• Walk in the gentle footsteps of Our Lady, visiting sacred sites where faith and history intertwine.
• Stand beneath soaring cathedrals that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries, echoing prayers and devotion.
• Journey from the quiet village of Fatima to the vibrant pilgrimage center of Santiago de Compostela.
• Renew hope at Lourdes, where healing waters and heartfelt prayers uplift the spirit.
• Wander Parisian boulevards rich with art, history, and Marian devotion.
• Ascend the majestic Swiss Alps in Engelberg, where breathtaking nature invites reflection and peace.
• Contemplate the Shroud of Turin, a silent witness to sacrifice and resurrection.
• Explore Florence’s Renaissance heritage, visit Assisi and Padua, homes to St. Francis and St. Anthony, exemplars of humility and grace.
• Discover Venice’s waterways and Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower, blending sacred tradition with cultural wonder.
• Conclude in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church, enriched by pilgrimage and renewed in faith.
• Experience exceptional comfort with a thoughtfully designed accommodation plan featuring only a few single-night stays, allowing longer rests and deeper connection.
• Travel at a relaxed pace that balances spiritual enrichment with comfort, making this pilgrimage as nurturing as it is inspiring.

Transfers: Lisbon to Fátima (130 km, 1h 30m)

Forenoon

• Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal, where centuries of Christian faith and maritime exploration converge in stunning harmony.
• Stop at the Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage monument that once launched Portuguese explorers across the seas. Its Manueline architecture and riverfront location symbolize the nation's Age of Discovery and missionary zeal.
• Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Portugal. Built to honor the Virgin Mary and Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India, the monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline Gothic architecture and a symbol of Portugal's deep Catholic heritage.

Afternoon

• Drive to Fátima, a humble village transformed into a global pilgrimage site by the Marian apparitions of 1917.
• Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, built at the exact location where Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children. The simple chapel remains the spiritual heart of the Fátima sanctuary.
• Enter the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, whose soaring spire shelters the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta, as well as Sister Lucia. The basilica is a place of prayerful silence and deep reverence.

Evening

• Candlelight Rosary Procession.
  Join pilgrims from around the world in this moving nightly tradition, walking in prayerful silence as the Rosary is recited in various languages. The statue of Our Lady is carried solemnly through the sanctuary square, illuminating the night with thousands of candles.

restaurant Meals

Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Fátima

Transfers: No long-distance transfers (local movements only)

Forenoon:

• Visit the Little Chapel of the Apparitions.
  This modest yet deeply revered chapel marks the exact spot where Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. It is the spiritual heart of the Fatima sanctuary, drawing millions of pilgrims each year to kneel in prayer and reflection.
• Daily Mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
  Celebrate Mass at one of the most spiritually significant locations in all of Christendom. The sacred atmosphere, enhanced by international participation, fosters a profound connection to the message of Our Lady of Fátima.
• Walk the Sanctuary Esplanade.
  Stroll through the vast plaza that connects the basilicas and chapels of the Fatima complex. Pilgrims from every continent cross this esplanade—some even on their knees—in acts of penance and devotion.

Afternoon:

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary.
  A majestic neoclassical basilica housing the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta, as well as Sister Lucia. Its soaring spire and delicate stained glass windows invite quiet reverence, while the mysteries of the Rosary echo through its daily rhythm.
• Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.
  A modern, circular basilica designed to accommodate over 8,000 faithful, this is one of the largest churches in the world. Its minimalist architecture and calm interior offer a space for peaceful meditation on the Trinity and the message of Fátima.
• Valinhos and Loca do Cabeço.
  These rural sites, located near the children’s homes, were visited by the Angel of Peace in 1916 and later by the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims walk a peaceful path through olive groves and farmland, reflecting on the children’s spiritual preparation and sacrifices.

