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Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy 2025 & 2026

(35 Reviews)

Jubilee Pilgrimages to Italy – Shrine of Padre Pio, Holy Face of Jesus in Manoppello, and Shrines of the Patron Saints of Italy Francis and Catherine 2025.

pilgrims of hope jubilee year 2025 rome vaticanMake or join a pilgrimage to Rome and walk through the Holy Doors during the Jubilee Year with the Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage Tour in 2025.  This Italy Pilgrimage to Rome is one of our most popular journeys, visiting the shrines of Padre Pio, the Holy Face of Jesus, and St. Francis of Assisi.  The tour begins with three nights in Catholic Rome, where you will visit St. Peter’s Basilica and three other Major Basilicas, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. You will also attend an Audience with the Pope if he is in residence.  Other spiritual highlights of this pilgrimage to Italy include a visit to Padre Pio’s Shrine and St. Michael the Archangel’s Cave, a trip to Lanciano to venerate the Eucharistic Miracle, and a visit to Loreto to see the House of the Holy Family.  You will also travel to Manoppello to gaze upon the Miraculous Image of the Holy Face of Jesus (the Veronica) and pray at the Shrines of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi.  This pilgrimage to Italy visits the essential holy sites for both of the Patron Saints of Italy, Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena.  Throughout the Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage to Rome, you’ll savor the cuisine, art, and culture that exemplifies “la Dolce Vita”—that is Italy!  Reserve your spot for this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Pilgrimage to Rome – Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage

Tour Details Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
On this pilgrimage to Italy see Rome · Vatican · Monte Cassino Abbey · St. Padre Pio · Monte Sant'Angelo · Lanciano · Loreto · Holy Face in Manoppello - Assisi · Siena

Departure & Return Location

Departure Time

Arrive for Check-in 3 Hours Before Flight Time

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Complementaries

  • Name and Luggage tags
  • Neck Wallet
  • Travel Bag

Tour Size

  • Average tour size for Shrines of Italy Pilgrimages is 25 except private groups
Itinerary Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
On this Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage see Rome · Vatican · Monte Cassino Abbey · St. Padre Pio · St. Michael's Grotto · Lanciano Miracle · Loreto Holy House · Holy Face in Manoppello - Assisi · Siena
Optional Extension to Florence, Venice & Padua - $2,099
Available for groups of 10 or more

Day 1Home - Rome

Depart from your local airport for flights to Rome. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.

Day 2Arrival in Rome

pizza in rome italy food pilgrimageMeet your pilgrimage tour guide and transfer to your first-class four star hotel.  You will have the afternoon free to relax or explore Catholic Rome on your own.  Your tour guide will recommend some sights or walks for you to enjoy, such as the Trevi Fountain, the most famous fountain in Rome.  Later, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Day 3Papal Audience at the Vatican - St. Peter's Basilica - Pieta - Vatican Museums - Sistine Chapel - Holy Doors

pieta rome vatican shrines of italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysToday, this is truly a day that will remain in your memories for many years to come.  This morning, we are heading to Vatican City to attend the weekly Papal Audience and blessing given by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.  After the audience, if available, we will visit the Vatican Museums, a collection of impressive buildings housing hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures.  You will see awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated over the centuries as tributes of faith.  Throughout the tour, you will explore the Tapestry Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece featuring the restored mural of the Last Judgment.  Later, we will enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred.  Undeniably beautiful, it serves as a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s stunning bronze canopy.  Before dinner, we’ll have some leisure time to explore on our own, shop, or sit in one of the outdoor cafes and watch the world go by.  Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 43 Major Basilicas of Mary Major, St. John Lateran, St. Paul outside the Walls - Holy Doors - Catacombs of St. Callixtus

St. Paul outside the walls basilica rome italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysIn the morning, embark on a sightseeing tour of a lifetime!  The tour includes three major basilicas: St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which houses a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus; the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the former residence of the popes before their return to Rome in 1377; and St. Paul Outside the Walls, which contains the remains of St. Paul beneath its main altar.  You will also visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where the 37-acre site once held the remains of 16 popes and 50 martyrs, including St. Cecilia, a noblewoman who is one of the most famous martyrs of Rome and the patroness of music.  She is one of seven women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass, excluding the Blessed Virgin.  Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and overnight accommodations for your final evening in Rome.

