Upon our arrival in the enchanting city of Rome, we will make our way from the airport to our hotel, where we can leave our luggage and begin touring our new surroundings before check-in at the hotel. In the evening, we will gather as a group at a local restaurant for a traditional Italian dinner. (D) 

Our day starts with a joy-filled general audience with Pope Leo XIV.  This will be our opportunity to show our Chicago, White Sox and American flags while he passes by in the "Pope Mobile". Next, for those interested, we explore the Vatican Museum and inside of St Peter's Basilicas and marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, including the Pieta and the Sistine Chapel. There will be some late afternoon free time for visiting the old city before enjoying dinner on your own. (B) 

 We start at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, home to a relic from the  manger and the tomb of the late Pope Francis. Then, we visit the  Scala Sancta, the sacred stairs Christ climbed, followed by the  Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls, which  contains a relic of St. Paul the Apostle. We’ll also stop at the Church of  Domine Quo Vadis, where tradition says Christ appeared to Peter.  Dinner on your own. (B) 

We leave Rome and travel East to Lanciano to explore the Church of St. Longinus, where a Eucharistic miracle occurred. We are awestruck by this miracle and have the opportunity to celebrate Holy Mass in the same church. After Holy Mass, our journey continues southeast to San Giovanni Rotondo, the birthplace of St. Padre Pio. The day ends with a lovely dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at the hotel. (B/D) 

We attend mass at St. Padre Pio's resting place, tour the sanctuary, and visit the crucifix where he received the stigmata and pray before his preserved body. Next, we take the bus for a beautiful view of the Gargano Peninsula on our way to the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Our day concludes with a lovely dinner and a restful night at the hotel. (B/D) 

After breakfast, we head west (towards the airport in Rome) with a stop to tour and celebrate Holy Mass at the Monastery of Monte Cassino. Founded by St Benedict in 529, the abbey contains the remains of St Benedict and his sister, St Scholastica and provides some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and town below. After our tour and lunch, we drive to the airport in Rome to catch our evening flight into Split, Croatia. (B/D) 

Upon your arrival this morning, you will be warmly welcomed by a knowledgeable tour guide and/or driver who will accompany you on a scenic drive to the charming village of Medjugorje. Take in the picturesque views along the way before indulging in a delightful dinner. Afterward, you can look forward to a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel. (B/D) 

During your time in Medjugorje, you will have the chance to deepen your faith and join pilgrims from around the globe on their spiritual journey. You can participate in Mass and hike up Apparition Hill, the site where the visionaries first saw Our Lady. You can also visit the Blue Cross at the hill's base, where it's believed that Our Lady appeared to the children while they were hiding from the communist police in the early days of the alleged apparitions. After a day filled with spiritual experiences, we will depart for Sarajevo and our hotel and farewell dinner. (B/D) 

 Our pilgrimage comes to a close today as we transfer to the airport to catch our return flight home.