As we journey along the spiritual pathways of Italy—sometimes over ancient cobblestones in the heart of the city, other times along highways that wind through the breathtaking countryside—we will encounter unique places and people that serve as living expressions of our 2,000-year-old faith.

From the ancient rooms where St. Peter lived for seven years to the bishop’s residence in Assisi; from venerating the Eucharistic Miracle in Orvieto to celebrating the Feast of St. Francis in the town where he lived; from walking through the Holy Doors in Rome to tracing the footsteps of the saints—we will encounter some of the “living stones” of our Church. In doing so, we will embrace our role as pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee year of 2025.

Because of our work with Inside the Vatican magazine for over 33 years, we have cultivated deep and meaningful relationships that grant us extraordinary access to places and individuals typically beyond the reach of the ordinary traveler. These relationships open doors to rare opportunities, such as private chapels, historic residences, monasteries, and personal encounters with key figures in the Church, allowing pilgrims to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of our faith in a profoundly unique and personal way.

Here are just a few of the remarkable experiences included in this unrepeatable pilgrimage:

• - Stay inside Vatican City during the Jubilee Year of Hope.
• - Walk through the Holy Doors at the four papal basilicas of Rome. 
• - Venerate the column on which St. Paul was beheaded, made available through a close relationship with the gatekeeper; microscopic analysis has even confirmed traces of blood on the column.
• - Access the Church of St. Pudenziana, built over the home of St. Pudens, who is mentioned in the Bible by St. Paul. This home, where St. Peter lived for seven years and served as the first papal residence, includes first-century structures rarely open to the public, thanks to a trusted gatekeeper.
• - Celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in the town where he lived.
• - Meet the bishop of Assisi, if available.
• - Visit the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the young Italian teenager known for cataloging the world’s Eucharistic miracles.

Exclusive Accommodations: Staying Inside Vatican City

What sets this pilgrimage apart from all others is the unique and exclusive accommodations within Vatican City itself. A rare privilege, this stay places you at the heart of the Church with unparalleled access to St. Peter’s Basilica. During the Jubilee Year, this exclusive access offers a profound opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal near the tomb of Peter, making it an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience for pilgrims seeking a deeper connection to their faith.

Highlights of the Pilgrimage

Visit some of Italy's most sacred and spiritual sites, passing through numerous Holy Doors during this Jubilee of Hope, and experience the profound renewal they offer. Here are some of the places we will pilgrimage to:

• Rome: Visit St. Peter's Basilica, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran. Explore the first “Vatican,” Marian apparition sites in Rome, a Eucharistic miracle, the ancient catacombs, and the revered icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Participate in the Angelus prayer and weekly Papal Audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Piazza.
• Orvieto:  Visit one of the most significant Eucharistic miracles in the Catholic Church: the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, which is preserved in the Cathedral of Orvieto.
• Assisi: Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the Basilica of St. Francis, the Tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis
• Florence: Discover the Baptistry, Church of the Holy Cross, and the iconic Duomo (Cathedral) of Florence
• Plus, enjoy many unexpected stops and grace-filled encounters along the way.
  

In Rome, stay in exclusive accommodations inside Vatican City. Dr. Robert Moynihan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Inside the Vatican magazine, and Deborah Tomlinson, Founder and President of Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages, will personally greet you in Rome and accompany you throughout your entire stay inside the Vatican.

The pilgrimage is limited to 23 pilgrims, ensuring an unhurried, reflective, and peaceful experience.

Important Information

Due to the unique nature of the accommodations within Vatican City, the following criteria MUST be fulfilled to finalize your registration for this exclusive pilgrimage:

• Registration Interview: A conversation with a representative of Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages is required to ensure that this pilgrimage aligns with both your expectations and the group’s goals. Please contact our office at +1.202.536.4555 to begin this process.
• Special Terms and Conditions: Participation requires adherence to specific guidelines established for guests staying inside the Vatican. An addendum to the pilgrimage Terms and Conditions will be provided for your review and signature.
• Clergy Recommendation: A formal letter of recommendation from your priest or bishop is required. A sample template will be supplied to assist in this process.
• Group Participation: All pilgrims must remain with the group throughout the entirety of the pilgrimage. Independent stays or remaining behind in the Vatican without the group are not permitted, except in cases of emergency.

