September 14–27, 2026 | 13 Days of Faith, Culture, Cuisine, and Discovery

CITY HIGHLIGHTS:

MILAN - VERONA - PADUA - VENICE - BOLOGNA - FLORENCE - PISA

SIENA - ASSISI - CASCIA - ROME - VATICAN CITY

SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ ANGELO - POMPEII - NAPLES

Join us for this 13-day pilgrimage, a journey of renewal, discovery, and belonging in the sacred and cultural heart of Italy and The Vatican.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:SAVE 250 CAD!

• RESERVE ON OR BEFORE DEC. 13, 2025

• SAVE 150 CAD! RESERVE ON OR BEFORE JAN 28, 2026

Italy is a place where faith, art, history, and hospitality come together like nowhere else in the world.

This pilgrimage invites you to experience the heart of Italy and The Vatican through sacred sites, timeless cities, breathtaking architecture, and culinary delights.

Walk through the streets of Milan, Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome, Naples, and beyond—each city a living museum, where cathedrals soar, ancient ruins whisper stories of the past, and masterpieces of art and architecture reflect centuries of devotion and creativity.

At the center of this journey is The Vatican, home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel—where faith meets the world’s greatest artistic treasures. You’ll have the chance to attend the Papal Audience (if in session) and stand in spaces that have shaped history for over two millennia.

This is also a journey of the senses. Italian cuisine is an invitation to slow down, savor, and celebrate community. From rustic countryside dishes to coastal specialties, every meal becomes part of the pilgrimage experience—because sharing food is sharing life.

Highlights of This Journey Include:

• Sacred Encounters: Pray at the tombs of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Clare, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Rita of Cascia, St. Padre Pio, and St. Peter the Apostle. Visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel and explore the spiritual heart of The Vatican.

• Architectural Wonders: Marvel at the Gothic spires of the Milan Duomo, the Renaissance beauty of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Rome’s ancient landmarks.

• Art & History: Experience the Sistine Chapel, Venice’s mosaics, Verona’s medieval streets, and the preserved ruins of Pompeii.

• Culinary Discovery: Savor authentic Italian meals that reflect regional traditions—from Tuscan pastas to Neapolitan pizza, from Venetian seafood to Umbrian olive oil.

• Spiritual Reflection: Step away from the noise of daily life to reconnect with your faith, your purpose, and your sense of wonder.

Join us for this 13-day pilgrimage, a journey of renewal, discovery, and belonging in the sacred and cultural heart of Italy and The Vatican.

Travel for Her Freedom

A portion of every journey you take supports more than just the places you visit—it helps change lives.

Through our Belong & Empower Mission Fund, we invest in projects that create dignity, opportunity, and empowerment. One of these projects is our Travel for Her Freedom initiative, in partnership with Mary Queen of Heaven Missionaries (MQHM.org).

How It Works:

For every trip day you travel, we invest $1 per traveler to help MQHM rescue and empower girls and women who are survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines. Your journey helps others begin theirs—toward safety, healing, and a life renewed with hope.

Arrival at Milan airport and reception with our Tour manager who will stay with the group until the last day. Transfer to the city centre where we will have a panoramic city tour (with local guide) including the Duomo with its Square, the Scala Theatre, the elegant street Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

On to Verona where we’ll visit (with local guide) the city of Romeo and Juliet, including Juliet’s balcony, the famous Arena, the ornate tombs of the Scaligeri family and the Church of St. Zeno .

On to Padua. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe. Known simply as Il Santo to locals, this grand basilica is where the relics of St. Anthony—a beloved saint known as the "Miracle Worker"—are enshrined. Its majestic domes, stunning frescoes, and serene cloisters invite reflection and prayer.

Next, journey to Venice, the floating city of canals and romance. Board a Vaporetto (water taxi) for an unforgettable ride along the Grand Canal, arriving at the iconic St. Mark’s Square, often called "the drawing room of Europe."

Admire the St. Mark’s Basilica, with its golden mosaics and Byzantine splendor, and see the Bridge of Sighs, where legend says prisoners glimpsed their last view of Venice. View the exterior of the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that once housed Venice's rulers.

