Our pilgrimage begins with a visit to the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and   Palace of Versailles to experience the unique expression of French art during the 17th and 18th centuries. This evening we will enjoy a Seine River cruise.

Overnight stay in Paris (B L D)

After breakfast, we visit the great churches of Paris: the Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the most famous cathedrals that are devoted to the Blessed Mother; and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Sacre Coeur. Later in the afternoon, visit the Shrine of Saint Vincent de Paul, as well as the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, where St. Catherine Laboure, a member of the Daughters of Charity, received her apparitions of Mary.

Overnight stay in Paris (B L D)

This morning we travel to visit Le Mont Saint Michel, surrounded by a magnificent bay which gives you breathtaking views. Le Mont St. Michel is home to the monastic congregation which was built and consecrated by Aubert, Bishop of Avranches at the request of Michael the Archangel.

Overnight stay in Le Mont Saint Michel (B L D)

This morning we will depart for Nevers and continue through the scenic Loire Valley.  St. Bernadette lived for 12 years as a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Nevers. We will visit St. Gildard Convent, the site where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body rests. While here, we will pray and reflect upon the life of the beloved Saint as well as celebrate Holy Mass.

Overnight stay in Nevers (B L D)

This morning we farewell Nevers and continue on to Paray le Monial to visit the Shrine of Margaret Mary Alacoque, a nun and mystic, who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Visit the Chapel of the Visitations and the Chapel of St. Claude and enjoy an audio-visual presentation. We continue on to Ars, to visit the Shrine of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests. Later this afternoon we drive to Lyon.

Overnight stay in Lyon (B L D)

This morning enjoy sightseeing at in Lyon. We then proceed to Turin for a guided city tour of Turin, where we visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and venerate the Holy Shroud of Turin. We then visit the splendid Palazzo Reale and remains of Turin’s ancient Roman walls; the Palatine Portal and the Roman Theatre.  Following the city tour, we celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Help of Christians, which was built by St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian congregation.

Overnight stay in Turin (B L D)

In the morning, we journey through beautiful Tuscany to arrive in Pisa. Visit the Square of Miracles, where the Cathedral that was built almost 1,000 years ago and the cathedral’s bell tower, better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is located. This afternoon we drive to Florence for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Florence (B L D)

This morning we enjoy a tour on foot of Florence which 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)

This morning enjoy the travel to Siena, Tuscany’s most beloved and inviting city. 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. In the evening, reach Assisi, the hometown of mystical St. Francis and St. Clare.

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 from 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 Rotondo (B L D)

This morning we will journey to a small town called Monte Sant’ Angelo to visit and celebrate Holy Mass at the Shrine of St Michael the Archangel, where the Archangel is said to have made four separate appearances, making the sanctuary one of the popular Christian sites visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. We continue our journey to Pietrelcina, the small village where St. Padre Pio was born. Visit his birthplace, the friary and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Sorrento, a beautiful coastal town for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Sorrento (B L D)

This morning we enjoy a drive along the beautiful Amalfi Coast, with stops for pictures at beautiful look-out points.  Upon our arrival at Amalfi, we visit and celebrate Holy Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, housing relics of the Apostle. In the afternoon we 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. We continue our journey to Rome, the eternal city for an overnight stay.

Overnight stay in Rome (B L D)

After breakfast, we journey to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill and much more. Later in the afternoon proceed for a walking tour from Navona Square and see the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

Overnight stay in Rome (B L D)

We begin our day with the celebration of Holy Mass at St. Peters Basilica, continue to visit Vatican Museum where we will see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the Tapestries Gallery. In the afternoon visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Chiesa Del Domine Quo Vadis, Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, St. John Lateran and ‘Scala Santa’.

Overnight stay in Rome (B L D)

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and then transfer to Rome International Airport for our return flight to Australia. (B)