Christian Heritage Tour

Rome → Assisi → Florence → Padua → Venice

10 Days on the Ground (Travel days not included)

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Tour Description:

Experience the heart of Italy on this 10-day Christian pilgrimage designed with seniors in mind. Beginning in Rome, the Eternal City, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the Apostles at the Vatican, the Major Basilicas, and the ancient Catacombs before continuing to Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare. In Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, faith and art come alive through masterpieces by Michelangelo and Giotto, while Padua offers the chance to venerate St. Anthony. The journey concludes in Venice, the “City of Canals,” with its golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica and peaceful time to reflect. Along the way, you’ll enjoy daily breakfast, four memorable group dinners, comfortable 4-star hotels, private motorcoach travel, and the constant guidance of two professional tour directors. With a gentle pace, time for rest, and daily opportunities for prayer, this pilgrimage blends sacred sites, history, and culture into a deeply meaningful and unforgettable experience.

✨ Tour Highlights

Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Papal Audience (if scheduled), Major Basilicas (St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls), Holy Stairs, Catacombs, Three Fountains Abbey, Mamertine Prison (exterior), and St. Peter in Chains
Assisi: Basilica of St. Francis, Basilica of St. Clare, San Damiano, Santa Maria degli Angeli with the Porziuncola
Florence: Piazza della Signoria, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
Padua: Basilica of St. Anthony and Basilica of Santa Giustina (view)
Venice: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace (exterior), and the Bridge of Sighs
Daily opportunities for reflection and prayer, with Mass celebrated at St. Paul Outside the Walls (Rome)
Designed with a gentle pace for seniors, with daily rest time and centrally located 4-star hotels

✨ Itinerary:

Pre-Day (Travel Day): Overnight flight from the USA to Rome (meals per airline).

Day 1 — Arrive Rome | Welcome & Orientation (Group Dinner #1)

Meet your two Tour Directors at arrivals. Private motorcoach to your 4-star hotel; early check-in arranged when possible.
Light orientation drive: Capitoline Hill overlook, Circus Maximus, Aventine Keyhole (time permitting).
Walk & pray at St. Peter in Chains (Michelangelo’s Moses) and pause outside the Mamertine Prison (traditionally linked to Sts. Peter & Paul).
Rest block back at hotel.
Group Dinner #1 at a traditional trattoria near the hotel.
Overnight: Rome.

Day 2 — Vatican Day (with time to breathe)

Morning: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica (gentle pace, elevators where available).
Mid-day rest: free time for lunch and relaxation.
Late afternoon: Leisure stroll in St. Peter’s Square or optional quiet time in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (as available).
Evening at leisure (dinner on your own).
Overnight: Rome.

If this day is a Wednesday, we’ll attend the Papal Audience in the morning and visit the Museums/Basilica afterward.

Day 3 — Major Basilicas, Holy Stairs & Catacombs (Mass)

Morning: St. John Lateran (Cathedral of Rome) and the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa; those who wish may ascend on knees; others may use adjacent stairs).
Continue to St. Paul Outside the Walls (tomb of St. Paul).
Pilgrims’ Mass: celebrated today at St. Paul Outside the Walls (requested in advance).
Leisurely lunch + rest block.
Later: Three Fountains Abbey (site linked to St. Paul’s martyrdom) and a guided visit to the Catacombs (San Callisto/Domitilla/Sebastiano per schedule).
Evening at leisure (dinner on your own).
Overnight: Rome.

Day 4 — Rome → Assisi | St. Francis & St. Clare (Group Dinner #2)

Scenic drive to Assisi (Umbria).
Guided visit: Basilica of St. Francis (Giotto frescoes), Basilica of St. Clare, and San Damiano.
Rest block at the hotel (located in or near the historic center for easy walking).
Early evening visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli with the Porziuncola.
Group Dinner #2 in Assisi.
Overnight: Assisi.

Day 5 — Assisi → Florence | Renaissance Faith & Art

Late-morning departure to Florence (short comfort stop en route).
Afternoon gentle walking tour: Piazza della Signoria, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) exterior, Giotto’s Bell Tower & Baptistery doors, and the Ponte Vecchio.
Rest block built in before/after touring.
Evening at leisure (dinner on your own).
Overnight: Florence.

