9 Days

Catholic Medical Association

Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Scott Francis Binet

Group Coordinator: John Lane, MD

June 18 - 26, 2019

*Optional Post Tour to Assisi  -  June 26 - 28

JL061819

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Rome (Pope Francis) · Monte Cassino · San Giovanni Rotondo (St. Padre Pio) · Monte Sant'Angelo (St. Michael) · Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) · Loreto

Step foot into the four Major Basilicas, stare out into the Square from the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, and having the opportunity to attend the Papal Audience with his successor. Walk in the life of St. Padre Pio, famous for saying "Prayer is the oxygen of the soul." Closing out your pilgrimage, triumphant, lost in prayer, and surrounded by God's love in the hometown of St. Francis of Assisi.


Fr. Scott Francis Binet



John Lane, MD

Any Questions? Contact:
Katherine
Danielle
Alexandra

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
      ~ 5 nights: June 19 - 24: Hotel Della Conciliazione, Rome
      ~ 2 nights: June 24 - 26: Centro di Spiritualita St. Padre Pio, San Giovanni Rotondo
  • Optional Post Tour to Assisi:
      ~ 2 nights: June 26 - 28: Hotel Giotto, Assisi
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Whisper Headsets where needed
  • Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s) in Rome, Montecassino and Dan Giovanni Rotodno
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Tips to Hotel Staff and Restaurants
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Della Conciliazione
Rome

5 Nights

hotel
Hotel Centro di Spiritualita St. Padre Pio
San Giovanni Rotondo

2 Nights

Not included
  • Lunches, Beverages not mentioned, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day1
Tue, June 18: Depart for Rome

Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.

Day2
Wed, June 19: Arrival in Rome

Welcome to Rome, also known as, "The Eternal City." Upon arrival at Rome airport, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. You will make your way to the bus and transfer to your hotel. Following check-in, you will have free time to unpack and relax, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon, your group will meet in the hotel lobby for a "Meet and Greet" with your fellow pilgrims and depart for Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter's Square as a group, for the Rosary (optional).

Day3
Thu, June 20: Rome: Basilica of St. John the Lateran - Holy Steps - Basilica of St. Mary Major

After a nice breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome starts! The tour begins with visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, you will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate's palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. Next to visit is the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day4
Fri, June 21: Rome: St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican Museum - Trevi Fountain - Appian Way - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls - Catacombs

This morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Also, it was Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who was the first Pontiff to visit the necropolis since extensive archaeological excavations were conducted at the ancient site decades ago. It is here that you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal off the cross before being placed in the tomb. Continue to proceed to the Vatican Museums. At the world-renowned museum, you will see the most impressive of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, you will observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo's Masterpiece, the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The final stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II. Afterward, you will be transferred to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), where you may enjoy some free time on your own for lunch. Continue on your short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road leads to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul, outside the walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial places of Saint Paul the Apostle. Next, make your way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome, or return to the hotel for an overnight.

Day5
Sat, June 22: Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning, St Mary of the Altar of Heaven in the afternoon

Explore the first and second tiers of this A-list attraction with a guide, learning about the gladiators who competed in the Colosseum's gory gladiatorial games. Finish with a tour of the Roman Forum in Ancient Rome and admire incredible ruins, like the Temple of Julius Caesar. After lunch we'll visit St Mary of the Altar of Heaven. Built on the foundations of the ancient temple of the Roman goddess Juno, this Church is one the oldest Basilicas in Rome. The foundation of a first house of worship may have been laid here as early as the sixth century, when it was built in the style of an ancient Basilica. At that time, the worshippers would have followed the Greek rite. However, the building was taken over by the papacy in the tenth century and was given to the Benedictines. In 1249 pope Innocent IV passed it on to the Franciscans who remodeled and expanded the Church in 1320.

Day6
Sun, June 23: Mass with Holy Father - Free afternoon

This morning you will enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. You will attend Mass with the Holy Father, followed by Free Time to spend at your own leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Day7
Mon, June 24: Rome - Monte Cassino - San Giovanni Rotondo

Following breakfast, you will board your bus to enjoy the scenic route to Monte Cassino. Passing through the Roman countryside that is known for its villas and vineyards. During the bus ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. Monte Cassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Following the tour, there will be an opportunity to visit the gift shop, before you board the bus to continue toward San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of Saint St. Padre Pio. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, you will check-in, enjoy dinner in a restaurant, and overnight.

Day8
Tue, June 25: San Giovanni Rotondo (View Incorrupt Body of St. Padre Pio) - Monte Sant' Angelo

This morning, after breakfast, you will visit the Old Church. After Mass, you will tour the sanctuary, it is here you will view the crucifix, in front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional from where St. Pio spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Next, you will board the bus and travel along the beautiful Gargano Peninsula to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, a Shrine consecrated by St. Michael. At this Grotto, St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his diocese would not be annihilated as he feared. Following the visit to the Grotto, enjoy free time. On the way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, view breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Upon arrival, you will have time for devotion and reflection. Dinner and an overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.

*Candlelight Procession - Between May and October attend the weekly Candlelight Procession at the Sanctuary of St. Pio after dinner, at 9:00 PM. These processions are lit by candlelight, and are guided by the Most Holy Rosary. Following this prayerful experience, you will return to your hotel for a restful overnight.

