A Christmas Season Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome with Bree Dail and Fr. Patrick Briscoe

Your spiritual journey begins with an overnight flight from Washington Dulles to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard, allowing you to relax and anticipate the adventure ahead. Group air does not allow us to assign a specific seat on the plane. If this is an important feature we suggest you book your own air and opt for a land-only package with us.

Upon arrival at Rome airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your Tour Manager and board a comfortable motorcoach bound for Assisi, the serene “city of birds and silence.” En route, you’ll stop in Orvieto to marvel at its magnificent Duomo, where you’ll celebrate Mass and witness the awe-inspiring Miracle of the Eucharist of Bolsena. The day continues with a delightful visit to Le Velette Estate, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich wine and olive oil traditions, followed by a special wine tasting and an included lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Assisi, check into your comfortable hotel, and enjoy a delicious dinner before a restful night’s sleep. Overnight in Assisi. (Special lunch. D)

Today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual heart of Assisi. You’ll begin at the Basilica of St. Clare and the Chapel of San Damiano, places central to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare. A poignant visit to the Sanctuary of the Spoliation will bring you to the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the Church of St. Mary Major. The afternoon will be spent at the breathtaking Basilica of St. Francis, where you’ll admire Giotto’s renowned frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, explore the lower Basilica, and visit the Tomb of St. Francis. Mass will be celebrated in one of the Basilica’s beautiful chapels. You’ll then return to your hotel for dinner and another peaceful overnight stay in Assisi.

We drive to Siena to have Mass at the St. Dominic Church this morning. We have time at leisure to explore Siena and enjoy lunch at a restaurant of our choice. Return to Assisi in the afternoon and have the remainder of the day to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of Assisi, which is beautifully adorned for Christmas. A delightful dinner with wine awaits you at a local restaurant in the evening. You’ll spend another night in Assisi. (B. Special dinner)

Today, you’ll check out of your Assisi hotel and journey to Greccio, home to one of the most beloved Franciscan shrines. Here, you’ll experience the site where St. Francis brought the very first Living Nativity Scene to life in 1223, an atmosphere re-enacted annually during Christmas. You’ll celebrate Mass here, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. The journey then continues to Rome, where you’ll check into your hotel. Tonight we have dinner at leisure. The group may want to check out the Arlu Restaurant (recommended by Bree) followed by a visit to the charming Christmas Markets in Piazza Navona and for drinks in the area. You’ll enjoy your first overnight stay in Rome.

A truly special day awaits! This morning, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to attend the Papal Audience with the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV. Afterwards, you’ll explore St. Peter’s Basilica and the intriguing Scavi tunnels (TBC). Mass will be celebrated. Bree, your knowledgeable host, will lead you on a leisurely stroll through Centro Storico, taking in iconic sites such as Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and San Andrea della Fratte. There will also be time for some last-minute shopping at the Castroni market. As evening approaches, you’ll attend a New Year’s Eve Vespers Service at St. Peter’s Basilica (to be confirmed), followed by a festive New Year’s dinner at well known restaurant recommended by Bree. The night concludes with welcoming in the New Year. What an amazing adventure to be in Rome at the end of 2025 and the start of 2026. You’ll spend the night in Rome. (B. New Year’s Dinner)

Begin the New Year with a blessed New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (to be confirmed). Later in the day, you’ll delve into the bohemian charm of Trastevere, visiting the historic Santa Cecilia and Santa Maria Churches and exploring the vibrant neighborhood. You may also have the exciting opportunity to experience the ‘Trame di Luce’, a captivating Christmas light and art show. Your New Year’s Day celebration continues with dinner at a well known restaurant recommended by Bree (reservations for dinner will be made, dinner cost is not included) possibly followed by drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the beautiful Roman skyline (to be confirmed). Overnight in Rome.

Your final full day in Rome begins with Mass at St. Mary Major, where you’ll also see Pope Francis’s tomb. Your next stops include St. John Lateran and the revered Holy Stairs. In the afternoon, you’ll visit St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, the nearby Tre Fontane Convent (where St. Paul was beheaded), and the Shrine of Our Lady of Revelation. Tonight, you’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner at Interno 92 (TBC), followed by a walk to the internal bar “Wisdomless.” If the weather permits, you might even enjoy farewell drinks in the lively Campo Fiori area. Overnight in Rome. (B. Farewell dinner)

This morning, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flights back to the United States, carrying cherished memories of your Italian pilgrimage.