Shrines of Italy
From the hallowed Basilica of St. Francis to the glorious Sistine Chapel, discover why Italy is a bastion of Catholicism. Spend time at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the beloved saint's hometown. Stay two nights in San Giovanni Rotondo. Reflect at the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Discover the cathedral of Salerno and the abbey of Montecassino. Explore the burial sites of the Catacombs where the early Christians hid and venerated their dead. Attend the weekly Papal audience and receive the blessing given by the Pope. Discover Michelangelo's Last Judgment mural and explore St. Peter's Basilica. See the world's most inspirational sites and relics on a journey through the rolling hills and lively cities of Italy.
Call (636) 978-5510 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17513799
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 11 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Rome | Travel on an inspirational journey to some of the most fascinating religious sites and relics in the world. |
| Day 2 | Rome | Your tour opens in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and Italian wine. |
| Day 3 | Rome | Travel north to Assisi, where St. Francis spent most of his life. Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, built on the founding site of the Franciscan Order. Pause at the Chapel of the Porziuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint prayed. Spend time at the Church of St. Clare before reflecting at the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis. Join a local expert on a tour of Assisi, highlighting the 13th-century basilica where you can see many of St. Francis' possessions and a series of frescoes. Celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis this afternoon. |
| Day 4 | Assisi | Enjoy a day at leisure to independently explore historic Assisi. Or, join a full-day optional excursion to Florence, the 'Cradle of the Renaissance,' where a local expert provides a walking tour featuring the Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce Church. |
| Day 5 | Assisi | Travel across the Apennine Mountains 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. Celebrate Mass before continuing your journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio. |
| Day 6 | San Giovanni Rotondo | Visit Monte Sant' Angelo and take in stunning views of the Gargano Peninsula. Explore the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, where popes and saints have knelt and prayed for protection. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo and celebrate Mass in the sanctuary of Padre Pio. Tour Padre Pio's tomb and the sanctuary, including the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918. Spend time in the new church dedicated to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. |
| Day 7 | San Giovanni Rotondo | Journey through the picturesque landscapes of Apulia on your way to Campania. Visit the Cathedral of Salerno, which guards the relics of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. You will have the option of celebrating Mass here in Salerno. This afternoon opt to relax at your hotel or visit the Historic Ruins of Pompeii during an optional tour of this vast archeological site. |
| Day 8 | Campania | Travel to Montecassino and discover the renowned abbey founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century A.D., housing the relics of the saint and his sister, Saint Scholastica. Montecassino also became famous during World War II, when the abbey was bombed and destroyed. You'll have the option of celebrating Mass here before continuing to Rome. Visit the Catacombs where early Christians hid and buried their dead. |
| Day 9 | Rome | Attend the weekly Papal audience* at Vatican City to receive the blessing given by His Holiness Pope Francis. Visit the Marian Basilica of St. Mary Major and Rome's Cathedral: St. John in Lateran - the former residence of the popes. Conclude your day with a visit to the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs which tradition believes are the steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate. |
| Day 10 | Rome | Celebrate Mass before exploring the Vatican Museums,** including the Sistine Chapel and the famous Last Judgment mural. End your visit in St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church. Feel the grace around you as you meander along towering marble columns and stand in awe before PietA, Michelangelo's renowned sculpture. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you'll go on an optional tour of Rome with visits to the Roman Forum and Colosseum, where the Pope begins the Good Friday Procession. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable pilgrimage to Italy. |
| Day 11 | Rome | Your tour comes to a close in Rome. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Cardinal Hotel St. Peter - Rome, Italy
- Hotel Cenacolo - Assisi, Italy
- Hotel Parco delle Rose - San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Hotel Scapolatiello - Cava de Tirreni, Italy
- Cardinal Hotel St. Peter - Rome, Italy
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
