We begin our time in Italy at the very heart of our faith—Vatican City. We’ll walk the storied halls of the Vatican Museums, gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel, and—God willing—join the Holy Father for a Papal Audience. From there, we’ll step into the living history of the Church as we visit Rome’s most sacred sites: St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Abbey of Tre Fontane, and the ancient Catacombs where early Christians bore witness to their faith. Our pilgrimage continues on foot through timeless basilicas—St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, and more—as we follow in the footsteps of saints and martyrs who paved the way before us.

We journey south to venerate the relics of St. Philomena, the courageous young martyr beloved by saints and popes alike. From there, we continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio, whose humble life in this remote village touched the world. We’ll celebrate Mass in the very church where he once offered Mass and heard countless confessions of the faithful. We’ll visit his tomb, walk the paths he knew, and spend time in personal prayer and reflection. As we encounter the places where he lived, suffered, and prayed, we draw closer to this wonderworker and deepen our own trust in the healing power of Christ.

We begin the day with Mass at the site of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano—a powerful and awe-inspiring encounter with the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. From there, we journey to Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth, miraculously transported and treasured by the faithful for centuries. This sacred home, where the Word became flesh, invites us into the heart of Mary’s “yes.” We’ll then continue on to the serene hilltop town of Assisi, where peace, simplicity, and the spirit of St. Francis await.

In the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, we’ll walk the same cobblestone streets they once did, immersed in the beauty and simplicity that shaped their lives. We’ll visit their tombs, celebrate Mass, and reflect on their radical love for God and the poor. Our journey also brings us to the tomb of Bl. Carlo Acutis, a modern witness to Eucharistic devotion, and to sacred sites like the Porziuncola and San Damiano, where Francis first heard the call to rebuild the Church. A visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting offers a moment of joy and fellowship. It’s easy to see why pilgrims have been drawn to Assisi for centuries—this town leaves a lasting imprint on every soul who visits.

We begin the day with a final Mass in Assisi, offering our gratitude for all we’ve received on this sacred journey. Then we return to Rome for one last afternoon and evening in the Eternal City. Enjoy this free time at your own pace—whether you choose to explore, shop, revisit a favorite church, or simply soak in the beauty around you, it’s the perfect way to reflect and savor the final moments of pilgrimage.

Our final morning begins with Mass at the convent. After a quick breakfast, we check out and board the bus for our journey back home. We will depart  on our International flight on United Airlines Flight UA 971 back to Chicago.