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Authentic Italy Pilgrimage

With A Caffeinated Catholic
Authentic Italy Pilgrimage image

June 29 - July 8, 2026

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Join Mackenzie on pilgrimage!

Experience the heart of Italy with Mackenzie Hunter, "A Caffeinated Catholic," with immersive cultural, culinary, and spiritual highlights. Journey from Rome’s ancient wonders and vibrant food scene, through the rolling hills of Tuscany, to the gastronomic treasures of Emilia. Enjoy daily Mass, hands-on cooking, tastings, and authentic local encounters across Italy’s most storied regions.

Your tour guide is an accomplished cook and a "rezdora" which is someone who is an expert in keeping regional traditions alive, especially when it comes to products and the culinary arts.


Journey Highlights

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At a glance

Day 1 - Arrival in Rome & Sunset Apericena

29-Jun-2026
Day 1 - Arrival in Rome & Sunset Apericena image

Arrive in Rome, Mass, and Sunset Apericena

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Arrival in Rome and hotel check-in

Arrival in Rome and hotel check-in.
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Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Forum of Trajan

The Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Forum of Trajan features stunning Baroque architecture and rich historical significance. Its unique elliptical shape and beautiful frescoes create a captivating atmosphere. Located amidst ancient ruins, it offers a glimpse into Rome's vibrant past.
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Sunset apericena on a panoramic terrace

Sunset apericena on a panoramic terrace with views of the Eternal City.
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Overnight in Rome

Overnight in Rome.

Day 2 - Golf Cart Tour & Street Food Experience

30-Jun-2026
Day 2 - Golf Cart Tour & Street Food Experience image

Vatican, Golf Cart Tour, Street Food, Cooking

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is a true architectural marvel, featuring a majestic dome crafted by Michelangelo and housing iconic artworks like the Pietà. As the largest church in the world, it serves as a significant pilgrimage site. Don’t miss the Holy Door, which opens only during Jubilee years, and the Vatican Grottoes, where many popes are laid to rest.
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Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum Tour

Visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums on a guided tour.

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Golf cart tour through Rome’s main monuments and squares

Golf cart tour through Rome’s main monuments and squares.
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Street food tasting

Street food tasting with supplì, crocchette and pizza romana “al taglio.”
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Cooking class with four traditional Roman dishes

Cooking class with four traditional Roman dishes and final tasting.
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Overnight in Rome

Overnight in Rome.

Day 3 - Vintage Fiat 500 Tour & Castelli Romani

01-Jul-2026
Day 3 - Vintage Fiat 500 Tour & Castelli Romani image

Vintage Fiat 500 Tour and Castelli Romani

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Day trip to the Castelli Romani: driving tour in vintage Fiat 500 cars

Day trip to the Castelli Romani: driving tour in vintage Fiat 500 cars.
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Visit Genzano

Visit Genzano, and eat local bread from the town.

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Visit Nemi

Visit Nemi, famous for wild strawberries and pastries.
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Private Mass at Church of St Thomas from Villanova, Castel Gandolfo

Piazza della Libertà, 14, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy
Private Mass at Church of St Thomas from Villanova, Castel Gandolfo, with an amazing view.
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Aperitivo in Castel Gandolfo

Aperitivo in Castel Gandolfo with lake view.
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Typical dinner in a 'fraschetta' in Ariccia

Typical dinner in a 'fraschetta' in Ariccia.
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Overnight in Rome

Overnight in Rome.

Day 4 - Southern Lazio: Buffalo Mozzarella & Caves

02-Jul-2026
Day 4 - Southern Lazio: Buffalo Mozzarella & Caves image

Explore Caves, Mozzarella, Abbeys, and Thermal Baths

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Excursion to the Falvaterra Caves

Excursion to the Falvaterra Caves (1.5 hrs by bus).
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Buffalo mozzarella tasting at local dairy

Tasting of buffalo mozzarella at a local dairy nearby.
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Visit and pray at Abbey of Montecassino or Abbey of Fossanova

Visit and pray at the Abbey of Montecassino or the Abbey of Fossanova.
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Neapolitan pizza dinner at Montagna Spaccata in Gaeta

Sunset at Montagna Spaccata in Gaeta with Neapolitan pizza dinner.
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Relax at the Thermal Baths of Suio/Vescine

Relax at the Thermal Baths of Suio/Vescine under the stars.
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Overnight at the Vescine Thermal Resort

Overnight at the Vescine Thermal Resort.

