America Media Italy – April 2027

Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy

Trip Date:

Apr 14, 2027

- Apr 23, 2027

Group Type

Open

Activity Level

Moderate

Price

From $11,899

Deposit $500

Hosted by

America Media

or call us at (574) 383-9396

Trip Overview

Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy

Join America Media on a pilgrimage that celebrates the shared heritage of wine and the Catholic Church through the most historic and notable Italian wine regions. From Turin to Tuscany, learn from local sommeliers and Certified Specialists of Wine who will open up the sacramentality of “the fruit of the vine and work of human hands” in a way few others can. Through daily reflections and faith sharing, wine tastings at historic vineyards, Mass at sacred sites, exclusive tours, and free time to explore Italy’s hidden gems, encounter the inspiring beauty of Italy, its fruits, and our faith. This pilgrimage seamlessly integrates Ignatian spirituality into the journey, culminating with a visit to the heart of the Society of Jesus in Rome. Return home with a new and deeper appreciation for the gifts of creation and the embodied faith of the Catholic Church.

What’s Included?

Verso Pilgrimage Director accompanying your group throughout the pilgrimage
Professional tour escort accompanying your group throughout the pilgrimage
Local, licensed tour guides
Transportation on private motorcoach
Accommodations in double-occupancy rooms (single rooms available on a limited basis)
Meals as indicated on the itinerary, including drinks (water, soda, and one glass of wine/beer per meal)
Entry-level wine tastings as indicated on the itinerary
Gratuities for pilgrimage directors, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals
Opportunities for daily Mass
Tickets for included activities
Audio headset for each pilgrim
Verso pilgrimage booklets and pilgrim kits
Preparation and follow-up materials
Pack & Prep Meeting for all pilgrims to review itinerary, activities, logistical arrangements, and spiritual preparations

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly To Turin

April 14, 2027

Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Turin

Day 2: Arrive in Turin (D)

April 15, 2027

Arrive at Turin-Caselle Airport, transfer to the hotel
- Pilgrims will arrange their own airfare and transfer on their own to the hotel
At the hotel, meet for a welcome reception and orientation meeting in the hotel meeting room (approximately 5 p.m.)
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Faith Sharing in the hotel conference room
Overnight in Turin

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Turin Centre or similar

Day 3: Sacra di San Michele and Nebbiolo (B, L)

April 16, 2027

After breakfast, gather for a Morning Reflection in the hotel meeting room
Visit the Sacra di San Michele – the clifftop abbey that inspired Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose
Celebrate Mass at San Michele
Return to Turin
Stop at Cultura Liquida for a tasting led by Julia, a DipWSET sommelier with 11 years of experience, focused on understanding and enjoying the intricacies of wine
Faith Sharing in the hotel conference room
Time for Dinner on your own
Overnight in Turin

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Turin Centre or similar

Day 4: Barbaresco (B, L)

April 17, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
On the bus, participate in a Morning Reflection
Spend the morning at Marchesi di Barolo, viewing the historic cellars and enjoying a Barolo tasting
Enjoy a group lunch
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch and tour of Montaribaldi, an eco-sustainable winery
Celebrate Mass at Chiesa dei Santi Martiri, the original seat of the Jesuits in Turin
Following Mass, stay at Chiesa dei Santa Martiri for Faith Sharing
Free evening with dinner on your own
Overnight in Turin

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Turin Centre or similar

Day 5: From Turin to Tuscany: Montepulciano (B, L, D)

April 18, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
On the bus, participate in a Morning Reflection
Begin the transfer from Turin to Siena
Stop in the Emilia-Romagna region of Parma for Mass
Following Mass, enjoy a lunch tasting of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham at Lamoretti Farms
After arriving at the hotel in Siena, enjoy dinner as a group at the hotel
No faith sharing to follow on this evening
Overnight in Siena

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Certosa di Pontignano, Hotel Four Points, or similar

Day 6: Tuscany (B)

April 19, 2027

After breakfast, gather for a Morning Reflection in the hotel meeting room
Visit Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona for a tour of the winery and a tasting (still pending final confirmation)
Time for lunch on your own
Visit Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a working Benedictine abbey with a monastic wine cellar (optional tasting included)
Celebrate Mass at Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
In the late afternoon, return to Siena for a visit to the Basilica di San Domenico, containing the relics of St. Catherine of Siena
Free time in Siena’s city center, with time to explore and for dinner on your own
Overnight in Siena

