SAINTS OF ITALY

Today we will visit the Basilica of St Anthony, where the patron saint of lost things is honoured. Later we will proceed to Venice, for some of the greatest wonders you will ever see: St Mark’s Square, the Golden Basilica of San Marco, the Bridge of Sighs and see the Doges’ Palace from outside.

Overnight stay in Padua (B L D)

This morning we will proceed to Florence, city of art lovers for a city tour begins with Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce where many nobles are buried such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. We will also visit the beautiful Piazza Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza del Duomo and its Cathedral with the Giotto Campanile, and magnificent East Door of the Baptistry known as the “Gate of Paradise”.

Overnight stay in Florence (B L D) 

Today we will drive to the beautiful town of Siena, the birthplace of Saints Catherine and Bernardine and one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Visit the Siena’s treasures, such as Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and St Dominic’s Basilica. We also visit the Sanctuary of St Catherine, which was home to one of the greatest female mystics. We will proceed towards Assisi, on the way visit one of the most important Franciscan sites, La Verna Sanctuary, where St Francis received the stigmata back in 1224.

Overnight stay in Assisi (B L D) 

In the morning, visit St Francis’ Basilica, where we celebrate Holy Mass at the Tomb of St Francis. We will later enjoy a walking tour of the city, including the Church of San Rufino, and the Basilica of St. Clare, where her incorrupt body lies in repose. Later in the afternoon, we stop at the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, where we view the Porziuncola, the tiny church contained inside the Basilica and the cross of San Damiano. We will also visit Rocca Maggiore, and finally the Oratorio Di San Francesco Piccolino.

Overnight stay in Assisi (B L D) 

This morning we depart Assisi for Lanciano, to witness the living flesh and blood of Jesus in a special reliquary. Lanciano is famous for being the site of the first Eucharistic Miracle which took place in the Church of St Legontian in the 8th Century. This miracle has been preserved and can be seen in the church today. Later we journey to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit Padre Pio’s tomb and cell; the old church where he received the stigmata; his confessional; and the new Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazia. Also visit the Padre Pio’s most famous charitable work, the Home for the Relief of Suffering.

Overnight stay in San Giovanni (B L D)

This morning we will journey to a small town called Monte Sant’ Angelo to visit the Shrine of St Michael the Archangel, where the Archangel is said to have made four separate appearances. Continue to Mugnano del Cardinale, to visit the body of one of the most popular saints today Saint Philomena. Continue our journey along Amalfi coast, famous for breathtaking views of the mountainous coastline. Visit the Cathedral of St Andrew, the crypt and reliquary of St Andrew.

Overnight stay in Sorrento (B L D)

This morning we board a ferry to visit the island of Capri, one of the most picturesque islands in the world. We will visit the Blue Grotto, Mount Solaro, and the Church of San Michele. We will have some free time to spend at your own leisure before we journey back to Sorrento.

Overnight stay in Sorrento (B L D)

Today we will proceed to explore the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii, destroyed and buried in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Later we will proceed to Monte Cassino, the home of the sacred relics and Monastery of St Benedict, the patron saint of Europe and the founder of western monasticism. Visit Monte Cassino war cemetery, the site of the fiercest battle during World War II that resulted in great loss of life and complete destruction of the monastic buildings. Later in the evening we will be transferred to Rome International Airport for our return flight to Australia.

Overnight stay in Transit (B L D)

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