Friday, November 18th

We begin our Pilgrimage to Italy on an overnight flight from CHICAGO. During our flight, dinner will be served onboard the plane. You may wish to pack in your carry on bag a small pillow, earplugs and eye cover, if you plan on sleeping during the overnight flight. Otherwise, you may want to bring your Bible, prayer books, a journal, playing cards or anything else to pre-occupy your time on the flight. D

Saturday, November 19th

This morning, a light breakfast will be served onboard the plane. Upon our arrival at the Pisa Airport, we will collect our luggage, meet our bus driver and drive to the charming town of ASSISI. This is a three hour journey that will take us through the beautiful countryside of both the Tuscany and Umbria Regions, and there will be time to stop along the way for lunch as we travel through this area. We will check into the Hotel dei Priori, once we arrive in Assisi, where we will unpack and relax before enjoying a special "welcome dinner." Our hosts of this pilgrimage, Fr. Haake will provide more information about our special pilgrimage and everyone will have an opportunity to meet our fellow pilgrims before retiring for the evening. B, D

Sunday, November 20th

This morning following breakfast, we will meet our guide, Alessandro, who will provide a very special tour of Assisi. We will visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, which is built over the tiny church where St. Francis prayed. We will also tour the rose garden and see the place where St. Francis died. Following this, we will drive to the main part of town, where we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour stopping at the Church of St. Clare and continuing onto the Upper and Lower Basilica of St. Francis. We will view magnificent frescos and see personal artifacts belonging to St. Francis, including his famous brown cloak. Fr. Haake will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the chapels at the Basilica before we have some free time to walk around and shop on our own. We will all gather for a dinner back at our hotel and reminisce about our special day. B, D

Monday, November 21st

Following an early breakfast, we will drive to the historic town of SIENA. Upon our arrival into the city, we will walk a short distance until we arrive at the San Domenico Basilica. This is the church that houses some of the remains of St. Catherine. Fr. Haake will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the chapels here at the basilica, which will be followed by a guided tour with our guide, Federica. We will enjoy a leisurely walking tour of this extraordinary town and eventually make our way to the Piazza del Campo, where there will be plenty of time to have lunch, enjoy some shopping and relax on your own. We will meet in the middle part of the afternoon and walk back to our motorcoach for our drive back to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. B

Tuesday, November 22nd

This morning following breakfast, Fr. Haake will celebrate Holy Mass in the crypt of St. Francis. Following this we will check out of our hotel and begin our journey to the Eternal City of ROME. Upon our arrival into Rome, we will meet our guide, Antonio, who will provide a wonderful PANORAMIC TOUR OF ROME, as we drive past many of the historic landmarks of the city. We will also stop at the famous Trevi Fountain, where we will have an opportunity to throw our coins to ensure a return back to this incredible city. Another stop we will make on this tour is visiting one of the four major basilicas- Santa Maria Maggiore. Here we will see relics of the Holy Manager. From here we will check into the Michelangelo Roma Hotel and relax before enjoying dinner. B, D

Wednesday, November 23rd

This morning very early, we will board our motorcoach and go to St. Peter’s Square where we will participate in a very special and memorable event - a General Audience with the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. To receive a blessing from our Holy Father is something none of us will ever forget. The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at your leisure. For anyone who is interested, we are offering an "optional tour" to the hillside town of SUBIACO. We will visit a Benedictine Monastery founded by St. Benedict. We will also see the cave where St. Benedict lived and prayed in for years. We will return to our hotel later in the afternoon. (Cost of this "optional tour" is 25 Euros.)

Thursday, November 24th

This morning following breakfast, we will participate on a tour of the VATICAN MUSEUMS & ST. PETER’S BASILICA. Our guide, Antonio, will provide an informative explanation of this incredible place. In the later part of the afternoon, there will be free time to explore Rome on your own and we will all gather at St. Peter’s Basilica where Fr. Haake will celebrate Holy Mass as we celebrate our Thanksgiving. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B

Friday, November 25th

This morning following an early breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Rome airport for our flight home to CHICAGO. Lunch will be served onboard the plane during our flight. We will arrive back into Chicago later in the afternoon. B, L

Take advantage of our monthly payment plan that offers you a complete 100% refund up until final payment date should you have to cancel for any reason. Insurance is highly recommended on this pilgrimage and Catholic Trips terms and conditions apply once deposit is received. All optional tour costs and gratuities will be collected with the final payment. Gratuities are 78 Euros per person and a $35.00 administration fee applies to all cancellations.

Cost
$2856.00 | per person

Reservations
To make your reservations you can call us toll free at (877) GOD - TRIP (463-8747). For additional questions regarding airfare, transfers, insurance and pre-night packages please call our toll-free number or use our convenient form.