St. Patrick Parish Pilgrimage to Italy

ITINERARY

DAY 1: OCTOBER 7, 2024 I DEPARTURE

Overnight flights to Venice, Italy

DAY 2: OCTOBER 8, 2024 I VENICE ARRIVAL

Arrive in the beautiful picturesque city of Venice, where you will be greeted by your Italian Tour Manager. Enjoy a panoramic city tour before checking into your hotel in Venice. Welcome Dinner and overnight in Venice.

DAY 3: OCTOBER 9, 2024 - VENICE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Our visit begins at the Basilica of St. Mark, adorned with golden mosaics and religious icons. It was built to honor the body of St. Mark brought from Alexandria in Egypt. After Mass, we see the Piazza di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale (the palace of the Doge, the political leader of the Republic of Venice). The balance of our day is free to explore this exotic city. Dinner on your own and overnight in Venice.

DAY 4: OCTOBER 10, 2024 - VENICE I FLORENCE

After breakfast and hotel check out, we drive to Padua to celebrate Mass. After, we head to Florence. Your day in Florence includes the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce where many nobles are buried such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. A walking portion through the Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the City of Florence. Enjoy free time to explore the museum and later, the city. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

DAY 5: OCTOBER 11, 2024 - SIENA I FLORENCE

After breakfast, drive to Siena and view the city’s RomanesqueGothic cathedral that was completed in 1380. The Sanctuary of St. Catherine of Siena houses the Miraculous Crucifix from which she received her stigmata. After Mass, we walk the shell shaped Piazza del Campo town square which houses the Palazza Pubblico and the Torre Del Mangia, two of their many architectural treasures. We continue on to see the incorrupt relics of St. Catherine of Siena at the Basilica of St. Dominic. Return to Florence for dinner on your own and overnight in Florence.

DAY 6: OCTOBER 12, 2024 - FLORENCE I ASSISI

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and travel to Assisi. We have our guided tour of Assisi, home to St. Francis of Assisi. Celebrate Mass. Dinner on your own and overnight in Assisi.

DAY 7: OCTOBER 13, 2024 - ASSISI

After breakfast, we visit the Basilica housing the Saint’s tomb, and afterwards enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica and the town. After Mass, there is free time to explore and shop. Group dinner and wine pairing at a local winery and overnight in Assisi.

DAY 8: OCTOBER 14, 2024 - ASSISI | ORVIETO | ROME

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and board our bus to Rome. We will make a stop in Orvieto to view the Eucharistic miracle before attending Mass. Transfer to Rome and enjoy a panoramic tour of the “Eternal City” before enjoying dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 9: OCTOBER 15, 2024 - ROME | VATICAN CITY

After breakfast we visit the Vatican Museums to see centuries of beautiful artwork and artifacts. See the artwork of Michelangelo such as the Pieta and then visit the Sistine Chapel. We will explore St. Peter’s Basilica in its entire splendor and have Mass. We will also visit the Tomb of St. John Paul II in St. Sebastian’s Chapel. Free afternoon and dinner on your own.

DAY 10: OCTOBER 16, 2024 - PAPAL AUDIENCE | ROME

Early departure to attend the Papal Audience. Then, celebrate Mass at the Basilica of San Clemente, followed by a guided tour of Ancient Rome, including Roman Forum and Colosseum. Dinner on your own and overnight in Rome.

DAY 11: OCTOBER 17, 2024 - ROME

We travel to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Mother and celebrate Mass. Nearby, we visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran which was once the residence for popes. It is here that St. Francis persuaded Pope Innocent III to give permission to begin the Franciscan Order. We visit the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls where the body of St. Paul is buried. It is the second largest Basilica in Rome and one of the five largest in the world. We will spend extra time here to pray and explore this beautiful Basilica. Finally, we visit the catacombs of St. Callixtus which are among the greatest and most important of Rome. Here are buried early martyrs and popes of the early church. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.

OPTIONAL AMALFI COAST EXTENSION

DAY 12: OCTOBER 18

Check out of hotel and depart Rome for Pompeii. Guided tour of Pompeii and lunch on your own. After lunch, Celebrate Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary. Depart for Praiano for group dinner and overnight in Praiano.

DAY 13: OCTOBER 19

This morning, enjoy a scenic boat ride over to the island of Capri. Celebrate Mass at Chiesa di San Costanzo, one of the oldest churches on the island, named after the patron saint of the island of Capri, San Costanzo. After Mass, depart for the Villa of San Michele and experience the remarkable collection of treasures; sculptures and antique treasures. Enjoy some free time for lunch on your own and shopping. As evening approaches, return to Praiano for dinner on your own. Overnight in Praiano.

DAY 14: OCTOBER 20

After breakfast, depart for the cliffside village of Positano, known for its pebble beachfront and steep narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Celebrate Mass at Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta, followed by a tour to admire the 12th century Black Madonna and learn the story of the Byzantine icon. Then take the afternoon to explore on your own or relax at the beach. Dinner and overnight in Praiano.

DAY 15: OCTOBER 21

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Amalfi and celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Amalfi. After free time to explore, return to Praiano for a Farewell dinner and overnight.

DAY 16: OCTOBER 22

Check out of hotel and transfer to Naples airport for departing flights back to the USA.

Itinerary subject to change