Infos

1 Arrival - Overnight in Milan
Transfer from Milan Airport to the hotel, followed by check-in and welcome drink. The rest of the day is at leisure.

2 Milan and Padua - Overnight in Padua
Today’s itinerary takes the group to discover Milan with a guide, visiting the city’s most important sights. Highlights include the Duomo, Milan’s extravagant Gothic cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the world-famous La Scala Theatre. The journey continues to Padua, home of Saint Anthony, where the Basilica of Saint Anthony houses some of the saint’s relics, making it an important pilgrimage destination.

3 Venice - Overnight in Padua
The day is dedicated to the exploration of Venice, a city of canals, bridges, and timeless beauty. The guided tour explores the Basilica of St. Mark, which houses the tomb of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city. The Doge’s Palace, a magnificent example of medieval architecture, and the enchanting Bridge of Sighs reveal the city’s rich history and unique charm. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, allowing time to wander along Venetian canals and soak in the magical atmosphere.

4 Padua and Florence - Overnight in Montecatini Terme
A guided walk through Padua’s city center takes the group to Italy’s third-oldest university, where Galileo Galilei once taught. Other highlights include the Palazzo della Ragione, the historic Jewish Ghetto, and the Basilica di Santa Giusta, which houses the remains of numerous martyrs and saints. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Tuscany.

5 Florence - Overnight in Montecatini Terme
The day includes a visit to Florence, the capital of the Renaissance. An guide introduces the Cathedral with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s elegant bell tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, whose doors feature Ghiberti’s relief sculptures of ten Old Testament scenes, called the “Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo. The afternoon includes a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery, home to priceless masterpieces of Renaissance art.

6 Siena and Assisi - Overnight in Assisi
The morning focuses on Siena, with its famous Piazza del Campo, the seashell-shaped square where the Palio horse race takes place. The visit to the Basilica of San Domenico, where St. Catherine spent much of her life, provides insights into the saint’s life and legacy. In the afternoon, the itinerary continues to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. The Basilica of St. Francis houses his tomb and features spectacular frescoes.

7 Assisi and Rome - Overnight in Rome
The day begins with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, featuring its beautiful rose garden, the Porziuncola (the small church where St. Francis founded the Franciscan order), and the Capella del Transito, where St. Francis died. Upon arrival in Rome, an orientation tour introduces major sights, including Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon.

8 Ancient Rome - Overnight in Rome
The guided tour begins from the Palatine and Capitoline Hills and continues through the Imperial and Roman Forums, the Hippodrome, and Constantine’s Arch. An exterior view of the Colosseum will be followed by visits to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the world’s most important church devoted to Our Lady, and the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral, containing relics of Saints Peter and Paul. Nearby, the Scala Santa (Holy Staircase) is believed to have been brought from Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem in the 4th century.

9 The heart of Catholic Rome - Overnight in Rome
A guided leads the group through the Vatican Museums, including the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, and the tomb of St. John Paul II, finishing at St. Peter’s Basilica. The afternoon includes visits to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the burial site of the Apostle Paul.

10 Papal Audience - Overnight in Rome
The morning includes an audience with the Holy Father, followed by free time to explore Rome at leisure.

11 Departure

A Mass can be organized at any point during the program, according to the group’s wishes.