Evening:

• Via Sacra and Hungarian Calvary.
  Follow the Way of the Cross through the countryside of Fátima, marked by 14 stations donated by Hungarian Catholics. The final station stands on a hill crowned with a large crucifix and offers a panoramic view of the sanctuary.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Fátima

Transfers: Fátima to Porto (200 km, 2h 15m) | Porto to Santiago de Compostela (230 km, 2h 45m)

Forenoon:

• Depart from Fátima and drive north to Porto.
  Travel through central Portugal’s rolling hills en route to Porto, a historic city on the Douro River known for its religious architecture and deep Catholic roots.
• Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral).
  This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral stands as one of the most important religious buildings in the city. Its fortress-like structure, cloisters adorned with blue azulejos, and panoramic views of the city inspire spiritual awe and historical wonder.
• Daily Mass at Porto Cathedral.
  Celebrate Mass in this ancient cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The liturgy in this historic space connects pilgrims to the long Catholic tradition of Portugal.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Santiago de Compostela.
  Cross into Spain and journey through the lush, green landscapes of Galicia as the pilgrimage continues to one of the most iconic Christian destinations in the world.
• Scenic arrival in Santiago de Compostela.
  Enter this sacred city, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago, where pilgrims have journeyed on foot for over a millennium to honor the tomb of the Apostle James.

Evening:

• Orientation walk in the old town.
  Explore the medieval streets of Santiago’s UNESCO-listed historic center, lined with stone arcades, convents, and centuries-old pilgrimage hostels. The ambiance is deeply spiritual and beautifully preserved.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Santiago de Compostela

Transfers: No long-distance transfers (local movements only)

Forenoon:

• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
  Visit the shrine of Saint James the Greater, one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in Christianity. The cathedral’s Romanesque and Baroque architecture shelters the apostle’s tomb and the magnificent Botafumeiro thurible, which swings high above the sanctuary during solemn liturgies.
• Daily Mass at the Cathedral (Pilgrim’s Mass).
  Participate in the traditional Pilgrim’s Mass, often accompanied by the Botafumeiro incense ritual. This celebration brings together pilgrims from around the world in a deeply unifying experience of faith and gratitude.
• Embrace the Apostle.
  Climb behind the high altar to embrace the silver statue of Saint James — a gesture symbolizing reverence, thanksgiving, and the culmination of one's pilgrimage journey.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Cathedral Museum and Treasury.
  Discover the artistic, liturgical, and archaeological heritage of the Cathedral, including sacred relics, medieval manuscripts, and vestments. The museum offers deeper insight into Santiago’s centuries of pilgrimage culture.
• Plaza del Obradoiro.
  Spend time in the grand square facing the cathedral, a place where pilgrims traditionally arrive and celebrate the completion of their journey. The atmosphere is both jubilant and contemplative.
• Monastery of San Martín Pinario.
  Explore the second-largest monastery in Spain, an impressive Baroque complex once home to hundreds of Benedictine monks. The church interior features exquisite woodwork, gilded altars, and sacred silence.

Evening:

• Evening walk to Parque da Alameda.
  Enjoy a gentle stroll through this hilltop park, offering panoramic views of the cathedral towers and the old city skyline. It’s an ideal setting for reflection and prayer at dusk.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Santiago de Compostela

Transfers: Santiago de Compostela to León (330 km, 3h 30m) | León to Burgos (180 km, 2h 15m)

Forenoon:

• Depart from Santiago de Compostela.
  Begin the journey eastward through the verdant hills and plains of northern Spain, traveling along historic pilgrimage routes that connect some of the country’s most sacred cities.
• León Cathedral (Santa María de León).
  Known as the “House of Light,” this 13th-century Gothic masterpiece is celebrated for its towering stained glass windows and serene, prayerful interior. The cathedral has long served as a spiritual resting place for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago.
• Daily Mass at León Cathedral.
  Celebrate the Eucharist in this awe-inspiring Gothic church, a beacon of spiritual renewal and beauty along the pilgrimage path. The vibrant light streaming through the medieval glass sets a reverent tone for worship.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Burgos.
  Travel southeast through the Castilian countryside, arriving in a city renowned for its architectural grandeur and connection to El Cid, Spain’s national hero and defender of the faith.
• Arrival in Burgos and walk through the Old Quarter.
  Explore the historic heart of the city, where cobbled streets and stone facades reflect the medieval spirit of Burgos. Pilgrims have passed through this town for centuries en route to Santiago, making it a natural stop for spiritual renewal

