Detailed Itinerary | June 15-25, 2026

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A journey through the sacred heart of Europe. From Lisbon’s sunlit hills to the shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, from the peaceful valleys of Assisi to the majestic basilicas of Rome, this pilgrimage blends faith, history, and discovery into a path of renewal.

Day 1 ✠ Monday – June 15, 2026
Departure | A Pilgrimage Begins
Today we depart for Portugal and Italy, setting out on pilgrimage during this special Franciscan Holy Year. In the days ahead, we will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, walk the sacred streets of Assisi where St. Francis and St. Clare lived their call, and pray at the birthplace of St. Anthony of Lisbon—one of the most beloved Franciscan saints. We will also
stand before the tomb of St. Paul in Rome and gather in St. Peter's Square with pilgrims from around the world. As our journey begins, we carry our intentions with us, trusting that God will meet us along the way.

Day 2 ✠ Tuesday – June 16, 2026
Lisbon | Tiles, Tarts & the Tagus
Welcome to Lisbon, where Atlantic light dances across tiled façades and hilltop gaze over the Tagus River. We explore the historic center and enjoy an independent lunch at the vibrant Time Out Market before visiting Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, enduring symbols of Portugal's Age of Discovery. No visit to Lisbon is complete without savoring a warm pastel
de nata, fresh from the oven. Dinner introduces us to Portugal's rich culinary traditions—a foretaste of the hospitality that will mark our pilgrimage. (D)
 

Day 3 ✠ Wednesday – June 17, 2026
Fátima | A Day at the Shrine of Our Lady

This morning we journey from Lisbon into the Portuguese countryside to Fátima, one of the most significant Marian shrines in the world. Upon arrival, we enter the sacred rhythm of the sanctuary, walking across the vast prayer plaza, visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the tombs of Saints Francisco and Jacinta, and entering the Chapel of the Apparitions, where Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. Through guided reflection and time for personal prayer, we encounter the enduring message of repentance, peace, and devotion to the Rosary that continues to echo across generations. The day unfolds with space for silence, communal prayer, and participation in the liturgical life of the shrine. In the evening we return to Lisbon, where you will have free time to explore the city and enjoy your own culinary adventure. (B, D)

Day 4 ✠ Thursday – June 18, 2026
Alfama & Farewell Feast
Today we wander the winding lanes of Lisbon’s historic Alfama district, where tiled façades, hidden courtyards, and sweeping views over the Tagus reveal the soul of the city. We visit the majestic Lisbon Cathedral, the city’s oldest church, standing watch over the river since the 12th century, before stepping next door to the Church of St. Anthony, built on the saint’s birthplace. Here we learn about the beloved Lisbon native who became known to the world as St. Anthony of Padua—preacher, miracle worker, and patron of lost things—and enjoy the charming local custom of tossing a coin toward his statue while praying for the grace of a good spouse. The afternoon is free for final discoveries—perhaps a quiet café overlooking the river or one last stroll through Alfama’s colorful streets—before we gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner celebrating Portuguese hospitality. With grateful hearts, we raise a final toast to friendship, faith, and the beautiful spirit of saudade that lingers long after the journey ends. (B, D)
 

Day 5 ✠ Friday – June 19, 2026
Lisbon to Rome | In the Footsteps of St. Paul
This morning we fly from Lisbon to Rome—welcome to the Eternal City. Upon arrival, we begin our pilgrimage without delay, visiting two of the most significant sites associated with St. Paul. At the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, we pray at the Apostle’s tomb, reflecting on the missionary zeal that helped shape the early Church. We then visit Tre Fontane, the abbey marking the place of Paul’s martyrdom, where tradition holds that three springs burst forth where his head touched the ground. The Trappist community continues its life of prayer and labor here, and pilgrims may sample the monks’ handcrafted beer—a simple joy rooted in monastic tradition. This afternoon we settle into our hotel before gathering for dinner together as we begin to savor the beauty and faith of Italy. (B, D)
 

Day 6 ✠ Saturday – June 20, 2026
Rome by Golf Cart | Hidden Corners and Grand Icons
Today we experience Rome in effortless style, exploring the Eternal City by private golf cart—gliding between grand icons and hidden corners with ease. We pass the Spanish Steps, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, stand beneath the dome of the Pantheon, and wander through Piazza Navona, where Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers animates the square. Along the way, we slip into quiet courtyards and lesser-known passages that reveal a more intimate side of Rome. The afternoon remains free before continuing our pilgrimage in Italy the next morning. (B, ID)

Day 7 ✠ Sunday – June 21, 2026
Angelus and The Road to Assisi
We gather for Mass at the historic Church of Santa Maria in Sassia, long a spiritual home for English-speaking pilgrims. Following Mass, we join the faithful in St. Peter’s Square for the Papal Angelus, receiving the Holy Father’s blessing alongside pilgrims from around the world. In the afternoon we travel north through Lazio and Umbria toward Assisi, the hillside town of St. Francis and St. Clare. As evening falls, we gather for dinner together—an introduction to the peace and simplicity of this holy place. (B, D)

Day 8 ✠ Monday – June 22, 2026
Assisi | In the Footsteps of St. Francis
We enter the quiet holiness of Assisi, where stone streets and medieval walls hold the memory of St. Francis and St. Clare. We visit the Basilica of St. Francis, descending to the saint’s tomb, and walk to the principal Franciscan sites made especially meaningful during this Franciscan Holy Year. The day allows time for reflection, silence, and communal prayer. In the afternoon we return to Rome, carrying with us the spirit of humility and joy that mark Franciscan discipleship before gathering for dinner together. (B, D)

Day 9 ✠ Tuesday – June 23, 2026
Rome | The Mother Church and Marian Devotion
The morning is free for personal exploration—perhaps climbing the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or lingering in a quiet chapel. In the afternoon we visit St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and mother church of the world, before ascending the Holy Steps, traditionally believed to be the staircase Jesus climbed during His Passion before Pontius Pilate. Brought to Rome in the fourth century by St. Helena, pilgrims have ascended these steps for centuries—often on their knees—in prayerful remembrance of Christ’s suffering. We then continue to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the oldest Marian church in the West and the final resting place of Pope Francis, a site of profound papal devotion where generations have entrusted their ministry to Our Lady. Our day concludes at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help before gathering for dinner together. (B, D)
 

Day 10 ✠ Wednesday – June 24, 2026
Rome | Papal Audience and Roman Evenings
We attend a Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, a powerful moment beneath Bernini’s sweeping colonnade. The afternoon offers time for independent exploration or an optional visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. This evening we gather for a festive farewell dinner, savoring classic Roman cuisine as we celebrate the graces of our journey together. A final stroll through softly illuminated piazzas provides a fitting close to our pilgrimage in the Eternal City. (B, D)

Day 11 ✠ Thursday – June 25, 2026
Return Home | Sent Forth in Faith
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight home. We carry with us the peace of Assisi, the witness of St. Paul, the joy of St. Anthony, and the maternal presence of Our Lady of Fátima. Though our pilgrimage concludes, its grace continues—shaping the way we pray, live, and serve. We arrive home renewed, grateful, and sent forth in faith. (B)

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​Dining Codes:

B = Breakfast

D = Dinner
T = Tasting

ID = Independent Dinner​​​