This departure is accepting waitlist inquiries. Joining a waitlist does not confirm a place.
Join Fr. Brian Lager on a pilgrimage to Italy. This trip will visit Rome, Assisi, Orvieto, Siena, La Verna, Greccio and more!
Fr. Brian Lager and a Christian guide will meet your party at the airport and accompany you every step of the way as you explore Assisi, Orvieto, Rome, and much more.
Fr. Brian Lager is a priest of the Diocese of Salina who was ordained in 2012 and serves several Catholic communities in western Kansas. His ministry has included parish, campus, and chaplaincy assignments, and he has accompanied Select International Tours pilgrims in Italy.
Tipping /Gratuities for the guide(s), driver, and wait staff (please refer to the suggestions we will provide for you with your final documents). Suggested budget $200- $220.00.
Depart Denver International Airport on an overnight flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on the plane. Quotes for add-on flights from different airports, as well as optional Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades, are available upon request and will be provided starting 120 days prior to departure. Group air restrictions (for ten passengers traveling together) do not permit specific seating requests on flights. We recommend purchasing your own airline tickets and land-only packages with us if seat confirmation is an important part of your trip. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your trip Account Manager, Mirela Krstic, who will be happy to assist you.
After we arrive in the “Eternal City” of Rome, we will be met by our tour manager at the airport and drive north, stopping in the walled town of Orvieto. In the 13th century, in nearby Bolsena, a priest doubted the Eucharistic Presence during Mass, and the host turned to real flesh and the wine to real blood during the consecration. The priest brought the blood-stained Corporal to Pope Urban in Orvieto, and it is now kept in a special reliquary in the Basilica. It was also in Orvieto where Pope Urban IV called for a worldwide Feast of Corpus Christi. After celebrating Mass, we continue our drive to Assisi through the beautiful Umbrian countryside. This town welcomes us in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare and will be our home for the next four nights. (Special Lunch.D)
On our first full day in Italy, we will witness how the power of the Eucharist turned away an army. The invading Saracen army was about to attack the Convent of San Damiano, where St. Clare lived with her nuns in 1241. Even though bedridden, St. Clare got up, held the Blessed Sacrament in the air, and saw the advancing army flee in terror, establishing “The Miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi.” Also, in the convent, we will visit the chapel where Jesus spoke to St. Francis from the crucifix. Afterwards, we see the Basilica of St. Clare, which holds the famous San Damiano Crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. This is also where the golden locks of St. Clare’s hair and St. Francis’ poor patched tunic are kept. We walk across town to the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, where we celebrate Mass. We also see the body of St. Carlo Acutis. Overnight in Assisi.
We drive north to Cortona this morning to visit St. Francis’ cell and his brothers’ dormitory. Continue to La Verna, a small monastery in the mountains of the Tuscany region. Legend says the rocky outcrop on which the La Verna Monastery stands was split by an earthquake when Christ died on the Cross. This is where St. Francis received the stigmata and is one of the most inspirational places in Italy. We see the cave that was St. Francis’ Cell, the chapel over the site where he received the stigmata, and the entire beautiful monastery complex, which the monks and nuns of the Franciscan order still run. We celebrate Mass in this peaceful spot. Overnight in Assisi.
This morning, we take a day trip to Siena, home of St. Catherine. Our first stop, and a highlight of our tour, will be the Basilica of St. Francis, where we’ll venerate the Eucharistic Miracle of Siena: hosts that have remained incorrupt since 1730. Then we’ll celebrate Mass at St. Dominic’s, St. Catherine of Siena’s parish church, where she attended daily Mass and was filled with ecstasy. Adjacent to the church is her home, which we’ll visit to see the cell where she fasted and prayed. Afterwards, we stroll the ancient Gothic streets, which converge on the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Enjoy some free time in this mystical walled city before returning to Assisi.
