Our Italian adventure begins as you depart the USA on your international flight.

Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival, we are greeted by our English-speaking tour manager, who will accompany our group throughout the entire trip. Time permitting, enjoy a tour of Imperial Rome, which includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine, and other key archaeological sites. Visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands on the site where Constantine built the first church, which is believed to be over the grave of Saint Paul. Check into your hotel this evening for dinner and rest. (D)

Celebrate with Pope Leo XIV this morning at the Papal Audience. Enjoy a guided tour of the Vatican’s Museums and Sistine Chapel. Built by connecting portions of the old Papal residence with newer structures, the museum houses a world-renowned collection of art and antiquities. Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512, and later painted The Last Judgment between 1535 and 1541 for Popes Clement VII and Paul III. The primary function of the chapel is to host the Papal Conclave, where the College of Cardinals of the Church gathers to elect a new pope. Then, walk through St. Peter’s Basilica. Continue your pilgrimage journey to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Maria Maggiore). This is the largest Marian church in Rome. Its construction began after the Council of Ephesus in 431 proclaimed that Mary was the Mother of God. Saint Jerome, translator of the Bible into the Latin Vulgate, is buried here. (B, D)

Wander Baroque Rome this morning. Admire masterpieces by Bernini, Borromini, and other artists as we explore Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon, among others. Then continue your pilgrimage to Florence. (B, D)

Explore the elegant city of Florence, nestled between a line of hills and the banks of the Arno River. During your visit to Florence, enjoy the beautiful gardens and a stroll through the open-air markets. Every street, square, and winding alley is a showcase for Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance grandeur. Among Florence’s masterpieces, you’ll see the Piazza della Signoria with its Neptune Fountain and Vecchio Palace, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral which houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietá, the Baptistry which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise, and the Academy where you can view some of Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished work, including the awe-inspiring David. Return to your hotel for dinner and rest. (B, D)

Travel to Assisi and walk in the cobblestone footsteps of a tangible spirit of St. Francis preserved within the walls of this holy town. In the morning, you will visit the lower city. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels stands at the foot of the hill of Assisi over the Porziuncola - Saint Francis’ Church, given to him by the Benedictine monks. Visit the Papal Basilica of St. Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order and the burial place of St. Francis. This Basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built on the side of a hill and comprises an Upper and Lower church. These are decorated with numerous frescoes by late medieval painters, including Giotto. At the Basilica of St. Clare, you can kneel before the famous crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis. (B, D)

After breakfast, journey to Lanciano, where a priest was doubtful about the Real Presence. During his celebration of Mass, the host turned the bread into flesh and the wine into blood. Visit the shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle. Continue traveling to San Giovanni Rotondo. Visit the Padre Pío Pilgrimage Church, erected in 2004, and walk the Way of the Cross on the forested hillside nearby. Visit the Sanctuary of Saint Mary, Our Lady of Grace, to visit St. Padre Pio’s crypt. (B, D)

Travel back to Rome today and visit the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls (San Lorenzo). Saint Lawrence was one of the first seven deacons of Rome who were martyred in 258. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight.