SANCTUARIES & SUMMITS: A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ITALY
SANCTUARIES & SUMMITS: A SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE JOURNEY THROUGH CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ITALY
Join us on a transformative 11-day pilgrimage through the spiritual peaks, ancient sanctuaries, and miraculous wonders of Central and Southern Italy. From the majestic papal basilicas of Rome to the quiet, grace-filled sanctuary of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, this itinerary is meticulously designed for the devout soul. Walk the holy paths of the saints, stand in awe before the Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano and Bolsena, and experience a true awakening of faith.Join us on a transformative 11-day pilgrimage through the spiritual peaks, ancient sanctuaries, and miraculous wonders of Central and Southern Italy. From the majestic papal basilicas of Rome to the quiet, grace-filled sanctuary of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, this itinerary is meticulously designed for the devout soul. Walk the holy paths of the saints, stand in awe before the Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano and Bolsena, and experience a true awakening of faith.
Join us on a transformative 11-day pilgrimage through the spiritual peaks, ancient sanctuaries, and miraculous wonders of Central and Southern Italy. From the majestic papal basilicas of Rome to the quiet, grace-filled sanctuary of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, this itinerary is meticulously designed for the devout soul. Walk the holy paths of the saints, stand in awe before the Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano and Bolsena, and experience a true awakening of faith.Join us on a transformative 11-day pilgrimage through the spiritual peaks, ancient sanctuaries, and miraculous wonders of Central and Southern Italy. From the majestic papal basilicas of Rome to the quiet, grace-filled sanctuary of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo, this itinerary is meticulously designed for the devout soul. Walk the holy paths of the saints, stand in awe before the Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano and Bolsena, and experience a true awakening of faith.
Tour Program
DAY 1
Day 1 – Arrival in Rome • Santa Maria Maggiore
Arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport and meet your dedicated Pilgrimage Tour Leader. Begin your spiritual journey at the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas and a site of profound Marian devotion. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour followed by dedicated time for private prayer and reflection. Gather tonight for a welcome dinner, a short group briefing on tomorrow's schedule, and your overnight stay in Rome.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 31 miles (50 km) | 45 minutes
• Meals Included: Dinner
• Spiritual Highlight: Marian devotion at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
DAY 2
Day 2 – The Holy Stairs • St. John Lateran • St. Paul Outside the Walls
Begin the day at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, traditionally revered as the “Mother and Head of all Churches in the City and the World” (approx. 1.5h). Continue to the nearby Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), traditionally associated with Christ’s Passion (approx. 1h). Next, visit Santa Croce in Gerusalemme to venerate precious Passion relics, including fragments of the True Cross (approx. 1h). Conclude your day at the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (approx. 1.5h), with an opportunity for Holy Mass or group prayer, schedule permitting. Enjoy dinner, a brief evening meeting, and your overnight stay in Rome.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 10 miles (16 km) total inside city | 1 hour total transit time (subject to Rome traffic)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: The Holy Stairs, Passion Relics, and the Tomb of St. Paul.
• Note: Guided tour times are indicative; this day is structured as a Full Day (FD) guided tour
DAY 3
Day 3 – Papal Audience or Vatican Treasures
• Wednesday Departures: Attend the weekly Papal Audience, subject to the Holy Father’s schedule and ticket availability.
• Other Departure Days: Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the Eternal City independently. Dinner, a short briefing, and overnight in Rome.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 6 miles (10 km) round-trip | 40 minutes total transit time
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• °°Optional Additions: Independent afternoon visits to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, or the Pantheon.
• Spiritual Highlights: Encountering the living heart of the Catholic Church.
