DAILY ITINERARY
Rome and Assisi
Day 1 - Departure
Your journey begins today, as you board your international flight to Italy!
Day 2 - Rome to Assisi
Upon arriving in Rome, we will continue our journey to Assisi. After checking into your hotel, you'll have some time to settle in. We will begin our pilgrimage with an Opening Mass at the tranquil Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the Porziuncola, a small chapel cherished by St. Francis. In the evening, we will gather for group prayer and an introduction to the pilgrimage, setting a spiritual tone for your journey.
Day 3 - Assisi: St. Francis & St. Clare
Spend the morning exploring the breathtaking Basilica of St. Francis, where you can marvel at the famous Giotto frescoes that illustrate his life. Be sure to visit the crypt where the saint is laid to rest. Afterward, celebrate Mass at the basilica before taking a stroll through Assisi’s historic center to the Church of St. Clare, where she is buried. Enjoy some quiet time for personal prayer and reflection in the serene Garden of the Sacro Convento.
Day 4 – Assisi: Eremo delle Carceri, Rivotorto, and Monte Subasio
Begin your day with a visit to the Eremo delle Carceri, a peaceful hermitage located on Monte Subasio where St. Francis prayed and sought solitude. Next, head to Rivotorto, the site of the first Franciscan community. In the afternoon, embrace the natural beauty of Monte Subasio by taking a contemplative walk or a short hike, reflecting on creation and Franciscan spirituality. Conclude your day by returning to Assisi for evening Mass and prayer.
Day 5 – Assisi: Greccio and Sanctuary of the Spoliation
Travel to Greccio, the location of the first live nativity scene created by St. Francis. Celebrate Mass in the Sanctuary and reflect on the Christmas mystery. Visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation, which symbolizes Franciscan humility and poverty. Afterward, return to Assisi for free time and evening prayer.
Day 6 – Assisi: Fonte Colombo and Basilica of San Rufino
Visit Fonte Colombo, where St. Francis wrote the Rule of the Friars Minor. After that, explore the Basilica of San Rufino, which is the site of St. Francis' baptism, and the nearby Chiesa Nuova, connected to his early life. Take some time for adoration and communal prayer before celebrating Mass in Assisi.
Day 7 – Assisi to Rome
Depart from Assisi and make your way to Rome. On the way, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, where Mass will be celebrated. Upon arriving in Rome, check into your hotel. You can then enjoy the evening at your leisure or join in a group prayer.
Day 8 – The Vatican
Join a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, where you can admire the stunning Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic Church, and have the opportunity to celebrate Mass in this magnificent space. Take time for personal reflection and prayer as you immerse yourself in this sacred environment.
Day 9 – Rome
Explore the ancient Catacombs along the Appian Way, significant sites of early Christian worship and martyrdom. Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest papal basilica and the cathedral church of Rome. Next, head to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the prominent Marian basilicas in Rome, renowned for its stunning mosaics and rich history. Walk up the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), believed to be the steps that Jesus climbed in Pilate’s palace, offering a special moment for prayer and reflection. Conclude the day with a farewell Mass.
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying the spiritual blessings and memories from this sacred pilgrimage.