Infos

1 Arrival -  Overnight in Mestre

2 Venice and St. Mark’s Basilica -  Overnight in Mestre
A scenic boat ride across Venice’s famous canals leads to St. Mark’s Square, the city’s historic and cultural heart. St. Mark’s Basilica presents a breathtaking display of Byzantine mosaics, gilded interiors, and intricate architectural details that reflect centuries of artistry. A walking tour of the city continues through its narrow streets and over charming bridges, revealing hidden squares, vibrant facades, and the unique urban fabric that defines Venice. The blend of water, stone, and history creates an unforgettable visual and sensory experience.

3 Padua and Holy Mass in Assisi -  Overnight in Assisi
The day begins in Padua, a city with a rich blend of religious, artistic, and academic heritage. The guided visit focuses on the Basilica of Saint Anthony, an impressive pilgrimage site renowned for its ornate architecture, chapels adorned with frescoes, and the saint’s relics that draw devotees from around the world. The basilica’s combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine elements reflects centuries of devotion and craftsmanship. Beyond the basilica, Padua offers historic piazzas, quiet cloisters, and streets lined with cafes and shops, where the atmosphere reflects both its scholarly traditions and vibrant local life.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Assisi, a town celebrated as the birthplace of the Franciscan movement. Here, Mass is celebrated in a sacred setting, offering a moment of reflection in a town imbued with spiritual significance. Assisi’s medieval streets, stone buildings, and panoramic views of the Umbrian hills evoke a sense of timelessness. The town’s serene ambiance, combined with its association with St. Francis, allows for contemplation of both the saint’s legacy and the enduring presence of faith that has shaped the town’s character over centuries.

4. Assisi and the Holy Sites of St. Francis - Overnight in Assisi
The day focuses on the sacred sites associated with St. Francis. Visits include the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the Porziuncola, the small chapel central to St. Francis’s ministry. This humble space reflects the saint’s dedication to simplicity, prayer, and service.
The itinerary continues to the Carceri Hermitage (admission is free of charge) in the surrounding Umbrian woods, a secluded retreat used by St. Francis for meditation and contemplation. The quiet forest paths and stone cells provide a sense of the saint’s spiritual discipline and the peaceful environment that inspired his life of devotion.
Assisi’s medieval streets and stone buildings complement these sacred sites, creating a timeless atmosphere that reflects the town’s enduring spiritual heritage and its connection to the Franciscan tradition.

5. Loreto with Celebration of Holy Mass - Overnight in the Abruzzo region
The day begins in Loreto, home to the Basilica della Santa Casa, which enshrines the house believed to have been the home of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth. The basilica’s architecture, sacred art, and centuries of devotion create a spiritual atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Mass is celebrated in this revered sanctuary, emphasizing the town’s long-standing role as a pilgrimage site.
In the afternoon, the journey continues south to the Abruzzo region. The landscape changes to rolling hills, historic towns, and gentle valleys, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage. The day combines the spiritual significance of Loreto with the scenic and historic journey through central Italy.

6. Mass in Manoppello and San Giovanni Rotondo - Overnight in the Gargano region
The day begins in Manoppello at the Volto Santo Basilica, which houses the Sudarium, a relic believed to bear the image of Christ. The quiet and reverent atmosphere of the basilica provides a contemplative setting for Mass.
The journey then continues to San Giovanni Rotondo, a town closely associated with Padre Pio. The walking tour explores sites connected to his life, including the churches where he ministered, chapels dedicated to his memory, and the modern pilgrim center that draws visitors from around the world. The town’s streets, lined with historic buildings and local shops, reflect the daily life of a community shaped by its spiritual heritage. The combination of sacred sites and the surrounding landscape conveys the enduring devotion to Padre Pio and the ongoing significance of his ministry.

7. Mass at Montecassino Abbey and arrival in Rome - Overnight in Rome
The day begins at Montecassino Abbey, a historic Benedictine monastery founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century. Mass takes place in the abbey’s sacred space, surrounded by centuries of religious tradition and architectural beauty. The guided tour includes the abbey and its museum, where artworks, manuscripts, and artifacts illustrate the monastery’s resilience and cultural significance throughout history.
Later, the journey continues to Rome, transitioning from the quiet, elevated setting of Montecassino to the bustling streets and historic layers of the Eternal City. The landscape shifts from rolling hills and serene countryside to ancient monuments, piazzas, and iconic landmarks that reflect Rome’s blend of history, spirituality, and culture. The day offers a bridge between centuries of monastic devotion and the urban heart of Italian faith and heritage.

8. Rome and the Vatican - Overnight in Rome
The day is dedicated to exploring the spiritual and artistic treasures of Vatican City. Visits include the Vatican Museums, where extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts illustrate centuries of religious and cultural history. The Vatican Gardens, with their carefully maintained landscapes, provide a tranquil contrast to the museums’ vibrant displays.
The Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling frescoes, a masterpiece of Renaissance art that draws attention to both its artistic innovation and religious significance. The visit concludes at St. Peter’s Basilica, an architectural and spiritual landmark, where its grand nave, domed ceiling, and sacred chapels reflect centuries of devotion and artistic achievement.
The day combines exploration of world-renowned art with an understanding of the Vatican’s central role in the history and practice of the Catholic faith, offering a comprehensive experience of its cultural and spiritual richness.

9. Basilicas of Rome and Mass in the Catacombs - Overnight in Rome
The day focuses on some of Rome’s most significant basilicas, each representing layers of religious, historical, and artistic heritage. Visits highlight their architecture, sacred art, and the enduring role these churches play in the spiritual life of the city. The basilicas convey a sense of continuity, linking centuries of devotion with the present-day practices of faith.
In the afternoon, Mass is celebrated in one of the ancient catacombs along the Appian Way, offering a contemplative connection with early Christian history. The quiet corridors, carved tombs, and simple chapels provide a reflective environment that evokes the lives and devotion of Rome’s earliest Christians. The combination of basilicas and catacombs allows for both a visual and spiritual journey through the foundations of faith in the Eternal City.

10. Departure 

2 x nights in Mestre 
2 x nights in Assisi 
1 x night in the Abruzzo region 
1 x night in the Gargano region 
3 x nights in Rome