Evening:

• Burgos Cathedral (Santa María de Burgos).
  Visit one of Spain’s most breathtaking Gothic cathedrals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the tomb of El Cid and features soaring spires, rose windows, and intricately carved portals. The cathedral invites deep silence and wonder through its monumental scale and sacred artistry.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Burgos

Transfers: Burgos to Zaragoza (270 km, 2h 45m) | Zaragoza to Lourdes (230 km, 3h 15m)

Forenoon:

• Depart from Burgos and travel to Zaragoza.
  Journey through the heart of Aragon, a land rich in history and Marian devotion.
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar (Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar), Zaragoza.
  Visit one of the oldest Marian shrines in the world, where tradition holds that the Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle James atop a pillar. The basilica’s stunning Baroque architecture, frescoed ceilings, and vast interior invite pilgrims to seek Mary’s intercession and strength.
• Daily Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.
  Celebrate the Eucharist in this powerful Marian sanctuary, where countless pilgrims have prayed for guidance and miracles. The Mass here carries centuries of deep faith and devotion.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Lourdes, France.
  Cross the Pyrenees into France, arriving at the world-renowned pilgrimage site where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
• Introduction to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
  Walk through the grounds surrounding the Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions, where the healing spring flows and millions gather seeking spiritual and physical renewal.

Evening:

• Evening Rosary and Candlelight Procession at Lourdes.
  Participate in the moving nightly candlelight procession, a luminous expression of faith and hope. Pilgrims carry candles while reciting the Rosary in many languages, creating an atmosphere of universal prayer and peace.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Lourdes

Transfers: No long-distance transfers (local movements only)

Forenoon:

• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Upper Basilica).
  Explore this neo-Gothic sanctuary perched above the Grotto, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Its soaring spires and intricate stained glass windows inspire awe and devotion.
• Daily Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
  Celebrate Mass in this beautiful sanctuary, reflecting on Mary’s purity and role as Mother of the Church. The solemn liturgy enriches the pilgrim’s spiritual journey.
• Visit the Basilica of St. Pius X (Underground Basilica).
  Experience the vast underground basilica, built to accommodate thousands of pilgrims. Its modern architecture and serene ambiance provide space for prayer and large gatherings.

Afternoon:

• Grotto of Massabielle and Baths.
  Visit the sacred Grotto where Mary appeared to Bernadette, and witness the many pilgrims who come to bathe in the healing waters. The baths symbolize the physical and spiritual cleansing that Lourdes offers.
• Stations of the Cross on the hillside.
  Walk the path up the hill marked with the 14 Stations of the Cross, an outdoor devotion that retraces Christ’s final journey. The serene setting encourages prayerful meditation.

Evening:

• Evening prayer or adoration at the Sanctuary.
  Join in quiet adoration or take time for personal prayer within the sanctuary grounds, allowing the grace of Lourdes to deepen interior peace.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Lourdes

Transfers: Lourdes to Paris by TGV train (approx. 5h 15m)

Forenoon:

• Travel from Lourdes to Paris by high-speed TGV train.
  Enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey northward across the French countryside. The TGV offers a smooth connection from one of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage sites to the vibrant spiritual heart of France.

Afternoon:

• Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
  Situated on the highest point in Paris, Montmartre Hill, Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a symbol of faith, hope, and reconciliation. Its stunning white domes and intricate mosaics inspire pilgrims to deepen their prayer life, while its panoramic views offer moments of peaceful contemplation over the city.
• Daily Mass at Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
  Celebrate the Eucharist in this sacred space dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The basilica’s tranquil atmosphere invites deep spiritual connection and renewal for all who gather.

