Catholic Tour of Italy

12 Days / 10 Nights

Depart Any Monday

This memorable 12-Day Catholic Italy Tour is an excellent introduction to some of Italy's leading Catholic places of interest.   In addition to popular tourist points, such as Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome, this program includes visits to Catholic sites in Padua, Siena, Assisi, Loreto, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo and Montecassino.  The Shrine of Sant'Angelo, The Vatican, and attendance at the weekly general audience of the Pope are special highlights.

Sample Group Itinerary 

Day 1  -  Monday.  Depart USA
Depart the USA via overnight flight bound for Milan.

Day 2  -  Tuesday.  Arrive Milan
Morning arrival in Milan.  On arrival we are met by our Tour Director, and transferred to our centrally-located hotel.  Balance of the day is at leisure to rest up or begin exploring Milan on your own.  The evening will feature a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  (D)

Day 3  -  Wednesday.  Milan  -  Padua
This morning we begin with a brief tour of Milan.  We’ll visit the stunning Duomo (Cathedral) and the Sforza Palace, and see the La Scala Opera House, among other sites.  In the afternoon we proceed to Padua.  On arrival we’ll visit the Basilica of St. Anthony before checking-in at our hotel for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 4  -  Thursday.  Padua  -  Venice  -  Padua
A full-day excursion is planned for today to Venice.  Upon arrival in Venice, we’ll take a boat taxi, and celebrate Holy Mass at St. Mark’s Cathedral.  We’ll also visit the Galleries housing the original bronze horses.  Then we’ll explore St. Mark’s Square, visit the Doges’ Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and see the Rialto Bridge.  There will also be free time for you to shop or explore more of Venice on your own.  In the late afternoon we depart Venice and return to Padua for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 5  -  Friday.  Padua  -  Florence
After Mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony, we depart Padua and travel to Florence.  The afternoon will be spent on a guided tour of Florence, including a walking tour to see the Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Vecchio, and the Piazza Signoria.  We’ll also see Michaelangelo’s David at the Academy of Fine Arts, and visit Giotto’s Bell Tower.  (B,D)

Day 6  -  Saturday.  Florence  -  Siena  -  Assisi
After a celebration of Mass, we depart for Siena, where we visit the Basilica of St. Dominic and the Sanctuary of St. Catherine.  Then we continue to Assisi.  The afternoon is spent visiting the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the Portiuncula, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Francis.  (B,D)

Day 7  -  Sunday.  Assisi  -  Loreto -  Lanciano  -  San Giovanni Rotondo
Celebrate Mass before departing Assisi.  Our first stop is in Loreto to visit the Holy House.  Then we continue to Lanciano, to visit the Church of the Eucharistic Miracle.  We proceed to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 8  -  Monday.  San Giovanni Rotondo  -  Monte Sant’Angelo  -  San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning we travel to visit the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo.  Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, and spend the afternoon visiting the Friary of Padre Pio, as well as the Old Church and the New Church.  (B,D)

Day 9  -  Tuesday.  San Giovanni Rotondo  -  Montecassino  -  Rome
Mass is celebrated at the tomb of Padre Pio.  Then we depart for the “Eternal City”  --  Rome, stopping along the way at Montecassino, where we visit the mountain-top Benedictine abbey, the first Benedictine monastery, which St. Benedict founded in 529.  We continue to Rome.  Balance of the day at leisure to begin exploring Rome on your own.  (B,D)

Day 10  -  Wednesday.  Rome
This morning we travel to Vatican City to attend the weekly general audience of Pope (subject to the Pope’s schedule).  The afternoon will be spent visiting St. Mary Major Basilica, the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, and St. Paul Outside the Walls.  We’ll also visit the St. Callixtus catacombs, a hiding place during the persecutions.  (B,D)

Day 11  -  Thursday.  Rome
We start this final day in Italy with a visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s murals.  After visits to St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica, we proceed to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.  Balance of the day is free for last-minute shopping.  We’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.  (B,D)

Day 12  -  Friday.  Rome to USA
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA.  We arrive home the same day.  (B)