DAY 4
Day 4 – Castelpetroso • San Giovanni Rotondo
Travel south into the rugged Molise region to Castelpetroso and the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Addolorata, the patronal shrine of Molise (approx. 30m visit). Journey to the nearby site of the 1888 Marian apparition via the Via Matris path (approx. 1.5h on foot), followed by Holy Mass. Continue south to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St. Padre Pio. After hotel check-in, enjoy time for prayer and personal devotion within the Sanctuary complex. Dinner, briefing, and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 212 miles (341 km) total | 4 hours and 15 minutes driving time (Rome to Castelpetroso: 112 miles / 2.5 hours • Castelpetroso to San Giovanni Rotondo: 100 miles / 1 hour 45 minutes)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: Our Lady of Sorrows and the legacy of St. Padre Pio.
• Note: The Via Matris footpath is steep and unsuitable for wheelchair users. The Apparition site can alternatively be reached via bus or shuttle depending on timing.
DAY 5
Day 5 – Monte Sant’Angelo • St. Padre Pio
Travel to Monte Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest and most vital pilgrimage destinations in Southern Italy. Visit the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel and descend into the sacred grotto (approx. 2.5h) with an opportunity for Holy Mass. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the sanctuary where the earthly remains of St. Padre Pio are venerated (approx. 1h), leaving ample time for quiet prayer. Dinner, briefing, and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 32 miles (52 km) round-trip | 1 hour and 15 minutes driving time (Route includes sharp mountain switchbacks)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: St. Michael the Archangel and St. Padre Pio.
DAY 6
Day 6 – Casalbordino • Ortona (St. Thomas the Apostle)
Travel north toward the Abruzzo coast to independently visit the Sanctuary of Madonna dei Miracoli in Casalbordino (approx. 1h). Continue to the coastal town of Ortona, where the holy relics of St. Thomas the Apostle are preserved. A guided visit introduces pilgrims to the Cathedral, the crypt, and the Diocesan Museum (approx. 1.5h). Enjoy a free evening to explore the town. Lunch, briefing, and overnight in Ortona.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 104 miles (167 km) total | 2 hours driving time (San Giovanni Rotondo to Casalbordino: 84 miles / 1.5 hours • Casalbordino to Ortona: 20 miles / 30 minutes)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is independent to allow personal discovery in Ortona)
• Spiritual Highlights: Veneration of the relics of St. Thomas the Apostle.
DAY 7
Day 7 – Lanciano (Eucharistic Miracle) • Manoppello
Today marks one of the structural and spiritual summits of our journey. Travel to Lanciano, home of the world-famous 8th-century Eucharistic Miracle—the earliest documented miracle of its kind in Catholic tradition. Visit the Sanctuary (approx. 2h) and celebrate Holy Mass in the crypt (subject to availability). Continue to Manoppello to venerate the mysterious Holy Face (Volto Santo), preserved on an incredibly delicate, translucent veil (approx. 1h). Return to Ortona for dinner, a brief meeting, and overnight.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 68 miles (110 km) circuit | 1 hour and 45 minutes driving time (Ortona to Lanciano: 14 miles / 25 mins • Lanciano to Manoppello: 28 miles / 45 mins • Manoppello to Ortona: 26 miles / 35 mins)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano and the Holy Face of Manoppello.
DAY 8
Day 8 – Sanctuary of St. Gabriele • L’Aquila
Travel to the Sanctuary of St. Gabriele of Our Lady of Sorrows, nestled at the base of the Gran Sasso mountain. This is one of Italy's most visited modern shrines, particularly beloved by young Catholics. Visit the complex (approx. 1.5h) and participate in Holy Mass. Continue to the historic city of L’Aquila to independently visit the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio (approx. 1.5h), uniquely tied to Pope Celestine V and the historic Perdonanza Celestiniana. Time is allocated for prayer, reflection, or Confession. Dinner, briefing, and overnight in L’Aquila.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 72 miles (116 km) total | 1 hour and 30 minutes driving time (Ortona to St. Gabriele: 53 miles / 1 hour • St. Gabriele to L'Aquila: 19 miles / 30 minutes)
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: St. Gabriele, Pope Celestine V, and the Grace of the Perdonanza.
