Italy with F.A.M.I.L.Y.

Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart by flight for Rome, Italy. (flights not included but can be arranged at an additional cost)

Arrive today at the Rome Airport, where we meet and greet with our Canterbury tour director. Without delay, we head to St. Peter’s in Rome for a guided tour of the Square and Basilica. Later we enjoy some fine Italian dining at our welcome dinner.

Overnight at the Carpegna Palace Hotel

We set forth to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis, and visit the St. Francis Basilica, his final resting place. In the afternoon, we journey to Greccio, where we encounter the Sanctuary of Greccio, where St. Francis created the first Nativity scene. We’ll take time for dinner before arriving at our hotel this evening.

Overnight at Abbazia di San Pastore

This morning we travel to Aquila, where we’ll visit the local Casa Famiglia orphanage. We then proceed to the Church of San Francesco, home to the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano. Our next stop is St. Michael’s Cave, an incredible, little-known sanctuary found within an ancient natural cave, on the side of a rocky mountain near Lake Varano. We’ll arrive in the hometown of St. Padre Pio this evening for dinner and an overnight.

Overnight at Hotel Padre Pio

We spend the morning in San Giovanni Rotondo, exploring the life and legacy of St. Padre Pio. Our day includes a visit to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Later in the afternoon, we journey to Bari, stopping at the The Sanctuary of Saint Michael on our way. In Bari, we pay homage to St. Nicholas at the St. Nicolas Basilica, his burial place. We’ll enjoy dinner this evening.

Overnight at Bari Grande Albergo delle Nazioni

We depart this morning for Pompeii, to visit the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary followed by a visit to one of the most important and interesting archaeological museums in the world, having been buried in the ashes of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Continue on to Rome. We enjoy a fine Italian meal at our farewell dinner tonight.

Overnight at Villa Mercede

With a renewed sense of pilgrimage and an invigorated love for our Catholic faith, we bid farewell to Italy and board a morning transfer to the Rome Airport to fly home. (flights not included)