternoon, you will transfer to the Normandy Landing beaches. The Normandy landings were the landing operations, which took place on Tuesday, June 6, 1944 (D-Day) by the Allies of Normandy during World War II. As the largest seaborne invasion in history, the operation began the liberation of German-occupied northwestern Europe from Nazi control and contributed to the Allies’ victory on the Western Front. Continue to visit The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, a World War II cemetery and memorial in Colleville-Sur-Mer, Normandy, France, honoring the American troops that died in Europe during World War II. Many of the brave American soldiers of World War II are buried here, and it is encouraged to say a prayer in thanksgiving for their courage. Return to Lisieux for dinner and overnight.

This morning, your day begins with an early breakfast before we depart for Chartres, known worldwide for its massive Cathedral Notre Dame and incredible stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. The Cathedral is a World Heritage site that UNESCO calls “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece”. You will have some free time for lunch in the quaint town of Chartres. After lunch, we will continue to Paris to check into your hotel, followed by some free time before a delicious dinner and overnight.

We will begin our tour of Paris at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After celebrating Holy Mass, we will have the opportunity to view the incorrupt body of St. Catherine Laboure. The Saint’s guardian angel led her to the chapel where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to her. During the apparitions, Our Lady repeatedly instructed the making and purpose of the Miraculous Medal. According to the Blessed Virgin Mary, those who wear the Miraculous Medal will receive special protection and abundant graces. Following this prayerful and reflective experience, we will walk to Saint Vincent de Paul Church. Next, on our tour of Paris, we will visit one of the most incredible churches in the world: Notre Dame Cathedral. The Cathedral has recently been re-opened to visitors. Guided group tours are scheduled to resume in June 2025. Board a bus tour and see some of the most recognizable symbols of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Invalides, the L’Arch de Triomphe, and the Champ-Elysees, the world’s most famous boulevard. We will stop at La Madeleine, with the statue of St. Mary Magdalene carried to heaven by angels. Your busy day ends with a lovely meal and a comfortable overnight.

Following breakfast at your hotel, your group will transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport and board your flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, collect your luggage and continue to the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. You will make your way to the bus and transfer to your hotel. Following check-in, you can relax or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon, your group will meet in the hotel lobby for a “meet and greet” with your fellow pilgrims and depart for Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you can walk to St. Peter’s Square with your group to pray the Rosary (optional). Overnight in Rome.

After a nice breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome starts! The tour begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, the Pope (pending the papal schedule). Following the Audience, there will be free time for lunch, shopping, or to mail a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. This afternoon, you will visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome: The Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica houses the relics of Peter and Paul. It is where the Pope was installed as Bishop of Rome and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this Staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th Century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees while meditating on Christ’s agonizing Passion. Proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

This morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to the largest Church in Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Here, you can view Michelangelo’s Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal from the cross before being placed in the tomb. Proceed to the Vatican Museum, where you will see the most impressive edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The final stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II. After, head to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), where you may enjoy some free time on your own for lunch. Continue on your short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road leads to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial place of Saint Paul the Apostle. We will make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome or return to the hotel for the evening.

Following breakfast, you will board your bus to enjoy the scenic route to Montecassino, passing through the Roman countryside, known for its villas and vineyards. During the bus ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding Italy’s spiritual, historical, and cultural history. Montecassino, the principal monastery of the Benedictine Order, was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Following the tour, you can visit the gift shop before departing for San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of St. Padre Pio. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at your hotel.

Enjoy breakfast, and then we will visit the Old Church. After Mass, we will tour the sanctuary and see the crucifix, in front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional from where St. Pio spent innumerable hours listening to confessions. Next, we will board the bus and travel along the beautiful Gargano Peninsula to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. St. Michael appeared to a Bishop at this grotto to assure him that his diocese would not be destroyed as he feared. Following the visit to the grotto, enjoy some free time. On the way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, view breathtaking ocean views. Upon arrival, you will have time for devotion and reflection. Dinner and overnight.

*Candlelight Procession: Between May and October, attend the weekly Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary of St. Pio after dinner. These processions are lit by candlelight and are guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

After breakfast, depart for Assisi. We will stop in Lanciano for a private Mass at the Convent/Church of Saint Francis built on top of the antique Church of St. Longinus. This Church is the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth Century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk who struggled with the belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. During Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the words of consecration and saw the bread and wine transformed into Christ’s physical flesh and blood. Leave for the Marian Shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Tradition holds that this is the house where Mary first prayed the Magnificat, where Jesus grew up, and where the Holy Family lived together in Nazareth. It was transported several times by angels to its current location. End the day in Assisi, hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by a full day of touring the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the “Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.” He founded the Franciscan Order and has inspired millions with his life of simplicity and humility. The atmosphere of Assisi has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry in the early 13th Century. We will start our tour at the Basilica of St. Francis. Visit his tomb and view a series of frescoes depicting his life and a few of the Saint’s possessions. From there, we will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Santuario Della Spogliazione where Bl. Carlo Acutis is entombed. Bl. Carlo will be the first millennial to be declared a Saint. He had a great love for Jesus in the Eucharist and died of leukemia at the young age of 15. Our tour ends at the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. Enjoy some time for prayer, shopping, or a nice lunch. After lunch, we will board the bus, which will take us outside the walls of Assisi to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of his life, and it is made up of two structures. The first is the “Porziuncola”, where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second is the “Capella del Transito”, where St. Francis died. You will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning, you will ride through the beautiful Umbrian mountains to Orvieto. This incredible town sits on a volcanic high rock formation. Here we visit one of the most beautiful and renowned Cathedrals in Italy. Because of its strategic location, its Christian history officially started in 1004, but Orvieto was built over preexisting Etruscan era cave tunnels dating back 2,500 years. Some historians believe Christians used to celebrate Mass here at a time when Christianity was forbidden. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine, “Doctor of the Church”, and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine, which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico. St. Catherine spent a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through Siena, which includes a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy’s finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square where you can have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. Continue to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world-renowned artists are from Florence, such as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. For the remainder of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the streets of Florence at leisure. In the evening, gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.

In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, are buried. Walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture in Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th Century. Next, visit the L’Accademia, a well-known art gallery, where you will have the opportunity to view the work of artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, and the ever-famous sculpture Michelangelo, David. This afternoon, you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast at your hotel, board the motor coach for your transfer to Padua. This Northern Italian city honors St. Anthony, who is considered the “Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes”. Begin with a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the “Patron Saint of Padua”. The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Today, you will have an early breakfast and then depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass, enjoy a tour of the “city paved with water”. Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark’s Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings. Visit the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for its great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. See the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges’ Palace (Duke’s Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.