Evening:

• Evening prayer or reflection.
  Take time for personal or group prayer in the basilica’s serene chapels or the peaceful Montmartre surroundings. The evening ambiance here fosters quiet reflection after the day’s journey.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Paris

Transfers: Local travel only

Forenoon:

• Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral (subject to reopening in 2026).
  Explore the exterior and surroundings of this iconic Gothic masterpiece, renowned for its soaring spires, flying buttresses, and exquisite stained glass windows. Notre-Dame has long been a center of Catholic worship and pilgrimage, and its restoration represents hope and resilience.
• Daily Mass near Notre-Dame Cathedral.
  Attend Mass at a nearby historic parish such as Saint-Sulpice or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, ensuring the pilgrimage maintains its liturgical rhythm amidst the city’s sacred spaces.
• Orientation tour including Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées.
  Walk along the legendary Champs-Élysées, often called the “world’s most beautiful avenue,” lined with elegant shops, cafes, and theaters. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, a monumental arch honoring those who fought and died for France, symbolizing national pride and faith’s enduring role in history.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars.
  Experience the Eiffel Tower, the emblematic symbol of Paris, whose iron lattice rises boldly above the city skyline. The adjacent Champ de Mars park offers a serene setting for prayerful reflection amid the urban vibrancy.

Evening:

• Seine River Cruise.
  Relax on a peaceful evening cruise along the Seine River, passing beneath historic bridges and alongside illuminated landmarks such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame. The gentle flow of the river invites meditation and gratitude for the spiritual and cultural journey.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Paris

Transfers: Paris to Strasbourg by train (approx. 2h 20m, 490 km)

Forenoon:

• Travel from Paris to Strasbourg.
  Journey eastward by high-speed train through the varied landscapes of France, moving from the bustling capital to the historic Alsace region. Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Europe,” offers a rich tapestry of religious, cultural, and architectural heritage.

Afternoon:

• Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame).
  Admire this architectural masterpiece, which held the record as the tallest building in the world for over two centuries. Its exquisite rose windows cast colorful light onto the ancient stone, and the famed astronomical clock delights visitors with its mechanical procession of apostles, symbolizing the harmony of faith and time.
• La Petite France district.
  Wander through this enchanting quarter, where half-timbered medieval houses line the canals. This peaceful, picturesque neighborhood invites quiet reflection amid its charming bridges and cobblestone streets, offering a glimpse into Strasbourg’s rich spiritual and cultural history.

Evening: At leisure

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Strasbourg

Transfers: Strasbourg to Mariastein (100 km, 1h 30m) | Mariastein to Einsiedeln (120 km, 2h) Einsiedeln to Engelberg (85 km, 1h 30m)

Forenoon:

• Visit Mariastein Abbey, Switzerland.
  Nestled in the Jura Mountains, Mariastein Abbey is a revered Marian pilgrimage site known for its Baroque basilica and miraculous healing shrine. Pilgrims come here to seek Mary’s intercession in a peaceful, prayerful environment steeped in centuries-old traditions.

• Drive to Einsiedeln Abbey.
  Continue to Einsiedeln, Switzerland’s premier Marian sanctuary and a major pilgrimage destination since the 10th century. The abbey is renowned for its Benedictine community and the miraculous Black Madonna statue that draws devotees from across Europe.
• Einsiedeln Abbey (Benedictine Monastery).
  Explore the grand Baroque basilica, rich with intricate sculptures, vibrant frescoes, and the revered chapel housing the Black Madonna. The abbey’s centuries-old traditions of worship and hospitality create a sacred atmosphere for prayer and renewal.
• Afternoon:Transfer to Engelberg.
  Arrive in Engelberg, a peaceful alpine village surrounded by soaring peaks. This tranquil setting invites pilgrims to rest and reflect amidst nature’s grandeur.

Evening: At leisure

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Engelberg

Transfers: Engelberg to Lucerne (45 km, approx. 45 min) round trip

Forenoon:

• Mt. Titlis excursion.
  Start the day ascending Mt. Titlis via the rotating cable car, enjoying stunning panoramic views of snow-covered peaks and glaciers. Experience the Ice Flyer chairlift, which glides over icy crevasses and offers an exhilarating perspective of the Alpine wilderness. The serene mountain environment invites moments of awe and spiritual reflection on the majesty of God’s creation.

