DAY 1 USA - ROME

Depart USA on a transatlantic flight to Rome, Italy.

DAY 2 ROME - ASSISI

Arrive Rome in the morning, transfer to Assisi. We will have an orientation to the Piazza Commune. Strolling the tree lined street toward the city gate. We’ll appreciate the stunning vistas of the Spoleto Valley and watch the Assisi sing as the swoop toward the valley below. At the Piazza Vescovado we will visit the ancient fountain near the Bishop’s residence where St. Francis dramatically stripped himself of all worldly possessions and gave himself only to God. We'll have a private Mass at the Chiesa Nuova, marking the cite where Francis was imprisoned by his father. Dinner.

DAY 3 ASSISI

Breakfast. Visit San Damiano Church where Jesus came to life from the crucifix and spoke to Francis. From here we'll take taxis to visit the Portiuncola Chapel in the Basilica Our Lady of the Angels, where Jesus and Mary appeared to Francis. A Plenary indulgence blessing is granted for pilgrims who pray there. Holy Mass in the ancient Chapel of Tears. Afternoon visit to the Family Home/Birth Place of St. Francis and to the Basilica of St. Clare to see the still incorrupt body of St. Clare. We will pray in front of the same crucifix from which Christ spoke to Francis. Dinner.

DAY 4 ASSISI

Breakfast. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis for our own exclusive Mass scheduled at the Crypt Tomb of St. Francis. Tour will include the artwork of the Basilica and the stories of St. Francis’ life. We will also visit the museum of his relics and stigmata. Free time in the afternoon and the opportunity for quiet prayer. Some may choose to visit Carceri Hermitage where Francis prayed in solitude. Dinner.

DAY 5 ASSISI - ROME

Breakfast. Depart for Rome, stopping at the Portiuncola Chapel for Mass. The bus will take us on a tour of some of Rome's Major Bascilias: St. Mary Maggiore and St. John Lateran, a visit to the miraculous image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Anthony Basilica, Santa Scala (Holy Steps of Pilate) and a short stop at the Roman Coliseum. Check-in at the Domus Carmelitana Hotel. Dinner.

DAY 6 ROME

Breakfast. Visit the Vatican Museums and Vatican Gardens behind the Pope’s residence with our private guide, tour of Sistine Chapel and a St. Peter Basilica. Free time and the possibility of ascending the Cuppola Rotunda of St. Peter’s. Dinner on the Borgo Pio.

DAY 7 ROME - MEDJUGORJE

Breakfast. Spend this morning enjoying the Vatican. After lunch the group will transfer to Rome’s airport to catch a flight to Croatia. Upon arrival, transfer by bus to Medjugorje and check-in at your hotel. Dinner in Medjugorje

DAY 8 - 12 MEDJUGORJE

edjugorje is a simple mountain village. During our stay, we will share our faith with thousands of people from all over the world. Each morning at 10:00am, we meet at St. James Church for the English language Mass. Our tour guide will escort us to the Hill of Apparitions where the visionaries first saw Our Blessed Virgin Mary. Pray before the statue that symbolizes the place of the first apparition. In 1933 the villagers built a 30’ high cross on the anniversary of Jesus’ crucifixion on top of Cross Mountain. We will climb the mountain through the Stations of the Cross. Also, visit and pray at “Blue Cross”. A place of healings and graces at the foot of Apparition Hill. We will have the chance to attend meetings and talks with the visionaries (subject to their availability and health during our trip). We will also visit the community of Cenacolo (a rehab center). In the evening, we can join the villagers at 5:00pm (or 6:00pm daylight savings time) to pray the rosary. Followed by Croatian Mass during which there is the blessing of the items you have with you. Adoration takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays later in the evening, and veneration of the Holy Cross takes place on Fridays later in the evening. We will also have time for personal prayer and reflection.

DAY 13 MEDJUGORJE – USA

Early morning departure to the airport, arriving back home in the evening.