This morning, we celebrate Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. Then, we visit the Rivo Torto Church, once a vacant animal shed where Francis and his early companions found shelter. An irascible peasant and his donkey evicted Francis and his followers. These early Friars then begged the use of St. Mary of the Angels church in Assisi, paying an annual rent of a basket of fish. We continue our pilgrimage with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, containing the Porziuncola, an ancient chapel called the “Blessed Virgin Mother of God”. The chapel, deserted and in ruins, was repaired by St. Francis and the friars. Later, the monastery’s abbot, St. Benedict, moved to pity by the living conditions of the friars, gave Frances and his brothers the church of St. Mary of the Angels, the poorest church he owned. Nearby is the site where Francis surrendered to “Sister Death.” We depart for Rome, stopping first at the medieval town of Greccio. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a group lunch. The town is set on a beautiful mountaintop, and it’s famous for its cool summer climate and mineral spring. However, it is even more renowned for its connections with St. Francis of Assisi and as the birthplace of the Christmas creche. On Christmas night, 1223, St. Francis led shepherds to the top of a nearby hill, where they gathered in a stable sheltering an ox and a donkey. According to legend, the Baby Jesus miraculously appeared in the manger. On this spot, the Franciscan convent of Greccio was built, and the Chapel of the Crib was erected in 1228, the year St. Francis was canonized. Then we continue to Rome, where we check in to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
A full day of exploring the Eternal City begins with Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (at the tomb of St. John Paul II (TBC), whose tomb is adorned with one of Bernini’s masterpieces, Ecstasy of Blessed Ludovica. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pieta and pray at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel renovated by St. John Paul II. Our guide then takes us through the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, with astonishing frescoes painted by Michelangelo. The afternoon is a time to explore Rome on your own. You may wish to visit some of the many museums in the city (tickets can be purchased online) or the Spanish Steps. Dinner is at leisure.
We visit St. Paul Outside the Walls this morning to celebrate Mass. The Basilica houses the remains of St. Paul underneath its main altar. Nearby, we visit the Tre Fontane Convent to see the spot where St. Paul was beheaded. In the afternoon, our sightseeing includes visits to St. Mary Major Basilica, one of the world’s oldest and most important shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then go to St. John Lateran, where St. Francis persuaded Pope Innocent III to permit the beginning of the Franciscan Order and the nearby Scala Santa, which, according to tradition, was the staircase that Jesus climbed to be judged by Pontius Pilate. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. Overnight in Rome.
This morning, we visit the catacombs of St. Callisto while driving along the Appian Way and stopping at the chapel of Domino Quo Vadis. We celebrate Mass at the Catacombs. Continue our day to the beautiful town of Castel Gandolfo, where the Papal summer residence is located. We enjoy a visit to the Papal Gardens and farm, driving through the lush scenery in small group buses. We have time to explore the town of Castel Gandolfo and enjoy lunch before returning to Rome. Dinner is at leisure. Overnight in Rome.
We will attend the weekly Papal Audience this morning, where the Holy Father blesses us. Following Mass, we walk to Castel Sant’Angelo and cross the river Tiber walking on the bridge of the Angels (each one representing the symbols of the Passion of Jesus Christ). After visiting Navona Square and a lunch break, we will continue our walking tour to the Pantheon (outside), Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, and the Gesu Church, where we celebrate Mass. Then, we will visit the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, where our tour for the day ends. Tonight, we will have our farewell dinner with wine in a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome. (B. Special dinner)
Today, we say “Ciao” to Italy and transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
Land Only. Main trip package.
Land and Group Air from Denver. Main trip package.
Solo Room (Additional Charge). Additional supplement.
Protect your investment against cancellation, illness and disruption.
Learn more →Deposit, payment, cancellation and responsibility terms for this trip.
Learn more →Passport, visa and destination entry requirements.
Learn more →Packing, weather, electrical and on-the-ground practicalities.
Learn more →Short, practical videos to help you make the most of your pilgrimage.
Learn more →Registration, payments, lodging, walking, mobility and more.
Learn more →This departure is accepting waitlist inquiries. Joining a waitlist does not confirm a place.
