Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel

Welcome to Italy! Check into your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey. Later this evening, a welcome dinner awaits at your hotel. (D)

This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit two of Rome’s major Papal Basilicas. First visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral church of Rome where the Pope has his seat as Bishop of Rome. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica, where a reliquary contains wood from the Holy Crib, and attend [M] Mass. * Consider joining an optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to some of the world’s greatest masterpieces. (B) * For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. En route back to Rome, stop and visit the Papal Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls. Later this afternoon, enjoy time to relax in Rome or select an optional excursion, perhaps with a deeper look at Roman history by exploring the early Christian site of secret worship and burials in the underground catacombs. * (B) * For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. (B,D)