Day 5 - Tuscany Vineyard Tour and Abbey Visit

03-Jul-2026
Day 5 - Tuscany  Vineyard Tour and Abbey Visit image

Vineyard Lunch, and Abbey Visit

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Transfer to Tuscany

DepartureRome
DestinationTuscany
Transfer to Tuscany (3.5hrs by bus).
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Lunch and wine tasting in a vineyard

Lunch and wine tasting in a vineyard.
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Private Mass at the Vallombrosan Abbey of Passignano

Via S. Benedetto, 2, 50066 Vallombrosa FI, Italy
Private Mass at the Vallombrosan Abbey of Passignano, founded by St. John Gualbert in the 11th century, a living monastery of deep faith and remarkable artistic beauty featuring Ghirlandaio’s Last Supper.
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Quick stop at Antica Macelleria Falorni for 'Affettati' tasting and shopping

Quick stop at Antica Macelleria Falorni for a 'Affettati' tasting and shopping.
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Dinner at the Certosa di Pontignano (or similar)

Dinner at the Certosa di Pontignano (or similar).
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Overnight at the Certosa di Pontignano (or similar)

Overnight at the Certosa di Pontignano (or similar).

Day 6 - Olive Oil Tasting, Truffle Hunting, Florence

04-Jul-2026
Day 6 - Olive Oil Tasting, Truffle Hunting, Florence image

Olive Oil, Truffle Hunting, and Florence Exploration

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Breakfast at accommodation (Copy)

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Olive oil tasting experience at a traditional mill

Morning olive oil tasting experience at a traditional mill.
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Truffle Hunting experience with lunch

Truffle Hunting experience with lunch.
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Private Mass at one of the historic churches in Florence city centre

Private Mass at one of the historic churches in Florence city centre.
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Free time in the historic center

Free time in the historic center (Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio).
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Dinner with typical Tuscan cuisine tasting

Dinner with typical Tuscan cuisine tasting.
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Overnight in Florence

Overnight in Florence.

Day 7 - Bologna, Balsamic Vinegar, and Modena Festival

05-Jul-2026
Day 7 - Bologna, Balsamic Vinegar, and Modena Festival image

Bologna, Balsamic Vinegar, and Modena Festival

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Transfer to Bologna

DepartureModena
DestinationBologna
Transfer to Bologna (1.5 hrs by bus).
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Private Mass at the Basilica of Santo Stefano

Via Santo Stefano, 24, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy
Private Mass at the Basilica of Santo Stefano, known as the “Seven Churches,” which features a medieval reproduction of the Holy Sepulchre.
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Visit to the Central Market with tastings

Visit to the Central Market with tastings of local products.
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Artisan gelato at La Cremeria

Artisan gelato at La Cremeria.
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Visit to Acetaia Villa San Donnino with balsamic vinegar tasting

Visit to Acetaia Villa San Donnino with balsamic vinegar tasting.
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Dinner in Modena with gnocco fritto and cured meats

Dinner in Modena with gnocco fritto and cured meats.
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Participation in a local festival (if available)

Participation in a local festival (if available).
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Overnight in Modena

Overnight in Modena.

Day 8 - Emilia 2: Parmigiano & Culatello

06-Jul-2026
Day 8 - Emilia 2: Parmigiano & Culatello image

Parmigiano Dairy, Nonantola Abbey, and Culatello

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tasting

Visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy with tasting.
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Private mass at Territorial Abbey of Nonantola

Piazza Abbazia, 41015 Nonantola MO, Italy
Private mass at Territorial Abbey of Nonantola, one of Italy’s most important monastic centers, founded in 752 by St. Anselm.
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Lunch at the Albinelli Market in Modena

Lunch at the Albinelli Market in Modena.
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Visit to Antica Corte Pallavicina with culatello museum

Visit to Antica Corte Pallavicina with culatello museum.
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Dinner at Agriturismo Al Vigneto

Dinner at Agriturismo Al Vigneto.
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Overnight in Modena

Overnight in Modena.

Day 9 - Emilia 3: Lambrusco & Farewell Dinner

07-Jul-2026
Day 9 - Emilia 3: Lambrusco & Farewell Dinner image

Lambrusco Tasting, Cooking Class, Farewell Dinner

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Farewell mass at Chiesa di S. Barnaba, Modena

Via Carteria, 108, 41121 Modena MO, Italy
Farewell mass at Chiesa di S. Barnaba, Modena.
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Free time and lunch at client’s expenses

Free time and lunch at client’s expenses.
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Lambrusco wine tasting at Corte Bertiera

Lambrusco wine tasting at Corte Bertiera.

