Come to Rome, the City That Never Sleeps! After checking into your accommodation between 10:00 AM and noon, have a filling meal at a nearby restaurant. In order to get ready for the motivating days ahead, use the afternoon to relax and refresh.

We will explore Rome’s picturesque alleys as dusk draws near, stopping at the famous Trevi Fountain and the lively Piazza Navona. As you take in the beauty of the city, allow yourself to be enchanted and allow amazement to fill your heart. Over supper, we will toast to each other’s success and intentions for this pilgrimage journey, concluding this wonderful day.

We’ll rise early the following morning for morning prayer and a filling breakfast before visiting the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Discover this magnificent area, pay a visit to St. Peter’s tomb, and ascend to the dome for amazing views of the city below. Following a relaxed lunch, we’ll continue exploring the Vatican Museums and marveling at the famed Sistine Chapel as well as other works of art that have moved the hearts of countless pilgrims.

After a quiet moment of reflection in St. Peter’s Square, we’ll end our enlightening day with a nice group supper where we can discuss our experiences and takeaways from the day.

On Day 3, our adventure begins at the stunning St. Paul Outside the Walls, where we’ll take a moment to reflect on the inspiring life of St. Paul. Then, we’ll visit St. John Lateran, the oldest basilica in Rome and the official seat of the Pope. Here, you can ascend the Holy Stairs—each step a reminder of Jesus’ own journey during His trial in Jerusalem.

After a delightful lunch filled with local flavors, we’ll immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of St. Mary Major, a Marian basilica that invites you to pause and connect with your faith. As evening approaches, we’ll gather for a heartfelt moment of prayer, followed by a cozy dinner where we can share our thoughts and feelings about the day.

On Day 5, we begin the day with prayer and a hearty breakfast before making our way down into the mysterious St. Sebastian Catacombs. These historic graveyards provide insight into the lives and beliefs of early Christians and are a moving monument to their faith and fortitude.

After that, we’ll travel to Jerusalem to see the Basilica of the Holy Cross, a genuinely holy location that is home to some of the Church’s most treasured artifacts, including pieces of the True Cross. You will be struck by the magnitude of the surrounding faith and the weight of history.

We’ll visit the Church of Quo Vadis, a noteworthy location where legend has it that Jesus appeared to St. Peter and urged him to return to Rome, after a delicious lunch. We shall feel a strong resonance with this moving tale as we move through these sacred corridors. After evening prayer and an excellent dinner, we’ll wrap up the day with some time to ponder the moving tales of faith that we’ve come across in these hallowed places.

Day 6: We leave for Assisi, the enchanted residence of St. Francis and St. Clare, for a fantastic day excursion. We’ll start our journey early and arrive by midmorning when we’ll be welcomed by the imposing Basilica of St. Francis. Here, we’ll celebrate Mass in front of breathtaking frescoes that eloquently portray St. Francis’ life, inspiring and nourishing our souls.

We’ll head to the Basilica of St. Clare after a leisurely lunch so we may take in the calm environment devoted to this adored saint. We will travel to the Porziuncola at Santa Maria degli Angeli, the little chapel where the Franciscan movement started and which St. Francis rebuilt. Experience the devotion and love that this holy place exudes.

On day 7, after a hearty breakfast and morning prayer, we’ll head to the quaint neighborhood of Trastevere. One of Rome’s oldest churches, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, is our first stop. The magnificent early Christian mosaics that depict enduring tales of faith will enthrall you.

We will then go to the Church of St. Cecilia, which honors the patron saint of music, where you can experience the creative inspiration and tranquility. Following a delicious lunch, we’ll stroll up Gianicolo Hill to enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of Rome. This is the ideal location for introspection, contemplation, and admiring the splendor of the Eternal City.

We’ll get together for a hearty dinner and prayer as night falls, exchanging ideas and anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.

Day 8 will begin with a visit to the lively Piazza del Popolo, where we will take in the stunning views of Santa Maria del Popolo. This church is a veritable gold mine of Renaissance art, with jaw-dropping Caravaggio pieces.

We’ll then take a stroll to the magnificent Pantheon, an old temple converted to a church whose stunning architecture never ceases to astound. Pause to enjoy the artistry and history all around you as you stand beneath its imposing dome.

Following lunch, we’ll visit the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola before traveling to Santa Maria sopra Minerva, where you can take in the breathtaking Gothic architecture and the well-known Christ the Redeemer statue by Michelangelo.

After evening prayer and a group dinner, we’ll call it a day and create a serene end to yet another fruitful day of exploration in Rome.

On Day 9, we will begin with a substantial breakfast and morning prayer before making our way down into the St. Callixtus Catacombs. You will be moved by the bravery and devotion of the early Christians who came to these tunnels in search of comfort and hope as we explore these old burial places. Your bond with their faith will grow stronger as a result of this historical excursion.

We will then go to the Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls, which honors a pioneering martyr from Rome. You can consider her inspirational tale and the sacrifices made by our predecessors here. We’ll make a stop at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, a noteworthy location where mythology claims Jesus appeared to St. Peter as he fled Rome, after a delicious lunch. This historic moment will have a profound effect on you.

We’ll get together for evening prayer and a quiet supper as the day comes to an end, discussing our thoughts on the sacred places we’ve seen.

A Day for Meditation and Prayer

Day 10 is devoted to introspection and rejuvenation. We’ll start by taking you to a peaceful monastery where you can receive instruction in prayer and meditation, like the Monastery of St. Benedict. You will be able to find inner peace and make a strong connection with your faith in this serene environment.

You’ll have time for quiet reflection and private prayer in the afternoon following a modest but filling lunch. Spend some time taking in the deep spiritual insights gained from this pilgrimage, allowing the beauty of your surroundings to guide your meditations and prayers.

We’ll get together in the evening for a calming prayer session, and then we’ll have a quiet dinner to wrap up this day of introspection and spiritual rest. As you proceed on your journey, embrace the silence and let it revitalize your soul.

Day 11: After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll go to the Church of St. Peter in Chains. The magnificent statue of Moses by Michelangelo, a true masterpiece that embodies both artistry and faith, will inspire you here.

Next, we’ll travel to one of Rome’s seven main pilgrimage churches, the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls. Here, we will commemorate St. Lawrence’s life and legacy while considering his valiant acts of service and faith. We eat a filling lunch before making our way to the Church of St. Praxedes. You will have time for introspection and private prayer in this calm setting, which will enable you to connect with your spiritual journey.

We’ll get together for a shared supper and evening prayer as the day draws to a close, remembering the memorable experiences we’ve had as our pilgrimage draws to a close.

Completing our pilgrimage

On our final day, we begin with a visit to Piazza Venezia and the impressive Vittoriano Monument, a symbol of Italy’s unity and history. This monument’s grandeur will serve as a constant reminder of the human spirit’s tenacity and resiliency.

We’ll then make one last trip to St. Peter’s Basilica, providing a final chance for prayer and introspection in this hallowed location. As you get ready to take these memories with you, pause to appreciate the significance and beauty of your surroundings.

Are you interested?