10 Days

Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Rev. Augustine Esposito, O.S.A.

Group Coordinator: Helen Holroyd

June 30 - July 9, 2019

*Optional Post Tour to Florence & Padua  -  July 9 - July 13, 2019

HH063019

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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) · Cascia

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.


Rev. Augustine Esposito, O.S.A.



Helen Holroyd


pilgrimage map
DATES & PRICES
Any Questions? Contact:
Cara

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
      ~ 3 nights: July 01 - 04: Hotel Michelangelo, Rome
      ~ 2 nights: July 04 - 06: Hotel Centro di Spiritualita St. Padre Pio, San Giovanni Rotondo
      ~ 3 nights: July 06 - 09: Hotel Giotto, Assisi
  • Optional Post Tour to Florence & Venice:
      ~ 2 nights: July 09 - 11: Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: July 11 - 13: Biri, Padua
  • 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)
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Hotel Michelangelo
Rome

3 Nights

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

2 Nights

hotel
Hotel Giotto
Assisi

3 Nights

Not included
  • Lunches, Tips to 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
Sun, June 30: Depart for Rome

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

Day2
Mon, July 1: Arrive 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 arrival's 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
Tues, July 2: Rome: St Peter's Basilica - Vatican Museum - Trevi Fountain - Appian Way - Basilica of St. Paul's 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. It is here that you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. Continue to proceed to the Vatican Museums. 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. We will make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome, or return to the hotel for overnight.

Day4
Wed, July 3: Rome: Papal Audience - Basilica of St. John Lateran - Holy Steps - Basilica of St. Mary Major

After a nice breakfast at your hotel, 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 Audience, there will be free time for lunch, or shop, or mail a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. This afternoon you will 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. . 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. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day5
Thurs, July 4: Rome - Monte Cassino - San Giovanni Rotondo

Following breakfast, you will board your bus to enjoy the route to Monte Cassino. During the ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. Monte Cassino was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. Following the tour, there will be 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, you will check-in, enjoy dinner in the restaurant, and overnight.

Day6
Fri, July 5: San Giovanni Rotondo (View Incorrupt Body of St. Padre Pio) - Monte Sant' Angel

After breakfast we will visit the Old Church and after Mass we will tour the sanctuary. It is here you will view the crucifix n front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional where St. Pio spent innumerable 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, At this Grotto, St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his diocese would not be annihilated as he feared. 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 overnight.

*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.

Day7
Sat, July 6: 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.

Day8
Sun, July 7: Assisi

Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by a full day of touring the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order, and the inspiration for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We will start our 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, we will continue on a walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and ending with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. 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, we will board the bus, which will take us to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. 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. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day9
Mon, July 8: Assisi - Cascia - Assisi

Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by a drive through the beautiful Umbrian mountains, to Cascia, the hometown of St. Rita. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia. You will visit the convent, where the saintly cloistered sisters still live and view St. Rita's holy cell. You will have time for personal prayer and reflection, followed by a walk through the quaint streets of Cascia, full of small specialty shops. Back to our bus to return to Assisi. Enjoy a free afternoon, stroll through the streets of Assisi, or perhaps take some time for personal prayer and reflection at St. Francis Basilica. Dinner and overnight.

Day10
Tues, July 9: Assisi - Rome Airport - Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to 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 & Venice

July 9 - 13, 2019
$1,399 per person     
  • Centrally located Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: July 09 - 11: Hotel Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: July 11 - 13: Biri, Padua
  • 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
Day10
Tues, July 9: Assisi - Siena - Florence

Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). 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. 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 worked in Florence such as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.

Day11
Wed, July 10: Florence

In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Continue to walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vec-chio, 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. This will be 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, Pontor-mo and the famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. Then you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day12
Thurs, July 11: 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 Caus-es", 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
Fri, July 12: 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 Sighs, 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 Ven-ice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.

Day14
Sat, July 13: Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Venice Airport tor 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 & Venice

July 9 - July 13, 2019
$1,399 Per Person   |  
  • Centrally located first class hotels as follows: (or similar)
      ~ 2 nights: July 09-11: Machiavelli Palace, Florence
      ~ 2 nights: July 11-13: Biri, Padua
  • 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

Day10
Tues, July 9: Assisi - Siena - Florence

Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). 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. 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 worked in Florence such as Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.

Day11
Wed, July 10: Florence

In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at 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. This will be 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 famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. Then you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day12
Thurs, July 11: 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
Fri, July 12: 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 Sighs, 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
Sat, July 13: Return Home

After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Venice Airport tor 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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Any questions?  Contact Us:
Cara