TOUR NO PIO00609 - click here for a printable reservation form

Sun, June 9 - Depart JFK or Newark airport on your overnight flight to Italy.

Mon. June 10 - Padua
Upon arrival we meet our guide and are transferred to PADUA. After time to rest, we visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua where we have Mass near the Tomb of St. Anthony. After Mass, we have free time to tour the Basilica.  Remainder of the day is free. (B,D)

Tues. June 11 - Padua/Venice/Padua
This morning we are transferred to VENICE for our short cruise along the Grand Canal to the Church of St. Geremenia and St. Lucy for Mass and to view the body of St. Lucy.  After Mass we are transferred by motor launch to St. Marks Square for our tour of Venice including St. Marks Square where we view the Clock Tower with its famous Moors, then we visit St. Marks Basilica with its Byzantine and European architectural styles and dazzling mosaics.  We stop to pray at the tomb of St. Mark before continuing our walking tour of Venice.  We will have free time for lunch (on our own) and shopping before our late afternoon return to Padua. (B,D)

Wed. June 12 - Padua/Florence
Morning departure to FLORENCE. Upon arrival in Florence, we have a city tour that highlights many of the city’s priceless treasures including the Piazza del Duomo, center of religious life in medieval Florence. We visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.  Next we see the Baptistery with its’ masterfully crafted bronze doors – Michaelangelo declared them the “Gate of Paradise.”  We visit the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michaelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. We have time for lunch (on our own) before check-in at our hotel on the outskirts of Florence.  B,D)

Thurs. June 13 – Lucca/Pisa/San Gimignano
Today we have a full day tour of Tuscany. We begin our tour on the narrow streets of LUCCA.  (This will be a walking tour) We see the antique towers, the green gardens and the characteristic shops, all of which contribute to beauty and uniqueness of this antique center.  Next we travel south to PISA, to see the famous Leaning Tower. We have free time for lunch (on our own) before continuing to SAN GIMIGNANO. Built high on a hilltop, San Gimignano is best known for its' medieval towers. (B,D)

Fri, June 14 – Florence/Assisi/Rome
Morning departure to ROME. En route we pass through the, beautiful, Tuscan and Umbrian countryside for a visit to the medieval city of ASSISI.   Upon arrival in Assisi, we visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, where we see the Tombs of the two Saints.  Next we visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli where we see the Porziuncola (the little church St. Francis built). After our visit, we continue to the “Eternal City” – ROME.  B,D)

Sat, June 15 – Rome
Free day to enjoy Rome on your own. (B,D)

Sun. June 16 - CANONIZATION OF PADRE PIO
This morning we go to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Canonization of Padre Pio.  After the Canonization we are free to enjoy Rome on our own.  This evening we go to Castel Gondolfo for a Celebration Dinner. (B,D)

Mon. June 17 - Rome/San Giovanni Rotondo
Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Grace where we see Padre Pio’s Tomb and cell.  (B,D)

Tues.  June 18 – San Giovanni Rotondo/Pietrelcina
Morning departure to PIETRELCINA for Mass and to visit the birthplace of Padre Pio.  We will also visit Piana Romana, where Padre Pio received the invisible stigmata. After our visit, we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Wed. June 19 – Rome/USA
Morning Mass followed by departure to Rome airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)       

Pilgrimage Includes: Air Fare from JFK or Newark, Three & Four Star Hotels, Deluxe Motorcoach, Sightseeing as per itinerary, Breakfast & Dinner Daily, Daily Mass, Porterage (one piece of luggage) at hotels, Taxes & Service Charges, All tips for the guides and bus drivers are included**.

It may become necessary to change the order of this pilgrimage but nothing will be eliminated.

** This means that there will be no collections at the end of the pilgrimage for the guides and drivers.  If individuals feel that they would like to give someone a tip on their own because they felt they did an exceptional job, that is their personal decision. All tips are included in the cost.