Depart on our flight into Washington DC. We then proceed to our hotel where we will check in for overnight. Overnight Baltimore

This morning, we will visit the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry. Fort McHenry is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy. It was during the bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which would eventually become the national anthem of the United States. Continue to the Cathedral of Mary our Queen, the current cathedral of Baltimore. Enjoy a tour here before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Baltimore

We will begin today at the Basilica of the Assumption, also known as the Baltimore Basilica, the first Catholic Cathedral in United States. Continue to St. Mary’s Spiritual Center and Historic Site, home to the first Catholic Seminary in the nation as well Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born Saint. We will visit both the Mother Seton House as well as the Historic Seminary Chapel. We then journey to the nearby church of St. Alphonsus before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Baltimore

This morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive to Emmitsburg, where we visit the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. This site is also a minor basilica and pays tribute to the life and mission of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Nearby is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes located on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University. We will have time for prayer here at the grotto and a chance to visit the university campus. Afterwards, proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Gettysburg

Visit the site of the decisive Civil War battle in Gettysburg. Enjoy a tour of the battlefield and adjoining museum. Journey to St. Francis Xavier Church, which served as a field hospital for those injured in battle. Afterwards depart for Washington DC. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Washington DC

Today we visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception which is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the United States and North America and is one of the ten largest churches in the world. Designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage, the Basilica is the nation’s preeminent Marian shrine, dedicated to the patroness of the United States—the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of the Immaculate Conception. Afterwards we will visit the White House (pending confirmation) with a self-guided tour of the spaces available to the public both inside and on the grounds. (B, D) Overnight Washington DC

Our day begins at the US Capitol with a guided tour (pending confirmation). This afternoon we will enjoy an afternoon touring many of the National Monuments of Washington including the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, and various monuments commemorating those we have lost in war. (B, D) Overnight Washington DC

This morning, we will visit the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land which has been a place of worship and pilgrimage for thousands of visitors since its dedication in 1899. During our visit here we will celebrate Mass and visit the Monastery grounds including its Memorial Church and its replicas of the major shrines in the Holy Land. We will also learn about the Franciscan Order and its historical mission of being the major Christian shrines in the Holy Land. This afternoon, we’ll have free time to explore other areas of the city, including the National Mall with the various buildings of the Smithsonian Museums.
(B, D) Overnight Washington DC

Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flights home.