Your pilgrimage begins with an overnight flight to Rome. Rest and prepare for the days of discovery and devotion ahead.

Arrive early this morning in Rome, where you will be greeted by your local tour manager. Begin your pilgrimage with visits to two sacred sites before checking into your hotel. First, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, and the resting place of St. Paul the Apostle. Continue along the ancient Appian Way to the Catacombs of Callixtus or San Sebastiano, where early Christians worshiped in secret and buried their dead. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to rest. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and orientation. Your overnight stay is in Rome. (D)

Begin your journey with the treasures of Ancient Rome. Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum, walk past the Arch of Titus and the Arch of Constantine, and view the Circus Maximus. Continue to the Pantheon and the Victor Emmanuel Monument in Piazza Venezia. In the afternoon, experience the romance of Rome as you climb the Spanish Steps and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring your return to the Eternal City. Your overnight stay is in Rome. (B, D)

This morning, join pilgrims from around the world in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience and blessing, should the Holy Father’s schedule permit. Afterward, explore the Vatican Museums, concluding with a visit to the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes. End the day inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual center of the Catholic faith. Your overnight stay is in Rome. (B, D)

Return to Vatican City for one of the most profound experiences of your pilgrimage — the Scavi Tour, which takes you beneath St. Peter’s Basilica to the necropolis and the tomb of St. Peter himself. (Note: The Scavi is a visit that the Vatican always confirms at the last minute, no earlier than a month before the requested date, due to the limited number of visitors each day. The Scavi tour lasts one hour. Since the maximum number of visitors allowed per day is 250, each group request is divided into small groups of 12 travelers who will visit the Scavi at different times.) In the afternoon, enjoy a walking pilgrimage through some of Rome’s most important churches. Begin at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, then visit the Basilica of St. Praxedes, home to relics of Christ’s Passion. Continue to the Church of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, which houses the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Mother Church of the World, and conclude with a visit to the Holy Stairs, which Christ ascended during His Passion. Your overnight stay is in Rome. (B, D) (Note: If the scavi tour is confirmed, some sites listed this afternoon may be moved to day 6)

Depart from Rome this morning and journey to Assisi, the town of St. Francis and St. Clare. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which shelters the Porziuncola, the small church given to St. Francis. Continue to San Damiano, where Francis received his calling to “rebuild My Church” and where St. Clare later lived and died. Celebrate Mass and enjoy free time for prayer and reflection. Dinner and overnight stay are in Assisi. (B, D)

Today is devoted to further exploring Assisi. Visit the Papal Basilica of St. Francis, with its magnificent frescoes by Giotto, and pray at the tomb of St. Francis. Continue to the Basilica of St. Clare, home to the San Damiano Crucifix. The afternoon allows time for reflection, devotion, or exploring the cobblestone streets of this medieval hill town. Your overnight stay is in Assisi. (B, D)

Depart Assisi and travel south, pausing at Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence overlooking Lake Albano. Continue to Sorrento, dramatically perched on cliffs above the Bay of Naples. Dinner and an overnight stay are in Sorrento. (B, D)

Journey along the famed Amalfi Drive, where every curve reveals breathtaking views of the blue-green sea. Stop in the picturesque village of Positano and visit the town of Amalfi with its splendid cathedral. If time permits, continue to Vietri sul Mare, renowned for its colorful ceramics. Return to Sorrento for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

Sail across the Bay of Naples to the Isle of Capri, beloved since ancient times. Explore its charming villages, enjoy spectacular views, and consider taking a funicular or a boat ride around the island. Return to Sorrento in the evening for dinner and your final coastal overnight stay. (B, D)

On your way back to Rome, stop in Pompeii to see the city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Walk its ancient streets, view preserved homes and frescoes, and imagine what daily life was like in the Roman Empire. Continue to Rome for a farewell dinner and your final overnight stay. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, filled with memories of your pilgrimage through Rome, Assisi, and the Amalfi Coast. (B)