Day 5Famous Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino - San Giovanni Rotondo the home of Padre Pio

abbey montecassinoTravel southeast from the Eternal City and enjoy the scenic route to San Giovanni Rotondo.  You’ll stop in Monte Cassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, founded by St. Benedict, a patron saint of Europe.  This stunning Abbey is situated on a hill overlooking the village of Cassino.  Established high in the mountains, the Abbey was founded by Saint Benedict of Norcia in the 6th century, where he created his first monastic community.  Having been destroyed four times, most recently during World War II, it continues to serve as a home for the Order of Saint Benedict.  St. Benedict is famous for the Rule of Saint Benedict, which outlines guidelines for his monks.  Heavily influenced by John Cassian’s writings, it resembles the Rule of the Master while also embodying a unique spirit of balance, moderation, and reasonableness, encouraging many monastic communities throughout the region to adopt it.  As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious guidelines in Western Christendom.  For this reason, Benedict is widely recognized as the founder of Western Christian monasticism.

We arrive in San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio’s home, just in time for dinner and then overnight.

Day 6Our Lady of Grace Church - St. Pio Pilgrimage Church - Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo

padre pio on italy pilgrimage tour with catholic journeysMont Sant Angelo shrines of italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysToday, you will visit the tomb of St. Padre Pio and tour the old Church of Our Lady of Grace.  You will see the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918, as well as the confessional where Padre Pio spent countless hours guiding numerous pilgrims on their journey toward God.  Next, you will visit the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church, which houses the saint’s remains in the crypt.  This new church has a seating capacity of 6,500 people.  Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have visited this shrine.

 

Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gargano Peninsula and visit the Grotto of Saint Michael the Archangel.  Six different popes, St Francis, and at least four other saints have knelt in prayer at this grotto, seeking the protection of St Michael.  A panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding countryside awaits you at this most celebrated shrine of early Christianity, a shrine consecrated by St Michael himself in 490.  Return to San Giovanni for reflection, dinner, and overnight.  Optional Candlelight Procession – From May to October, attend the weekly candlelight procession at the Sanctuary of St. Pio after dinner at 9:00 PM.

Day 7 Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano - Manoppello the true icon - Sanctuary of the Holy House in Loreto

loreto sanctuary italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysToday’s travels take you to Lanciano to see the eighth-century Eucharistic Miracle in the little Church of Lagontial. After expressing doubts about Christ’s true presence in the consecrated host, a monk found himself holding a host that had changed into flesh and wine that had changed into blood.  The blood type is AB, the same as other eucharistic miracles.

Next, journey through the stunning Italian countryside to the historic town of Manoppello. Here, you will celebrate Mass at the old Capuchin Monastery and view a miraculous image of Christ’s face on a veil, known as the “veronica” (true icon) in the Santuario del Volto SantoThe image depicts a male face with long hair and a beard styled in bands.  Remarkably, it is the only instance in the world where the image is visible on both sides of the cloth; the colors are very light, the eyes gaze upward, and the pupils, though irregular, are fully open.  Scientific tests and observations under ultraviolet light and a microscope reveal no pigments or paintings on the veil.

After lunch, travel along the lush Adriatic coast to the great Marian shrine of Loreto, where you will visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto.  More than 50 popes made a pilgrimage to the house, which angels transported to this hill in central Italy in 1294.  Tradition has it that this is the house where Mary prayed the Magnificat, Jesus grew to manhood, and the Holy Family lived.  Dinner and overnight are in Loreto.

Day 8Assisi - Basilica of Saint Francis - Saint Carlo Acutis the First Millenial Saint - Basilica of Saint Claire - Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels

