October 11 - 19, 2026
Rome | Assisi | La Verna
Join the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Rome and Assisi
October 4, 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis, his passing from this world to the Father. Few saints have shaped the Church and the world as profoundly as the Poverello of Assisi. Franciscans speak of St. Francis as the forma vitae — the pattern of life. We become more like Jesus by walking in the footsteps of Francis. By visiting the places made holy by God’s grace in the life of St. Francis, we open ourselves to that same grace, which kindles in us a deeper love for all that Francis loved: Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother, the Church, the Eucharist, the Word of God, and the poor. We hope you will join us for this encounter with Jesus through St. Francis.
—Fr. John Anthony, Fr. Pierre Toussaint, and Fr. Mark-Mary
TOUR INCLUSIONS
• Seven nights’ accommodations
• Two nights in Rome in a 4-star hotel
• Five nights Assisi (see options under pricing)
• Meals
• Continental breakfast daily
• One lunch
• Four dinners
• 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)
• Daily spiritual conferences with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
• Private motor coach for airport transfers in Italy and specified excursions
• 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
• Corporate Travel representative on site
• Personal audio devices for guided tours
THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
• Meals not specifically identified
• Beverages with meals unless specified
• Other personal expenses
• Items not specifically mentioned above
• Travel insurance
• Items not specifically mentioned
ITINERARY
Day 1: Sunday, October 11 - Depart USA
Depart on overnight flights to Rome, Italy.
Day 2: Monday, October 12 - Welcome to Rome
Arrive in Rome, where you will be warmly welcomed by a Corporate Travel representative. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Celebrate Mass at Santa Maria in Aracoeli, a Franciscan basilica perched atop the Capitoline Hill. This evening, gather for a festive group welcome dinner and opening talk. Overnight in Rome.
Day 3: Tuesday, October 13 - Franciscan Rome
This morning, celebrate Mass at St. John Lateran, where St. Francis received papal approval for his order of friars, followed by a guided tour. Visit the nearby Basilica of Sancta Croce in Gerusalemme, home to relics of the Passion. After time for lunch on your own, visit San Francesco a Ripa, where St. Francis stayed during his visits to Rome, and pray in the cell where he lived. Continue to San Bonaventura al Palatino, the burial place of St. Bonaventure, the great Franciscan theologian. This evening, enjoy a group pizza-making class and dinner, sharing food and fellowship to close the day. Overnight in Rome.
Day 4: Wednesday, October 14 - Papal Audience & Arrival in Assisi
Attend the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square this morning. After lunch on your own, travel to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Upon arrival, celebrate Mass, followed by an opening talk. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in Assisi as you settle into the peaceful hill town that will be your home for the coming days. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 5: Thursday, October 15 - The Early Life of St. Francis
Begin the day with a morning talk and Mass. After lunch on your own, enjoy a guided tour of Chiesa Nuova, built over the childhood home of St. Francis, and the Cathedral of San Rufino, where Francis and Clare were baptized. This evening, gather at Santa Maria Maggiore for a special visit including prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and time before the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis. Dinner on your own and overnight in Assisi.
Day 6: Friday, October 16 - San Damiano & The Franciscan Hermitage
Following a morning talk and Mass, depart for a guided tour of San Damiano, where St. Francis heard Christ’s call to rebuild His Church and where St. Clare founded the Poor Clares. Continue to the Eremo delle Carceri, the forest hermitage where Francis and his companions withdrew for solitude and prayer. Return to Assisi for time at leisure. Dinner on your own and overnight in Assisi.
Day 7: Saturday, October 17 - Pilgrimage to La Verna
Today travel into the Apennine Mountains for a guided pilgrimage to La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata. Celebrate Mass and spend time in prayer in this holy place. A simple lunch is included on the way to La Verna. Return to Assisi for dinner on your own and overnight.
Day 8: Sunday, October 18 - The Heart of Assisi & Farewell
Begin with a morning talk and Mass. Enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, home to the saint’s tomb, and the Basilica of St. Clare, where the San Damiano Cross is preserved. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner. After dinner, experience a special after-hours visit (pending availability) to Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Portiuncula, the tiny chapel at the very heart of the Franciscan story. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 9: Monday, October 19 - Return to USA
Transfer to the airport for independent return flights to the United States.
PRICES STARTING AT
ACCOMODATIONS IN ROME AND LOWER ASSISI
$4,299* - Price per person, double occupancy
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT + $1,000
ACCOMODATIONS IN ROME AND UPPER ASSISI
$4,799* - Price per person, double occupancy
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT + $1,000
*These prices reflect a $200 per person Early Booking Discount for deposits received before 3/31/2026 and a $150 per person Check Discount for those paying the remaining balance by check after the initial deposit.
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel protection is highly recommended and must be purchased within 14 days of intial deposit.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION TERMS:
Deposit: $500 per person due upon registration
Second Payment: $1,250 per person due on or before 5/11/2026
Final Payment: Balance due 7/11/2026
Please note late payments will incur a $50 late fee.
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.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? REVIEW OUR FAQs.