Day 1 Thursday, May 18
Check-in at USA airport for overnight flight to Rome. D

Day 2 Friday, May 19
On arrival in Italy, we will be greeted by our Marian Pilgrimages guide and driver who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Visiting the places of worship over the coming days will allow us to learn about the history of the Catholic church and why Rome is often referred to as the Cradle of Catholicism. This afternoon we will celebrate the opening Mass of our pilgrimage in the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Mother Church of all churches and seat of the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis. After a tour of the basilica, we will have the opportunity to climb the Holy Stairs - the steps which led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ climbed on his way to trial. The Holy Stairs attract millions of pilgrims each year who wish to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ. As we drive to our hotel, we will have our first opportunity to see some of the ancient monuments, evidence that Rome has a history and an appeal like no other city in the world. We will have evening at leisure to relax and settle into our hotel. L,D

Day 3 Saturday, May 20
This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of St. Peters Basilica, one of the holiest temples of Christendom. Home to artistic masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Michelangelo and Bernini amongst countless others, we will explore the basilica and afterwards have time for prayer before the tombs of the great saints; St. John Paul II and St. John XXIII. Our morning will end in St. Peters Square where there will be time at leisure for lunch. A guided walking tour in the afternoon will take us to some of the famous tourist sites that Rome has to offer. Beginning in the elegant Piazza Navona, we will walk along the quaint cobbled streets that will lead us to the famous Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. After an ice-cream in one of the most famous gelaterias in Rome, we will take time to throw a coin into the fountain, ensuring our return to the Eternal City! B,D

Day 4 Sunday, May 21
This morning we will depart the Eternal City and drive to the town of Roccaporena, birthplace of St. Rita. Here we will learn about the life of St. Rita as a daughter, wife, mother, and widow. We will visit the small chapel, which was once her home, see the Scoglio the sacred rock where Rita ascended to pray and feel closer to God and the Rose Garden where we will hear about the famous miracle of the Rose and two figs. We will continue to Cascia and in the afternoon visit the monastery where St. Rita lived as an Augustinian nun. In the courtyard we will see the famous well where Rita drew water each day and the vigorous vine with its white grapes which have become the symbol of the obedience of Saint Rita and her spiritual fruitfulness. Our day will conclude with the celebration of Mass in the Basilica of St. Rita and will have time for private prayer before the remains of this great saint. B,D

Day 5 Monday, May 22 Feast Day of St. Rita
On this Feast Day of St. Rita, Saint of the Impossible, we will participate in the celebrations organized by the sanctuary. B,D

Day 6 Tuesday, May 23
After breakfast we will drive through the Green Heart of Italy to the town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Our guided tour of the medieval town of Assisi will give us an insight into the early years of Francis and Clare and how they both relinquished their lavish lifestyles in favor of a life of poverty and prayer. We will visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, the resting place of Blessed Carlo Acutis the young teenager who was very much fascinated by the life of St. Francis and who in a short lifetime performed many acts of charity. Our tour of Assisi will end at the Basilica of St. Francis where after time for private prayer at the tomb of St. Francis we will enjoy a tour of the basilica admiring the breath-taking frescoes of Cimabue, Giotto, and Simone Martini. B,D

Day 7 Wednesday, May 24
We will celebrate morning Mass in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli where we will see the Chapel of the Porziuncola, considered the birthplace of the Franciscan Order and Chapel of the Transito where St. Francis died. We will drive to a local winery and learn of the process of turning the grapes that thrive in the sunny Umbrian climate into delicious wine and after our wine-tasting session will enjoy a traditional Umbrian lunch. In the afternoon we will return to Assisi and relax and soak up the magical atmosphere of this medieval town. B,D

Day 8 Thursday, May 25
We will enjoy wonderful views of the contrasting landscapes as we drive this morning from Assisi to Siena. After time at leisure for lunch in the vibrant Piazza del Campo, we will begin our guided walking tour which will take us through the town. In the Shrine of the house of St. Catherine, we will hear of the austere lifestyle the young Catherine chose to follow and the great works of charity which earned her the title of The Lady with the Lamp. After the celebration of Mass in the Basilica of San Domenico we will continue our drive to Florence where we will stay for the following two nights. B,D

Day 9 Friday, May 26
Florence embodies the intellectual, artistic, and cultural center of Tuscany. Stepping into this magical city soon you will understand why it is often referred to as The Cradle of the Renaissance. This morning we will celebrate Mass in the famous Duomo and afterwards enjoy a guided tour of this charming city and will have the afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery with its collection of ancient sculptures and paintings. B,D

Day 10 Saturday, May 27
We will depart Florence and travel to the town of Orvieto which sits majestically overlooking the Umbrian plains. We will enjoy a guided tour of the town and after lunch celebrate Mass in the cathedral, the towns most famous landmark and afterwards see the linen bearing the spots of blood which date back to the Eucharistic Miracle that took place in Bolsena in 1263. We will have time at leisure to stroll through the ancient cobbled streets or enjoy some private sightseeing. Afterwards we will drive to our hotel in Rome where we will spend the final night of our pilgrimage. B

Day 11 Sunday, May 28
This morning we will check out of our hotel and drive to Fiumicino airport for our return flight as we return to our homes, filled with a sense of tranquillity, rejuvenation and peace in our hearts.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change and should not be considered a contract of events or places to be supplied or visited. Every effort is made to follow the itinerary as set out, however events outside of our control may force alterations.