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Certosa di Pontignano, Hotel Four Points, or similar

Day 7: From Tuscany to Rome: Montefiascone (B)

April 20, 2027

After breakfast, gather for a Morning Reflection in the hotel meeting room
Depart Siena for Rome
Stop at the Church of San Flaviano for Mass and to visit the tomb of Bishop Defuk
Visit Antica Cantina Leonardi Winery, the oldest wine cellar in Montefiascone, for a tasting
Continue to Rome
Check into the hotel, followed by Faith Sharing in the hotel conference room
Free evening with dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti, NYX Hotel, or similar

Day 8: Papal Audience & Vatican Museums (B, L)

April 21, 2027

Breakfast at the hotel
Attend the Papal Audience (pending the Holy Father’s schedule)
Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant
In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major, followed by a tour of the Basilica, including time to pray at the tomb of Pope Francis
Dinner on your own
In the evening, attend a private tour of the Vatican Museum, home to the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps
Overnight in Rome

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti, NYX Hotel, or similar

Day 9: Rome (B, L)

April 22, 2027

After breakfast, gather for a Morning Reflection and final Faith Sharing in the hotel meeting room
Celebrate Mass at the Gesù, the mother church of the Society of Jesus, and visit the Rooms of St. Ignatius
Visit the Bellarmino College, an international Jesuit formation house and residence for Jesuit priests and scholastics pursuing advanced degrees
Enjoy a Farewell Lunch at a local restaurant
Free Afternoon to explore Rome and eat dinner on your own
Overnight in Rome

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti, NYX Hotel, or similar

Day 10: Fly home (B)

April 23, 2027

Transfer to the Rome Airport and depart on your journey home
- Pilgrims will arrange their own airfare and transfer to the airport on their own

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodations

Premium Accommodations

Turin: Hilton Turin Centre or similar
Siena/Chianti region: Certosa di Pontignano, Hotel Four Points, or similar
Rome: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti, NYX Hotel, or similar

Please Note: Pilgrims should reference their Pack & Prep Handout, distributed approximately one month prior to departure, for finalized accommodation details.

Hilton Turin Centre

Turin

Certosa di Pontignano

Siena/Chianti Region

Hotel Four Points

Siena/Chianti Region

Hotel Le Méridien Visconti

Rome

NYX Hotel

Rome

Pricing

Package Cost

$11,899

Optional Add-ons

Travel Protection

Quote provided after registration

Single room supplement (limited availability)

$2,450 / person

Pricing listed per person in double occupancy rooms and does not include airfare.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

Rates assume a minimum of 20 full-paying pilgrims.

If pilgrims traveling by themselves are unable to be matched with a roommate, the single room supplement may apply. See Additional Information section below for details.

*Travel protection is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Led by

President and Editor in Chief, America Media

Fr. Sam Sawyer, S.J.

New York, NY

Sam Sawyer, S.J., serves as president and the 15th editor in chief at America Media. Prior to his appointment as editor in chief, he led America Media’s digital strategy and also served for several years as the superior of the America House Jesuit Community. Before working at America Media, he served as an associate pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, DC, after being ordained a priest in 2014. During his theology studies, he helped to found The Jesuit Post and served as one of its first editors. During his Jesuit formation, Father Sawyer studied philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and theology at Boston College; he also taught philosophy for two years at Loyola University Maryland. Before entering the Society of Jesus, he worked as a software engineer after graduating from Boston College and spending a year as a volunteer middle school teacher.

Certified Specialist of Wine; Executive Editor of Audio and Video, America Media

Sebastian Gomes

Ontario, Canada

Sebastian Gomes is a multimedia journalist who leads the podcast and video departments at America Magazine, the Jesuit review. He earned a BA and MA in Theology and History from Saint John’s University in Minnesota. His media career began in 2012 at Salt and Light Media in Toronto, where he produced award-winning feature documentaries, including “The Francis Effect” (2014) and “The Francis Impact” (2019). In 2019, he joined America Magazine where he has led acclaimed podcasts including “Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church,” “Voting Catholic,” and “The Gloria Purvis Podcast.” In 2022, he wrote and directed “People of God,” America’s first feature documentary about the state of parish life across the United States. He helped lead America’s coverage of the 2023–24 Rome gatherings of the Synod on Synodality and the 2025 papal election of Leo XIV. He oversees America’s weekly podcast portfolio, including “Jesuitical,” “Inside the Vatican” and “The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.” Sebastian is also a wine enthusiast, who, in 2025, became a “Certified Specialist of Wine” through the Society of Wine Educators, a widely recognized and regarded certification by the international wine industry.