Afternoon:

• Travel to Lucerne.
  Drive to Lucerne, a charming Swiss city famous for its preserved medieval architecture and lakeside setting, nestled against a backdrop of mountains.
• Explore Lucerne’s historic Old Town.
  Wander the cobbled streets lined with colorful frescoed buildings and quaint shops, immersing in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
• Visit Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke).
  Discover this iconic 14th-century wooden covered bridge, one of the oldest in Europe and a symbol of Lucerne. The bridge’s interior is adorned with 17th-century paintings depicting local history and legends, blending artistry and heritage over the Reuss River.
• Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal).
  View the poignant Lion Monument, a sculpture commemorating Swiss Guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. This moving tribute embodies courage and sacrifice.
• Lake Lucerne Promenade.
  Stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade, enjoying serene views of the water and mountains, perfect for contemplative prayer and quiet reflection

Evening:

• Return to Engelberg.
  After a day filled with natural beauty and cultural heritage, return to Engelberg for rest and spiritual renewal in the peaceful alpine surroundings.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Engelberg

Transfers: Engelberg to Turin (370 km, 5h 30m)

Forenoon:

• Depart from Engelberg.
  Travel south through the scenic Swiss Alps, crossing into northern Italy. The journey leads to Turin — an elegant Baroque city where faith and mystery converge in one of the most enigmatic relics in Christian history.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
• Arrive in Turin to visit the cathedral that houses the Shroud of Turin, a centuries-old linen cloth bearing the front and back image of a crucified man — widely venerated as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Though the original is only displayed on rare occasions, a life-size photographic replica and historical exhibits allow pilgrims to contemplate its significance.
• Recent interdisciplinary studies have revealed astonishing properties of the Shroud:
  
• Bloodstains are real human blood, type AB, with unusually high bilirubin levels — consistent with trauma and extreme stress at death, as confirmed by forensic pathologists.
• The image itself cannot be explained by paint, dye, or any medieval technique. Microscopic analysis reveals no pigment in the image area. The coloration appears on the uppermost fibrils of the linen — a phenomenon that behaves like a photographic negative, centuries before photography existed.
• Physicist Robert Rucker has proposed that the image may have formed through a burst of ultraviolet radiation — a hypothesis supported by the cloth’s superficial and precise image formation.
• Scholars such as Joseph Marino and Julio L. Fanty have raised concerns about the validity of the 1988 carbon dating tests, suggesting that the area sampled may have been part of a medieval repair. Moreover, pollen samples from the cloth point to botanical origins in the Jerusalem region, and trace elements like limestone dust match tombs found around the Holy City.
• Art historians cite the Hungarian Pray Manuscript (c. 1192), which depicts a burial scene with striking similarities to the Shroud’s herringbone weave and unique burn marks — evidence that the cloth existed at least a century before the radiocarbon date suggests.
• Whether seen as a relic of Christ’s Passion or a divine mystery beyond science, the Shroud remains a powerful invitation to ponder the physical reality of the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Evening:

• Conclude the day in prayer, meditating on the image that has stirred faith and challenged science for centuries. The Shroud speaks without words — a silent witness of love, suffering, and glory.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Turin

Transfers: Turin to Milan – 145 km (2h 15m) |  Milan to Montichiari – 105 km (1h 30m) |
Montichiari to Padua – 125 km (1h 45m)

Forenoon:
Depart from Turin and journey eastward into the vibrant region of Lombardy.

• Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
  This masterpiece of Gothic architecture, rising from the heart of Milan, took nearly 600 years to complete and remains one of Christianity’s most iconic shrines. Its soaring spires, statues, and stained glass windows reflect divine inspiration and artistic grandeur. Within the nave, pilgrims may pray before the relic of the Holy Nail, believed to have been used in Christ’s Crucifixion.
• Afternoon:
  Continue your journey towards Padua, making a spiritual stop along the way.
• Visit the Sanctuary of Mary, Mystical Rose – Mother of the Church in Montichiari
  Located southeast of Brescia, this peaceful Marian shrine is associated with the apparitions reported by Pierina Gilli in 1947. The Virgin Mary appeared under the title “Rosa Mystica”, calling the faithful to prayer, penance, and sanctification, particularly for religious vocations. The sanctuary has since become a place of grace and healing, where pilgrims gather to light candles, attend silent adoration, and entrust their intentions to Our Lady.
• Continue to Padua, a city where sacred heritage and medieval beauty intertwine.
• Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
  Final resting place of the “Wonder Worker,” St. Anthony’s basilica is a deeply venerated pilgrimage site. The tomb of the saint and the chapel of relics draw millions each year, offering a space of profound intercession and silent reverence. Pilgrims can reflect on his sermons, his miracles, and the enduring message of love and humility.

