12 Days Italy and Medjugorje

We arrive in the beautiful city of Rome. Your guide/escort will greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel to relax and settle in. Spend your evening meal getting acquainted with your fellow pilgrims.

Today we begin our morning by attending a papal audience with Pope Francis. After the audience we visit the Vatican Museums to see centuries of beautiful artwork and artifacts. See the artworks of Michelangelo, such as, the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel. We will explore St. Peter’s Basilica in all of its splendor, built over St. Peter’s tomb. We end the day by visiting the excavated necropolis.

We begin by seeing the Basilica of St. Mary Major, which contains a relic from the manger. From here, we visit the Scala Sancta, the stairs Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate. Those who wish may climb the stairs, as is the custom, on their knees. The Basilica of St. John Lateran, once the residence for popes, is a marvelous site, as is St. Paul Outside the Walls, which shelters the relics of St. Paul the Apostle. We will also visit the Colosseum, 3-tiered Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games. Lastly, we visit the catacombs to see where some persecuted Christians practiced their faith in hiding and are buried.

The namesake of our Pope, St. Francis of Assisi, is our main focus today when we begin our journey with a visit to his tomb. We will visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and we will see many of his personal possessions. The crucifix that spoke to him: "Rebuild my Church." We will also visit the chapel where St. Francis spent most of his time.

Today we begin by visiting Loreto, a hill town of the Italian province of Ancona, and most commonly known as the seat of the Basilica della Santa Casa. Also known as the Holy House of Nazareth, the house where Mary first prayed the Magnificat. Afterwards, we make our way to Lanciano to visit the Church of St. Longinus, home of a Eucharistic miracle.

Heading south, we pass through the rich Italian country-side of vineyards, orchards and olive groves. We take in the amazing panoramic view as we make our way to Monte Cassino, a town founded by St. Benedict in 529. Afterwards, we visit the southern city of Napoli. The city's cathedral, the Duomo di San Gennaro, is filled with frescoes. We then visit Pompeii, a vast archaeological site in Italy's Campania region. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried under meters of ash and pumice after the catastrophic vulcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Today we visit the old church and the crucifix before which Padre Pio received the stigmata in 1918. We see the confessional where he directed people on their path and we will aslo stand and pray before Padre Pio’s incorrupt body. Moving on, we have a stunning view of the Gargano Peninsula as we make our way to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Saints, popes, and people from all over have come to this grotto looking for the protection and intercession of St. Michael.

Depart for Medjugorje. Upon arrival you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver, who will take you on the 2 1/2 hour drive to the village of Medjugorje. Enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the village. Enjoy dinner before retiring for the evening.

While in Medjugorje for the next two days, you will have the opportunity to experience your faith grow, and share in the faith journey of pilgrims from all over the world. Attend daily Mass at 10:00 A.M, your group will assemble at St. James Church for Mass (English-Speaking). 

Climb Apparition Hill: This mountainous hill is where the visionaries first encountered Our Lady. Also, at the base of this hill is a Blue Cross, where it is said Our Lady appeared to the children while they hid from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions.

We depart on our flight home to the USA. End of services.