The sun-kissed shores of southern coastal Italy provide an unforgettable spiritual retreat for those who embark on a pilgrimage to this magnificent part of the world! Tucked within the picturesque landscapes of the Amalfi coast are numerous revered churches, shrines and other sacred sites. From the charming streets of Positano to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, pilgrims will delight in the beauty and charm of the most visited country in the world, Italy!

With trips to San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo and Rome, this pilgrimage offers a transformative opportunity to visit many of the rich, historic treasures of the Catholic Church. Stunning shores, magnificent shrines, lovely people and amazing food ... Italy has it all! 

DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE

Depart the USA from your local airport. Enjoy a full meal and inflight entertainment (music, movies, etc.) on your overnight flight to Rome, Italy. 

Arrive at Fiumicino International Airport – Leonardo da Vinci in Rome. Proceed to Baggage Claim and to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be greeted by our local Trinity Tour Travels guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout the pilgrimage. From here, your pilgrimage begins with an enchanting drive along southwest Italy to beautiful Sorrento. Facing the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is perched atop cliffs overlooking magnificent water views and the Piazza Tasso. 

We celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James (the Sorrento Cathedral). Hotel check-in and free time. 

Dinner and overnight in Sorrento. 

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a most memorable ferry ride to the Island of Capri in the Bay of Naples! Famed for the ruins of Imperial Roman Villas, the town of Anacapri, and the Blue Grotto, this awe-inspiring area is known for its rugged and panoramic landscape. View the famous Faraglioni rock formations and enjoy this free day on the island by strolling, sightseeing and shopping in the Piazzetta and along the Via Camerella. 

Mass this day is at the Church of St. Francis. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento. 

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive along the world-renowned Amalfi coast road. With breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountainous coastline of western Italy, we stop in Positano. Known for its narrow boutique and café-lined streets, this charming town is the gem of the Amalfi Coast. In the stunning town of Amalfi, we celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, where we visit his relics and crypt. A full day of spectacular sights and awe-inspiring landscapes! 

Dinner and overnight in Sorrento. 

Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a full-day excursion to Pompeii. Buried under meters of ash, rubble and pumice from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79A.D., Pompeii remains a preserved site of what once was a thriving, sophisticated Roman city. We walk through the excavated ruins of the streets, houses and even “cafes” of this ancient city. Mass is celebrated at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii this day.  

We begin our travel across Italy to San Giovanni this afternoon. 

Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. 

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning dedicated to visiting the holy sites associated with Padre Pio’s life. We tour Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, the hospital founded by this humble Capuchin Priest, which still serves as a hospital today. “Inside those who are sick, Jesus is suffering. Inside those who are sick and poor, Jesus is there twofold.” 

We visit the beloved church of Padre Pio, Santa Maria della Grazie, where Padre Pio committed himself to hours of hearing confession daily. It is said that this great saint was able to “read souls,” and his confessional stands mid-church for viewing. 

We visit Padre Pio’s shrine, where we venerate this saint’s incorrupt body and tour his living quarters. 

We board the bus and journey through the Gargano Peninsula to visit the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant’Angelo. Mass is celebrated here this day in a grotto where St. Michael is said to have appeared in the years 490, 492, and 493. 

Free time in this charming area prior to returning to the hotel. 

Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. 

Following an early breakfast, we board the bus and, en route to Rome, stop in Manoppello in the charming province of Pescara. We visit the Sanctuary of Volto Santo (Sacred Face), where Mass is celebrated this day. Reputed to be identical to the sacred Veil of Veronica, the Sanctuary of Volto Santo contains a sudarium (a thin sweat veil used by early Romans) known as the Holy Face of Manoppello. 

We continue to Rome this afternoon with hotel check-in and free time schedule allowing. 

Dinner and overnight in Rome. 

