Day 1: September 19 ~ Chicago
This afternoon we depart Chicago for our transatlantic flight to Rome. During the flight enjoy dinner, movies, and breakfast before our morning arrival in Italy.
Day 2: September 20 ~ Rome/Assisi
Ciao and welcome to Italy! Upon arrival we’ll proceed through passport control and pick-up our luggage. We then meet our tour escort and begin our journey to Assisi. We’ll have a lunch stop before we visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, home of the Portiuncola, the little chapel St. Francis rebuilt. We’ll celebrate Mass and then continue to our hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 3: September 21 ~ Assisi
After breakfast we begin our day exploring the lives of two of the most famous Franciscan saints. We begin with a visit to the 13th century Basilica and see the magnificent frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. We’ll visit the tomb of St. Francis and view many of his possessions. Then we continue to the Church of St. Clare, founder of the order of Poor Clares, and visit her tomb and incorrupt body. Celebrate Mass and then enjoy the afternoon free to explore the medieval town of Assisi. Dinner and overnight Assisi.
Day 4: September 22 ~ Fermo/Citta Sant’Angelo
This morning we depart Assisi and continue to Fermo. Visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary sitting on top of the hill with scenic views of the Adriatic Sea. See the beautiful architecture and the early Christian mosaics. We’ll celebrate Mass and have time for lunch before we depart for Pescara. Dinner and overnight in Citta Sant’Angelo in our seaside hotel.
Day 5: September 23 ~ Ortona/Termoli/Manfredonia
Enjoy breakfast before we depart for Ortona and visit the Basilica of St.Thomas the Apostle. It was originally built over the site of an ancient Roman temple and is home to the relics of St. Thomas. The urn containing his bones is under the altar. We’ll celebrate Mass and then continue to Termoli and view the relics of St. Timothy which were discovered in 1945. We’ll have a lunch break before we continue to Manfredonia for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: September 24 ~ San Giovanni Rotondo/ St. Michael’s Cave/Bari
This morning we depart for San Giovanni Rotondo, home to St. Padre Pio for over 50 years. We’ll visit the sanctuary, the old church and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918. See the confessional where Padre Pio heard a multitude of confessions. After lunch visit St. Michael’s cave and celebrate Mass. This amazing and beautiful cave was consecrated by St. Michael himself in 490. Continue to Bari for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: September 25 ~ Bari/Castellammare
We begin our day with a tour of Bari which includes a visit to the Basilica of St. Nicholas and view the relics of this amazing saint. Celebrate Mass before we visit the Cathedral of San Sabina, the Cathedral of Bari, with its Romanesque architecture. Enjoy lunch in Bari before we depart for the Amalfi coast. Dinner and overnight in Castellammare.
Day 8: September 26 ~ Sorrento/Amalfi
This morning we make the scenic voyage to Amalfi via the ferry. We visit the magnificent Duomo Di Amalfi, a medieval cathedral dedicated to St. Andrew whose relics are kept there. We’ll also visit the Cloister of Paradise and the beautiful frescoes. Return to Sorrento on the ferry and we’ll celebrate Mass before returning to our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Castellammare.
Day 9: September 27 ~ Sorrento/Optional day trip to Capri
This morning awake to the spectacular views of the Amalfi coast. Morning Mass and then enjoy the day at leisure exploring the beautiful city of Sorrento. An optional day excursion to Capri is available which includes a ferry ride to the Isle of Capri, guided tour, a row boat to the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), lunch, visit to Anacapri, the highest point of the Island and the beautiful church of San Michele. (See registration form for more information) Dinner and overnight in Castellammare.
Day 10: September 28 ~ Castellammare/Pompeii/Rome
Depart after breakfast we depart the Amalfi coast for Pompeii to tour the famous archeological site. Mount Vesuvius destroyed this thriving city in 79 AD. We’ll then have Mass at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary and view the miraculous painting of Our Lady of Pompeii. After lunch we continue to Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: September 29 ~ Rome
We awake in the eternal city of Rome. This morning view the Colosseum and Roman forum before we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran which is the oldest church in Rome. Then we visit Scala Sancta and have the opportunity to climb the Holy Stairs, the same steps Jesus climbed in the palace of Pontius Pilate. We continue to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which contains a relic of the manger of the baby Jesus. Celebrate Mass before we have the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight Rome.
Day 12: September 30 ~ Rome
After breakfast we depart for a tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel which have the most inspiring galleries of art treasures. We continue to St. Peter’s Basilica built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. View the Pieta and Bernini’s amazing bronze canopy. We’ll celebrate Mass before we have the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight Rome.
Day 13: October 1 ~ USA
This morning, we say arrivederci to Italy as we depart for our flight back to Chicago. We take back with us memories and blessings to last a lifetime!
Italy and Amalfi Coast
September 19 - October 1, 2024
256-347-1475
Itineraries
P.O. Box 1046 - Hanceville - AL - 35077