Walking in the Footsteps of St.Francis of Assisi Under the Spiritual Direction of Fr. Carl Arcosa

Depart from the USA for your flight to Rome. Enjoy dinner on board and rest in preparation for your arrival.

Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major papal basilicas. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent church, which houses the tomb of St. Paul. Celebrate Mass and take time to admire the stunning mosaics and serene cloister. In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel for check-in, where you can rest before gathering for a welcome dinner.

Begin the day with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square (subject to the Holy Father’s schedule). Then, celebrate Mass at St. Anne’s Church, the parish inside Vatican City. After lunch, explore Baroque Rome, visiting the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman buildings. Conclude the day at Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. Return to your centrally located hotel for a restful evening.

This morning, step back in time with an inside visit to the Colosseum, where early Christians were martyred. Walk through the Imperial Forums, once the center of Roman political life. Then, visit St. Peter in Chains, home to Michelangelo’s striking statue of Moses. After lunch, journey to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer residence. Celebrate Mass, admire the beautiful views, and end the day with a traditional Roman dinner at Arte e Vino before returning to your hotel.

Depart for Montecassino, where St. Benedict established his famous monastery. Visit the Abbey of St. Benedict, a place of deep prayer and learning. Celebrate Mass, then enjoy lunch before traveling to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio. Check into Hotel Vittoria, conveniently located near Padre Pio’s sanctuary. In the evening, visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church where Padre Pio lived, and spend time in personal reflection before dinner.

Begin the day visiting Padre Pio’s old monastery, including his cell, confessional, and relics. Then, travel to Monte Sant’Angelo, home to the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, where St. Michael appeared in the 6th century. Celebrate Mass in the sacred cave and explore this ancient pilgrimage site. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo for quiet time at the sanctuary before dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Depart early for Lanciano, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, where the consecrated host turned into flesh in the 8th century. Celebrate Mass and take part in Eucharistic adoration before a guided tour. Then, continue to Loreto, home of the Holy House of Nazareth, believed to be the home of the Annunciation. Explore the basilica and its breathtaking frescoes. Afterward, transfer to Loreto for dinner and overnight.

Spend the day in Assisi, the town of St. Francis and St. Clare. Visit St. Mary Major and the Porziuncola, the small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. Walk through the Rose Garden, where St. Francis is said to have prayed. Then, visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where his tomb and Giotto’s frescoes bring his story to life.

Our journey begins with a morning departure from the serene town of Assisi, as we make our way to the historic city of Pisa. Upon arrival, we'll visit the iconic Leaning Tower and explore the magnificent Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery of St. John, both rich in history and architectural beauty. Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and browse the shops in the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can find souvenirs and local treasures. In the afternoon, we'll continue to the Renaissance city of Florence, where we'll savor a delightful dinner and settle in for an overnight stay.

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. 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.

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. We then transfer to Castel Gandolfo which is the city where the Pope has his summer residence. Here we stay for our farewell dinner and overnight.

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