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Cooking class in a villa with culinary expert Manuela and farewell dinner

Cooking class in a villa with Chef Manuela and farewell dinner.
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Overnight in Modena

Overnight in Modena.

Day 10 - Departure Day

08-Jul-2026
Day 10 - Departure Day image

Departure, Airport Transfer, and Flight Home

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Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast at accommodation.
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Transfer to the closest airport

DepartureModena
DestinationRome/Milan/Venice Airport
Transfer to the closest airport (Rome/Milan/Venice) if a group flight.
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Flight back to USA

Flight back to USA.

Packages & Add-ons

What's Included, What's Not

What's included

Accommodations

3-star, centrally located hotels or religious accommodation Double Twin (2 beds) occupancy rooms - 2 free in single rooms * Single supplement: $580 per person.

Meals

Breakfast provided each morning, Dinner provided each day ● Lunch provided on: day 2 (street food tour)

Meals Continued

More details in itinerary

Transportation

Transportation in a private luxury busses included in whole itinerary ● Bus Parking in all the cities ● ZTL in all the cities (city permit) ● Driver hotel & meals

Activities

Please view tentative literary

Team

Dedicated team support, Logistical arrangements

Insurance

IMG Global Medical Insurance ($100 Deductible / $50k Max per person)

Tour Leader

All expenses covered including meals and accommodations

Vocatio Swag

Payment Support

Registration & Payment Portal

What's not included

International Airfare

Roundtrip International Airfare available upon request.

Lunches / Dinners

Lunches / DinnersLunch and dinner on days not mentioned. Budget $30 per lunch X 6 lunches at client expense = $180 approx.

Tips

a. Any tips for additional services or personal preferences b. Driver tips c. Suggested tips: i. Local guides $20-$40 ii. Driver $2 per day per person iii. Tour Leader: Up to the client

Fees

Passport, visa or additional luggage fees

Trip Cancellation

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Loading Map…

Map

1. Rome

Rome, Italy

2. Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at Trajan’s Forum

Via Foro Traiano, 89, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

3. St Peter’s Basilica

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

4. Trinità dei Monti

Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 3, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

5. Castelli Romani

Castelli Romani, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

6. Genzano di Roma

Genzano di Roma, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

7. Nemi

Nemi, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

8. Church of St Thomas from Villanova, Castel Gandolfo

Piazza della Libertà, 7, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy

9. Ariccia

Ariccia, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

10. Falvaterra Caves

Grotte di Falvaterra, 03020 Falvaterra FR, Italy

11. Abbey of Montecassino

Via Montecassino, 03043 Cassino FR, Italy

12. Abbey of Fossanova

Via San Tommaso d'Aquino, 1, 04015 Priverno LT, Italy

13. Montagna Spaccata, Gaeta

Via Santissima Trinità, 20, 04024 Gaeta LT, Italy

14. Thermal Baths of Suio/Vescine

Suio Terme, 04020 Castelforte LT, Italy

15. Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

16. Vallombrosan Abbey of Passignano

Via Passignano, 33, 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa FI, Italy

17. Antica Macelleria Falorni

Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 71, 50022 Greve in Chianti FI, Italy

18. Certosa di Pontignano

Località Pontignano, 5, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga SI, Italy

19. Florence

Florence, Italy

20. Bologna

Bologna, Italy

21. Basilica of Santo Stefano

Via Santo Stefano, 24, 40125 Bologna BO, Italy

22. Central Market, Bologna

Via Ugo Bassi, 25, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy

23. Acetaia Villa San Donnino

Strada Medicina, 25, 41126 Modena MO, Italy

24. Modena

Modena, Italy

25. Territorial Abbey of Nonantola

Piazza Abbazia, 41015 Nonantola MO, Italy

26. Albinelli Market, Modena

Via Luigi Albinelli, 13, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

27. Antica Corte Pallavicina

Strada del Palazzo Due Torri, 3, 43010 Polesine Zibello PR, Italy

28. Agriturismo Al Vigneto

Strada Vigneto, 3, 29010 Monticelli d'Ongina PC, Italy

29. Chiesa di S. Barnaba, Modena

Corso Canal Grande, 25, 41121 Modena MO, Italy

30. Podere Francesco

Via Fossa, 28, 42048 Rubiera RE, Italy