God is Full of Life
Pilgrimage to Italy
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
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.
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.
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
- A dedicated pilgrimage director, supplemented with local guide(s)
- Catholic chaplain and daily Mass
-
Private transportation on motorcoach
- Online prep webinar and emailed prep materials
- All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
-
4-star hotel properties come standard
- Breakfast daily, several lunches and dinners, plus wine at dinners
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Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Want to learn more?
Standard Itinerary
(Itinerary shown does not include flights to/from pilgrimage.)
Welcome to Italy
- City of Rome
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
The Best of Rome
- The Pope in St. Peter’s Square, Rome Landmarks
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
Explore the Vatican
- The Vatican Museum, Tomb of St. Peter
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).
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
Roman Church Highlights
- Major Basilicas of Rome, Catacombs, Basilica of the Holy Cross
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
Ancient
Rome
- Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
Vatican City
- St. Peter’s Basilica
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Giotto or similar
Premium Accommodations: Dal Moro Gallery Hotel or similar
Breathtaking Assisi
- Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare
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 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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Giotto or similar
Premium Accommodations: Dal Moro Gallery Hotel or similar
A Final Day
- Orvieto, Rome
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.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Hotel Cicerone or similar
Premium Accommodations: Hotel Le Méridien Visconti or similar
Optional Extension — A Taste Of Tuscany
Continue your adventure by exploring even more of what Italy has to offer. Head to the Tuscany Region and let yourself be captivated by the stunning scenery of the Italian coast. As you arrive, delight in a wine tasting followed by lunch with some of the region’s finest flavors.
Explore Siena for a guided walking tour, including the Basilica of Saint Dominic where you’ll have time to honor St. Catherine of Siena and the Basilica of Saint Francis to encounter the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena. Next you’ll travel to Florence to visit some of the city’s most iconic sites. While there, you’ll even get the chance to do some exploring on your own.
Surrounded by centuries worth of art, architecture, and the culmination of Italian culture, you’ll find every one of your senses engaged while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Extension includes:
- Professional English-speaking local guides in Siena and Florence
- Private transportation
- All tickets for included activities listed on itinerary
- Standard accommodations
- Breakfast daily at hotel, two lunches, and wine tasting
Sightseeing in Siena
- Tuscany, Siena
Travel from Rome to Siena enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy a Tuscan wine tasting and luncheon. Afterwards, spend time touring several of the most notable churches in Siena. See the burial place of St. Dominic and the head of St. Catherine of Siena (this is her hometown) at the Basilica of St. Dominic, and contemplate the mystery of the True Presence as you venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena in the Basilica of Saint Francis. As evening rolls around, transfer to Florence where you’ll be spending the entirety of the second day.
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Diplomat Hotel or similar
A Full Day in Florence
- Florence, Duomo, Accademia Gallery
We will start the day with guided tours of some of the most gorgeous churches in Florence. This will include the Santa Maria del Fiore, also referred to as the Duomo, which is one of Florence’s very first great basilicas. Appreciate the Romanesque style of the Florence Baptistry and catch a glimpse of the iconic Giotto’s Campanile and the Signoria Square. You’ll also have the chance to dive into some of this location’s beloved artistic relics at the Accademia Gallery, such as Michaelangelo’s sculpture, “David.” As the day draws to a close, enjoy the local cuisine and spend some time exploring the city on your own!
Accommodations
Standard Accommodations: Diplomat Hotel or similar
Until Next Time
- Florence, Home
Wake up and enjoy one last breakfast before heading to the airport. As you reflect on how God has been working throughout history, there’s no doubt that you’ll also gain a greater awareness of God’s presence in your own life as well.
Prepare
Once you register, we’ll help you prepare for the journey, logistically and spiritually. In the meantime:
Upcoming Departures
Why Travel With Verso?
- We believe everything is sacred. Not just just the saints and sacraments, the Pope or parishes. God’s present in the city, the country, the food, and the conversation. And we get to explore it all.
- As a ministry, we’re here with expertise in travel, planning, and spiritual direction, to help pilgrims explore the sacred. And everything is sacred.
- Join us to do true Catholic pilgrimage by experiencing everything to its fullest.