Depart for Rome

Arrive in Rome. En route to Assisi, stop in Greccio to visit the Sanctuary. Set within the rock like an eagle’s nest, the Greccio hermitage is an extraordinary fusion of architecture and nature. The Sanctuary is famous because Saint Francis of Assisi chose it as the backdrop for one of the highest moments in his life: the creation of the Creche on Christmas Eve, 1223. (D)

Today you will visit the lower city. Visit the Church and Convent of St. Damiano, where in 1205, Saint Francis received his calling to “Rebuild My Church”. Saint Clare later led her Order of the Poor Ladies from here until her death in 1253. The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels stands at the foot of the hill of Assisi, overlooking the Porziuncola, Saint Francis’ Church, which was given to him by the Benedictine monks. You’ll travel to and celebrate Mass at the Papal Basilica of St Francis, the mother church of the Franciscan Order and 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. Continue your guided pilgrimage of the town’s highlights, featuring the Basilica of St. Clare, where 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 into flesh and the wine into blood. Visit the shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle. Continue traveling to San Giovanni Rotondo. Check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

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. This afternoon, we will have an optional pilgrimage to Mount St. Angelo. The Sanctuary of Mount St. Angelo was built in the 13th century by Charles of Anjou. The archangel Michael appeared here in 490, 492, and 1656, consecrating the shrine and sacred cave. You’ll have time for reflection and prayer before returning to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

Bid farewell to San Giovanni Rotondo and travel to Pietrelcina. Visit the house where St. Padre Pio grew up and the chapel where he received the stigmata on September 7, 1910. Continue to Montecasino and visit the Benedictine Abbey, where St. Benedict and his sister Scholastica are buried. Finish the day in Nettuno and check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. (B, D)

After breakfast, say goodbye to Nettuno and travel to the eternal city, Rome. History is woven through the streets and neighborhoods of Rome as in no other city. Upon arrival, stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Love. Here, a pilgrim pursued by dogs appealed to Our Lady, and she intervened for his safety. Pilgrims began to frequent the site, and a chapel was built here in 1745. (B, D)

This morning, we will make our way to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Angelus, led by His Holiness, Pope Leo (pending the schedule of Pope Leo). Following the audience, you will visit the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. Six Popes are entombed here. View the extraordinary collection of relics at the Basilica of the Holy Cross, as well as a full-size replica of the Shroud of Turin. Next on to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands on the site where Constantine built the first church over the grave of Saint Paul. The church features a portrait of every Pope that has served the church. San Sebastian Outside the Walls is another magnificent church, built over the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. The remains of Peter and Paul were temporarily protected here during the Valerian Persecution of 258. Step beneath the surface into the Catacombs of Callixtus, built along the Appian Way. Here, 16 Popes from the 2nd through 4th centuries were interred, though they have been removed to various churches over the centuries. Continue 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 the year 431, proclaimed that Mary was the Mother of God. (B, D)

After breakfast, experience the glory of Christian Rome when you visit the Vatican, home to one of the greatest museums in the world. And, of course, you’ll enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll view Michelangelo’s frescoes, which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport, and return home inspired and blessed.