These steps are designed to preserve the spiritual focus and the unity of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Air Travel: This pilgrimage is offered as a Land Only Package. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own air travel for the Italy: Jubilee Year and St. Francis of Assisi 2025 Pilgrimage.  After you book, you will receive the name and contact number of our recommended travel agent.

Arrival Information:

• Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
• Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (Day 1 of the pilgrimage)
• Flight Arrival Time: Before 10:00 AM (Local Time) This arrival time allows approximately one hour to pass through passport control and retrieve baggage before the group transfer.
• Transfer: Group transfer from the airport to Vatican City

It is strongly recommended that participants consider arriving on Friday, September 26, 2025, one day before Day 1, Saturday, September 27, 2025, of the pilgrimage. Arriving early allows time to rest and offers greater flexibility in selecting flight options.

For those who choose to arrive before Day 1, we have selected a designated early-arrival hotel. The cost of any extra nights will be the participant’s responsibility.  On Day 1, the group transfer will pick up participants from this designated hotel along with the group pick-up at the airport.

Departure Information: 

• Airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
• Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (Day 11 of the pilgrimage)
• Flight Departure Time: After 8:30 AM (Local Time)
• Transfer:  The group transfer from Assisi to the airport will depart at 4:00 a.m. This schedule accommodates flights departing at 8:30 a.m. or later. 

Recommended Travel Agency:
For booking flights, we recommend using an experienced travel agency. They will handle your airline reservations and forward the details to our office, ensuring a seamless process. You will receive the contact information for Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages' recommended seasoned travel agent in your Welcome Letter, which is sent immediately after you register for the pilgrimage.

If you would like to get an idea of the cost and availability of flights, we suggest checking Google Flights as a helpful and simple tool for initial research.

With more than 33 years of publishing Inside the Vatican magazine, we have colleagues and friends all over the world — and many of them have become part of our Pilgrimage family.   

Designing an Inside the Vatican pilgrimage begins with a theme or a particular country; then we weave in encounters with real people who live and work there, as well as those with expert knowledge in its historical and spiritual perspectives. Each day we will have the opportunity to attend Mass.  

Our itineraries include both world-renowned and little-known places, and every detail has been arranged to create a truly unique experience; we do not have cookie-cutter pilgrimages.  And our pilgrims appreciate the fact that we never exceed 33 pilgrims.  For our custom pilgrimages, we may exceed 33 pilgrims only at the client's request. 

Crafting an Inside the Vatican Pilgrimage is about knowing firsthand what makes a place extraordinary, knowing personally the people involved, understanding how best to experience it and then finessing the countless details, moments and encounters both planned and spontaneous. Our thoughtful trip design, flexible pace and local connections are just a few of the reasons why our pilgrims often return to join us again for other pilgrimages.  

Whether you choose one of our intimate-sized Signature Pilgrimages, or Classic Pilgrimages with budget-friendly pricing, we work hard to ensure that every pilgrimage is a moving experience and an authentic spiritual journey for each pilgrim. 

Contact Information:

Phone: +1.202.536.4555  Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET.
Email: Pilgrimages@InsideTheVatican.com. 
WhatsApp: +1.540.631.4392

Before you book your trip with us, please read carefully our Terms and Conditions

Important Information  Due to the unique nature of the accommodations within Vatican City, the following criteria must be fulfilled to finalize your registration for this exclusive pilgrimage:

• Registration Interview: A conversation with a representative of Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages is required to ensure that this pilgrimage aligns with both your expectations and the group’s goals. Please contact our office at +1.202.536.4555 to begin this process
• Special Terms and Conditions: Participation requires adherence to specific guidelines established for guests staying inside the Vatican. An addendum to the pilgrimage Terms and Conditions will be provided for your review and signature.
• Clergy Recommendation: A formal letter of recommendation from your priest or bishop is required. A sample template will be supplied to assist in this process.
• Group Participation: All pilgrims must remain with the group throughout the entirety of the pilgrimage. Independent stays or remaining behind in the Vatican without the group are not permitted, except in cases of emergency.

These steps are designed to preserve the spiritual focus and the unity of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Use EARLY when you register on or before April 30, 2025 to receive a $150.00 discount.  Contact us to inquire about any applicable discounts.