DAY 9
Day 9 – St. Bernardino • Bolsena (Eucharistic Miracle)
Begin the morning with Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Bernardino of Siena in L’Aquila (1h). Afterward, board the coach and travel northwest to the stunning lakeside town of Bolsena. Visit the Basilica of Santa Cristina, including the Chapel of the Miracle, to view the blood-stained marbles associated with the historic Eucharistic Miracle of 1263. Opportunity for Holy Mass. Dinner, briefing, and overnight in Bolsena.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 138 miles (222 km) total | 2 hours and 45 minutes driving time via mountain highways
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: St. Bernardino and the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena.
DAY 10
Day 10 – Grotto of St. Christina • Return to Rome
Spend the morning independently exploring the underground Grotto of St. Christina (approx. 1.5h), the catacombs, and the spiritual heart of the Bolsena complex. Afterward, return south to Rome. Enjoy a free afternoon for last-minute shopping, independent sightseeing, or final personal prayers in the Eternal City. Farewell dinner, final group briefing, and overnight in Rome.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 96 miles (154 km) total | 2 hours driving time
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
• Spiritual Highlights: St. Christina and a prayerful conclusion to our journey.
• Note: Portions of the Grotto of St. Christina are accessed via steep steps; it is not wheelchair accessible.
DAY 11
Day 11 – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a private group transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for your home-bound flight. Your pilgrimage concludes.
• Driving Distance & Duration: Approx. 31 miles (50 km) | 45 minutes
• Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 12
DAY 13
DAY 14
DAY 15
Price per Person:
Single supplement
Price per person
Single supplement
-
€ 3595,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
Price per Person:
Single supplement
-
€ 3595,00
Sharing a standard double room with breakfast included
Price per person
Single supplement
-
Using a standard double room as a single, with breakfast included.
Please Note
- The price shown above is per person sharing a double/twin room to include breakfast.
- The price shown above is based on group of 20 participants
- 1 gratuity every 15 participants
- 10 breakfasts/1 lunch/9 dinner
- For smaller groups prices on request
- Double room with single supplement on request and availability
- The price shown above includes compliomentary transfers on the first and last day of your tour. If your flights do not coincide with the transfer times, you can choose to purchase a private transfer throguh us. To book your transfer(s), just contact us and provide your flight details no less than 21 days prior your departure
- Faster paced with mix of 1 and 2-night stays in each destination. Requires walking to participate in top sites.
Price include
Price not include
Itinerary Flexibility and Expert Availability
Excursions and activities in this itinerary may be subject to changes. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. We will endeavour to do our utmost in minimising any disruption or inconvenience, whilst making sure you continue to enjoy your fantastic holiday experience.
Travelling by coah:
Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.
Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb
Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”
*Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage.
So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Practical advices
Twin Room All listed pricing in the brochure and website is per person based on two people sharing a twin room (a room with 2 twin size beds). A double bed can be requested at time of booking if preferred.
Solo Supplement If you are traveling alone and require a single room, there will be an additional Solo Room Supplement added to your price.
Triple Room Rooms that sleep 3 people are available on some itineraries. The third bed is typically a pull out or cot.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation.
Prior to traveling, please notify Passucci International Travel of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination.
Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.
However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.
A Note on Tipping
While tipping in Italy is a personal choice and not mandatory, it is a wonderful way to reward the exceptional service of your dedicated team. As a general guideline for the American market, guests typically budget around $10–$15 per day for their Tour Leader and $5–$8 per day for the coach driver. For local city guides, a tip of $3–$5 per tour is standard and deeply appreciated. Gratuities are usually collected in cash (Euros) at the end of the journey or after specific tours.
Tipping at Restaurants & Cafés
Unlike in the US, restaurant servers in Italy are paid a full living wage, so large tips are not expected. You will often see a small charge on your bill called "coperto" (a standard cover charge for bread and tableware). If the service was excellent, it is customary to leave a cash tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill, or simply round up to the nearest €5 or €10. Please note that tips cannot usually be added to credit card payments in Italy, so keeping a small amount of Euro cash on hand is always recommended.