Prepare for your early departure to Tel Aviv Airport, where you will board your flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, you will make your way to baggage claim, and then to the Arrival's Hall where you will meet your guide. You will then travel north through Umbria, and visit one of the most beautiful old hilltop towns in Italy, Bagnoregio. The destiny of this place, the cluster of medieval houses, the handful of families who still live there, and the surreal landscape of sur-rounding white clay canyons make Bagnoregio a unique and enchanting place. Continue on to Siena. Dinner and overnight in Siena. (D)

After breakfast, we will do a walking tour of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine, "Doctor of the Church", and St. Bernardine, "the Apostle of Italy". Visit the Basilica of St. Catherine and the Shrine of St. Catherine. Enjoy our walking tour through Siena including a visit to its Cathedral. We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time. Then, board the bus, and continue to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. The bus will take us outside of the walls of Assisi, to visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B, D)

After breakfast, we will tour the hometown of St. Francis, the inspiration for Pope Francis, who chose his name. You will become captivated, as the atmosphere of this town has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th-century. We will tour the St. Francis Basilica, visit his tomb, and view frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint's possessions. From there, we will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including his birthplace, and ending with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. There will be some free time, before we board our bus and make our way to Rome, also known as, "The Eternal City." Following check-in at your hotel, you will have free time to unpack and relax, or explore Rome on your own. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B, D)

After breakfast, we will visit the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. At noon, we will attend the Angelus, led by Pope Francis from the balcony of the Papal Palace. After the Angelus, we will head to a restaurant for lunch. The bus will take us 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, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. After lunch, we will visit the catacombs of St. Callixtus, a cemeterial complex, where popes, martyrs, and many Christians are buried. 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 place of Saint Paul the Apostle. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B, L, D)

Enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to St. Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was buried. It is here that you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. Continue 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 Trevi Fountain, where you may enjoy some free time. This afternoon you will visit the oldest of the four major Basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of St. Peter and St. 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. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. We will also visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Following dinner your Guide will provide any needed advice and suggestions on places to visit the next 2 days while in Rome. (B, D)

After breakfast, the participants will divide into separate groups.
Group 1 will have the option to join Father Crossen on a walk through the city of Rome. Fr. Crossen lived in Rome while studying at the Pontifical North American College. You will walk with him and stop at places he will personally choose for you to experience. You may also join him for a wonderful Italian lunch at one of his favorite restaurants (on your own). You will have any remainder of the day to spend at your leisure, before returning to your hotel for the night.
Group 2 will have the day free to explore the sites of Rome they have chosen to visit, to make their experience in Rome a very personal one. You may choose to explore the city with some of your new pilgrim friends or enjoy a romantic day and evening with your loved one before returning to your hotel for the night. (B)

After breakfast:
Group 2 will now have to option to join Father Crossen on a private walk through the city of Rome, and stop at places he will personally choose. You may also join him for lunch at one of his favorite restaurants (on your own). Spend any remainder of the day at your own leisure, before returning to your hotel to prepare for a special Farewell Dinner.
Group 1 will now have the day free to explore the sites of Rome they have chosen to visit, with new friends or loved ones. Then return to your hotel to prepare for a special Farewell Dinner.
Our Entire group will enjoy a special Farewell Dinner together this evening. Our Guide will explain our departure procedures as we prepare to say arrivederci, "goodbye", to Rome. (B, D)

This morning, you will have an early breakfast, and then be transferred to Rome Airport for your return flight(s) home with memories that will last a lifetime. (B)