Depart the USA on your international flight.

On arrival at the Rome airport, you will be met and transferred north by coach through the stunning countryside. Pope Nicholas IV laid the cornerstone for the Cathedral of Orvieto in 1290, dedicating it to the Assumption of the Virgin. Orvieto served as a Papal residence through the Middle Ages, Pope Clement VII being one of the last to stay in Orvieto in 1527. Here, the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated, marching from the Duomo. Finish your day by checking into your Assisi hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (D)

This morning, I wake up to the atmospheric sounds of chapel bells, footsteps on cobblestones, and a tangible spirit of St. Francis preserved within the walls of this holy town. In the morning, you will visit the lower city. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels stands at the foot of the hill of Assisi over the Porziuncola - Saint Francis’ Church given to him by the Benedictine monks. Continue to the Franciscan Sanctuary of Rivo Torto, where St. Francis started his life of austerity. The Church and Convent of San Damiano is where, in 1205, St. Francis received his calling to “Rebuild My Church.” St. Claire would later lead her Order of the Poor Ladies from here until her death in 1253. This afternoon, participate in the Calendimaggio activities. (B, D)

After breakfast, you will walk to the Papal Basilica of St. Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order and burial place of St. Francis. This Basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built on the side of a hill and comprises of an Upper and Lower church. These are decorated with numerous frescoes by late medieval painters, including Giotto. Celebrate Mass here. Continue your guided pilgrimage of the town’s highlights featuring the Basilica of St. Clare, where you can kneel before the famous crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis. This afternoon, participate in the Calendimaggio activities. (B, D)

Make your way to Lanciano and visit the Church of St. Longinus, where you will see the Eucharistic Miracle and celebrate Mass. It was here, as they celebrated the Latin Rite, a Basilian hieromonk was assigned to celebrate Mass. The monk had doubts about the real presence of Jesus Chris in the Holy Eucharist until he said the “Words of Consecration,” and the bread turned into living flesh, and the wine changed into live blood. Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo and visit the Shrine of the Eucharist Miracle. (B, D)

This morning visit at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Behind the church is the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church, which was erected in 2004. We will also walk the Way of the Cross on the forested hillside nearby. Spend time at the Sanctuary of Mount St. Angelo. (B, D)

This morning, travel to Rome and enjoy a visit to the Forum and the Colosseum, once the heart of ancient Rome and a place of martyrdom for the early saints. Check into your Rome hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)

Helena in the 4th century. Climbing the stairs on your knees is a devotion that many pilgrims perform, and a plenary indulgence is granted for completing this feat. Continue your pilgrim journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Maria Maggiore). This is the largest Marian church in Rome. Its construction began after the Council of Ephesus in 431 proclaimed that Mary was the Mother of God. Saint Jerome, translator of the Bible into the Latin Vulgate, is buried here. Continue to the Pantheon, built by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC to 14 AD). Emperor Hadrian rebuilt it around 126 AD. The building was given to Pope Boniface IV who converted it into a church - Saint Mary and the Martyrs (Santa Maria Rotonda). Explore the romance of Rome as you stop at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend says those who toss a coin into the fountain will one day return to Rome to toss another into the waters of Trevi. (B, D)

Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican’s Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Built by connecting portions of the old papal residence with newer structures, the museum houses a world-renowned collection of art and antiquities. Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512 and later painted The Last Judgment between 1535 and 1541 for Pope Clement VII and Paul III. The primary function of the chapel is the Papal Conclave, providing the place where the College of Cardinals of the church gathers to elect a new pope. Then, walk through St. Peter’s Basilica. The present structure, completed in 1590, was built over the Byzantine and Middle Ages structures that
marked the tomb of Saint Peter. There are more than 100 tombs within the basilica, including, most recently, Saint John Paul II. Continue to San Sebastian Outside the Walls, another of the seven Pilgrimage churches built over the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. The remains of Peter and Paul were temporarily protected here during the Valerian Persecution of 258. Also ,visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every pope who has served the church, with the face of Pope Francis I illuminated as the present pontiff. Step beneath the surface
into the Catacombs of Callixtus, built along the Appian Way. Here, sixteen popes from the 2nd through 4th centuries were interred, though they have been removed to various churches over the centuries. (B, D)

After breakfast, enjoy the opportunity to join in prayer with Pope Francis and receive his greeting, blessing, and prayers. After the audience, enjoy free time in Rome on your own. (B, D)

Return to the USA.