Grand Italy Pilgrimage – Under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Anthony Hangholt

Today we board our overnight flights to Rome with snacks and beverages served aloft.

Upon arrival we are greeted by our Terra Sancta Travel Center Representative who will accompany us throughout our tour. We will transfer to San Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, where we will celebrate Mass and visit the tombs of St. Paul. After Mass we will retire to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Rome (Dinner)

After breakfast, the group will attend one of the highlights of the trip, the Papal Audience. In the afternoon, we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest basilica of the Western World. We then visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be those that led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, and the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest and most important shrines in the world dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

The day starts with Mass at the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella where San Philip Neri is buried. We will then visit the “camerette” the rooms where the saint used to live, where several personal items are preserved,. Next we walk to Navona Square, to see the Bernini’s fountain of the four rivers, continue our walk passing by the Pantheon to reach the Trevi Fountain. Break for lunch. Then we will , enjoy a guide tour through the monument of the Imperial Rome. The ancient Romans referred to Rome as Caput Mundi – the head of the world. As the center of the Roman Republic and then the Empire, Rome witnessed 1,000 years of one of the greatest civilizations in the world before becoming the seat of what is now the Catholic Church. In the morning we have already seen the Evidence of the glory of the Italian Renaissance, walking throughout the historical center. In the afternoon we explore the Roman Forum, the administrative capital of the Empire and the site of some of the most famous speeches in history by the likes of Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and Cicero The tour will end at the famous Colosseum – the largest ancient amphitheater in the world and the site of countless gladiator games. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will begin the day with Mass at San Peter’s Basilica – which we will then visit with our guide. St. Peter’s Basilica, Is the largest Catholic Basilica ever built. It’s soaring dome was engineered by Michelangelo and the artist’s famous Pieta sculpture and countless other artistic wonders make St. Peter’s church one of the most awe–inspiring buildings in the world. Enjoy some time at leisure for an Italian breakfast, with Cappuccino and croissant. Next, we walk to visit the Vatican Museums. One of the most extensive museum collections in the world, the museum is also home to the Sistine Chapel, where the legendary Michelangelo created one of his most famous masterpieces on the ceiling. After the museums we will have more time left, probably we can return to the hotel to relax or enjoy some shopping.

Overnight: Rome (Breakfast, Dinner) 

We depart Rome and drive to Assisi via Cascia. Here, we will visit the monastery where St. Rita lived as a nun and died. We will also visit the Basilica where her incorrupt body is preserved. Time for lunch at a local restaurant before we proceed to Assisi and settle into our hotel for dinner and overnight. Time for lunch at a local restaurant before we proceed to Assisi Upon arrival we stop in the valley of Assisi to visit will see the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Crowned by the magnificent dome designed by Alessi, this great Basilica was built in 1569. It enclosed the shrine of the “Porziuncola” or the Little Portion Chapel around which the first Franciscan community was centered, the place where Clare received the habit from Francis, and the Capella Del Transito, which marks the spot where the Saint died. Then we settle into our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Assisi (Breakfast, Dinner)

In Assisi, we will start at to the Basilica of St. Claire. 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. By walk we reach the Santuario Della Spogliazione where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb is placed. Carlo is the first millennial to be declared Blessed who loved the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. From there, we will continue to St. Francis Basilica. In the upper basilica, we will marvel at the site of the great frescoes from Giotto, which describes the life of St Francis, in the lower basilica we visit the tomb of St. Francis. After lunch, we will transfer to the Convent of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his call to rebuild the Church and where St. Clare lived and died. Here we celebrate Mass before returning to Assisi.

Overnight: Assisi (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuscany, Piazza del Campo: This morning we depart to visit the medieval town of Siena in Tuscany. We visit the Basilica of San Domenico, where the incorrupt head and finger of St. Catherine lies, and to explore the center and the Piazza del Campo on our own. In the afternoon we continue to enjoy a wine tasting and tour at Foresteria Villa Cerna, where we can taste Chianti wines. In the evening we arrival in Florence . In the heart of the Tuscany region.

Overnight Florence (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today we have a full-day tour of the Renaissance city of Florence, starting from the Academy Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s “David”. Free time during lunch to explore the famous San Lorenzo market. In the afternoon, we will explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its great representation of Tuscan Gothic Architecture, like the giant dome of the church, designed by Brunelleschi. We will see Giotto’s Bell Tower, a 14th century masterpiece that rises to a height of 292 feet and the Baptistry of San Giovanni, withs East Door which is called the Gates of Paradise. The doors took artist Ghiberti 27 years to complete. Then we will visit Michelangelo’s parish church, Santa Croce, where Dante is buried. Here we celebrate Mass before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Florence (Breakfast, Dinner)

Depart Florence to Padua, where we will visit the famous Cathedral of St. Anthony, guarded by Donatello’s “Gattamelata”. We will also visit the Basilica of Saint Giustina, the second most important pilgrimage site in Padua after St. Anthony’s. Here, the tomb of Luke the Evangelist is housed. We continue to our hotel in Venice by boat for our dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mestre (Breakfast, Dinner)

After Breakfast, we take our private boat to San Marc’s Square and explore Venice, nicknamed “la Serenissima”. We begin with a guided walking tour of St. Mark’s Square, one of the largest open spaces in Venice. We visit two of its landmark buildings, the Basilica of San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. We enjoy a free afternoon to explore on our own, sightsee, shop or take a gondola ride with music on one of Venice’s scenic canals. Dinner will be at leisure tonight.

Overnight: Mestre (Breakfast)

Today we board our return flights home with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.