Shrines of Italy (11 Days, Standard)

Rome
Rome is the capital of modern Italy and the historical home of one of the great civilizations in history, the Roman Empire. The historical city was founded in 753 BC and has grown to a size of over 3 million inhabitants today. The city is home to major monuments like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and many more. The city was built on the seven ancient hills along the Tiber River. Today it is a collection of neighborhoods with vibrant shops, restaurants and museums just waiting to be explored.

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Italy. The unique church dedicated to this beloved saint is located in the small town of Assisi. The Basilica of St. Francis houses the relics of the saint and a world renowned fresco cycle by Giotto. Giotto's frescos depict the life story of St Francis, including several of his miracles.

Holy House of Nazareth in Loreto
Take a sojourn to the Holy House of Nazareth, a beloved shrine in Loreto. Join fellow worshippers when you visit this monument, which is believed to be the place that the Holy Family lived.

San Giovanni Rotondo
San Giovanni Rotondo is a community on the east coast of Italy that is famous as a Catholic pilgrimage site because it is the home of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. A church dedicated to the saint was completed in 2004, and his remains are on display. The area is also near the important Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel at Monte Gargano. Together the two sites draw in millions of pilgrims each year.

Tomb of Padre Pio
Padre Pio was a Capuchin friar who lived in San Giovanni Rotondo. During his life he became popular with parishioners and pilgrims for his devout piety and willingness to hear confessions and offer counsel. He also received the stigmata or wounds of Christ which he bore for fifty years. After his death he was canonized by John Paul II in 2002. His remains were put on display for the 40th anniversary of his death, but his popularity proved to be great, and his remains are now permanently displayed in the church bearing his name in San Giovanni Rotondo.

Tomb of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Salerno
Visit the Tomb of Saint Matthew the Apostle, an awe-inspiring holy site revered by churchgoers all around the globe. Gaze upon the dazzling architecture of this sanctuary as you pay your respects to this renowned disciple.

Abbey of Montecassino
Tour the Abbey of Montecassino, a vast monastery located atop lush scenery. Destroyed during World War II, this illustrious Abbey stands the test of time and after renovation remains a prominent holy site for worshippers.

Catacombs
Dive into the depths of Rome when you explore the Catacombs, a collection of underground burial sites for early Christians. Wander among the numerous pathways and discover the hidden passages of this ancient relic.

Papal Audience
The Papal Audience is a weekly gathering of pilgrims held in St. Peter's Square every Wednesday when the Pope is present. Each audience consists of teachings or readings in multiple languages and greetings from the Pope and finishes with the Apostolic Blessing from the Pope. The Pope arrives in the square by Popemobile and passes around the square before taking his seat on stage. Pilgrims can bring items like rosaries to be blessed at the end.

Christian Rome City Tour
Rome has been the home to the Catholic church since the beginning and been intertwined with the story of Christianity. Numerous Saints have walked the cobblestone streets and left their mark on the city. Early Christians like Emperor Constantine built the early churches that later grew into the monuments of the major Basilicas of St. Paul 's Outside the Walls, St. John in Lateran and St Peter's. Other early Christian monuments like the catacombs have become important to understanding the history of the early followers. Touring these sites today should be part of any pilgrimage to the city.

Vatican City
The Vatican City is the smallest independent state with an area of 110 acres (44 hectares). Inside the Vatican walls are the Papal Palace, St. Peter's Basilica, the curia of the Vatican state, extensive gardens and the Vatican Museums. More than half of that territory is dedicated to the Vatican Gardens. The Vatican City and Pope are guarded by the Swiss Guard, who wear uniforms that can be traced back to Michelangelo.

St. Peter 's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is an example of late Renaissance architecture and was designed by great architects like Raphael, Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Completed over the course of 120 years, St. Peter's is one of the largest churches in the world, and an important holy site for Catholics. The church is built over the burial site of Saint Peter and contains the tombs of numerous popes. The church is known for its mosaic decorations and grand dome.

From the hallowed Basilica of St. Francis to the glorious Sistine Chapel, discover why Italy is a bastion of Catholicism. Spend time at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the beloved saint 's hometown. Stay two nights in San Giovanni Rotondo. Reflect at the Grotto of Michael the Archangel. Discover the cathedral of Salerno and the abbey of Montecassino. Explore the burial sites of the Catacombs where the early Christians hid and venerated their dead. Attend the weekly Papal audience and receive the blessing given by the Holy Father. Discover Michelangelo 's Last Judgment mural and explore St. Peter 's Basilica. See the world 's most inspirational sites and relics on a journey through the rolling hills and lively cities of Italy.

• Book Flex Airfare and get Roundtrip Transfers Free
• Triple Room Reduction available on certain tours
• Purchase Collette's No Worries Cancellation waiver
• Complimentary hotel to hotel baggage handling