Sacred Beauty of Italy: A Faith Journey with Fr. John Thomas offers pilgrims a profound experience of faith, history, and beauty as they travel through Assisi, Siena, Florence (Firenze), Pisa, Montalcino, Monteoliveto, Orvieto, and Rome, walking in the footsteps of beloved saints such as Francis and Clare of Assisi and Catherine of Siena. This year, Assisi holds special significance as it celebrates the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of his passing. The pilgrimage blends prayer, daily Mass, and reflection with visits to sacred basilicas and majestic cathedrals, revealing Italy’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage—from the frescoed churches of Assisi and the medieval charm of Siena to the Renaissance brilliance of Florence, the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the timeless devotion at the heart of the Church in Rome. Pilgrims will also visit the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo and have the special privilege of participating in a papal audience with the Holy Father, deepening their spiritual renewal and connection to centuries of faith and the enduring witness of the saints.

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Faith in Travel highly recommends obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Travel insurance is non-refundable and needs to be purchased prior to final payment. Faith in Travel works with Travelex Insurance Services.  Please note that for all pre-existing conditions, insurance must be purchased within 21 days of the first initial trip payment.  

For more information and to purchase a policy, click here:  https://www.travelexinsurance.com/?location=17-0069&go=bp&navigation=off

The package price for this pilgrimage does not include airfare. Round Trip Flights from Louisville are available as an "Add-On" to your package when you register.

Flights departing Nashville upon request by emailing rose@faithintravel.com.

3 payment options are available:

1.  Check:  zero fees are applied.  

    Mail check to:

                  Faith in Travel  

                  4546 Fountain View Trace  

                  Owensboro, KY  42303

2.  ACH (e-check):  1% + 0.30 cents service fee

3.  Credit card:  1% + 0.30 cents service fee + 2.9% credit card fee (3.9% for American Express)

**If paying by check, please email marianna@faithintravel.com first before proceeding with registration. You will then be informed of how to proceed.

NOTE: Please do not enter any banking or credit card information into your registration if you plan to pay by check.

Tour guides: $7 to $10 per person, per day based on services

Step-on, Step-off guides:  €1 to €3 per person, depending on how long they are with the group

Bus Drivers: $5 per person per day

Restaurants: no tip at casual places or cafes but rounding up is fine

                       5-10% of bill for mid-range and high-end restaurants

 Level 3 of 4– Moderate to Active

More walking and longer days

• Walking: 3–5 miles per day

• Hills, cobblestones, stairs, and uneven terrain

• Longer sightseeing days with fewer rest breaks

• More walking between sites

This level is best if you’re used to being on your feet for much of the day and enjoy a more active travel experience. This is Level 3 on a 4-level activity scale, indicating a moderately active pace.

Depart the USA for an overnight transatlantic flight to Rome arriving the following day. Full meal service and on-flight entertainment provided.

Your pilgrimage begins at Rome Fiumicino Airport, where your escort welcomes you before traveling by private coach to Assisi. Enjoy a scenic three-hour journey through the Italian countryside to the peaceful hometown of St. Francis. Upon arrival, settle in and attend Mass at St. Mary of the Angels beside the Porziuncola. The evening concludes with hotel check-in and a welcome dinner to begin your spiritual journey.

After breakfast, walk through Assisi’s quiet streets to the Basilica of St. Clare for morning Mass. Continue with a guided visit of the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis, adorned with Giotto’s famous frescoes. After free time for lunch, visit the Church of San Damiano, where St. Francis first heard God’s call. In the afternoon, ascend by minivan to the peaceful hermitage of Eremo delle Carceri on Mt. Subasio for reflection among its forest chapels and caves. Return to your hotel for dinner.

Begin the day with breakfast followed by Mass in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis before bidding farewell to Assisi and traveling through the Tuscan countryside to Siena. Explore Siena’s medieval streets and the Basilica of San Domenico, home to relics of Saint Catherine. After lunch at leisure, continue to Florence to check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

The day begins with breakfast followed by a special Mass celebrating the Feast of the Guardian Angels at Florence’s Basilica di Santo Spirito. A guided walking tour then explores the city’s Renaissance treasures, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery. After some free time to enjoy Florence independently, the afternoon features an excursion to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli, with time to capture memorable photos of this iconic landmark and ride the delightful Pisa train carousel for a fun and scenic overview of the area. The day concludes with a return to Florence for an evening at leisure.

Depart Florence this morning for a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to Montalcino, where you’ll visit its medieval fortress and enjoy a tasting of Brunello wine. Continue to the serene Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore for Mass and perhaps hear the monks’ Gregorian chants. End the day with a traditional Tuscan dinner before returning to Florence.

After breakfast, journey south toward Orvieto through Italy’s timeless countryside. Ride the funicular into the hilltop city to admire its striking cathedral, famed for its golden façade and artistic grandeur. After Mass, enjoy leisurely time for lunch and reflection before continuing to Rome. Upon arrival, visit the historic Basilica of St. Mary Major, then settle into your hotel. The day concludes joyfully with a hands-on pizza-making experience and dinner—a delightful welcome to the Eternal City.

After breakfast, depart Rome for the serene hills of Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer retreat overlooking a tranquil volcanic lake. Visit the Papal Palace and its beautiful gardens, then explore the scenic Borromini Gardens by bus, enjoying panoramic views and peaceful moments. Returning to Rome, step into history with a reserved visit to the Colosseum, where echoes of ancient faith and courage endure. After Mass , enjoy an evening at leisure for rest, dining, and personal exploration.

Today’s journey centers on the Vatican’s sacred and artistic treasures. After breakfast, explore the Vatican Museums, where centuries of faith and beauty culminate in the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, crowned by Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic world, to pause in prayer amid its grandeur. After lunch at leisure, the day concludes reverently with Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, resting over the tomb of the Apostle Paul.

This morning, join pilgrims from around the world for the Papal Audience and receive the Holy Father’s blessing—a moving and joyful experience. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walking tour of Baroque Rome: cross Piazza Navona with Bernini’s fountains, climb the Spanish Steps, and pause at the Trevi Fountain. Mass will take place later in the afternoon. Your final evening concludes with a festive farewell dinner at a local Roman restaurant, a joyful moment of gratitude and companionship.

After breakfast, depart for the airport for the transatlantic flight back to the United States.