Tour Description

Journey to the sacred sites of our faith, as you visit the Sistine Chapel, the basilicas of Christian Rome, and the catacombs. In the heart of Christendom, you will attend a Papal Audience, and tour the Mother Church, St. Peter’s Basilica. Travel to Assisi where you can celebrate Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis, and see the shrines and vast collections of art dedicated to the saint. The religious art, music, and architecture of Italy help create a pilgrimage experience that you will never forget. Lead your parish or organization on a journey retracing the steps of St. Francis, Ss. Peter and Paul, the ancient Romans, the Popes of history, and the throngs of others who have come to pray in the Eternal City.

Your Package Includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York.
• (Please inquire about airfares from other cities in the U.S. or Canada)
• Six (6) nights’ accommodations in tourist class hotels with private facilities.
• Hotel upgrades are available upon request.
• Breakfast daily plus four dinners, including a farewell dinner.
• Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure.
• Transportation in private motor-coach including airport transfers.
• Sightseeing as per itinerary with a professional licensed English-speaking guide.
• Porterage at hotels.
• Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary.
• Services of a Passages Tour Manager from arrival to departure in Rome.
• Coordination of all Liturgies.
• Portfolio of travel documents, including a Passages Flight Packet.

One FREE package for group leader for every 25 participants (based on a minimum of 30 participants)

8-Day Pilgrimage priced from $2,095
	from New York, double occupancy + departure taxes/fuel surcharge November 15 - March 15, excluding holidays For other travel seasons, please inquire. Contact us today for your custom designed pilgrimage program and detailed proposal!

8-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Monday | Depart for Rome

Day 2 | Tuesday | Arrive Rome | Panoramic Tour

Upon arrival in the “Eternal City,” you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. After dinner enjoy a panoramic night tour of Rome. Famous sights include the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain.

Day 3 | Wednesday | AM/Papal Audience | PM/tour of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel

The highlight of your pilgrimage to Rome is the opportunity to receive a Blessing from the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Following the Papal Audience and an independent lunch, view the vast art collections of the Vatican. See the famous “Pinacoteca,” housing religious works by the Masters. Marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and his renowned “Pieta,” enshrined at St. Peter’s Basilica. Celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica or the Church of St. Philip Neri.

Day 4 | Thursday | AM/Tour of Christian Rome | PM/Optional Tour of the Scavi

Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Visit the Basilica of St. Paul, the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, and the Basilica of "Santa Croce in Gerusalemme." This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the Scavi (subject to confirmation by the Vatican), the underground excavation under St. Peter’s Basilica, where St. Peter is buried.

Day 5 | Friday | Tour of Ancient Rome | Afternoon at Leisure

Visit the Church of St. Peter in Chains, Roman Forum, Arch of Titus, the Arch of Constantine and the Trajan Column. Celebrate Mass at the Franciscan Basilica of the Apostles. This afternoon, explore the city of Rome on your own!

Day 6 | Saturday | Excursion to Assisi | Visit the Sites of St. Francis & St. Clare

Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, upon arrival in the charming Umbrian town of Assisi. Visit the Basilica of St. Clare with its miraculous crucifix. Tour St. Mary of the Angels with its famous Porziuncola and Capella Del Transito. Pray in the Shrine, inspired by Giotto’s frescoes of the life of St. Francis. Return to Rome.

Day 7 | Sunday | Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica | Tour of St. Paul’s Basilica and the Catacombs

Attend the High Latin Mass at the Altar of the Chair at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by the noon Papal Blessing in St. Peter's Square. Tour Rome and her outskirts: Tiberina Island, the Aventine Hill, the pyramid of Caius Cestius, and St. Paul's Gate, part of the Aurelian Wall. Visit the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul on the site of his tomb. Drive along the Old Appian Way on your way to the Catacombs. Enjoy a charming and festive Roman atmosphere for your farewell dinner.

Day 8 | Monday | Return to the USA