Evening:

• Settle into Padua for a peaceful night.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Padua

Transfers: Padua to Venice (40 km, approx. 1h) round trip

Forenoon:

• Visit Venice – the Floating City.
  Embark on a day trip to Venice, a city that floats on faith and water. The serene canals and centuries-old basilicas create an atmosphere of sacred stillness.
• Daily Mass at Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica).
  Celebrate the Eucharist in the iconic Byzantine cathedral that houses the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist. The golden mosaics and spiritual gravitas make it one of the most profound sacred sites in Italy.

Afternoon:

• Visit St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
  Walk through the heart of Venice where faith and governance once intertwined. The Doge’s Palace, with its Gothic arches and Bridge of Sighs, offers a glimpse into the spiritual and political life of the Republic of Venice.
• Visit the Murano Glass Museum.
  Explore this celebrated glass museum that reflects the ingenuity and devotion of Venetian artisans. Murano’s delicate glasswork, often depicting sacred figures and saints, serves as a symbol of beauty created for the glory of God.
• Optional Gondola Ride through the canals.
  Drift gently through the quiet waterways of Venice in a traditional gondola. As bridges arch overhead and hidden churches pass by, this ride offers a serene, almost meditative experience that captures the soul of the city.

Evening:

• Return to Padua.
  Conclude the day with peaceful reflection, carrying Venice’s beauty and spirituality back to the resting city of Padua.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Padua

Transfers: Padua to Pisa (260 km, 3h 15m) | Pisa to Florence (85 km, 1h 30m)

Forenoon

• Depart from Padua.
  Leave behind the sanctuary of St. Anthony and begin the southward journey through the serene countryside of northern and central Italy, en route to one of its most famous destinations — Pisa.
• Visit the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), Pisa.
  Step into one of Europe’s most stunning architectural ensembles, a sacred complex where faith and beauty intersect.
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa: Marvel at the world-famous freestanding bell tower with its iconic tilt, an unintended result of medieval engineering on soft ground. Pilgrims and travelers have flocked here for centuries, captivated by its elegance and symbolic endurance.
  • Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): Enter this grand Romanesque basilica dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The intricately carved marble pulpit and mosaic apse point to the spiritual richness of 11th-century Catholicism.
  • Baptistery of St. John: Admire the largest baptistery in Italy, known for its perfect acoustics and domed interior. Here, generations of Christians were welcomed into the faith, echoing the call to spiritual rebirth.

Afternoon

• Drive onward to Florence.
  Continue into the heart of Tuscany, arriving in Florence, a city that gave birth to saints, scholars, and sacred art.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.
  This Dominican church stands as a spiritual and artistic landmark just outside Florence’s ancient city gates. Its marble façade, designed in geometric harmony, opens to a treasure trove of chapels, frescoes, and relics. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it remains a quiet place of pilgrimage amid the bustling city.
• Piazzale Michelangelo Viewpoint.
  Ascend to this panoramic terrace for a sweeping view over Florence — the Duomo’s massive dome, Giotto’s campanile, and the graceful span of the Arno River. The bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David here serves as a reminder of human dignity crafted in God’s image.

Evening

Leisure in Florence’s historic quarter.
Stroll the cobblestone lanes of the city center, visiting sites such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, or one of the smaller Marian chapels tucked into ancient corners. The evening invites pilgrims to absorb Florence’s timeless beauty, where art and faith meet in quiet harmony.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Florence

Transfers: Florence to Assisi (175 km, 2h 30m) | Assisi to Rome (175 km, 2h 30m)

Forenoon

• Depart Florence and travel south through the rolling hills of Umbria.
  The journey leads through scenic olive groves and medieval villages toward the quiet majesty of Assisi — birthplace of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan Order, and a spiritual beacon of humility, peace, and creation.
• Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.
  This vast Renaissance-style basilica was built to enshrine the Porziuncola, a small, humble chapel where St. Francis heard God's call and began his mission. Inside also lies the Transitus Chapel, marking the saint's final earthly moments. Pilgrims often pause here in reverent silence, sensing the profound simplicity and holiness that transformed the world.