basilica of st. francis assisi italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysAfter breakfast, we travel to the hilltop town of Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis, celebrate Mass, and visit St. Francis’s tomb in the Basilica of Saint Francis.  Explore the charming hilltop birthplace of St. Francis, which still retains some of the atmosphere from the early 1200s when he began his ministry.  Within the vast 13th-century Basilica of Saint Francis, you can find many of his possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life.  You may kneel before the crucifix where Jesus spoke to St. Francis, asking him to rebuild His church.   We will visit the Santuario Della Spogliazione, where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ tomb is.  Carlo will be declared a Saint in April of 2025 and will be the first Millenial Saint.  St. Francis spent most of his life at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.  Here, we will visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rosebush, and the cave where the saint retreated for prayer.  Stroll through the medieval streets of this compact town.  After stopping at an outdoor café with a view of an ancient Roman temple, we will head to the Basilica of St. Clare to see the saint’s incorrupt body.  The foundress of the Order of Poor Clares followed St. Francis’s teachings by living a life of poverty and humility.  Officially known as the Order of Saint Clare, they are the second branch of the Franciscans.  Today, over 20,000 Poor Clare nuns can be found in more than 75 countries worldwide.  Return to Assisi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9 Siena - Basilica of St. Francis and the Eucharistic Miracle - Piazza del Campo - Siena Cathedral - Basilica of St. Dominic - Relics of Saint Catherine

vista cathedral siena italy pilgrimage tour catholic journeysThis morning, you are off to Siena, the birthplace of Saints Catherine and Bernardino and one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. 

We will visit the Italian Neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Francis, which houses consecrated hosts that have remained miraculously intact since 1730.  Among the many distinguished visitors who have venerated these hosts is St. John Bosco.  They were also honored by Pope John XXIII, who signed the visitors’ album on May 29, 1954, when he was still the Patriarch of Venice.  Although Popes Pius X, Benedict XV, Pius XI, and Pius XII could not visit the miraculous hosts, they each expressed profound interest and admiration for them through official statements.

Here, we will stroll the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy’s finest squares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the sections resemble the folds in the Virgin Mary’s cloak, who is Siena’s patron saint and ultimate ruler.  

We will visit the magnificent Duomo, or Siena Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Europe and dedicated to Saint Mary of the Assumption.  It is one of Italy’s most important and stunning Romanesque-Gothic churches.  The cathedral features works by renowned artists, including Nicola Pisano’s pulpit, Donatello’s St. John the Baptist, Michelangelo’s Piccolomini altar, and Bernini’s Chapel of the Vow. 

A pilgrimage to Siena would not be complete without visiting the co-patron Saint of Italy, St. Catherine, who is also a co-patron saint of Europe.  We will tour St. Catherine’s house museum and then proceed to the Basilica of St. Dominic, where we can view her incorrupt head and thumb.  St. Catherine spent much of her life within the walls of this magnificent Basilica, the first dedicated to St. Dominic.  After the visit, we will return to Assisi for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 10 Return Home -- or Optional Extension to Florence, Venice and Padua

Bid farewell to our new friends and a pilgrimage that will be in your memories and heart for a long time—early departure from Assisi for Florence or Rome Airport for our return flights home.

Day 10Assisi - Florence

After a brief drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside, we arrive in Florence. A paradise for art lovers, Florence drew to itself the greatest artists of the Renaissance: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello and many others. Dinner and overnight.

Day 11Florence 

florence duomo shrines of italy pilgrimage tour with catholic journeysAfter Mass, enjoy a guided tour of Florence which includes the magnificent Franciscan church of The Holy Cross or Santa Croce with its beautiful facade.  The church is a burial place of nobles, among which are Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Walking tour through Piazza Signoria, pass by Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio. Continue through Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore 13th-century cathedral.

Day 12 Florence - Padua

friars praying at the tomb of st. anthony of padua italy shrine pilgrimage tourThe next stop is Padua, where St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, is honored.  After Mass at the Basilica built in his honor, we continue on a sightseeing tour that includes one of the oldest universities, the Tomb of St. Anthony, and his relics.  We pass by Pratto Della Valle, one of the largest squares in Italy, and the Basilica of Santa Giustina.  There will be some time to relax before dinner.  We will spend the night in Padua.

Day 13 Full day excursion to Venice

boat in canal in Venice italy shrines pilgrimage tour with catholic journeys

After breakfast, leave for Venice, which is only 25 miles away, for a tour of some of the greatest sights you’ll ever see: St. Mark’s Square, the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs, and the extraordinary Doge’s Palace.  After the tour, you will have some free time to shop, explore Venice on your own, and perhaps take an optional gondola ride or enjoy an afternoon at a charming café.  Return to Padua for dinner and overnight accommodations.

Day 14 Return Home

Bid farewell to your new friends and a pilgrimage to Italy which will be in our memories and hearts for a long time. After breakfast depart from the hotel to Venice Airport for your return flight home.

