Pilgrims will depart for Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board the flight.

Arrival in Rome and departure to Greccio. Visit the Sanctuary of Greccio, set within the bare rock which is remarkable for its simplicity and beauty. The original nucleus of the sanctuary is the Chapel of the Nativity, where—according to tradition—Saint Francis, on Christmas night in 1223, represented the birth of Jesus for the first time. The tradition of the nativity scene was born in this special place where we will celebrate Holy Mass. We will continue with a visit to the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio followed by a drive to Assisi. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We enjoy a guided visit of the city which includes the Church of St. Clare, which houses her incorrupt body. One of the chapels contains the crucifix which bowed its head and instructed St. Francis to “repair My Church.” We continue to the Church of St. Mary Major, home to the “Sanctuary of the Spoliation,” where the incorrupt body of Saint Carlo Acutis rests. Then, we visit the Basilica of St. Francis, built in 1228 to house the relics of the saint. The Upper Basilica contains magnificent frescoes by Giotto, through which we come to understand the life and spirit of St. Francis. Holy Mass will be celebrated here.

In the afternoon, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels. This basilica, where St. Francis spent much of his life, includes the Porziuncola, where he founded the Franciscan Order, and the Chapel of the Transitus, marking the place of his death. We also visit the Rose Garden and the cave where the saint withdrew in prayer.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. We departure to Gubbio. This medieval hill town in Umbria is known for its remarkably preserved stone architecture and its setting along the slopes of Mount Ingino. It is closely associated with St. Francis, especially through the story of the Wolf of Gubbio. Time to explore the town and for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to La Verna. The Sanctuary of La Verna is a Franciscan monastery set high in the forests of the Apennine Mountains. It is one of the most sacred sites connected to St. Francis, where he received the stigmata in 1224. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and ancient woods, it offers a deeply contemplative atmosphere.

Accommodation at the monastery guesthouse, Holy Mass, dinner, and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. We enjoy time at leisure to further explore the sanctuary. We and departure for Loreto to visit the Basilica of the Holy House. Construction began in 1469 under Pope Paul II and involved many renowned artists. The heart of the basilica is the Holy House, consisting of three walls which—according to ancient and venerable tradition - are those of the home in Nazareth where the Blessed Virgin Mary lived and received the Annunciation. Archaeological studies indicate that these walls correspond to the grotto in Nazareth and are constructed with materials typical of the Holy Land, supporting the authenticity of the relic.

We celebrate Holy Mass. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. We departure to San Giovanni Rotondo. En route, stop in Lanciano, site of the Eucharistic Miracle of the 8th century. A monk, struggling with doubts about the Real Presence, witnessed the host and wine transform into flesh and blood during Mass. This miracle has been recognized by the Catholic Church.

We celebrate Holy Mass. We continue to San Giovanni Rotondo. Dinner and overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and visit the Sanctuary of St. Pio, designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. We celebrate Holy Mass. Visit the places associated with the life of St. Padre Pio and allow time for personal prayer.

After lunch, depart for Rome. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience**.

Following the audience, free time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo’s masterpieces, including the ceiling (1508–1512) and The Last Judgment (1535–1541). It is also the site of the Papal Conclave. We continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, built over the tomb of Saint Peter, and one of the holiest sites in Christianity. We celebrate Holy Mass at Santo Spirito in Sassia. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the largest Marian church in Rome. Built following the Council of Ephesus (431), which proclaimed Mary as the Mother of God, it is also the burial place of Saint Jerome. Also, we will have an opportunity to visit and pray at the tomb of Pope Francis located in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. We will celebrate Holy Mass. Afterward, we continue to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome. Nearby is the Holy Staircase (Scala Santa), traditionally believed to be the steps from Pontius Pilate’s palace. Pilgrims may ascend the stairs on their knees as an act of devotion. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport of our return flight home.