September 28 - October 8, 2026
Italy
A Pilgrimage of Prayer and Transformation In the Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi
Join Fr. Adam Cesarek and Fr. Matt Deptula on this amazing, spiritually enriching pilgrimage to Italy in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. Begin with important sites of his life in Rome, then travel north to Assisi, stopping in Greccio for a night and praying at the Franciscan sanctuary there. Celebrate the next few days in Assisi, highlighted by the large festivities surrounding the feast day of St. Francis. Continue on to Lake Trasimeno and La Verna, enjoying time for reconciliation, holy hours, and reflection, before ending your trip in Florence. This pilgrimage offers a profound opportunity to rejuvenate in some of Italy’s most cherished spiritual landmarks - you don't want to miss out!
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
· Nine nights’ accommodations at 3- or 4-star hotels
· 2 nights in Rome
· 1 night in Rieta
· 4 nights in Assisi
· 1 night in Laverna (La Verna Franciscan Sanctuary or similar)
· 1 night in Florence
· Meals
· Continental breakfast daily
· Three dinners with wine
· One wine tasting
· Local guides according to the itinerary
· Arrangements of daily Mass including donations in unique and historical churches (all locations are · tentative and subject to confirmation)
· Luxury motor coach in Italy for specified sightseeing
· Luxury motor coach for airport transfers in Italy for passenger on group airfare
· Local tour manager while in Italy
· Hotel & city taxes and porterage for 1 piece of luggage
· Gratuities payable to the tour manager, guides, and motorcoach drivers
· Whisper sets
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
· Airport transfers for passengers on independent flights
· Tour manager from the USA
· Meals and beverages, unless specified
· Other personal expenses
· Travel Insurance
· Items not specifically mentioned
IMPORTANT FLIGHT DETAILS
Your group air package is a direct flight from O'Hare to and from Rome on American Airlines.
Included in this package is a domestic airport transfer from Peoria, IL.
If you are booking airfare independently, please wait until you receive the “Tour is Confirmed” email with arrival details and group transfer instructions.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Monday, September 28 – Depart
Depart on overnight flights to Rome, Italy.
Day 2: Tuesday, September 29 – Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, meet your professional local Italian tour manager and board your deluxe motorcoach. Celebrate Mass at San Francesco a Ripa, followed by time for personal prayer. Enjoy a scenic bus tour throughout Rome before a group welcome dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Wednesday, September 30 – Papal Audience | St. John Lateran | Scala Sancta
Attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, then celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Enjoy a tour of the Basilica before walking over to the Scala Sancta, where Christ was brought before Pontius Pilate. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Rome.
Day 4: Thursday, October 1 – Scavi | St. Peter’s Basilica | Greccio
Check out of your hotel and embark on a special Scavi tour to see the tomb of St. Peter (pending confirmation). Celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, then transfer to the tranquil Rieti valley to visit the Franciscan Sanctuaries of Fonte Colombo and Santa Maria de La Foresta. Overnight in Greccio.
Day 5: Friday, October 2 – Greccio | Montefalco | Assisi
Depart early this morning for prayer at the Santuario Francescano del Presepe di Greccio, followed by Mass at this sacred site. Travel onward to Montefalco for a delightful wine tasting at Montioni, which includes a tour of olive groves and vineyards. Continue to Assisi, check into your hotel, and rest in this serene Umbrian town. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 6: Saturday, October 3 – Assisi
Today, celebrate Mass at the Church of San Damiano, where Christ told Francis to rebuild His Church. Afterwards, spend some time at the Hermitage, then explore the Rocca Maggiore, Rivo Torto, and La Madalena. In the evening, attend the candlelight ceremony at the Portiuncula in St. Mary of the Angels commemorating the feast of St. Francis. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 7: Sunday, October 4 – Assisi
Begin the Feast Day of St. Francis with Mass at Santa Chiara. The day is then free to celebrate with fellow pilgrims during local festivities honoring the 800th Anniversary of St. Francis’s passing. Conclude your day with a festive group dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 8: Monday, October 5 – Assisi
Wake up and celebrate Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis, followed by a guided tour of the basilica. The remainder of the day is yours to reflect, pray, or wander through Assisi’s winding streets. End the evening with a special candlelit Holy Hour at the quiet and ancient church of San Stefano. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 9: Tuesday, October 6 – Lake Trasimeno | Laverna
After breakfast and check-out, travel to the peaceful waters of Lake Trasimeno. Enjoy a boat ride to Maggiore Island to celebrate Mass at St. Michael’s Chapel and spend time in prayer and confession. After some time at leisure, depart for La Verna for an intimate, nighttime Holy Hour at San Lorenzo. Overnight in Laverna.
Day 10: Wednesday, October 7 – La Verna | Florence
Celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Stigmata, with time for quiet prayer and reflection amid this sacred mountaintop sanctuary. Depart for Florence, where you’ll visit the magnificent Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore and have the opportunity to pray the rosary in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Share a memorable farewell dinner before an overnight in Florence.
Day 11: Thursday, October 8 – Return to USA
Transfer to the airport for return flight(s) home.
PRICES STARTING AT
$4,599* - Price per person, double occupancy
*This price reflects a $300 per person Early Booking Discount for deposits received before 12/1/2025 and a $140 Check Credit for those paying the total cost of the tour by cash or check. Payment must be received on or before the final payment due date.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT + $1,200
GROUP AIR & DOMESTIC TRANSFER + $1,550
IMPORTANT FLIGHT DETAILS:
Your group air package is a direct flight from O'Hare to and from Rome on American Airlines.
Included in this package is a domestic airport transfer from Peoria, IL.
If you are booking airfare independently, please wait until you receive the “Tour is Confirmed” email with arrival details and group transfer instructions.
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel protection is highly recommended.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION TERMS:
Deposit: $500 per person due upon registration
Second Deposit: $1,250 due on or before April 1, 2026
Final Payment: Balance due on or before June 1, 2026
All cancellations must be received in writing. Payments are non-refundable and subject to CTS Terms and Conditions, including the CTS Liability Release. CTS reserves the right to cancel any reservation if payments are not made according to the payment schedule. A $25 fee will be added to any reinstated reservation.
BY REGISTERING FOR THIS PILGRIMAGE YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO CORPORATE TRAVEL’S TERMS & CONDITIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? REVIEW OUR FAQs.