Day : 1
Arrive Venice (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Venice. After meeting with your Travel Director, you may wish to explore the city.
Day : 2
Venice orientation and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Watch the Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialities at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island. Then cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice. Admire the Bridge of Sighs, the ornate Doge's Palace and visit the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark. Spend time afterwards exploring the city or perhaps take a cruise across the lagoon to the island of Burano for a relaxing meal amidst the backdrop of brightly coloured houses.
Day : 3
Venice – Padua – Florence (2 nights)
Number of Days : 1
On arrival in Padua, our Local Specialist takes us to the Basilica of St. Anthony and shows us the tomb and relics of the patron saint of Lost and Found. After some free time for prayers, we cross the Apennine Mountains, arriving later in Florence.
Day : 4
Florence Orientation and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
There are few cities in the world with an artistic legacy equal to that of Florence. Your Local Specialist shares a superb commentary of the city's history during your walking tour, which includes views of the Baptistery, see the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the impressive Piazza della Signoria. Experience a demonstration of fine leatherwork with time to explore on your own. Shop for high-quality leather and 18-carat gold jewellery for which Florence is renowned and don't forget to try the gelato.
Day : 5
Florence – Siena – Assisi (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Continue south to Siena, where we meet our Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city. Stroll through ancient cobbled streets to Piazza del Campo where the colourful Palio horse race takes place every year. Visit the Basilica of St. Dominic and learn about St. Catherine of Siena. Enjoy some free time before we continue to the mystical town of Assisi, built on the fertile slopes of Mount Subasio in Umbria, home to St. Francis and St. Clare. Relax at your hotel this evening.
Day : 6
Assisi Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Your Local Specialist reveals a town that has changed little since the time of St. Francis, who was born here in 1182. We visit the Basilicas of St. Francis, St. Clare and St. Mary of the Angels and the Porziuncola. We then travel to the Carceri Hermitage where St. Francis came to pray and visit the Monastery of St. Damian. Later enjoy some free time in Assisi.
Day : 7
Assisi – Loreto – Lanciano – San Giovanni Rotondo (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
We visit the Loreto Sanctuary and the Holy House, one of the prominent Marian Shrines in the world. We continue to Lanciano, home of the Eucharistic Miracle, and visit the Church of 32St. Francis. Heading to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of St. Pio until his death.
Day : 8
San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’ Angelo
Number of Days : 1
After Mass this morning we join our Local Specialist this morning and visit the Santa Maria Della Grazie, the friary of Padre Pio which includes his confessional, cell and tomb. Later drive to see the shrine of Monte Sant' Angelo, one of the worlds most celebrated shrines and where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492 and 1656.
Day : 9
San Giovanni Rotondo – Pietrelcina – Rome (3 nights)
Number of Days : 1
We stop in Pietrelcina, birthplace of Padre Pio. Continuing onto Rome, where we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
Day : 10
Rome – Papal Audience and Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for a chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome's four major basilicas and also the burial site of St. Paul the Apostle, Next we visit St. John Lateran Basilica, built by Constantine the Great, and visit the Santa Scala (Holy Stairs) to see the 28 stairs which are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer dedicated to Jesus Christ. Finally we visit St. Mary Major Basilica.
Day : 11
Rome Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Don't miss the opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the famous Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Later your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to the Vatican City and the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica to view Michelangelo's statue, the Pietà. Cross the Tiber to view the mighty Colosseum and see the ancient sites of Rome. This evening in Rome you might like to celebrate the end of your holiday in style.
Day : 12
Depart Rome
Number of Days : 1
Say goodbye to your companions after a memorable pilgrimage. Transfers to Rome Airport are available. Conditions apply.