Flights

Pilgrims are responsible for booking their own flights to/from the pilgrimage using the information below regarding airports and designated arrival/departure times.

Arrive by: April 15, 2027
Arrival time: Arrive by 2:30 P.M.
Arrival airport: Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN)
Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will transfer to the hotel on their own via taxi or public transportation.

Depart on: April 23, 2027
Departure time: Any time on April 23
Departure airport: Rome Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)
Departure transfer: Pilgrims will transfer to the airport on their own via taxi or public transportation.

More Details

What's Not Included

Roundtrip airfare
Airport/hotel transfers
Passport, visa, or luggage fees
Any personal purchases
Any meals not indicated on itinerary
Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy

Payment Schedule

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Please note: Payment plans can be arranged if needed. Please contact us if you would like to pay in several installments.

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of October 2026. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations of individual pilgrims must be made in writing (email or letter) to Verso Ministries. Individual pilgrims should cancel with their group leaders, who are then responsible for notifying Verso Ministries in writing (email or letter). Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims. Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted. We highly recommend the purchase of individual travel insurance.

Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free cancellation*
14 days after deposit & 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*To qualify for free cancellation within 2 weeks of deposit, deposit must be made 180 days or more prior to departure.

Additional Information

Important Information for Pilgrims Seeking to be Matched With A Roommate

Pilgrims who register by themselves can indicate in their Pilgrim Portal that they would like to be matched with a roommate. Verso Ministries will make every effort to accommodate that request, however, cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
If, by 90 days prior to departure, Verso has not been able to match a solo pilgrim with a roommate, the single room supplement will be applied to the pilgrim’s invoice and due for payment.
If Verso is able to match a pilgrim with a roommate after they have paid the single room supplement, the pilgrim will be refunded the extra charge.

Arriving early or staying late? Pre-stay and post-stay options

Need to book? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Want help arranging your flights?

Need assistance? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Jump To

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Verso Ministries prepare me for my journey?

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. From pre-departure spiritual formation emails and webinars hosted by the Verso trip leader, to providing you with a pilgrim kit to bring with you on your journey, we accompany you through the entire process – before, during, and after the pilgrimage – to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email to answer and assist with any questions you might have.

What is my Pilgrim Portal?

Your Pilgrim Portal is how you will securely share the information we need for your trip. We collect all this information through your “tasks” in your Pilgrim Portal. After booking, you will receive access to your portal and can log in at the link at the top of this page.

Why should I travel with Verso Ministries?

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe that everything – from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims – shape the ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, but it’s how you prepare – from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. We shepherd you through the entire process so you can achieve the most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts; we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

Resources

Discover helpful guides and tips to prepare for your pilgrimage and enrich your journey with Verso Ministries.

Finding the Saints in Rome

A New Way to Experience Catholic Pilgrimage Tours

5 Benefits of Going on a Pilgrimage

What Our Pilgrims Have to Say

Father Kuhn

Jocelyn

“Verso provided a safe, quality travel experience, but even more important – a transformative pilgrimage. You are making a solid choice when traveling with Verso and will not regret the decision.”

Rev. Jonathan Meyer

Pastor, All Saints Parish

“It was the experience of a lifetime. This pilgrimage gave us a true glimpse of what it would be like to walk with Jesus in the Holy Land. Celebrating Mass, traveling with superb guides, and reflecting on Biblical passages enriched our love of the Holy Land and deepened our faith.”

Deacon John & Ada H.

Pilgrims, Holy Land

“Who doesn’t love a trip that’s already perfectly planned for you? You don’t have to do much except come and experience the trip. I’m really grateful for Verso because they know what they’re doing.”

McKenzy S.

Pilgrim, World Youth Day

Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy

Trip Overview

Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy

What’s Included?

Itinerary

Accommodations