Make your way to your local airport, where you will board your first leg of flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on overnight transatlantic flight.

Upon arrival in Rome Airport you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the Arrivals Hall where you will be greeted by your tour escort and/or driver. After a warm welcome to Italy, you will visit the Churches of Santa Maria della Vittoria and San Lurge de Francesci. You will have time to grab lunch on your own before you transfer to your hotel where you can check-in, relax and unpack. In the evening you will enjoy a delicious Italian dinner, and then return to your room for a restful night’s sleep!

Following breakfast, you will depart for a sightseeing tour of Rome. The tour will start with the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest Shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and a Shrine that contains a relic from the Manger of the infant Jesus. From there, you continue to St Peter in Chains, a 5th-century Church named for the chains that held St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Rome, and in Jerusalem. The chains are on display in a reliquary, in front of the high altar. The Church is, however, best known for the statue of Moses that Michelangelo created for the tomb of Pope Julius II. We will stop for lunch, and then continue on to visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St Paul under its main altar. Nearby is the Appian Way -- the oldest road from Roman times – as well as the famous Domino Quo Vadis Chapel. You can also see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus; and the Tomb of Celilia Metella. The day culminates at the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. You’ll also visit the Catacomb of St Sebastian, a series of underground passages containing the tombs of the early Christians. You will have some free time on your own, then gather for dinner and overnight.

After delicious breakfast, you will visit the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, the former Papal residence prior to their return to Rome in 1377. It is also the where Pope Francis was formally installed as Bishop of Rome, and honored Saint John Paul II by arriving a half hour early to bless a plaque renaming a corner of the piazza outside the Church after him. We continue on to the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), famous for being the steps that led up to the Praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which Jesus Christ stood on during his Passion on his way to trial. Sixtus V had the steps transferred in 1589, to their present site, before the Sancta Santorum (Holy of Holies). Next, we’ll visit the Basilica of the Holy Cross, famous for its extraordinary collection of relics from the Holy Land, its full-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin, the Shrine of a young girl who is being considered for sainthood, and its connections with Constantine and St. Helen. From there, you will make your way to visit the Vatican Museums, a group of most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We'll cover the Tapestry Gallery, The Raphael Rooms and the most overwhelming Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Masterpiece, restored mural of the Last Judgment. Later, enter the largest Church in Christendom, St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims come from around the world, St Peter's is the grandest of the world's Churches. Marvel at the Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. Pope Francis visited the tomb of St. Peter, following his elevation, for a visit of devotion that lasted 45 minutes. He is the first pontiff to visit the necropolis since extensive archaeological excavations were conducted at the ancient site decades ago. We will also visit the grave of Pope John Paul II located at the Vatican. Return to your hotel to freshen up before dinner, and then retire to your room.

This morning we will start the day by taking in the famous Scavi Tour. The “Scavi” are the excavations of the underground necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican Necropolis lies under the Vatican City, at depths varying between 16–39 feet below Saint Peter's Basilica. The Vatican sponsored archeological excavations under Saint Peter's in the years 1940–1949 which revealed parts of a necropolis dating to Imperial times. The work was undertaken at the request of Pope Pius XI who wished to be buried as close as possible to Peter the Apostle. It is also home to the Tomb of the Julii, which has been dated to the third or fourth century. The necropolis was not originally one of the underground Catacombs of Rome, but an open air cemetery with tombs and mausoleums. Less than a block away from the Pantheon, behind it sits the only Gothic Church in all of Rome, the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. It houses Michelango's “Christ the Redeemer” statue, finished in 1521. The Church is also the resting place of several Popes of the Medici line, and Renaissance artists. It also boasts some wonderful stained glass windows which should not be missed! In front of the Church is Giovanni Bernini's statue “Pulcino della Minerva”, with a Egyptian obelisk and a playful elephant that will delight children. We will stop for lunch, and then we will have the remainder of the day to visit Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The Pantheon in Rome is a remarkable building architecturally. Basically a cylinder with the floating dome on top of columns, it is the largest masonry vault ever built. In the center of this dome is a hole bringing in a shaft of light to show the beauty of this building and its relatively simple, open interior. Being inside the Pantheon feels very special. Originally built in 27 BC, and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 120 AD, the temple has been damaged and plundered over time. In 609 AD it became a Christian Church dedicated to the Madonna. In the 17th century, some of its bronze ceiling was taken and melted down for use in St Peter's Basilica. Important figures such as King Victor Emmanuel II, and the artist Raphael, are buried in the Pantheon. You will make your way back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Start the day with breakfast, and then we will explore the first and second tiers of this A-list attraction with a guide. We will learn about everything from the construction, to the gladiators who competed in the Colosseum’s gory gladiatorial games. This will continue with a tour of the Roman Forum in Ancient Rome and admire incredible ruins, like the Temple of Julius Caesar. Concluding this tour is a visit to the Basilica of Saint Clement, a minor Basilica dedicated to Pope Clement I. After lunch on your own, we will visit St. Mary of the Altar Basilica, which was built on the foundations of the ancient temple of the Roman goddess Juno. This Church of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven 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 then remodeled and expanded the Church in 1320. You will have the remainder of the day free to spend at your own leisure. You will gather in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Wake up in Eternal City, one of the greatest centers of Western Civilization and the first truly cosmopolitan city on earth! It is also the spiritual capital for all the Catholics around the world. Today is truly a day we will have in our minds for many years to come. This morning we go to Vatican City to attend a special Papal Audience or Blessing given by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending papal schedule). After the Papal Audience, enjoy lunch on your own, and then continue to the Church of the Twelve Apostles of Rome. Built in the 6th century, it was originally dedicated to the Saints Philip and James. It was remodeled over the years, with the ceiling of the three-nave Basilica fresco noting “triumph of the Franciscan Order” by Baciccia. This afternoon you will have free time to yourself, followed by dinner and overnight.