Afternoon

• Continue to the walled town of Assisi and visit the Basilica of St. Clare.
  This serene Gothic church holds the incorrupt body of St. Clare, spiritual sister of St. Francis and founder of the Poor Clares. It also houses the original Cross of San Damiano, from which Christ spoke to Francis: “Rebuild My Church.” The atmosphere invites contemplation and stillness.
• Explore the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
  Divided into upper and lower churches, this majestic site is both a sacred tomb and an artistic treasure. The upper basilica features exquisite frescoes by Giotto, narrating the life of St. Francis with vibrant theological insight. In the lower basilica, pilgrims can kneel near the saint’s tomb in solemn prayer, surrounded by the centuries-long witness of Franciscan spirituality.
• Depart for Rome in the late afternoon, with hearts full from the encounter with the Franciscan legacy.

Evening

• Arrive in Rome and embark on a panoramic orientation tour of the Eternal City.
  This brief yet iconic drive offers the first glimpse of ancient and papal Rome, setting the stage for the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage.
• Pause outside the Colosseum for a photo stop.
  One of the world’s greatest architectural feats, the Colosseum is also a solemn reminder of early Christian martyrdom. As the sun sets, pilgrims often reflect on the courage of those who bore witness to the faith in the shadow of imperial power.
• Visit the Trevi Fountain.
  This exuberant Baroque masterpiece, inspired by the sea, is a place where tradition invites pilgrims to toss a coin — a symbol of hope to return again to the Eternal City. The fountain’s cascading waters and sculptural drama create a moment of joyful ritual.

Check in to hotel and enjoy dinner, resting in anticipation of the final day of the pilgrimage at the Vatican.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Rome

Transfers: Local coach transfers within Rome

Forenoon

• Attend the Papal Audience at St. Peter’s Square (subject to availability).
  Gather alongside pilgrims from across the globe to receive the Apostolic Blessing from the Holy Father. The atmosphere beneath the towering dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is one of deep reverence, spiritual joy, and universal communion.
• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica.
  The world’s largest and most revered church stands on the site of St. Peter’s martyrdom and tomb. Inside, pilgrims encounter timeless masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s ornate Baldachin, and the Altar of the Chair — all serving to draw the soul toward deeper prayer.
• Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
  Wander through halls lined with sacred art collected over centuries, including the Gallery of Maps and the Raphael Rooms. The pilgrimage culminates in the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s majestic ceiling and Last Judgment frescoes evoke the mystery of God’s creation and the solemnity of final judgment.

Afternoon

• Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
  As the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the oldest public church in the world, St. John Lateran holds a unique place in Christendom. Its colossal nave, majestic statues of the Apostles, and high altar said to contain relics of Peter and Paul draw the faithful to this mother church.
• Ascend the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs).
  Believed to be the staircase Christ climbed to stand before Pontius Pilate, the 28 marble steps are a place of penitence and profound devotion. Pilgrims traditionally ascend on their knees, meditating on Christ’s Passion.
• Explore the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
  One of Rome’s four major basilicas, this church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary and houses ancient mosaics and relics from the manger of Christ. The basilica beautifully reflects the Church’s Marian devotion, making it a fitting final stop on this Marian pilgrimage.

Evening

• Farewell Dinner.
  Gather one final time to celebrate the journey — a time to share memories, spiritual insights, and moments of grace experienced throughout this unforgettable pilgrimage.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

apartment Accommodation

Rome

Transfers: Rome hotel to Rome Fiumicino Airport (32 km, approx. 45 minutes)

Forenoon

• Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport.
  Depart for Rome Fiumicino Airport with ample time for group check-in and formalities. As pilgrims part ways, many carry with them not only souvenirs and photographs, but deeper faith, cherished friendships, and renewed purpose.

restaurant Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

apartment Accommodation

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