10 Days

Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Dan Thelen

June 10 - 19, 2019

*Optional Post Tour to Florence & Padua  -  June 19 - 23, 2019

DT061019

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

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.

pilgrimage map

Fr. Dan Thelen

pilgrimage map
DATES & PRICES
Any Questions? Contact:
Liz
Natasha

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located hotels as follows: (or similar)
      ~ 3 nights: June 11-14: Hotel Della Conciliazione, Rome
      ~ 2 nights: June 14-16: Hotel Centro di Spiritualita St. Padre Pio, San Giovanni Rotondo
      ~ 3 nights: June 16-19: Hotel Dal Moro, Assisi
  • Optional Post Tour to Florence & Venice
      ~ 2 nights: June 19-21: Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: June 21-23: Hotel Biri, Padua
  • Tour Escort Throughout
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine and water with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Whisper Headsets where needed
  • Assistance of a professional local guide(s)
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Mass daily & Spiritual activities
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Della Conciliazione
Rome

3 Nights

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

2 Nights

hotel
Hotel Dal Moro
Assisi

3 Nights

Not included
  • Lunches, Beverages unless 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
Mon, June 10 �Depart for Rome

Make your way to your local airport to board your overnight flight(s). Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day2
Tue, June 11, �Arrival in 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).

Day3
Wed, June 12, Rome: Papal Audience - Trevi Fountain / Piazza Navona - Basilica of St. John the Lateran and St. Mary Major - Holy Steps

After a nice breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome starts! The tour 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). Following the Papal Audience, 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

Day4
Thu, June 13, Rome: 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.

Day5
Fri, June 14, �Rome - Montecassino - San Giovanni Rotondo

After breakfast, we will drive via scenic route to Montecassino. Pass 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. We will arrive in Montecassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. You will have an opportunity to visit the gift shop, before we board the bus to continue toward San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of Saint St. Padre Pio. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day6
Sat, June 15, San Giovanni Rotondo - Monte Sant' Angel (View incorrupt body of St. Padre Pio)

Today after breakfast we will have Mass at the tomb of St. Pio. After Mass, we will tour the sanctuary, and 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, we 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 reflect. Dinner and overnight.

Day7
Sun, June 16, San Giovanni Rotondo - Lanciano - Assisi

After breakfast, we will head to Lanciano. Upon arrival in Lanciano, we will celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus. This Church is the site of the 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 of The Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the "Words of Consecration" and the bread turned into living flesh, and the wine transformed into live blood. After Mass free time to explore Lanciano. Later continue toward Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Upon arrival in Assisi, check-in; enjoy dinner, before retiring to your room for a restful night's sleep.

Day8
Mon, June 17, Assisi (St. Francis)

This morning, enjoy breakfast followed by a full day of touring the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the "Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment." Additionally, he is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order, and the inspiration for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He chose his name in admiration of the Saint of Nature, and Servant to the Poor. Known for being a humble man himself, Pope Francis spent most of his life denying the luxuries of life. He preferred to live in simplicity and humility, while giving up all other worldly possessions, just as St. Francis did. As we 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. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis at his Basilica and have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, view a few of the saint's possessions. As the tour continues, visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of life, and is made up of two structures; both of which you will visit. The Porziuncola is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans), and the Capella del Transito, which is the place of St. Francis' death. During this visit, your group 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. Enjoy free time on your own, you may take this time for additional prayer, or shop in the gift shop. The last stop on your tour will be to 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. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day9
Tue, June 18, Assisi - Gubbio - LaVerna - Assisi

After breakfast, we will drive through the beautiful Umbrian mountains to Gubbio. Enjoy this medieval town with a visit of St. Francis Church, were we will be celebrating Mass. After Mass we will visit a town that seems painted onto the hill, a succession of backdrops against which towers and houses stand out, all embraced by walls. The town has been freed by St. Francis from a terrible and fierce wolf who afflicted it. After lunch, on your own, we will continue to La Verna, this is the place where St. Francis, over the years, has been seven times and the last time in 1224 where he received the stigmata. Here you will be able to pray in the Chapel of the Stigmata, the Basilica and the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. You will also be able to admire the beautiful artworks of Andrea della Robbia. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight.

Day10
Wed, June 19, Return Flights Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, we will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Rome Fiumicino airport for 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

Post Tour

*All pricing is per person




Optional Post-Tour to Florence and Venice:

June 19 - 23, 2019
$1,079 Per Person     
  • Centrally located Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: June 19 - 21: Hotel Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: June 21 - 23: Hotel Biri, Padua
  • Tour Escort Throughout
  • 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




Itinerary
Day10
Wed, June 19, Assisi - Siena - Florence

Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine "Doctor of the Church", and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square to have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. Continuing to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world renowned artists are from Florence such as, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. Remainder of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the streets of Florence at leisure. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.

Day11
Thu, June 20, Florence

In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Continue to walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th century. Followed by a visit to L'Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. This afternoon you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day12
Fri, June 21, Florence - Padua

Following breakfast at your hotel, board the motor coach for your transfer to Padua. This Northern Italy city honors the "Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes", St. Anthony. You will begin a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the "Patron Saint of Padua." The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day13
Sat, June 22, Padua - Venice (Full Day Excursion)

Today, you will have early breakfast. Board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass enjoy a tour of the "City paved with Water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Day14
Sun, June 23, Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Venice airport for 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 Florence and Venice

June 19 - 23, 2019
$1,079 Per Person   |  
  • Centrally located Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: June 19 - 21: Hotel Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: June 21 - 23: Hotel Biri, Padua� �
  • Tour Escort Throughout
  • 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







Iternary

Day10
Wed, June 19, Assisi - Siena - Florence

Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine "Doctor of the Church", and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square to have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. Continuing to Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world renowned artists are from Florence such as, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. Remainder of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the streets of Florence at leisure. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.

Day11
Thu, June 20, Florence

In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Continue to walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th century. Followed by a visit to L'Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. This afternoon you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day12
Fri, June 21, Florence - Padua

Following breakfast at your hotel, board the motor coach for your transfer to Padua. This Northern Italy city honors the "Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes", St. Anthony. You will begin a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the "Patron Saint of Padua." The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day13
Sat, June 22, �Padua - Venice (Full Day Excursion)

Today, you will have early breakfast. Board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass enjoy a tour of the "City paved with Water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Day14
Sun, June 23, Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Venice airport for 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:
Liz
Natasha