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a guided tour of the Vatican Museums. We walk through the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and several historic museum rooms that house paintings, sculptures, and varying artworks from the Greek/Roman eras to modern times. We visit the Sistine Chapel to view the site of each Conclave (assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope), as well as the epic frescoed ceiling painted by Michelangelo. 

We tour St. Peter’s Basilica, where we view the tomb of St. Pope John Paul II and the beautiful Pieta carved by a solid piece of marble by Michelangelo, which he began when he was only 23 years old. 

Mass is celebrated on this day at the Tomb of St. Peter.  

*The day ends with the Scavi Tour(Pending Confirmation), the ancient underground cemetery below St. Peter’s altar. The Scavi Tour is granted by an official request made to the Excavations Office of the Fabbrica di San Pietro. This tour is subject to confirmation before the pilgrimage. 

Dinner and overnight in Rome. 

Following breakfast at the hotel, Mass is celebrated at St. Mary Major, one of the four papal basilicas. Under the high altar of this basilica is the Crypt of the Nativity, encased in a crystal reliquary. Pilgrims can view what is said to be the wood relics of the Holy Crib of the Nativity of Jesus. St. Mary Major also houses the relics of St. Jerome, Doctor of the Church, who translated the Bible into Latin. St. Ignatius of Loyola celebrated his first Mass as a priest in 1538 at St. Mary Major, also known for "The Miracle of the Snow." 

We visit the Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, another papal basilica, which houses several relics of the Passion of Jesus (including a rusted nail from the Crucifixion, pieces of the True Cross, thorns from the crown, and the sign over His Cross) and the doubting finger of St. Thomas in a reliquary. 

We visit the papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, known as the "Mother of all Churches in the World," and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Founded in 324, it is the oldest of the four papal basilicas. Larger than life, magnificent sculptures of the Twelve Apostles (St. Paul takes the place of St. Matthias) are showcased in this basilica. From here, we cross the street to visit the Scala Sancta (the "Holy Stairs"), the marble staircase (encased in wooden ones), which led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. It is on these stairs that Jesus climbed to meet Pilate on His way to trial during His Passion. The marble stairs are visible through small openings in the wooden risers and at some spots, pilgrims may touch the marble through these openings as they climb the stairs (traditionally on knees). 

Leisure afternoon, time for shopping and rest

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

  After an early breakfast at the hotel, we attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, celebrated at 9 a.m. each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule). Pilgrims are encouraged to bring special medals, rosaries and other religious items to be blessed. Following the pope’s themed speech, prayers and homily, he offers a blessing!

Time for Lunch near St. Peter Square

We continue to visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls where a Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated, followed by a lovely Italian lunch in the basilica’s café. The basilica also houses a gift shop perfect for the purchase of affordable religious items to be blessed by the pope the following day. We visit the burial site of St. Paul and visit Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, where tradition holds St. Peter met the Risen Christ asking, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “I am going to Rome to be crucified again.” What makes this location particularly amazing is that Jesus is said to have left behind a marble slab with His footprints which have been venerated by pilgrims for centuries. 

Begin your morning with an exterior visit to the iconic Colosseum, where your guide will share the rich history and stories of ancient Rome’s most legendary arena. Continue with a guided walk through the Roman Forum, the heart of political, religious, and social life in the ancient empire. From there, enjoy stops at two of Rome’s most celebrated landmarks—the stunning Trevi Fountain, where tradition invites you to toss a coin, and the majestic Pantheon, one of the best-preserved temples from classical antiquity.

In the evening, enjoy leisure time in the city center as you explore some of Rome’s most beloved sites at your own pace. Visit the elegant Spanish Steps,, and stroll through the lively Piazza Navona, known for its beautiful fountains, artists, cafés, and vibrant Roman atmosphere.

Overnight in Rome

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, we return to Fiumicino International Airport – Leonardo da Vinci in Rome for departure to the USA. We bid farewell to this phenomenal part of the world and treasure the memories made for a lifetime! 

Ciao, Italia!