Day 6 — Florence at Ease | Santa Croce & “David” (Group Dinner #3)

Morning: Santa Croce (tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, etc.).
Timed entrance to Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David (minimal standing time).
Mid-day rest + free time for easy strolling or quiet prayer.
Group Dinner #3 in Florence.
Overnight: Florence.

Day 7 — Florence → Padua | St. Anthony’s City

Comfortable drive to Padua.
Orientation & visits: Basilica of St. Anthony (veneration at the saint’s tomb) and view of Basilica of Santa Giustina.
Rest block at the hotel.
Evening at leisure (dinner on your own).
Overnight: Padua.

Day 8 — Padua → Venice (Islands by Day, Serenissima by Night)

Short transfer to Venice (boat in).
Gentle walking tour: St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, views of the Doge’s Palace and Bridge of Sighs.
Rest block at the hotel (central, 4-star).
Optional easy lagoon cruise/vaporetto at sunset (weather permitting).
Evening at leisure (dinner on your own).
Overnight: Venice.

Day 9 — Venice at a Slow Pace (Group Dinner #4)

Morning free for prayer, shopping, or a peaceful gondola ride (optional).
Optional: visit a local parish for quiet reflection or attend a brief organ recital (when available).
Mid-day rest at the hotel.
Group Dinner #4 (farewell) near the Grand Canal.
Overnight: Venice.

Day 10 — Venice | Leisure Morning & Closing Prayer

Leisurely morning for independent sightseeing or final church visit.
Closing prayer/short devotion together before departures.
Afternoon at leisure to pack.
Overnight: Venice.

Post-Day (Travel Day): Private transfer to Venice Airport for flights home.

✨ Inclusions & Notes

Accompaniment: Two professional Tour Directors with the group at all times.
Transportation: Private motorcoach for intercity travel and local transfers as required; boat transfers in Venice.
Hotels: Carefully selected 4-star properties throughout, chosen for comfort, location, and accessibility.
Meals: Daily breakfast (10); 4 Group Dinners (Days 1, 4, 6, 9); other dinners and all lunches at leisure.
Entrances/Visits Included: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel; St. Peter’s Basilica; St. John Lateran; Holy Stairs; St. Paul Outside the Walls; Three Fountains; Catacombs; Mamertine (exterior) & St. Peter in Chains; Assisi’s major sites (St. Francis, St. Clare, San Damiano, Santa Maria degli Angeli/Porziuncola); Florence highlights incl. Accademia (David) and Santa Croce; Padua’s Basilica of St. Anthony (and view of Santa Giustina); Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Square, and views of Doge’s Palace/Bridge of Sighs.
Mass: Scheduled for Day 3 at St. Paul Outside the Walls (subject to church confirmation; alternative in Assisi if required).
Pace & Accessibility: Daily rest blocks, minimized standing time, frequent comfort stops, and hotel locations that reduce walking where possible. Elevators/skip-the-line entries requested where available.
Flex Option: If the Papal Audience occurs on your Rome day, we’ll adjust the order while keeping the pace gentle.

✨ Why we omitted Milan/Turin on this Tour

To keep transfers shorter and the pace senior-friendly, we’ve focused on Rome–Assisi–Florence–Padua–Venice. This preserves the most iconic pilgrimage moments (Vatican, Major Basilicas, Assisi, St. Anthony, and St. Mark’s) while avoiding long days on the road. If you’d like, we can craft an alternate 10-day that swaps Padua/Venice time for Turin (Shroud) and/or Milan (Duomo nail)—but it will increase bus time.

