Day 1 – June 18

Late afternoon departure from Toronto to Rome.

Day 2 – June 19

Morning arrival in Rome. Upon arrival transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo. En route we stop in Manoppello, where we visit Basilica del Volto Santo containing a sudarium – an image of Jesus face an a thin byssus vail. Upon arrival time for rest, dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – June 20

Full day in San Giovanni Rotondo. We start our day with Mass at the Church where Padre Pio said Mass most of his days, and then we visit His tomb and the museum. Afternoon we travel to Monte de San Angelo, the oldest shrine in Europe dedicated to the archangel Michael. Upon return to San Giovanni some free time for rest and individual prayers, dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – June 21

After breakfast we depart to Rome. En route we stop in Monte Cassino, site of the oldest Benedictine monastery and witness of one of the fiercest battles of the WWII. Late afternoon arrival in Rome for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – June 22

This morning we visit the Vatican Museum incl. Sistine chapel, St. Peter’s basilica and the tomb of John Paul II. Afternoon free time for leisure.

Day 6 – June 23

After morning Mass we participate in the Angelus prayer with the Holy Father at noon. Afternoon tour takes us to views of the Coliseum, Forum Romanum, Trevi Fountain and visit to the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains and magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7 – June 24

Today we travel to Florence. En route we stop in Assisi, the city of St. Francis, We visit the upper and lower basilica dedicated to St. Francis and the church of St. Mary of the Angels. After Mass we continue to Florence for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 – June 25

Full day in Florence, the cradle of Renaissance. Our guided tour of the city takes us to the church of Santa Croce, a visit to the basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, Piazza Signora and Ponte Veccio. After lunch free time for leisure. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 9 – June 26

This morning we depart Florence traveling north to Padua, the city of St. Anthony. We visit the basilica dedicated to St. Anthony and his tomb. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10 – June 27

After breakfast we depart to Venice for a full day tour. We relish the sights and sounds of this serene city including canal cruise by motor launch to St. Mark’s Square. We view the bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Afternoon some free time for leisure before our return to the hotel in Padua for dinner and overnight.

Day 11 – June 28

After breakfast we leave for the airport in Venice for a flight to Toronto. Afternoon arrival.