10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
ROME | CASCIA | ASSISI | GENGA | LORETO | LANCIANO | SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO | MONTE SANT’ANGELO | PIETRELCINA | GARDEN OF NINFA | SUBIACO | ROME
COD. KP0-03
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Welcome to an intimate 10-day journey into the green heart of Central and Southern Italy, where holy places meet the beauty of nature. This pilgrimage follows a slow and relaxed pace, offering the perfect opportunity to breathe, rest, and enjoy quiet moments of personal meditation. From the woods of Assisi to the underground catacombs of Rome, you will visit places where nature and faith coexist in harmony: sanctuaries carved into the rock, ancient caves, and the breathtaking blooms of Ninfa, a medieval town tied to the history of the Papal States. A journey taken without haste to refresh your spirit, discover nature, and touch the deep roots of Italian history!
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Welcome to Italy: Arrival in Rome, Cascia & Transfer to Assisi
Your special journey begins today. In the morning, meet your tour manager and private driver in Rome before departing by GT coach toward Umbria. Our first stop is Cascia, a mountain village, to visit the Sanctuary of Saint Rita and celebrate our opening Mass. In the afternoon, we continue to Assisi for a fascinating guided tour of the Porziuncola, the historic chapel preserved inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Transfer to your hotel in Assisi, check-in, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 2 – Assisi: The City of Saint Francis & The Hermitage of the Carceri
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is dedicated to discovering Assisi. We will visit the Basilica of Saint Francis, his Tomb, the famous frescoes by Giotto, and the Basilica of Santa Chiara. In the afternoon, we head up into the peaceful woods of Mount Subasio to visit the Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage of the Carceri), a serene place of meditation immersed in nature loved by Saint Francis. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3 – Enchanting Places & Faith: Temple in the Rock & The Sanctuary of Loreto
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing through the mountains toward Genga. Here, we will visit the Hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa and the spectacular Valadier Temple, a sanctuary set entirely inside the mouth of a giant natural cave (in case of temporary closure for maintenance, the visit will be replaced by the famous Frasassi Caves). After free time for lunch, we travel to the Marche coast to reach Loreto. Hotel check-in and an afternoon dedicated to prayer and visiting the Holy House of Nazareth, housed inside the majestic Basilica. Dinner at the hotel.
DAY 4 – From Marche to Puglia: The Miracle of Lanciano & San Giovanni Rotondo
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, you will have the opportunity to attend Holy Mass in Loreto or enjoy some free time. After lunch, our journey continues south along the Adriatic coastline. We stop in Lanciano to visit the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. Following the visit, we drive to Puglia and arrive in San Giovanni Rotondo. Check into the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
DAY 5 – San Giovanni Rotondo & Monte Sant’Angelo: In the Footsteps of Padre Pio and St. Michael
After breakfast, a local guide will lead us through the landmark sites dedicated to Padre Pio: the Old Convent, his cell, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the new Basilica designed by Renzo Piano, where his remains lie. In the afternoon, a short drive brings us to Monte Sant’Angelo to walk down into the ancient cave of St. Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner at the hotel.
DAY 6 – The Village of Pietrelcina & The Botanical Oasis of the Garden of Ninfa
Early breakfast and departure from Puglia. Our first stop is Pietrelcina, the birthplace of Padre Pio, to visit his childhood home and the countryside of Piana Romana. Next, we travel toward Lazio to reach the stunning Garden of Ninfa. Enjoy a guided walking tour among streams, lakes, and medieval ruins covered in rare flowers and plants. Short transfer to our nearby hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 7 – The Monastery on the Cliff: Subiaco & Arrival in Rome
Following breakfast, we drive up the lush valley to Subiaco to visit the incredible Monastery of Sacro Speco, a sanctuary built directly onto a sheer cliff wall where Saint Benedict lived in solitude. After free time for lunch, transfer to Rome to visit the magnificent Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Check into your hotel in Rome and enjoy dinner.
DAY 8 – Sacred & Underground Rome: The Vatican & The Catacombs
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning (or according to the Papal Audience schedule), we visit Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Tombs of the Popes, and the iconic Saint Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, we head along the Ancient Appian Way for a guided tour of the Catacombs, a suggestive underground labyrinth witnessing the early centuries of Christianity. Return to the hotel for dinner.
DAY 9 – The Great Basilicas of Rome & The Holy Stairs
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is dedicated to visiting two of the capital’s most important basilicas: Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cathedral of Rome, Saint John Lateran. In the afternoon, visit the Holy Stairs followed by free time in the center of Rome to stroll, pray, or shop for souvenirs. Return to the hotel for our farewell dinner.
DAY 10 – Departure Day: Arrivederci Italia!
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. A private transfer will take you directly to the airport for your flight back home. Take with you unforgettable memories of this journey through nature and spirituality. Arrivederci, Italia!