Map of Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
Interactive Map of Sites on this Pilgrimage to Rome and Italy - click on upper left arrow for list or on pins

Photos of Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
Pictures of this pilgrimage to Italy including Rome · Vatican · Monte Cassino Abbey · St. Padre Pio · Monte Sant'Angelo · Lanciano · Loreto · Holy Face in Manoppello - Assisi · Siena
Dates, Pricing, and Booking Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
Make a $500 Deposit to reserve your place. If less than 90 days before departure, Full Payment is due. No credit card fees.

 

 

2025 Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy Dates

pilgrims of hope jubilee year 2025 rome vatican

Jubilee Year of Hope

RI-2025-June30

June 30 – July 9, 2025


St. Stanislaus Parish Pilgrimage with Fr. Tomasz. A few spots available!

$6,595 Book Here $5,499 Land Only
RI-2025-Oct6 October 6 – 15, 2025
Fr. Bino
with Fr. BinoSold Out!
Book Here
RI-2025-Oct13

October 13 – 22, 2025

Father Paul Coleman

with Fr. Paul Coleman – a private pilgrimage

Book Here
RI-2025-October October 20 – 29, 2025
Fr. shoury
with Fr. Shoury.
$5,795 Book Here $4,795 land only
RI-2025-November

November  3 – 12, 2025

Some spots are still available; join us.  

with Fr. TBA — coming soon!

$5,895 Book Here $4,795 land only
 

Want to go in October?  Or see the Last Supper?

October 22 Holy Name Pilgrimage to Italy Join us. click here.

 
 

Italy Food, Faith, Gelato, and Wine Pilgrimage 

November 10-20, 2025

 Pilgrimage to Italy Join us!  More information here.

 
2026 Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy Dates
RI-2026-February

Ash Wednesday Pilgrimage

February 16 – 25, 2026
Sale! Save $300.  The regular price is $5,495.

$5,195 Book Here $4,299 land only
RI-2026-March

Holy Week & Easter Sunday Pilgrimage

March 28 – April 6, 2026
Sale! Save $300.  The regular price is $5,995.

$5,695 Book Here $4,699 land only
RI-2026-June June 29 – July 8, 2026
Sale! Save $300.  The regular price is $6,695.
$6,995 Book Here $5,399 Land Only
RI-2026-October October 19 – 28, 2026
Sale! Save $500.  The regular price is $6,195.
$5,695 Book Here $4,795 land only
  Other dates available for groups – contact us  

Optional Florence, Venice, and Padua Pilgrimage Extension  $2,099

All prices per person are in USD based on double occupancy.  Single Supplement for the Shrines of Italy $1,299
Single Supplement for the Florence, Venice, and Padua Extension Only $550

See the airports that we serve in the USA and Canada.  A few airports have an additional charge. Contact us if you don’t see your airport. 

Options

Pre-Stay or Post-Stay in Rome – Overnight Hotel & Breakfast

Double Room w/breakfast only per person $249 · Single Room w/breakfast only one person $445 · Private Airport Transfer per person $56

Flight Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy 

Upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy are available – conditions apply!

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this pilgrimage to Italy?   Click Here to get started.

Travel Insurance Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – See the Great Shrines of Italy
If you encounter a flight cancellation, baggage delay, medical emergency or more during your pilgrimage to Italy, travel insurance is here to help.

Travel insurance is available for this pilgrimage to Italy, and it is recommended!

Click here for information on insurance plans!

travel insured international logo

FAQ for Italy Pilgrimage to Rome – Great Shrines of Italy
Frequently Asked Questions about a pilgrimage to Rome and the Shrines of Italy

starhotels michelangelo italy pilgrimage to rome great shrines of italy hotel

Hotel information for this pilgrimage to Rome and Italy.

How do I meet up with the group if I make my flight arrangements? 

Arrival times vary between dates and within pilgrimages.  If you make your own flight arrangements, we can arrange a private airport transfer in Rome for $56 per person.  We recommend using our transfer service because they are known and trusted drivers.  As soon as you have your flight information, email Marcelle.

Will I need an electrical adapter for a pilgrimage to Italy? Yes, you will need an adapter for Italy.

How can I receive a plenary Indulgence?  Here is how to receive a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year.