Upon your arrival at Fiumicino Airport, located just west of Rome near the Mediterranean Sea, you will be warmly greeted as you exit the secure area. Depending on arrival times, we may have a chance to enjoy a quick morning coffee, tea, and a traditional cornetto before boarding our private motor coach for Vatican City. 

(We strongly recommend arriving one day early to rest before the pilgrimage begins. A Hilton hotel connected to the airport is available for early arrivals, and you will be conveniently picked up from this hotel the following morning for the group transfer to Vatican City.)

After a welcome from Deborah Tomlinson and Dr. Robert Moynihan, you will enjoy lunch at our accommodations, followed by some time to rest. In the afternoon, we will attend Mass at St. Peter's Basilica and take a guided tour of St. Peter's Piazza.

Overnight in Vatican City. Lunch and Dinner are included. 

We will attend Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. After Mass, Deborah Tomlinson will point out select items of spiritual interest inside St. Peter's Basilica and we will walk through the Holy Doors. Following our visit to the basilica, we will gather in St. Peter’s Square to join Pope Francis for the Angelus, a special moment when he delivers his message to pilgrims from around the world. We will pray the Angelus together with him and the global congregation.

In the afternoon, we will take a private transfer to Trastevere, one of Rome’s most enchanting neighborhoods, situated on the opposite bank of the River Tiber, just south of the Vatican. Here, we will visit the Basilica di Santa Cecilia, built on the family home of St. Cecilia, a noblewoman and martyr from around 230 AD. We will also explore Chiesa di San Francesco a Ripa, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, who once stayed at the adjacent convent.

Next, we will visit the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which may have been one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Rome. According to tradition, it was founded by Pope Calixtus I in the 3rd century and completed by Pope Julius I in 340.

During our time in Trastevere, you will also have the opportunity to shop for items to be blessed at the Papal Audience on Wednesday.

Overnight in Vatican City. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.  

We begin our day with morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica followed by a tour of the Catacombs of Callixtus, an ancient underground Christian burial site. Callixtus is one of the many catacombs in Rome and is famous for housing the Crypt of the Popes, which once contained the tombs of several popes from the 2nd to the 4th centuries.

After exploring the catacombs, we will travel south of Rome along the historic Appian Way towards the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where the tomb of St. Paul is enshrined. This basilica is dedicated to St. Paul, who was beheaded in Rome.

The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important roads of ancient Rome, stretching from the city to the heel of Italy. Time permitting, we will also pass by the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls, and, if possible, visit the Domine Quo Vadis Church, where Christ appeared to St. Peter, urging him to return to Rome to continue his preaching and eventually face martyrdom.

Next, we will visit the Church of St. Paul at the Three Fountains (Chiesa del Martirio di San Paolo alle Tre Fontane), one of the oldest churches in Rome, marking the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. According to tradition, because St. Paul was a Roman citizen, he was beheaded rather than crucified. It is said that as his head struck the ground three times, springs of water appeared at each spot. Inside the church, we will see the pillar where St. Paul is believed to have been bound before his execution. If the gatekeeper is available, we may have the opportunity to venerate the pillar. The original church was built in the 5th century, but the current structure dates from the 16th century. We will also visit the prison cell where St. Paul was held before his martyrdom, located in the crypt of another church on the grounds. These grounds are peaceful and reverent, offering a quiet space for prayer.

Our next encounter will be at the site of the Grotto of Our Lady of Revelations, the site of an extraordinary apparition in 1947. Here, Our Lady appeared to Bruno Cornacchiola, a bitter anti-Catholic, and revealed profound truths about salvation. During the apparition, Our Lady encouraged Bruno to turn to her in times of doubt and despair. This moment of grace led Bruno to a profound conversion, returning to the Catholic faith and becoming an evangelist. The site has been the location of two reported miracles of the sun, similar to the famous Fatima phenomenon, which occurred on the 33rd and 35th anniversaries of the apparition.

We will stop for lunch along the way.

