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Itinerary

Below is the itinerary as printed in your flyer. 

DAY 1: Jan 20 USA

We depart tonight on our flight to Rome. Breakfast and dinner are served aboard the flight. 
 

Day 2: Jan, 21 – Arrival – Rome – Montecassino

Upon arrival in Rome, we are met by our tour escort and transfer via private motorcoach to southern Italy and the magical city of Cassino. We will visit the spectacular Abbey of Montecasino with guide, founded by St Benedict in 529, patron saint of Europe and the founder of western monasticism. The Abbey was carefully rebuilt after the epic battle of 1944 and still dominates the surrounding countryside from its mountaintop setting. We will have a guided visit on arrival. A museum displays examples of medieval monastic art while the Basilica is richly decorated with mosaics. We come too as pilgrims to pray before the relics of St Benedict and his sister, St Scholastica. Celebrate Mass*. We will also see the battlefield. Dinner and overnight in Cassino. (D)

*Subject of availability.

 

Day 3: Jan, 22 – Cassino – Naples 

This morning, we will have leisure time in Montecassino to enjoy. In the early afternoon depart for Naples. Upon arrival in Naples we will begin with a panoramic tour, including the historic center with the San Paulo Maggiore Church, which boasts two Roman columns as part of its façade. We continue to the harbor area, the Angevin Castle, built in the 13th century, and the Park of Capodimonte atop a small incline north of the city. The Royal Palace of Capodimonte, noted for its porcelain   collection, is located in this park. Dinner and overnight in Naples. (B, D)

 

Day 4: Jan, 23 –  Naples – Matera 

After breakfast we depart Naples and drive to Matera located in the Basilicata region. Matera is known for its ancient cave dwellings and stunning limestone landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Sassi districts, where pre-historic cave dwellings have been transformed into homes, hotels and restaurants. Matera’s Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, stands as a prominent Catholic site, showcasing a mic of Romanesque and Apulian architecture. Another notable religious landmark is the church f San Giovanni Battista featuring remarkable frescoes and a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Additionally, the convent of San Agostino and the church of San Pietro Caveoso contribute to the city’s religious and cultural heritage. Dinner and overnight in Matera. (B, D)

 

Day 5: Jan, 24 – Matera – San Giovanni Rotondo

This morning, we travel to San Giovanni Rotondo, the site of Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. Upon arrival we celebrate a Mass there (subject to confirmation). Following Mass, we visit Padre Pio’s tomb and cell, the old church where he received the stigmata, his confessional, and the Sanctuary of Saint Mary our Lady of Grace. Then, we visit the San Michele Pilgrimage Shrine that consists of the original Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael in grotto, the crypt, and the devotional museums. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. (B, D)

 

Day 6: Jan, 25 – San Giovanni Rotondo – Loreto – Assisi  

This morning we depart for Loreto with a stop in Lanciano, the town with the Eucharistic Miracle of Jesus in a special Monstrance in the Tabernacle. Later in the afternoon we arrive in Loreto and visit the Basilica where the home of the Holy Family of Nazareth now stands without a foundation. Depart for Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B, D) 

 

Day 7: Jan, 26 –  Assisi 

Begin the day with a tour of Assisi, as we celebrate the life of St. Francis. We visit the Basilica of St. Francis, with its wonderful frescoes by Giotto, the Convent of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. A highlight of our day is the celebration of Mass at the Portiuncula. We enjoy some free time in the afternoon for additional sightseeing, prayer or shopping. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B, D)

 

DAY 8: Jan, 27 – Assisi - Rome

After breakfast and check-out, we depart to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome enjoy a half-day of sightseeing which includes a visit to the ancient Colosseum and the archeological area of the Roman Forum. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B/D) 

 

DAY 9: Jan, 28 – Rome – Roman Basilicas Tour 

This morning we tour the Roman Basilicas, including visit of The Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and built on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream of Pope Liberius; the Basilica of St John in Lateran, the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377; the Holy Stairs, which is believed to be a staircase from Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem that Jesus climbed when he was condemned to death and brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th century. Time permitting, we may climb these stairs on our knees in memory of Christ’s Passion. Lunch on own in the area. Continue to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall built over his tomb. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B/D)

Early mass at St. Peter is possible only at 7:15 or 08:15 AM – must be booked in advance. Another option is SMM starting the tour right after mass. 

 

DAY 10: Jan, 29 – ROME – Papal Audience / Vatican Museums & Sistine 

After breakfast we depart for attending the Papal Audience (if available), following the visit of the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, and Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel. Our Pilgrim tickets provide us possibility to enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly from the Sistine*. Here, we can spend a few moments to pray at the tomb of late Pope John Paul II. Lunch on own at the Vatican area. 

The afternoon is free on own leisure. Dinner and overnight in Rome. 

Mass can be booked at St. Callixtus Catacombs - TBA

 

Note: Mass at St. Peter is not possible on Wednesday, due to the papal Audience - TBA

*Pilgrim tickets are subject of availability. To be able to get them we will need an official Parish Letter, stamped and signed, that proves the group is in Rome for Pilgrimage purpose. 

Papal Audience is possible only on Wednesdays and is subject of confirmation. It can be cancelled without prior notice, depends on The Pope’s schedule.

 

DAY 11: Jan, 30 – USA

This morning, we transfer to Rome airport for our flight back home returning the same day. (B) 

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