Ambrose and Charles on Corso, and the Twin Churches of Piazza del Popolo This morning we will celebrate the Mass with at the North American College, followed by a visit to Santa Cecilia in Trastevere. This Church was constructed between 817 and 824 AD, on the site of an earlier fifth-century building, which features a grand courtyard, garden, 12th century Bell Tower and a gothic tabernacle by Arnulfo di Cambia. The real treasures are the 13th century frescoes by Pietro Cavallini. Enjoy Lunch on your own, and then continue the day with a visit of Castel St Angelo whose inside retraces its history. The castle has various exhibits ranging from Renaissance paintings and pottery to antique military weapons. A huge spiral ramp ascends upwards the Castel Sant Angelo for about 400 feet. As in the last act of Tosca, we admire the beautiful view from the terrace but don't throw yourself off - go for a coffee instead in one of the rampart towers. Continue on to the Church of Saints Ambrose and Charles – whose dome is better know as San Carlo al Corso, and is one of the most striking features of the Roman skyline. This 17th century Baroque Church was dedicated to two Bishops of Milan. It boasts the only ambulatory in Rome – which is a Shrine that houses the relic of the heart of St. Charles Borromeo. Our day will conclude with stopping in the Piazza di Popolo, and visiting the two identical Churches that stand beside each other. One is the Santa Maria dei Mircoli, and the other is Santa Maria in Montesanto. Originally designed by Carlo Rainaldi as part of a design for a large passage of Via del Corso, they were commissioned by Pope Alexander VII. Santa Maria in Montesanto was the first to be constructed in 1675, and while Carmelite monks occupied a nearby Church of the same name, the name Montesanto (Holy Mountain) came to refer to the Mount Carmel in Israel. Santa Maria dei Mircoli was constructed after, with the altar showing an image of the Virgin Mary – and thus the Church being dedicated to the Blessed Mother of God. We will conclude the day with delicious Italian dinner and restful nights sleep.

Start an early morning with breakfast followed by our program for the day. Saint Monica is one of the most admired Saints. Married to a man who was a drunkard and abusive, she is an inspiration to many who pray for their wayward family members. Through her prayers, and her example, she converted her son from his pagan lifestyle to become a Saint: later known as Saint Augustine of Hippo. The Church of Sant' Agostino, where her relics are preserved, is not far from Piazza Navona and aptly named after her son, Saint Augustine. Despite the rather plain exterior, the interior of the Church is magnificent with several great works of art by artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. One of the features of the Church is in a niche by the entrance—the Madonna del Prato (the Madonna of Childbirth ) depicting a pregnant Blessed Virgin Mary, carved by Jacopo Sansovino in 1521. This is considered one of his greatest works. Many women offer their prayers here in hopes of ensuring a safe childbirth. Next we will visit the Catacomb of St Priscilla. The Catacomb sits on the Via Salaria, with its entrance in the convent of the Benedictine Sisters of Priscilla. It is mentioned in all of the most ancient documents on Christian topography, and liturgy in Rome, because of the great number of martyrs buried within it. It was called “Regina Catacumbarum – the Queen of the Catacombs.” From there, you can return to the hotel or you can explore on your own before dinner and overnight at hotel.

Following breakfast, we will travel north to Assisi and tour the home of the Saint that inspired our Holy Father. Pope Francis 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, and preferring to live in simplicity and humility. Our tour of Assisi will start with a visit to the tomb of St Francis. Explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, the period when St Francis began his ministry. Contained within the huge 13th-century Basilica are many of the Saint's possessions, and a series of frescoes depicting his life. You may kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis, asking him to rebuild His Church. It was in St Mary of the Angels Basilica where St Francis spent most of his life. Here we visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. Stroll the medieval streets of the compact little town. You will have some time to shop or eat lunch at an outdoor cafe with a view of an ancient Roman temple. After, we will go to the Church of St. Clare to see the Saint's incorrupt body. The foundress of the Order of Poor Clare’s followed the teachings of St Francis by living a life of poverty and humility. We will visit these two saints' tombs before checking in to our Hotel for dinner and overnight.

After an early morning breakfast, we will bid farewell to our new friends, and to a Pilgrimage which will be in our memories and hearts for a long time to come. We depart for Rome Airport for our return flights home, and fondly say, Arrivederci Italia!

Or for pilgrims taking post stay in Assisi:

After breakfast, you will have full discretion over how time is spent in order to have the fullest spiritual experience possible. Tin the evening, you will meet fellow pilgrims for dinner. Then enjoy restful overnight in Assisi.

After an early morning breakfast, we will bid farewell to our new friends, and to a Pilgrimage which will be in our memories and hearts for a long time to come. We depart for Rome Airport for our return flights home, and fondly say, Arrivederci Italia!