✅ What’s Included

10 days of guided pilgrimage in Italy (Rome → Assisi → Florence → Padua → Venice)
Two professional Tour Directors with the group at all times
Private deluxe motorcoach transportation between cities and for excursions
Daily breakfast at the hotel (10 total)
4 group dinners in carefully selected local restaurants/hotels (Rome, Assisi, Florence, Venice)
Centrally located 4-star hotels throughout
Admission to all sites listed in the itinerary (skip-the-line access where available)
Licensed local guides at major sites
Mass celebration in Rome (or alternate in Assisi if scheduling requires)
Airport transfers in Rome on arrival & Venice on departure

❌ Not Included

Roundtrip airfare from the U.S. to Italy
Lunches and 6 dinners (allowing free time and flexibility)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenses (beverages, souvenirs, tips for hotel staff, etc.)
Optional activities/excursions not outlined in the itinerary
Gratuities for tour directors, guides, and driver

✨ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Christian Pilgrimage: Rome, Assisi, Florence, Padua & Venice

1. How long is the trip?

This is a 10-day tour on the ground in Italy, not including travel days. With overnight flights, the entire journey from the U.S. will span about 12 days total.

2. What cities will we visit?

You will experience Rome, Assisi, Florence, Padua, and Venice. Each city offers important Christian sites, history, and time to rest.

3. What kind of pace can I expect?

The tour is designed for seniors and those who prefer a slower pace. Each day includes meaningful visits, but also scheduled rest time. Hotels are centrally located where possible to reduce long walks, and our motorcoach is available for comfortable transfers.

4. Will there be daily Mass?

One group Mass is arranged at St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome (subject to church confirmation). Additional opportunities for prayer and reflection are built in throughout the tour.

5. How many meals are included?

Daily breakfast at the hotel (10 total).
4 group dinners in Rome, Assisi, Florence, and Venice.
The rest of the dinners and all lunches are on your own, giving you flexibility to enjoy local cafés, trattorias, or lighter meals as you wish.

6. What type of hotels will we stay in?

All accommodations are 4-star hotels, chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, service, and accessibility. When possible, hotels are centrally located to allow easy walks during free time.

7. What transportation is included?

Private, deluxe motorcoach for all transfers between cities and scheduled excursions.
Boat transfers in Venice.
Airport transfers on arrival in Rome and departure from Venice.

8. Who will be guiding the tour?

You will be accompanied by two professional Tour Directors for the entire journey. Local licensed guides will join the group in major cities and sites for specialized visits (e.g., Vatican Museums, Florence, Assisi).

9. How strenuous is this tour?

The tour is considered light to moderate:

Expect some walking each day (often on cobblestone streets).
We build in rest blocks, minimize standing time in museums/churches, and use elevators where available.
Seniors who are comfortable with everyday walking and standing will be fine. Those with mobility concerns should bring any personal assistance devices they may need.

10. Are tips and gratuities included?

No. Tips for guides, drivers, and tour directors are not included. As a guideline, plan for around €8–10 per person, per day for your tour directors and €2–3 for the driver/guide.

11. Are flights included?

No. The tour is land-only, so airfare is not included. We can recommend preferred flight options or you may book independently. Plan to arrive in Rome on Day 1 and depart Venice on the final day.

12. Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included but strongly recommended to protect your investment in case of unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

13. How much free time will I have?

Every day includes free time for rest, shopping, or independent sightseeing. This ensures the pilgrimage feels uplifting and not rushed.

14. What should I pack?

Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are common in historic areas).
Modest clothing for church visits (shoulders and knees covered).
A light jacket or sweater for evenings.
A refillable water bottle.
Any personal medications in original bottles.

15. What is the group size?

Group sizes are typically 6 –16 participants, large enough to build fellowship yet small enough for a personalized experience.

16. What happens if I cannot keep up with the group?

We understand this is a pilgrimage, not a race. Our tour directors will adjust the pace where possible, and free time blocks mean you can opt to rest rather than join every optional walk.

17. Is this only for Catholics?

No. While the tour focuses on Catholic sites, art, and saints, anyone interested in Christian history, faith, and culture is warmly welcome.

18. What is not included in the tour price?

Airfare to/from Italy
Travel insurance
Lunches and 6 dinners
Beverages at meals (unless water is provided)
Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone, etc.)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Gratuities

19. When should I book?

As hotels and entrance tickets (especially Vatican Museums) are in high demand, we recommend booking as early as possible to secure your place.

20. What will I take home from this pilgrimage?

Beyond breathtaking memories of Italy’s sacred art and cities, you will take home a renewed sense of faith, community, and spiritual enrichment—a once-in-a-lifetime journey where history, culture, and devotion meet.