After a day filled with sacred encounters and architectural wonders, return to Padua for dinner and rest.

Travel from Padua to Bologna, a city famous for its medieval charm, rich academic history, and culinary heritage. Stroll through Piazza Maggiore, the vibrant heart of the city, where centuries-old palaces and churches surround lively cafes and open-air markets.

Pause at the Fountain of Neptune, a striking Renaissance masterpiece sculpted by Giambologna, symbolizing Bologna’s power and beauty. See the exterior of the Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Re Enzo, known as the "New Palace" in the Middle Ages—historic landmarks that once hosted civic leaders and storytellers of Bologna’s past.

Continue on to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where art, architecture, and history await.

After hotel check-in, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s exploration of this world-renowned city.

Begin your day exploring Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, with its awe-inspiring red dome designed by Brunelleschi—an architectural marvel that changed history.

Stroll through Piazza della Signoria, the city’s political and cultural heart, surrounded by sculptures and historic buildings, including a replica of Michelangelo’s David. Cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s famous medieval bridge lined with goldsmiths’ shops, and soak in the city’s timeless beauty.

In the afternoon, travel to Pisa, home of the world-famous Leaning Tower. Visit the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), where the Cathedral of Pisa and the tower stand as testaments to medieval artistry and engineering. Enjoy free time to take photos, explore the grounds, and reflect on the blend of human ingenuity and faith that shaped these landmarks.

Return to Florence for dinner and overnight stay.

Depart Florence for Siena, a medieval gem nestled in the hills of Tuscany. Stroll through the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, famous for the Palio horse race that has united the city in tradition for centuries.

See the magnificent Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) from the outside, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture adorned with intricate carvings, black and white marble, and stunning mosaics that tell stories of devotion and artistry.

Continue to Assisi, the serene hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to wander the cobblestone streets, take in the medieval charm, and reflect in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred city known for its message of peace and simplicity.

Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Spend the day in Assisi, one of the most beloved pilgrimage destinations in the world. This medieval hilltop town radiates peace, humility, and spiritual reflection—the very values taught by St. Francis and St. Clare.

Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to the Portiuncula, the small chapel where St. Francis began his mission and founded the Franciscan Order. This sacred space remains a powerful symbol of simplicity and devotion.

Continue to the Basilica of St. Clare, where the founder of the Poor Clares rests, and admire the preserved San Damiano Cross—the very cross that spoke to St. Francis, calling him to rebuild the Church.

Then enter the Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where pilgrims from around the globe come to pray at his tomb. The basilica’s stunning frescoes by Giotto and other masters depict the life of St. Francis, bringing his story vividly to life.

Finally, visit the resting place of Carlo Acutis, the Patron Saint of the Internet.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Assisi.

Depart Assisi and travel through the peaceful Umbrian countryside to Cascia, a hill town nestled among the Apennines and home of St. Rita, known as the Saint of the Impossible. Visit the Basilica of St. Rita, where her incorrupt body rests in a glass reliquary. Pilgrims from around the world come here to pray for healing, reconciliation, and seemingly impossible intentions.

After this deeply spiritual stop, continue on to Rome, where ancient history and Christian heritage meet. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to relax or begin exploring the Eternal City’s charming streets and piazzas on your own.

Settle in for dinner and overnight at your hotel, preparing for the days ahead in one of the most iconic cities of faith and culture.

Today, immerse yourself in the timeless majesty of Rome, where every street and stone echoes with history. Begin with a panoramic city tour led by your local guide, taking in the grandeur of:

• The mighty Colosseum, once the epicenter of Roman entertainment and now a symbol of endurance.

• The Roman Forum, where Julius Caesar once walked and the ancient Republic came to life.

• The Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest and most opulent public bath complexes of the Roman Empire.

• Tiber Island, a natural formation in the river with ancient ties to healing and medicine.

• The imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later transformed into a papal fortress.

In the afternoon, explore Rome on foot, uncovering its heart through winding alleys and legendary squares:

• Piazza Navona, a stunning Baroque square built over a Roman stadium, alive with fountains, artists, and gelaterias.