Overnight in Vatican City. Breakfast and Dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

We begin the day with Mass at St. Peter's Basilica before traveling to the Churches of Sts. Prassedes and Pudentiana. These two sisters were the daughters of St. Pudens, a Roman senator who was converted and baptized by St. Paul. It is believed that St. Paul stayed in their home during his time in Rome. St. Paul mentions Pudens in his Second Letter to Timothy, chapter 4, verses 19-22: “Final Greeting: Greet Prisca and Aquila and the family of Onesiphorus.  Erastus remained in Corinth, while I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.  Try to get here before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers send greetings. The Lord be with your spirit.  Grace be with all of you.”

The Church of St. Pudentiana is also the site of a Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in 1610, adding to its significance as a place of great devotion.

Next, we will visit two of the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome: St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran. Both of these basilicas are extraordinary monuments to the Catholic faith, housing art and relics that inspire awe and reverence.

At St. Mary Major, we will see the famous Salus Populi Romani icon, a painting of Mary that is traditionally believed to have been painted by St. Luke. It is considered the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary and is venerated as the Protectress of the Roman People.

A short distance away, we will visit the Church of San Alfonso, a beautiful Victorian-Gothic structure. Here, we will view the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, displayed above the altar in the sanctuary, beneath a stunning mosaic of the Holy Family. This icon has a long history of miraculous intercession.

Our journey continues to St. John Lateran, the oldest and first among the four Papal basilicas of Rome. As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope), St. John Lateran is the spiritual seat of the papacy and holds great historical importance, serving as the papal residence for centuries.

We will also visit the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), located near St. John Lateran. These steps are believed to be the stairs that Pontius Pilate had Jesus ascend in Jerusalem during His trial. In the 4th century, St. Helena brought these sacred steps to Rome, where they remain a site of devotion and pilgrimage.

Nearby, we will visit the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem), which houses several important relics from the Passion of Christ. Among these relics are thorns from Christ’s crown, nails from His cross, and the titulus—the inscription Pilate ordered to be placed above Jesus’ head at His crucifixion. This basilica is a place of profound reverence, and we will have the opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.

Overnight in Vatican City. Breakfast and Dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

After morning Mass, we will attend the weekly Papal Audience. The event typically begins with a brief reading from Sacred Scripture, followed by a homily from the Holy Father, reflecting on the reading. The Audience concludes with the Holy Father offering his Apostolic Blessing to all pilgrims in attendance.

We will next visit the Spanish Steps, and then embark on a walking tour of Baroque Rome with Dr. Moynihan and Deborah Tomlinson. Highlights of this tour include the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. As we walk, Dr. Moynihan will share fascinating stories and insights about the rich Roman and Church history that surrounds us.

If time allows, we will also visit several sites that house famous works by the renowned artist Caravaggio, including The Calling of Matthew, Crucifixion of St. Peter, and The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Way to Damascus.

Another important stop will be the Basilica of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, known for its extraordinary side chapel, a place of deep devotion for many pilgrims. It was here in 1842 that Our Lady appeared to Alphonse Ratisbonne, an avowed anti-Catholic Jew. She appeared to him exactly as depicted on the Miraculous Medal, leading to his immediate and miraculous conversion to Catholicism. The apparition greatly influenced the spread of the Miraculous Medal devotion throughout Italy and beyond.

The chapel is also significant because it was the site of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s first Mass on April 29, 1918. Many pilgrims visit this site in reverence of both the Miraculous Medal and the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who is known for his heroic martyrdom during World War II.

Overnight in Vatican City. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included. 

After Mass, we will board our private coach to Assisi. On the way, we will stop to pay homage to one of the most significant Eucharistic miracles in the Catholic Church: the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, which is preserved in the Cathedral of Orvieto.

The miracle occurred in 1263 when a German priest, on his way to Rome for a pilgrimage, stopped in Bolsena, a town near a large lake about 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of Orvieto, to celebrate Mass. The priest, Fr. Peter, was struggling with doubts about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. During the consecration, the Host began to bleed. Stunned, the priest paused the Mass and immediately went to Orvieto to seek guidance. Pope Urban IV, who was residing in the city with his papal court, investigated the miracle. After confirming its authenticity, the Pope declared the Feast of Corpus Christi to be celebrated on the Thursday (or Sunday) after Trinity Sunday.