Day9
Wed, June 26: San Giovanni Rotondo - Rome Airport

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome Airport for your return flights home.

Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours

  • 1000’s of flights are being cancelled. 206 Tours will assist getting you to your destination.
  • Your transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival, even if your flights are rescheduled.
  • In the event your tour is not operating we will refund you all your money back or provide a full credit
  • Your seats will be assigned according to your request (most online fares do not include seat assignment appox. $300)
  • If you need to travel few days prior or stay few days later, make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.

If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours

  • With many flight cancellations and overbookings, we feel that you should know:
    If your flight is cancelled - 206 Tours will not be able to assist you.
  • In order to guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior, Any changes within 45 -3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
  • For changes in arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we will not be able to rebook your transfer and you will need to make your own way to / from hotel or airport at your own cost
  • Often times low online fares, do not include seat assignments ($300 approx.). It will be a challenge to get a good seat assigned at the airport.
  • If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours will not reimburse expenses caused by your flight changes.

Book your trip now

$400 Deposit is due at the time of Registration

USD
Dates & Prices

Dates

Select airport

Booking

Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request




Optional Post Tour to Assisi

June 26 - 28
$525 per person     
  • Centrally located Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: June 26 - 28: Hotel Giotto, Assisi
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Whisper Headsets where needed
  • Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)




Itinerary
Day9
Wed, June 26: San Giovanni Rotondo - Lanciano - Loreto - Assisi

After breakfast, you we leave for Assisi. On the way we stop in Lanciano for private Mass at the Convent/Church of Saint Francis built on top of the antique Church of St. Longinus - the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk, who struggled with the belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the words of consecration and the bread and wine transformed into physical flesh and blood. Leave for Marian shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Tradition holds that this is the house in which Mary first prayed the Magnificat, in which Jesus grew to manhood, and in which the Holy Family lived, before it was transported several times by angels, to its current location. End the day in Assisi, hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, with dinner and overnight at your hotel. .

Day10
Thu, June 27: Assisi (St. Francis)

As you visit the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th-century. You will start your tour at the St. Francis Basilica, visit his tomb of St. Francis, and have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint's possessions. From there, you will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and end with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. Enjoy some free time on your own - you may take this time for additional prayer, shop in the many gift shops or enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, you will board the bus, which will take you outside of the walls of Assisi, to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. This Basilica is made up of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure, is the "Porziuncola", which is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second, is the "Capella del Transito", which is the place of St. Francis' death. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day11
Thu, June 28: Assisi - Rome Airport - USA

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome Airport for your return flights home.

Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Post Tour

*All pricing is per person

Optional Post Tour to Assisi

June 26 - 28
$525 Per Person     



Optional Post Tour to Assisi

June 26 - 28
$525 per person     
  • Centrally located Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: June 26 - 28: Hotel Giotto, Assisi
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Whisper Headsets where needed
  • Assistance of a professional local Christian guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)







Iternary

Day9
Wed, June 26: San Giovanni Rotondo - Lanciano - Loreto - Assisi

After breakfast, you we leave for Assisi. On the way we stop in Lanciano for private Mass at the Convent/Church of Saint Francis built on top of the antique Church of St. Longinus - the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of the miracle, there was a Basilian monk, who struggled with the belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the words of consecration and the bread and wine transformed into physical flesh and blood. Leave for Marian shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Tradition holds that this is the house in which Mary first prayed the Magnificat, in which Jesus grew to manhood, and in which the Holy Family lived, before it was transported several times by angels, to its current location. End the day in Assisi, hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare, with dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day10
Thu, June 27: Assisi (St. Francis)

As you visit the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th-century. You will start your tour at the St. Francis Basilica, visit his tomb of St. Francis, and have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint's possessions. From there, you will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and end with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. Enjoy some free time on your own - you may take this time for additional prayer, shop in the many gift shops or enjoy a nice lunch. After lunch, you will board the bus, which will take you outside of the walls of Assisi, to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. This Basilica is made up of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure, is the "Porziuncola", which is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second, is the "Capella del Transito", which is the place of St. Francis' death. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight.

Day11
Thu, June 28: Assisi - Rome Airport - USA

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome Airport for your return flights home.

About your trip

pilgrimage map
  • Rome (Pope Francis)
  • Monte Cassino
  • San Giovanni Rotondo (St. Padre Pio)
  • Monte Sant'Angelo (St. Michael)
  • Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle)
  • Loreto (Holy House)
  • Assisi (St. Francis)
  • Gubbio
  • LaVerna
About Rome:

Rome has been one of history's most powerful and important cities, along with home to the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, and the site of the Vatican City. First built in 337, St. Peter's Basilica lies over the tomb of St. Peter. Contained within is a vast array of the most beautiful artwork ever assembled, reflecting the immensity, beauty, vastness, majesty, glory and awesomeness of God.

Terms & Conditions

Know Before You Go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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Terms & Conditions

1-800-206-Tour (8687)   |   [email protected]

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Contact Us

Any questions?  Contact Us:
Katherine
Danielle
Alexandra