Take off on a holy adventure to explore more than two thousand years of Catholic  tradition and world history.

Together with your newest friends, start the week in charming Assisi, the peaceful hillside hamlet of Saints Francis & Clare. Then, encounter the history and holiness of the Eternal City as you marvel at great and ancient churches, stroll alongside the famous Colosseum, and pray before relics of the life of Christ. Attend a Papal Audience, wonder at the Sistine Chapel, and kneel before the seat of St. Peter. 

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Italy Itinerary

Day 1, May 21, Saturday
Pilgrims in North America depart from home on your flight to Rome.
Day 2, May 22, Sunday
ARRIVAL
Benvenuto in Italia! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your JMJ UNITED Guide, introduced to your fellow pilgrims, and escorted to your bus to continue on to Assisi. Arrive in the medieval hillside hamlet of St. Francis and St. Clare in time to watch the sunset from the castle. Once you have settled into your lodging, your Guide will help to prepare the group for the week ahead, beginning with the Welcome Mass & Dinner. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 3, May 23, Monday
ASSISI
Walk in the footsteps of medieval saints as you visit the Basilica of St. Francis and the Basilica of  St. Clare. Enter the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a church erected from the ruins of an ancient temple, which is symbolic of the triumph of God over paganism. Next visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Inside is  the Portiuncula rebuilt by St. Francis in response to his mystic vision of Christ. This small interior chapel is honored as the birthplace of the Franciscans.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Assisi before reconnecting as a group for dinner. Overnight in Assisi.
Day 4, May 24, Tuesday
ROME
Depart early from Assisi for Rome. Upon arrival, set out on your first excursion into the Eternal City.

Cross the beautiful Piazza Navona, where you will learn the meaning behind the iconic Fountain of the Four Winds. Step inside the history of the Pantheon, gaze up at the dome of the Gesú, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and climb the Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5, May 25, Wednesday
ROME
In the morning, attend the Papal audience in St. Peter's Square to listen to the Holy Father's catechesis and receive his blessing.

Admire the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and Santa Prassede and many other remarkable churches throughout the day, each with treasured relics and extraordinary art. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6, May 26, Thursday
ROME
​Step inside St. Peter in Chains to see the shackles that held our first Pope. Pass by the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, and  learn about the martyrdom of early Christians. Climb Avantine Hill to discover the secret that lies behind the keyhole of the Knights of Malta. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7, May 27, Friday
ROME
​​Descend into the Catacombs of San Callisto to experience the life of the early Church. Celebrate Mass as the faithful did in the first centuries - underground among the tombs.

Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls on your way back into the city. After lunch, climb the Holy Stairs that Christ walked to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, which were brought to Rome by St. Helena. Explore the Basilicas of St. John Lateran, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and St. Mary Major. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8, May 28, Saturday
VATICAN CITY
Wind through the Vatican Museums, gaze at the incredible Sistine Chapel, and finally enter the inimitable St. Peter’s Basilica. Pray before the tomb of St. John Paul II before exploring the many altars housing incorrupt bodies and other relics of great saints. Atop the tomb of St. Peter, pray for our Church and for your friends and family back home. Time permitting, avail yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and spend time in Adoration.

Enjoy a free afternoon. We recommend climbing the great Dome of the Basilica, revisiting favorite places, or simply relaxing with a final gelato before your Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Rome.
Day 9, May 29, Sunday
DEPARTURE
Depart Rome for home carrying with you the graces, memories, and photographs of this incredible pilgrimage.
Daily Mass is always​ included in our itineraries, except on air travel days. Activities are subject to change and/or rearrange within the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are hotel rooms assigned?
Hotel rooms will be shared by 2-3 pilgrims of the same sex, depending on the mix of men and women in the final group. Private rooms are available at additional cost. Room assignments will be emailed to you at least two weeks prior to departure.

Will you book my flights?
Because participants in this pilgrimage will be flying from multiple cities across the United States, we are not able to make group airfare reservations for you from your particular departure city. Your pilgrimage is a "Land Only" package, freeing you to reserve your preferred flights into and out of Rome, Italy.

What are the designated arrival and departure times? Why are they important?
When reserving your flights, plan to arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) by 2pm on Sunday, May 22nd and to depart from the same airport after 12pm on Sunday, May 29th. These flight times enable you to use the group airport transfers. If you arrive after or depart before the designated times, you will be responsible for arranging transportation from/to the airport at your own expense.