Infos

1 Arrival in Milan                                                                    
Transfer from Milan Airport to the hotel. Check-in, welcome drink and the rest of day at leisure.

2 Milan and Padova                                                               
Morning guided tour of Milan including the Duomo(exterior), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala Theatre. Afternoon transfer to Padua with visit to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, one of Europe’s key pilgrimage sites.

3 Venice                                                                                   
Day trip to Venice. Guided walking tour featuring St. Mark’s Basilica (which contains the tomb of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the city), Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Free time in the afternoon. Return to Padua for overnight stay.

4 Padova to Florence                                 
Morning guided exploration of Padua’s historic center, a city known for its prestigious university where Galileo Galilei once taught. The visit includes the Palazzo della Ragione, the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto, and the Basilica di Santa Giustina, home to the tombs of early Christian martyrs and St. Luke the Evangelist. In the afternoon, transfer to Florence.

5 Florence                                                    
Full-day guided city tour. Highlights include Florence Cathedral (exterior) with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni whose doors feature Ghiberti's masterpiece, relief sculptures of ten scenes from the old Testament, named “Gate to Paradise” by Michelangelo.
Afternoon visit to the Uffizi Gallery (pre-booked group entry). 

6 Siena and Assisi                         
Morning guided tour of Siena, known for its rich history and as the birthplace of St. Catherine of Siena. Visit to the Piazza del Campo, a unique shell-shaped square where the famous Il Palio horse race takes place. The tour will also include the Basilica of San Domenico (exterior), where St. Catherine spent a significant part of her life. Transfer to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, a town deeply imbued with religious significance. Visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, where the saint’s tomb is located, to admire the renowned frescoes by Giotto. Overnight in Assisi.

7 Assisi to Rome
In the footsteps of Saint Francis: Visit to Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels with its beautiful rose garden, Porziuncola, a tiny church where he founded Franciscan order, and Chapel of the Transito, the place of his death.Afternoon transfer to Rome with introductory orientation tour: Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Pantheon.

8 Ancient Rome and Major Basilicas
Guided tour of Ancient Rome, starting from the Palatine and Capitoline Hills. The tour includes the Imperial and Roman Forums, the Hippodrome, and Constantine’s Arch, providing rich historical context.
Exterior visit to the Colosseum, followed by a visit to St. Mary Major, the principal church in the world devoted to Our Lady. Continue to St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral, home to relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul beneath the main altar. Across the street, visit the Scala Santa, believed to be the staircase from Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem, brought to Rome in the 4th century. 

9 Vatican Museums and Christian Rome
Morning guided tour of  the Vatican Museums, home to one of the greatest art collections in the world, including Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo’s Masterpiece, the Last Judgment. The tour concludes with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon exploration of the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, ine of Rome’soldest burial sites, followed by a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the burial place of the Apostle. 

10 Papal Audience and Free Time
The group can enjoy an audience with the Holy Father in the morning (subject to Vatican schedule), Afternoon free for personal prayer, shopping, or additional sightseeing. 

11 Departure    
Transfer to Rome Airport for group departure.