Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Italy. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Upon arrival in Milan, we will be met by our tour manager who will be with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Depending upon our arrival time, we will visit the Duomo, one of the world’s largest Gothic Cathedrals. The Duomo houses the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo, known for his leadership during the counter-reformation, as well as the baptistry where St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose. We then proceed to the Basilica of Sant’ Ambrogio honoring St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. Afterwards we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Milan

We depart Milan for a day trip to Turin. Here we begin in the Duomo – the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – housing the reliquary containing the Shroud of Turin. We will have what is perhaps a once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity to view the Shroud (pending confirmation). After time for prayer here and veneration of the shroud, we can visit other side chapels of the Cathedral, including the resting place of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati (soon to be canonized). This afternoon we proceed to the Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice (Mary, Help of Christians). This church houses the body of St. John Bosco (and was originally part of the home for boys he founded), St. Mary Mazzarello, St. Dominic Savio, and relics of over 6,000 other saints. After time for prayer here we return to our hotel in Milan for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Milan

Today we depart Milan and journey to Pavia. The remains of St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church and author of many works integral to our Catholic faith, lie here in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro. The relics of St. Augustine are kept in a marble reliquary on the upper floor of the church. After time for veneration and free time for lunch, we continue our travels east to Bologna. (B, D) Overnight Bologna

oday we visit Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, Palazzo Comunale, and the Basilica di San Petronio. This afternoon we journey to the Basilica di San Domenico, a significant religious site in Bologna. Admire its Gothic architecture and visit the Chapel of Saint Dominic, which houses his tomb and stunning artwork. (B, D) Overnight Bologna

We depart Bologna today and proceed to Padua, burial place of two great saints – St. Luke and St. Anthony. First, we venerate the tomb of St. Luke in the 16th-century Basilica of St. Justina. Continue to the Basilica of St. Anthony. Upon his death, he was buried at the small St. Mary Chapel, part of a small convent that he founded. Just one year later construction on the basilica chapel began and was built to incorporate St. Mary’s. In the basilica, we can venerate the tongue and larynx of St. Anthony, which are preserved in a reliquary of the basilica’s treasury. Our last stop in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel, a very small yet beautifully painted building, containing frescoes painted by Giotto. Finally, we proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Padua

We depart Padua today and cross into Slovenia, driving to the capital of Ljubljana. Here we enjoy a half-day city tour including the town’s beautiful bridges, Congress Square, City Hall, Parliament, the Central open-air Market, and the Robba Fountain. We will also visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where we will have time for prayer before continuing to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Ljubljana

A short drive from Ljubljana lies the Alpine Lake Bled. Besides the charming town along the lakeshore, we will visit Bled Castle, the oldest in Slovenia. We will journey out onto the lake to visit the Church of the Assumption of Mary on an island a little way offshore. After time in Bled, we return to Ljubljana for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Ljubljana

We depart Ljubljana and cross into Croatia. Upon arrival, we enjoy a walking tour of the city center and Upper Town, just steps from our hotel. We’ll proceed through Ban Jelacic Square on our way up to an outside visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady (inside visit may be possible if reconstruction is complete after a devastating earthquake in 2020). Afterwards we journey to St. Mark Square and the magnificent and colorful church of the same name. Proceed to the Stone Gate and the Market Dolac before returning to Ban Jelacic Square and our hotel. (B, D) Overnight Zagreb

Today we travel a short distance outside of Zagreb to the National Shrine of Croatia (Marija Bistrica). Here we will learn the story of the hidden Virgin Mary statue and view the fruits of the intercession of Our Lady in the plaques from throughout the world thanking her for answered prayers. We continue to the Baroque town of Varazdin, where we will visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. After some free time for lunch, drive a short distance away to the town of Ludbreg and the Sanctuary of the most Precious Blood of Christ. It was here during a Mass in 1411 where the consecrated wine turned into blood. After much study, Pope Leo X published a Papal Bull permitting veneration of the relic of the Precious Blood, now contained within a vial inside a monstrance. We will have time for prayer and veneration of the relic before returning to Zagreb for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Zagreb

This morning, we will celebrate Mass and then enjoy a free day to explore the Upper Town of Zagreb on your own. This district features a splendid labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and wonderful buildings. Do not miss views of the city, which are well worth the short climb. You may also take a short funicular ride instead of walking. The Zagreb Upper Town streetlamps still run on gas and are manually lit every day, just before dark. This evening, we come together to celebrate a farewell dinner commemorating the culmination of our pilgrimage (B, D) Overnight Zagreb

Transfer to the airport in Zagreb this morning where we will check in for our return flights home, taking with us all the graces and blessings of this pilgrimage.