Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin the day with the Papal Audience (subject to availability), a moment of blessing shared with pilgrims from around the world. Continue with a guided visit to two of Rome’s major papal basilicas: the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, the Pope’s own seat, and St. Mary Major, home to a revered relic of the Holy Crib. Experience the Scala Sancta, a staircase climbed in prayer for centuries. Afternoon at leisure; Mass included. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: If attending the Papal Audience, carry one intention in your heart, one word, one hope, and offer it in silence when the Pope appears.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today offers a rare experience: travel into the hills to explore Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence, with its peaceful gardens and storied rooms. Walk the same pathways where Popes sought rest and contemplation. Returning to Rome, stop at St. Paul Outside the Walls, a majestic basilica honoring the Apostle Paul. Enjoy a gentle afternoon in Rome or join an optional visit to the early Christian catacombs. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: In Castel Gandolfo, slow down. Let the quiet gardens guide you into stillness — your breath will naturally deepen.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel south to Pietrelcina, birthplace of St. Pio, and visit the humble home where his spiritual journey began. Continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, where St. Pio lived, served, and transformed countless lives. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: Pause in Pietrelcina. Notice how simplicity becomes sacred when approached with attention

Breakfast at the hotel.

Attend Mass at Santa Maria delle Grazie, then visit the friary where St. Pio prayed, healed, and lived his ministry. In the afternoon, ascend to Monte Sant’Angelo, a shrine dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel and one of Christianity’s earliest pilgrimage sites. Return for the evening candlelight procession, a moving expression of devotion. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: During the procession, let the rhythm of candlelight remind you that faith is often felt more than understood.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Journey north to Lanciano to visit the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle and attend morning Mass. Continue to Loreto, where tradition holds that the Holy House of the Virgin Mary was miraculously carried by angels. By late afternoon, arrive in the Assisi area. A hilltop haven of peace and birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: Loreto’s Holy House is small. Step inside as if entering a single moment in time. Its quiet speaks louder than words.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin with early Mass at St. Francis Basilica, home to the renowned Giotto frescoes. With your Local Guide, explore the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare. Continue to Santa Maria degli Angeli to see the Porziuncola. The tiny chapel at the heart of the Franciscan movement, and the room where St. Francis took his final breath. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: In Assisi, walk slowly. Even the air carries gentleness. Let it shift something inside you.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Travel to Cascia, hometown of St. Rita. Revered worldwide as the Saint of Impossible Causes. Visit the Major Basilica, the chapel with her tomb, and the nearby site of the Eucharistic Miracle. Return to Rome for a final quiet night. Overnight at your hotel.

Insider’s Tip: When visiting St. Rita’s shrine, write down one “impossible” prayer. Many travelers say clarity follows soon after.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Your journey concludes after breakfast. Carry home not only memories, but the quiet awakenings found along the way.