Shortly thereafter, Pope Urban commissioned the construction of a grand church to house the Eucharistic miracle, resulting in the magnificent Cathedral of Orvieto. The bloodstained corporal (linen altar cloth) is preserved in a silver-framed reliquary, housed in a marble aedicule above the altar.

As we enter Assisi, we will tour the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels (Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli), built over the Portiuncula chapel that St Francis established. 

Overnight in Assisi. Breakfast and Dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

This morning, we will begin with a private Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis in the Basilica of St. Francis. It is a peaceful, leisurely walk downhill through the charming streets of Assisi to reach the basilica. After Mass, the Franciscan Friars, our friends and custodians of this magnificent basilica, will provide us with a private guided tour, sharing insights into its history, architecture, and spiritual significance.

After lunch, we will visit the tomb of the first millennial saint, St. Carlo Acutis, (canonized in April 2025). Carlo Acutis, a remarkable young man who died in 2006 at the age of 15, was beatified in 2020 and is buried in Assisi. His life and legacy continue to inspire countless pilgrims around the world.

In the afternoon, we will take a guided tour of Assisi's historic center. Along the way, we will visit several important churches, including San Rufino, where both St. Francis and St. Clare were baptized.

Later, we will visit the house of the Bishop of Assisi, where St. Francis famously renounced his worldly possessions. If the bishop is available, we will have the privilege of meeting with him and walking through the newly discovered door that St. Francis passed through as he left his father to follow his divine calling.

Overnight in Assisi. Breakfast and Lunch are included. Dinner is on your own.

Today we will celebrate the Feast day of St. Francis. 

On October 4, Roman Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian deacon who brought renewal to the Church through his decision to follow Jesus' words.

In a January 2010 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI recalled this “giant of holiness” as a “great saint and a joyful man,” who taught the Church that “the secret of true happiness” is “to become saints, close to God.”

Throughout the day, we will take part in scheduled activities in the town of Assisi. In the evening, we will attend Vespers at the Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi.

The Basilica was built next to the ancient church of San Giorgio, the site of the first burial of both St. Francis in 1226 and St. Clare in 1253. It was consecrated in 1265. In addition to the body of St. Clare, it houses the Crucifix of San Damiano which spoke to St. Frances.

Overnight in Assisi. Breakfast and Lunch are included. Dinner is on your own.

This morning, we will begin with Sunday Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis. It is a peaceful, leisurely walk downhill through the charming streets of Assisi to reach the basilica. 

After lunch, we will pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Damiano, where we will be welcomed by Brother Mauro, a Franciscan Friar who resides at this ancient sanctuary. He will share the history and significance of this holy place, where St. Francis received the famous call from Christ to "Rebuild My Church."

We will then continue to the ancient Franciscan site of The Sanctuary of Eremo delle Carceri, located on Mount Subasio, 2.5 miles (4 km) from Assisi. The name "Carceri" comes from the Latin word carcer, meaning "remote" or "solitary," reflecting its suitability for a life of prayer. It was here that St. Francis, along with his companions, retreated for quiet prayer, and many friars have followed in his footsteps over the centuries.

Overnight in Assisi. Breakfast and Dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

Today, we will pilgrimage to Florence, a journey of about 2 hours. Florence (Firenze in Italian), the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is renowned for its profound influence on Western art and culture. The city’s sacred art and religious buildings beautifully reflect this legacy.

We will visit some of Florence's most iconic churches:

• The Baptistery, famous for its stunning bronze doors created by Lorenzo Ghiberti in the early 15th century, which depict scenes from the Old Testament.
• The Church of the Holy Cross (Basilica di Santa Croce), where several prominent historical figures are buried, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Niccolò Machiavelli.
• The Duomo (Cathedral) of Florence, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance.

While in Florence, we will attend Mass in one of its beautiful churches.

Afterward, our expert guide from Tuscany will lead us on a walking tour of the city, passing through landmarks such as Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio bridge.

The afternoon is free time for lunch and exploring Florence on your own.

In the late afternoon, we will depart Florence for Assisi, where we will spend the night.

Overnight in Assisi. Breakfast and Lunch are included. Dinner is on your own.

Early in the morning, we will transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for your return journey home. 

As we say farewell, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to all our fellow pilgrims and friends. Until we meet again...

Breakfast is included.