Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Canonization Pilgrimage beginning September 3rd in Rome, the heart of the Catholic Church. Experience the beauty and holiness of Vatican City as you visit St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and culminate with a full day at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican. Witness the joy of the canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Then, journey to Assisi to begin your Italian Camino, walking through the picturesque towns of Foligno, Trevi, Spoleto, and more, blending the richness of Rome’s sacred tradition with the simplicity of pilgrimage.
Rome & Assisi (The Way of St. Francis) |
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DAY MEALS ACTIVITY
1 Depart for Italy 2 BD Arrive in Rome, visit St. John Lateran, Holy Stairs, Santa Croce 3 BD Visit St. Mary Major, S. Prassede, Trevi Fountain 4 BD Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, walk past Colosseum Forum, Gesu, S. Maria sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona 5 BD Visit St. Peter’s and Vatican Day, Holy Spirit church 6 BD Canonizations, free afternoon 7 BD Depart in the morning for Assisi 8 BD Free Day Assisi 9 B Walking Day 1 – Assisi to Foligno 10 B Walkling Day 2 – Foligno to Trevi 11 B Walkling Day 3 – Trevi to Poreta 12 B Walking Day 4 – Poreta to Spoleto 13 B Depart from Rome to Home |
Day 1: Home – Rome (U.S. Departure)
Depart for Italy
Day 2: Arrive in Rome
Begin your pilgrimage in the heart of Rome with a visit to the Cathedral of St. John Lateran, climb the sacred Holy Stairs on your knees in prayer, and venerate the relics of the Passion at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. A powerful start to your journey of faith and renewal.
Day 3:
Begin your day at the majestic Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major basilicas and a profound tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. After soaking in its beauty and spiritual significance, continue to the nearby Church of St. Prassede and conclude with a visit to the enchanting Trevi Fountain.
Day 4:
Start your day with a powerful visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the resting place of the Apostle to the Gentiles and a site of deep spiritual significance. Then journey through Rome’s rich history as you pass the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Church of the Gesù, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, and end at the vibrant Piazza Navona.
Day 5:
Experience the heart of the Catholic Church with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City, where centuries of faith, art, and history converge in breathtaking beauty. Continue your spiritual journey at the nearby Church of the Holy Spirit, a hidden gem just steps from the Vatican walls.
Day 6: Canonization Day
Join pilgrims from around the world for the extraordinary grace of attending a Canonization Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be officially declared saints. Celebrate this historic moment in the heart of the Church, honoring two modern witnesses of holiness whose lives continue to inspire a new generation of faith.
Day 7: Travel to Assisi
Journey from the heart of Rome to the peaceful hills of Assisi, the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. As you travel through the scenic Italian countryside, the rolling hills and olive groves prepare your heart for the spiritual beauty that awaits in this sacred medieval town.
Day 8: Assisi to Foligno
Your pilgrimage begins at the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, a sacred site rich in medieval art and spiritual heritage, before ascending to the Basilica of Santa Chiara, honoring St. Clare. Departing Assisi through Porta Nuova, you journey through the peaceful Umbrian countryside to the medieval town of Spello, where the Piazza San Giacomo commemorates St. James, patron of pilgrims. The walk concludes in Piazza della Repubblica, marked by a plaque remembering St. Francis’s sacrifice to rebuild the Church of San Damiano — a lasting symbol of faith and devotion.
Day 9: Foligno to Trevi
Leaving the plains of Foligno, your path gently ascends through Umbria’s historic olive groves toward the hilltop town of Trevi, passing peaceful villages like Matigge and Santa Maria in Valle. Along the way, quiet moments of rest and reflection offer a taste of local hospitality and spiritual renewal. As the trail opens to sweeping views of the Umbrian Valley, it leads you to Trevi, where ancient churches, monasteries, and a meal seasoned with its famed olive oil invite gratitude and contemplation.
Day 10: Trevi to Poreta
This gentle 12-kilometer walk from Trevi to Poreta winds through ancient olive groves, hermitages, and country churches that reflect the deep faith of the region. Highlights include the Monastery of the Madonna delle Lacrime, the Castle of Campello, and a path lined with votive shrines dedicated to the Madonna. The journey ends peacefully in Poreta, a village steeped in Christian tradition and quiet beauty.
Day 11: Poreta to Spoleto
The final stage of your pilgrimage leads through serene hills and forests toward Spoleto, where St. Francis once experienced a life-changing vision. Highlights include a peaceful stop at La Piaggia, the frescoed Church of San Giovanni Battista in Eggi, and the ancient Basilica of San Salvatore, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you pass olive groves and open fields, the path leads to the heart of Spoleto. Your journey culminates in the Piazza del Duomo, where the cathedral stands as a sacred place to pause, pray, and give thanks.
Day 12: Rome – Home (Rome Departure)
Depart for United States