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. Upon arrival, 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 will return to Milan with the balance of the day free, including dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Milan

Depart Milan this morning for a journey around the picturesque Lake Garda to the Sanctuario Madonna della Corona (Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Crown). According to local legend, sometime in the 16thcentury a young shepherd boy discovered a painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a cave and brought it to the local priest. This priest had the painting placed in a small chapel built on the site where it was found and over the centuries it became a popular pilgrimage destination. The unique location upon the side of a cliff had made building, maintaining, and visiting the site a challenge throughout the centuries. The main sanctuary including the basilica was reconstructed last century and there is also a shuttle bus from the car park, so a hike is no longer required to visit. Afterwards, descend the mountain for an afternoon wine tasting experience in this unique wine-making region. Later this afternoon, continue a short distance to the medieval town of Verona. Made famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” it will be our home for the night. (B, D) Overnight Verona

We will spend much of today exploring Verona, beginning at the Verona Cathedral, housing the 16thcentury painting by Titian entitled “The Assumption of the Virgin.” Afterwards, enjoy some free time touring the various sites along the Adige River or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the numerous cafes along within the Piazza delle Erbe. We’ll come together again this afternoon and journey to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which lies atop the hill of San Leonardo just outside the city center. From here, we travel east a short distance to Padua, where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Padua

Today we tour this unique city – the 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 of the day is the Scrovegni Chapel, a very small yet beautifully painted building, containing frescoes painted by Giotto. The balance of the afternoon will be free for personal exploration and dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Padua

We depart Padua today and journey a short distance to Venice, the incredible city built upon 118 islands crisscrossed by 160 canals and linked by 400 footbridges. On the way, we stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting. After checking into our Venetian hotel this afternoon, the balance of the day will be free for personal activities and dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Venice

We journey to the spectacular epicenter of Venice – St. Mark’s Square – around which Venetian life revolves. Called the “drawing room of Europe,” by Napoleon, the square gets its name from St. Mark’s Basilica, the stunning church where the body of St. Mark the Evangelist is buried. We have ample time to visit and pray in this intricately designed cathedral of 85,000 square feet, five domes, and beautiful golden mosaics. The famous Doges Palace awaits us next. Pure Venetian and built for the rulers of Venice, we wander its opulent halls before crossing the famous Bridge of Sighs. Dinner tonight will be on our own in one of the charming restaurants around the city. (B) Overnight Venice

We begin today at the church of San Giacomo di Rialto, commonly called Chiesa di San Giacometto, meaning “little Giacomo.” Though small in stature, it is big in importance for Venice. Stories say it is the oldest church in Venice, originally built by a carpenter in 421. Afterwards we’ll have some free time to explore the Rialto Market and the surrounding area. The balance of the day will be free for personal activities until our farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B, D) Overnight Venice

Today we say “Ciao” to Italia and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, cherishing all the wonderful memories and graces of this pilgrimage. (B)