Day 1. Depart JFK/Newark for Rome

Day 2. We arrive in Rome and begin our journey through the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside en route to Assisi

Day 3. Our Assisi pilgrimage begins with Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis and contemplative time at the tomb of St. Francis. Afterwards, we continue our journey through the 13th century basilica and the basilicas of St. Clare and St. Mary of the Angels. We will pray in front of the San Damian Cross, where St. Francis received the instruction to "Repair My Church," and receive the Porziuncola indulgence. We will also tour the medieval town of Assisi, including its ancient temple and town square, before heading to Carceri, the hermitage site where St. Francis spent his time visiting his many secluded sanctuaries

Day 4. Today we travel to the La Verna Monastery, founded by St. Francis after he received the Stigmata in La Verna. We will view the cave that was St. Francis' cell, the chapel over the site where he received the Stigmata and the entire monastery complex, having time after lunch to explore some of the many trails before returning to Assisi in the late afternoon

Day 5. Optional excursion to Florence to see Michelangelo's David, the Galleria dell Accadamia, the Punta Vecchio, the Duomo and the renowned Fra Angelico paintings at the convent of San Marco; OR free day in Assisi

Day 6. We arrive in Rome and take a panoramic tour, stopping at the Roman Forum and Colosseum, St. John Lateran (the original Vatican), the Holy Steps and the newly-discovered burial place of St. Paul at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Time permitting, we will visit the Catacombs of Priscila or St. Mary Major.

Day 7. With more than 20.000 visitors per day, we begin the day at the Vatican with a papal audience, receiving the Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis. After lunch, we tour the Vatican Museum and the magnificent Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Bernini's Columns, Michelangelo's "Pieta," and the tomb of John Paul II. We finish our pilgrimage with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, where we will enjoy a farewell gelato.

Day 8. Depart Rome for JFK/Newark.

From $3,295 including base airfare from New York