• The Pantheon, an architectural wonder with a perfect dome and open oculus that has stood for nearly two millennia.

• The magical Trevi Fountain, where tradition invites you to toss a coin over your shoulder and wish for a return to the Eternal City.

Fun Fact:

About €3,000 worth of coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain every day. The funds are collected and donated to charities serving the poor of Rome.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight, as Rome’s sacred and cultural treasures continue to stir the heart.

After breakfast, transfer to St Peter’s Square and possibility to participate in the Papal Audience (if the Pope is in Rome).

In the afternoon, visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, built over the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle. Gaze up at Michelangelo’s soaring dome, marvel at the beauty of the Pietà, and walk through the crypt where Popes and saints rest.

Next, explore the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s greatest artistic treasures, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling—a masterpiece that has inspired pilgrims and art lovers for centuries.

Fun fact: The Sistine Chapel ceiling covers about 12,000 square feet and took Michelangelo 4 years to complete—mostly while standing on scaffolding, looking up!

After this day of awe and inspiration, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, leave the grandeur of Rome behind as you journey south through the rolling hills, olive groves, and scenic landscapes of the Apulia region. This part of Italy is known for its sun-kissed countryside, ancient towns, and tranquil coastal views—a perfect setting for reflection as you prepare to visit one of Italy’s most beloved pilgrimage sites.

Arrive in San Giovanni Rotondo, a peaceful town forever linked to St. Padre Pio, the humble Capuchin friar known worldwide for his miracles, stigmata, and deep compassion for the suffering.

Today, his shrine attracts millions of pilgrims each year who come to seek healing, hope, and spiritual renewal.

Check into your hotel and settle in for the evening, with time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s meaningful visit to the places where St. Pio lived, prayed, and ministered.

St. Padre Pio is one of the most venerated modern saints, canonized in 2002. His confessional lines were often so long that he would sometimes hear confessions for up to 16 hours a day!

Begin your morning in San Giovanni Rotondo, where you’ll have personal time to visit the sacred places connected to St. Padre Pio. Walk through the new Basilica of St. Pio, a modern architectural marvel designed by Renzo Piano, and enter the ancient Capuchin Monastery, where St. Pio lived a life of humility and service.

Spend time at his tomb, pray in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and reflect at the confessional where he listened to the hearts of thousands. This is a moment for quiet contemplation and spiritual connection.

In the afternoon, journey to Monte Sant’Angelo, perched high on the Gargano Peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and whitewashed hill towns below. Visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, one of the oldest shrines in Christendom, built around a sacred grotto where, according to tradition, St. Michael appeared in the 5th century.

This mystical site has been a pilgrimage destination for over 1,500 years, visited by saints, popes, and emperors seeking protection and guidance.

Fun Fact:

St. Michael’s grotto is the only shrine in the world where the Archangel himself is said to have consecrated the sanctuary, declaring, “Where the rock opens, the sins of men are forgiven.”

Return to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and overnight, carrying the day’s blessings with you.

Depart San Giovanni Rotondo and travel south toward Pompeii, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

Pompeii, once a thriving Roman city, Pompeii was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, its streets, homes, and frescoes preserved beneath layers of volcanic ash.

Explore the ancient ruins with your local guide, wander along original Roman roads, visit open-air forums, bathhouses, and villas, and imagine daily life before the eruption. You’ll witness history come alive in these remarkably preserved remnants of a lost civilization.

Travel Trivia:

Pompeii’s sudden burial preserved more than just buildings—archaeologists even uncovered loaves of bread still in the ovens when the city was excavated nearly 1,800 years later!

After this incredible window into the ancient world, continue to Naples, a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, colorful streets, and culinary heritage.

Settle into your hotel for dinner and overnight, with time to savor the energy of southern Italy.

Enjoy your breakfast before heading to the airport at a designated time for your flight home.

Pilgrimage is never really over—it lives on in the way you see the world, and in the way your spirit has been transformed.