Embark On a Catholic Pilgrimage to Rome, Florence & Assisi

Our Pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our flights to Rome. Meals and drinks served aloft.

You will arrive at Rome Airport (FCO) where you will be welcomed by a Glimmer Tours representative who will be awaiting your arrival. You will be escorted from the airport and driven to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

We begin the day with a transfer to Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. Upon arrival, we will visit the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels. Within this basilica you will visit the Capella del Transito, which is the site where St. Francis died.

After enjoying lunch, we will begin our guided tour of Assisi. We will begin with a visit to the Basilica of St. Clare. The church is dedicated to and contains the remains of St. Clare, a close follower of St. Francis and the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters.

Next we will visit the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Here we will have the opportunity to visit the tomb of St. Francis and view artwork depicting his life. Depending on availability, we will also celebrate Mass within the basilica.

We will conclude the day with a transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Assisi

This morning, we will depart Assisi and head to the sacred mountain of La Verna. Here we will visit the Sanctuary of La Verna which until today remains an active monastery. This is the site where St. Francis received the stigmata and is regarded as the second holiest site for the Franciscan order.

After lunch, we will make our way to Florence. This beautiful city is the home to stunning Renaissance artwork, impressive architecture and world-famous churches making it a must visit while in Italy. Upon arrival we will transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Florence

We will begin the day with a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia, this well renowned art gallery is best known as the home of Michelangelo's sculpture David.

We will continue with a city tour of Florence, including many incredible sites such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore which is more commonly known as the Duomo. This iconic cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Italy and the world. We will also get to explore the Duomo Museum, Santa Reparata and the Baptistery.

Another highlight of our day is our visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church in the world. This basilica is the burial place of illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo and Galileo.

After lunch we will have the rest of the afternoon for free time to explore and shop in the beautiful city of Florence. We will end the day with a transfer to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Florence

We will begin the day with a visit to the nearby small Tuscan hilltown of Siena. This medieval city is home to St. Catherine, one of only four female “Doctors” of the Catholic Church and St. Bernardino, “the Apostle of Italy”.

Upon arrival we will begin with a walking tour of Old Town Siena including a visit to the Basilica of San Domenico. Here you will get to see relics of St. Catherine which include her incorrupt head and thumb.

Next you will get to explore the Shrines of St. Catherine. Here we will follow in the footsteps of St. Catherine to the house where she used to live and pray. We will continue to Piazza del Campo, this public space is renowned worldwide for its beauty and is one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares.

After our tour, we will transfer to a local winery in Siena for lunch and wine tasting.

We will conclude our day with a transfer to the “Eternal City” of Rome. Upon arrival, we will enjoy dinner and a restful night's sleep.

Overnight in Rome

We begin our day in Rome with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside of the Walls, the site of St. Paul’s burial. We will continue with a visit to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas in Rome.

After lunch, we will visit the Vatican Museum and explore the priceless paintings, tapestries and sculptures dedicated to our Lord. Within the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel, this magnificent chapel features an ornate ceiling and a breathtaking altarpiece painted by Michelangelo.

We will also get to visit one of the holiest Catholic churches in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica located in the Vatican City. This breathtaking basilica was built on the site where St. Peter the Apostle was martyred and provides you the opportunity to pray at the tomb of St. John Paul II.

After time for leisure and shopping in St. Peter’s Square, we will transfer to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Rome

We will begin the day with a visit to St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Audience. The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis. Although you are scheduled to be in Rome on Wednesday, the event is at the discretion of the pope's schedule.

After lunch, we will take a walking tour beginning at the famous Piazza Navona, passing by the grand structure that is the Pantheon and making a wish at Fontana di Trevi.

We will continue with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest and most important shrines in the world which is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Within the basilica, you will get to see a relic of the manger from Bethlehem in which baby Jesus was laid.

We will conclude the day with a transfer to the hotel for dinner and a restful night's sleep.

Overnight in Rome

We will begin the day with a visit to the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built seating more than 50,000 at one time. After completing our tour of the Colosseum, we will make our way to the Roman Forum. Here we will get to see ruins of Rome's most important government buildings. For centuries the Forum was the political, legal and religious center of the Roman Empire.

After lunch, we will walk to the iconic Spanish Steps for free time and shopping. We will conclude the day with dinner and a transfer to the hotel for a restful night's sleep.

Overnight in Rome