Depart USA

Upon arrival at Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Lanciano, a quaint town known for its historical significance in Catholicism. Check in at the hotel and take some time to relax after your journey. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a group welcome dinner at the hotel, where you can start getting acquainted and discuss the upcoming pilgrimage. (D)

After a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano. This sacred site holds great importance as it commemorates the miraculous transformation of bread and wine into actual flesh and blood during the 8th century. Explore the sanctuary’s chapel, which houses the relics, and learn about the history and significance of this miracle in the Catholic faith. After the tour, you’ll have free time to wander around Lanciano, a charming town with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Italian cuisine. (B, D)

Today, you’ll take a day trip to Loreto, another significant pilgrimage destination in Italy. After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Loreto, known for the Basilica della Santa Casa (Basilica of the Holy House). According to tradition, this basilica houses the home where the Virgin Mary lived and received the Annunciation. Explore the basilica and marvel at the beauty of the Holy House, a site of deep devotion for Catholics worldwide. After lunch at a local café in Loreto, you’ll have time to further explore the town before returning to Lanciano. Dinner will be served at the hotel, allowing for relaxation and reflection on the day’s experiences. (B, D)

Early in the morning, depart Lanciano and journey to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in Catholic history. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to settle in. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the tomb of St. Francis. Admire the stunning frescoes by Giotto and other Renaissance artists that depict scenes from the life of St. Francis. The basilica’s Lower Church contains the saint’s tomb and is a place of deep spiritual significance. Dinner tonight will be on your own, allowing for personal exploration and dining in one of Assisi’s local restaurants. (B)

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, located just outside Assisi. This basilica is significant because it houses the Porziuncola, a small chapel where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. Experience the serene atmosphere and reflect on the life and teachings of St. Francis. Later in the day, visit the Church of San Damiano, where St. Francis received his divine calling and wrote the Canticle of the Sun. Enjoy some free time for personal reflection before gathering for a farm-to-table style dinner, showcasing the delicious flavors of Umbrian cuisine. Overnight stay in Assisi. (B, D)

Depart Assisi early in the morning for Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and the Baptistery, marveling at the architectural wonders and artistic masterpieces they house. After your tour, enjoy lunch at a local café in Florence, indulging in Tuscan specialties. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Lucca, a charming town known for its intact Renaissance-era city walls. Check in at the hotel upon arrival and unwind. Dinner will be served at the hotel, providing a chance to relax and discuss the day’s highlights. (B, D)

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning exploring Lucca at your leisure. Take a leisurely stroll along the city walls or visit attractions such as the Cathedral of St. Martin and the Guinigi Tower with its iconic rooftop garden. In the afternoon, participate in a group cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish, whether relaxing at the hotel or exploring more of Lucca’s hidden gems. Dinner tonight is on your own, offering the opportunity to discover local trattorias or cafes. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a day trip to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its picturesque villages and stunning coastal scenery. Explore the colorful villages of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each offering its own unique charm. Take a boat tour along the coast to admire the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea. Enjoy lunch at a café in one of the villages, savoring fresh seafood and regional specialties. Return to Lucca in the evening and dine at the hotel, sharing stories of your day’s adventures. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a day trip to Siena, a medieval city known for its Gothic architecture and the famous Palio horse race. En route, stop in San Gimignano, a hilltop town famous for its medieval towers offering panoramic countryside views. Enjoy a lunch and wine-tasting tour at a local winery, sampling fine Tuscan wines paired with delicious regional cuisine. Return to Lucca in the evening and experience a unique dining experience in a local home, where you’ll savor traditional dishes and immerse yourself in the warmth of Italian hospitality. (B, D)

Bid farewell to Lucca as you depart for Milan after breakfast at the hotel. Upon arrival in Milan, visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio, two of the city’s most important religious landmarks. Reflect on their historical and spiritual significance before enjoying some free time for shopping in Milan’s renowned fashion district. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner, celebrating the conclusion of your journey through Italy and the friendships made along the way. (B, D)

Today you will depart for home. Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before departing for Milan International Airport. For those returning to the USA, bid farewell to Italy with cherished memories of your Catholic pilgrimage. (B)