Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Milan. 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. 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. Here 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

We begin this morning in the Milan 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. Afterwards, travel a short distance outside of Milan to Pavia. The remains of St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, 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. One of the chapels is also dedicated to St. Monica, St. Augustine’s mother. We will also visit the Certosa, or Charterhouse, of Pavia, originally home to Carthusian monks and now housing a Cistercian community. This complex houses a Renaissance façade and Gothic interior, with impressive artwork and a peaceful cloister. After time for veneration, we continue our travels east to Bologna. (B, D) Overnight Bologna

Today we visit Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, the 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. Afterwards, the balance of the day is free, including dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Bologna

After Mass this morning we explore the culinary world of Emilia Romagna – home to some of the most iconic Italian foods. Enjoy a tour encompassing the history of the region, including tastings of Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Return to Bologna for dinner on our own and overnight. (B) Overnight Bologna

Today we journey south to Loreto. Here we visit the Shrine of the Holy House, said to be the same house in which the Virgin Mary was born and raised in Nazareth. This is where she received the visitation of the angel announcing that she was the mother of Jesus and according to tradition the home was transported by four angels from Nazareth to its present resting place in Loreto. After time for prayer and exploration, we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Loreto

After breakfast, we depart Loreto to continue our journey along the Adriatic to Lanciano, site of the oldest miracle of the Eucharist, still preserved after twelve centuries. Here we’ll visit the sanctuary of the 8th century Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano. There will be time for adoration as well as a tour of the museum detailing the history of the miracle. After time for prayer and reflection, we will then drive along the coast to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio and proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

Spend the morning in San Giovanni Rotondo, praying where St. Padre Pio prayed and relaxing in this grace-filled village. We will visit his tomb and tour the sanctuary of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where this famous Saint said Mass. This afternoon, we drive a short distance to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, and visit the church built above the cave consecrated to the Lord by St. Michael himself. After time for prayer in this sacred site, return to San Giovanni for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

Today we journey to the small town of Corato, the birthplace of Luisa Piccarreta, known for spreading the message of living within the Divine Will. After time for prayer here, we return to San Giovanni for one final night here. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

This morning, we depart San Giovanni and cross Italy to the region of Naples. Here we visit the ruined city of Pompeii that was dug out from the ashes rained on it by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Pray at the shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, built by Blessed Bartolo Longo who was once a fallen-away Catholic. After his reversion to the faith, he developed a great devotion to Our Lady and took the religious name of Brother Rosario upon becoming a Third Order Dominican. We’ll check into our hotel before having a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D) Overnight Naples

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