Shrines of Italy
| Resort: | Shrines of Italy |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Italy |
| Price From: | £1379.00 |
OverviewJoin us on an inspirational journey through the rolling hills and lively cities of beautiful Italy. Attend the weekly papal audience and receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Pope Francis. Discover the incomparable splendor of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica. Spend time at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the beloved saints hometown. Stay two nights in San Giovanni Rotondo, and pray in the church dedicated to St. Pio of Pietrelcina Padre Pio. Reflect at the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, on the rugged Gargano Peninsula. Discover the Abbeys of Santissima Trinita and Montecassino. In the town of Pompeii, have time at the Madonna del Rosario Sanctuary, one of the most famous shrines of Christianity. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightTravel on an inspirational journey to some of the most fascinating religious sites and relics in the world. Day 2: Rome, Italy – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and fine Italian wines. Day 3: Rome – AssisiTravel north to Assisi. Join a local expert for a fascinating tour of Assisi. Begin at the Church of St. Clare, dedicated to St. Clare, the founder of the Order of Poor Clares, who followed the teachings of St. Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. Kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis, asking him to rebuild his church. Pause to reflect at the Chapel of the Porziuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint prayed. Then we make our way to the huge 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis where you can see many of St. Francis possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life. Celebrate Mass* before setting out for St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, where St. Francis spent most of his life. Day 4: Assisi – Optional Florence ExcursionEnjoy a full day at leisure to independently explore historic Assisi. Or, if you prefer, join a full day optional excursion to Florence, the Renaissance City, where a local expert provides a leisurely paced walking tour featuring the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore one of the largest in the Christian world. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio, the Ponte Vecchio, and visit the Church of Santa Croce. Enjoy several hours at leisure in Florence before returning to Assisi. Day 5: Assisi – Loreto – San Giovanni RotondoTravel across the Apennine Mountains toward the Adriatic Coast to the Marian Shrine of Loreto. Discover the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto where more than 50 popes have made a pilgrimage. You will celebrate Mass before continuing your journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio. Day 6: San Giovanni Rotondo – Monte Sant Angelo – San Giovanni RotondoBegin your day with a special visit to Monte Sant Angelo. Take in the breathtaking views of the Gargano Peninsula and explore one of the most celebrated shrines of early Christianity the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel. Many popes and saints have knelt and prayed at this grotto, seeking the protection of Saint Michael. Later, return to San Giovanni Rotondo and celebrate Mass in the sanctuary of Padre Pio. This is followed by a tour of the sanctuary, including the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918, as well as Padre Pios tomb. Then, visit the new church dedicated in 2004 to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. You will also see the confessional where Padre Pio spent many hours directing pilgrims on their journey toward God. Day 7: San Giovanni Rotondo – Abbey of Santissima Trinita – CampaniaJourney through the picturesque landscape of the regions of Apulia and Campania to Cava de Tirreni. Be introduced to the Benedictine Abbey of Santissima Trinita, founded in the 11th century by a local saint. After a guided visit to the abbey, you will have the option of celebrating Mass. Day 8: Campania – Madonna del Rosario – Abbey of Montecassino – RomeContinue your travels to the town of Pompeii where you will visit the Madonna del Rosario Sanctuary, one of the most famous shrines of Christianity. Later, travel to Montecassino to discover the renowned abbey founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century A.D. This sacred place houses the relics of St. Benedict and his sister, Saint Scholastica. Montecassino also became famous during the battles that took place here during World War II, when the abbey was bombed and destroyed. Your day ends in Rome. Day 9: Rome – Papal Audience** – Vatican MuseumThis morning, attend the weekly papal audience** at Vatican City to receive the blessing given by His Holiness, Pope Francis. Later, visit the Vatican Museum*** where you will view such historical treasures as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelos restored mural of the Last Judgment. Then its on to the breathtaking St. Peters Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. Known as the grandest of the worlds churches, St. Peters is unsurpassed in beauty. Day 10: Rome – Christian Rome City TourBegin your day at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls; the remains of St. Paul are located under its main altar. Youll celebrate Mass here before making your way to the catacombs, where early Christians fearing persecution hid and buried their dead. Continue on to visit the other major Roman basilicas, St. Mary Major and St. John in Lateran, former residences of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable pilgrimage to Italy. Day 11: Rome – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today in Rome. |
