Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
$2103
Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi, Cascia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5300-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a profound journey through Italy with the "Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel" tour. This enriching experience takes you to Rome, where you will attend a Papal Audience and visit the city's major Papal basilicas. Explore the serene Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, and delve into the life of St. Pio in Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo. Discover the sacred sites of Monte Sant'Angelo, Lanciano, and Loreto, and immerse yourself in the spiritual heritage of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Conclude your pilgrimage in the tranquil town of Cascia, home to the Sanctuary of St. Rita. This tour offers a unique blend of religious significance, historical exploration, and cultural immersion, providing a deeply moving and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Rome,Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Italy! Check into your hotel, with rest of the day free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey. Later this evening, a welcome dinner awaits at your hotel.
Day 2: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, St John Lateran Basilica and St. Mary Major Basilica, the Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass.
Day 3: Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Breakfast
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, take advantage of time at leisure in Rome or join the optional excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s impressive fresco of The Last Judgment. Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km
Day 4: Rome,Pietrelcina,San Giovanni Rotondo
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina, to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today's Distance: 258 mi / 415 km
Day 5: San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio’s friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo. Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km
Day 6: San Giovanni Rotondo,Lanciano,Loreto,Assisi Area
Location: Assisi
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonori
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Day 7: Assisi
Location: Assisi
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonori
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226.
Day 8: Assisi Area,Cascia,Rome
Location: Cascia
Accommodation Name: BV Oly Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita’s tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km
Day 9: Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: BV Oly Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Parco Delle Rose, Casa Leonori, and BV Oly Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Local guides for visits to St. Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, Castel Gandolfo, and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
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Papal Audience
Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for a chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing.
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Mass Services
Attend Mass services at various significant religious sites including St. Mary Major Basilica, Santa Maria delle Grazie, St. Francis Church in Lanciano, and St. Francis Basilica in Assisi.
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Excursions
Excursions to Castel Gandolfo, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, and Cascia.
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Candlelight Procession
Attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco), Rome (St. Paul Outside the Walls), and Vatican City.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are not included.
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Papal Audience Availability
The Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availability and may not be available on certain departure dates.
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Mass Services Language
Mass services may be in the local language and venues are subject to change.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 dinners
Notes
The Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availabilityMass services may be in local language and venues are subject to changeDeparture May 21 St. Pio's feast day (25 May) - No Papal audience on this departureDeparture September 19 Anniversary of St. Pio's passing (23 September) – No Papal audience on this departureDeparture June 16 – No Papal audience on this departure
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Rome (St. Paul Outside the Walls)|The properties of the Holy See in Rome enjoying extraterritorial rights and San Paolo outside the Walls|Vatican City
Accommodation
Ibis Styles Rome Aurelia features a restaurant, bar, and cozy garden. Parco Delle Rose offers an Olympic-size pool and sun terrace. Casa Leonori boasts a gourmet restaurant and peaceful courtyard. BV Oly Hotel provides regional dishes and free Wi-Fi.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation to various locations such as Rome, Castel Gandolfo, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant'Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, and Cascia, covering significant distances by road.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in various hotels including Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia in Rome, Parco Delle Rose with its large outdoor area and Olympic-size swimming pool, Casa Leonori in Santa Maria degli Angeli, and BV Oly Hotel in Rome's business district. All hotels offer modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi.
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Will I have the opportunity to attend a Papal Audience?
Yes, on the second day of the tour, there is an opportunity to attend the Papal Audience, subject to availability, where you can see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, a chance to see the rooms occupied by many Popes, and time to reflect in the garden's quiet surroundings. Additionally, you will visit the house where St. Pio was born in Pietrelcina and attend a candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.
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Are there any special religious activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes attending Mass at various significant religious sites such as St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major Basilica, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and St. Francis Basilica. You will also visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo and participate in a candlelight procession.
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What are some of the key religious sites we will visit?
You will visit several key religious sites including St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, St. Pio's friary, the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, and the Marian Sanctuary of Loreto.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is some free time included in the itinerary. For example, on the first day, you have the rest of the day free to explore Rome on your own. Additionally, on the third day, you have leisure time in Rome or the option to join an excursion to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and four dinners.
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Are there any special notes or considerations for this tour?
Yes, the Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availability, and Mass services may be in the local language with venues subject to change. Additionally, certain departures may not include a Papal audience due to specific events or anniversaries.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.