Do you have other pilgrimages to Rome? Yes, click here for all of our pilgrimages to Rome and Italy.

Would you like to lead your parish or group on this pilgrimage to Italy?  Click Here to get started.

Do you have FAQs for airlines, passports, vaccinations, travel insurance, tipping, packing, mobility, and others?  Yes. FAQ for all Catholic Journeys Pilgrimage Tours

Do you have any podcasts concerning this tour? Yes!

Episode 5 Pilgrimage tour in Italy interview with Catholic Journeys Fr. Paul Watkins
Finding Christ

Welcome to the 2nd episode this week! I know I said one episode a week but since we are on Pilgrimage I had the opportunity to interview our Catholic Journeys Fr. Paul Watkins! He is a priest of the Dominican order and is our spiritual leader on this pilgrimage tour. I hope you all enjoy!

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-christ/id1795585911?i=1000699301167

35 Reviews
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Mark and Nelia F

Couple Traveller

My wife and I went on the Italy pilgrimage to Rome and the Great Shrines of Italy. We were completely satisfied with the tour: how it was managed, the locations we visited, the quality of the hotels we stayed at, the food we ate, and the company we kept. Really, for the price, we could not have asked for more. This tour was such a value in every way.

We felt completely safe in a foreign country thanks to our tour guide, who was remarkable in every way and always concerned that everyone was doing okay as the tour went on. And the driver was remarkable, driving that huge bus around the sharp corners of very narrow roads. I don’t know how he did it.

This was truly the pilgrimage tour of a lifetime for this Catholic and something I will never forget. We would gladly consider using Catholic Journeys again in the future for a pilgrimage tour.

Mark and Nelia

April 11, 2025

Bill C

Solo Traveller

Dear Jacie and all,
Thank you for organizing the Great Shrines of Italy pilgrimage, 3/10-3/19/25. It was phenomenal: prayer time, liturgies, guides, shrines, hotels, food. I was wondering if you could provide the emails of our excellent guide Valentina (she put it in my phone but I can’t find it) and of Daniel of Louisiana as I failed to get it. Sincerely, Bill

April 10, 2025

Gary and Cathy C

Couple Traveller

First and foremost, we really enjoyed our time on the pilgrimage to Rome and the Great Shrines of Italy and met some wonderful people. But I think that the tour needs to be a day or two longer because we saw so, so many things it was difficult to truly appreciate what we were seeing. It would have been nice to stop and get on our knees, truly reflect, and stay a bit longer. I loved having Fr. Paul with us; he is wonderful. On the negative side, there was one hotel in Loreto that wasn’t up to standard, and although we only stayed one night, it wasn’t what we were used to. I will say, however, that the place was relatively clean, and the food was okay, too.
That’s all we have to say about our pilgrimage to Rome and Italy.
Gary and Cathy

April 10, 2025

John K

Solo Traveller

Dear Catholic Journeys:

It was very meaningful to me for our Italy Pilgrimage to Rome tour group to celebrate Mass daily with Fr David our priest. Also, the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation from local priests at some of the shrines was important to me.

Since 2025 is a Jubilee Year, Fr David told us that we could receive a plenary indulgence by walking through 4 Holy Doors of the major basilicas in Rome, receiving confession, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father. It was very meaningful for me to complete all the conditions for a plenary indulgence. Thanks for this Great Shrines of Italy Pilgrimage.

Regards,
John

March 31, 2025

MQ

Solo Traveller

Hello Marcelle, Jacie, Father Paul
I want to thank you for a wonderful pilgrimage to Italy you have set up for me.
I loved everything of it.
Our tour guide went above and beyond from beginning to end. She was patient, friendly, very accommodating, and took care of us very much.
Our driver was calm, great driver. He knows the round around of the area. Dropped us to the airport on time even after road closure.
The Shrines of Italy we went to were amazingly beautiful, sacred, and breathtaking. Most importantly, I was able to do my own meditations, prayers, and connection to my Savior.
I love the daily masses with Fr Boudreaux, togetherness with our group, the food and accommodations.
The place we stayed in Loreto, I am not fond of, but understandable if all hotels were fully booked. It was close to the church we were suppose to go. That was a plus!
Everything was good and memorable to me. Thank you for this Italy Pilgrimage to Rome and Great Shrines.

March 29, 2025
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