Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1, Sun, Jan 15: Depart for Rome
Make your way to your local airport to board your overnight flight(s). Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2, Mon, Jan 16: Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome, also known as, “The Eternal City.” Upon arrival at Rome airport, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the arrival’s hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. Make your way to the bus and transfer to your hotel. Following check-in, you will have time to explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon meet at the hotel lobby, as we will make our way to Church to celebrate Mass, followed by a Welcome Dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter’s Square for the Rosary (optional).

Day 3, Tue, Jan 17: Free day
Breakfast at your Hotel. Today is your free day to explore Rome. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 4, Wed, Jan 18: Rome: Papal Audience
After a nice breakfast at your hotel, your day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule). The rest of the day is free for shopping, exploring, reflecting. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 5, Thu, Jan 19: Rome: Free day
Today, we have the day at leisure to do some shopping, visit sites not seen, or just get lost in the History and culture of Rome. We will return to the hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 6, Fri, Jan 20: Rome: Free Day and Vigil
Breakfast at your Hotel followed by your free day to explore Rome. Tonight we will attend a Vigil of preparation at the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

Day 7, Sat, Jan 21: Rome: The 800th Jubilee Dominican Jubilee Closing Celebration
The solmn Mass on the 21st will be celebrated at The Basilica of St. John Lateran. In January 1217, St. Dominic received the Bull Gratiarum Largitori Omnium from Pope Honorius III, which first speaks of the “Order of Preachers”. The anniversary of this papal document was chosen as the closing date for the Dominican Jubilee. The Solemn Mass on the 21st will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The Holy Father has been invited to celebrate the closing Eucharist.

Day 8, Sun, Jan 22: Rome: Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Santa Sabina and Basilica of St Marco
Today we will visit the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena at the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva before touring Santa Sabina, the worldwide headquarters of the Dominican Order. St. Dominic lived here for some time, and we will have a chance to view his cell. We will continue on to visit the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum), which houses the remains of Bl. Hyacinthe-Marie Cormier, who approved the formation of the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Western Dominican Province). Next we will visit Basilica of St Marco. St. Dominic preached in this place during Lent of 1218. According to St. Cecilia’ testimony, a woman arrived with her dead son and Dominic brought him back to life. Inside the present Church, there is a fresco that recalls the miracle. After this inspiring day, we will gather for a dinner, and celebrate our time together with great Italian food and wine!

Day 9, Mon, Jan 23: Rome: Trevi Fountain / Piazza Navona – Basilica of St. John the Lateran and St. Mary Major – Holy Steps
Following breakfast at your hotel, your sightseeing day in Rome starts! We will make our way to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain). In the times of Ancient Rome, this fountain served as the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo, the main aqueduct that supplied thermal baths. Following the Trevi Fountain, continue to the beautiful, Piazza Novona. This square was built on the former Stadium of Domitian that held many festivals and sporting events (86 A.D). At the center of this square, stands the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). There are four figures constructed on this fountain that represent four rivers: the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata. Next, you may enjoy free time for lunch, followed by a visit to 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, we 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 that 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. To conclude your day, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major and celebrate Mass. This Basilica contains a relic from the manger of the Infant Jesus. Following Mass, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 10, Tue, Jan 24: Vatican Museum – Appian Way - Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls - Catacombs
This morning enjoy breakfast. We will celebrate Mass at 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. At this Basilica, we will have the opportunity to 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 one of the many Vatican Museums. At the world-renowned museum, you will see the most impressive of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to 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 St. John Paul II. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch on your own, or to purchase souvenirs from Vatican City. We will then begin the short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road will lead 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. We will then make our way to dinner at a local restaurant, and an overnight at your hotel.

Day 11, Wed, Jan 25: Rome Airport – US
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Rome airport for return flights home.

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What to Know Before You Go to Italy

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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.

St. Peter's Square, Rome, Italy

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Rome

The Forum, Rome, Italy