Home to numerous places of devotion and worship—not to mention exquisite art and architecture—Italy is the perfect destination for travelers looking to rejoice in their faith. On this Italy tour, you’ll overnight in Rome, the heart of Christianity; Assisi, where St. Francis was born, worked, and died; Florence, one of the world’s most beautiful cities; and Padua. Along the way, you'll visit—and even attend Mass at—many of Italy’s treasured basilicas. In Rome, you'll visit the four major Papal ...

Home to numerous places of devotion and worship—not to mention exquisite art and architecture—Italy is the perfect destination for travelers looking to rejoice in their faith. On this Italy tour, you’ll overnight in Rome, the heart of Christianity; Assisi, where St. Francis was born, worked, and died; Florence, one of the world’s most beautiful cities; and Padua. Along the way, you'll visit—and even attend Mass at—many of Italy’s treasured basilicas. In Rome, you'll visit the four major Papal basilicas: St. Peter's Basilica, the world’s largest Christian church; St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome's second-largest basilica and the burial place of St. Paul the Apostle; St. John Lateran Basilica, the Western World’s oldest basilica and the Papal residence until the 14th century; and St. Mary Major Basilica, the most important Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Also in Rome, you'll attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability), receive the Papal Blessing, and visit the Holy Stairs, brought from Jerusalem around 326 AD by Constantine the Great’s mother. In Assisi, in addition to St. Mary of the Angels Basilica and the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, you’ll visit the Monastery of St. Damian, a Franciscan shrine built on the spot where St. Francis heard Christ’s voice, and Carceri Hermitage, a peaceful oasis where St. Francis came to pray. In Florence, attend Mass at the Duomo, and see Santa Croce Square, with its Franciscan basilica. Finally, in Padua, founded more than 3,000 years ago, visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, dating to the 13th century. From Padua, an excursion to Venice includes a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. These are just some of the many highlights on this inspirational Italy tour.

Included Features:

ROME
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, attend [M] Mass; Papal Audience (subject to availability); visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Catacombs, St. John Lateran Basilica, the Holy Stairs, St. Mary Major Basilica

CASTEL GANDOLFO
Guided visit of the Papal Palace and the Barberini Gardens

CASCIA
Visit the Basilica and attend [M] Mass

ASSISI
Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica and the Porziuncola; celebrate [M] Mass; guided walking tour, visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, the Carceri Hermitage, and the Monastery of St. Damian

SIENA
Guided walking tour, visit the Basilica of St. Dominic, the Sanctuary of St. Catherine & House, and Piazza del Campo

FLORENCE
Guided walking tour, visit the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo’s David; celebrate [M] Mass at the Duomo; walk to Signoria Square, and Santa Croce Square

PADUA
Guided visit of St. Anthony’s Basilica; farewell dinner

VENICE
Private boat ride; guided walking tour, visit Doges’ Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and St. Mark’s Square & Basilica

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