God is Full of Life

Pilgrimage to Italy

italy_country_outline

Visiting Rome and Assisi offers a uniquely Catholic experience — one that is simultaneously beautiful, holy, and awe-inspiring. The Pope, the churches, the saints, the art, it’s one breathtaking moment after another. 

It’s a trip set in one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, with cities, sunsets, food, and wine that are simply unforgettable. And through it all you’ll be reminded of the fullness of God and the life he’s given us. 

Discover it For Yourself

See the beauty of
the universal church

Getting to see the Pope, worshipping in the world’s most astounding churches, and being surrounded by the stories of Italian saints makes the Catholic Church come alive like nothing else. Being placed at the global center of the Catholic faith will humble you and leave you inspired.

Walk through
history

There’s no end to the history that exists in and around Rome and Assisi — from the very streets you walk on, to the ancient buildings still standing, magnificent sculptures to priceless art. Pictures do little justice to these sites, and little prepares you for the tangible experience of seeing them.

Live life to
the fullest

There’s nothing quite like life in Italy. Bread and pasta made fresh daily, the world’s finest wines, long dinners, the beauty of Italian cities, and so much more come together for a life that’s lived beautifully. Experience a taste of all of it in two of Italy’s greatest cities.

What’s
Included

Want to learn more?

Dive into our on-demand Catholic Travel Showcase for more info about the Verso pilgrimage experience!

Standard Itinerary

(Itinerary shown does not include flights to/from pilgrimage.)

“The customer service, attention to detail, and ability to connect each part of the trip to the Catholic tradition of pilgrimages is the best I have seen.”
Paul Sifuentes
Director of Youth Ministry, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Welcome to Italy

Your pilgrimage journey begins on day one when you depart from your home airport en route to Italy. As you arrive in Rome the next day, you’ll immediately take in the ambiance of the city and check into your hotel. Once you’re checked in, head out into the city to discover the local beauty of Rome. Head to mass at a local church and then finish the evening with your fellow pilgrims as you enjoy a welcome dinner where you’ll find yourself immersed in both the culture and cuisine of this wonderful destination.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

The Best of Rome

This morning offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment as you awake to greet the Pope at a Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s Square (pending the Holy Father’s schedule). Join thousands of other pilgrims from around the world as you experience the diversity and unity of the Church. Following this, explore Rome city highlights as you meander through the bustling streets visiting iconic places like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and more. Finish the day in prayer with Mass in a local church.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

Explore the Vatican

The chambers of the Vatican Museum await you this morning. Guided by a local expert, contemplate the priceless works of religious and historical importance found in the museum, including Tapestries Hall, Apollo Belvedere, Raphael’s “School of Athens”, and of course, the Sistine Chapel. Then, a true hidden gem of a pilgrimage to Rome, the Scavi Tour. Only a select number of visitors get a close-up visit to the tomb of St. Peter under the Basilica, so this exclusive access is only available to those that sign-up early (and even with that, it is still pending availability).

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

Roman Church Highlights

Today, make the traditional Roman pilgrimage, including the three major Basilicas of Rome. In the morning, take a walk underground as you discover the ancient Christian catacombs. Continue on to the St. Paul Outside the Walls to celebrate Mass before praying at St. John Lateran Basilica while climbing the “Holy Stairs” – the marble staircase used in Jerusalem during the trial of Jesus and brought to Rome by Queen Helena in the 4th Century. In the afternoon, pray with the Passion Relics at the Basilica of the Holy Cross and end your day pilgrimage with time to contemplate it all at the largest Marian church in Rome, St. Mary Major.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

Ancient
Rome

The largest Amphitheater of its day, the Colosseum was a place of great spectacle. As you travel here, you’ll have the opportunity to step into one of the world’s most famous stages where classical mythology came to life and gladiators battled. While here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill—the most ancient region of Italy. Learn about the grandiose history of the Roman Empire in all its glory, splendor, and infamy and find seeing the remnants of this political stronghold come to life before your very eyes. When lunchtime rolls around, get ready to test your pizza-making skills in a fun cooking workshop before enjoying your creations. 

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

Vatican City

First, a private Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. Yes, you read that right! Start your morning back at St. Peter’s with a Mass in the crypt or side altar of the Basilica. Then, for the rest of the morning, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own. Opt to stay at St. Peter’s to climb the cupola, take more time to pray, or search for your own hidden gem in the city. If you’re willing to pay just a little extra, you’ll even get the chance to participate in a Mosaic Workshop. Whatever you decide, we’re confident it will be worth it. In the late afternoon, take in the Italian countryside as you transfer to Assisi, then enjoy a group dinner in this captivating town. 

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Giotto or similar

Premium Accommodations: Dal Moro Gallery Hotel or similar

Breathtaking Assisi

Enjoy a full day in the hills of Assisi, and yes, be prepared for some hills! Walk through the charming streets of the old city of Assisi as you visit the hometown of the brother-sister pair of Sts. Francis and Clare. Celebrate Mass in the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of St. Francis and home to the famous Giotto frescoes. Also visit the Basilica of St. Clare, the original San Damiano Crucifix, and the Basilica of St. Mary and the Angels, the church built around the original church – the 9th century Porziuncola.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Giotto or similar

Premium Accommodations: Dal Moro Gallery Hotel or similar

A Final Day

One final day in the Italian countryside brings you to Orvieto, site of the breath-taking Duomo of Orvieto and the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena. Then, transfer back to Rome for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. Wake up refreshed the next morning, ready to begin your journey back towards home.

Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar

Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar

Optional Extension — A Taste Of Tuscany

City-scape often seen during a pilgrimage to Italy.

Prepare

Once you register, we’ll help you prepare for the journey, logistically and spiritually. In the meantime:

Upcoming Departures

“Verso Ministries has gained my trust and confidence that the Spirit is the center and guide of all their mission.”
Yen Fasano
Pilgrim World Youth Day 2019 in Panama
May 13 – 23, 2024
11 days, 10 nights
May 13, 2024
From $4,288
November 2 – 10, 2024
9 days, 8 nights
November 2, 2024
From $3,583
March 16 – 27, 2025
12 days, 11 nights
March 16, 2025
From $4,996

Why Travel With Verso?

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