Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 ✠Friday – July 18, 2025
Head to your local airport and board your overnight flight(s). Your journey to Italy for the 2025 Holy Year begins now—embrace this once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage!
Day 2 ✠Saturday – July 19, 2025
Benvenuti a Roma! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a personal driver and transferred to your hotel, ideally located just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Vatican City. This afternoon, take your first steps into the soul of the Eternal City with an optional visit to St. Peter’s Square. The rest of the afternoon is yours to wander cobbled streets, sip espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, or simply rest and soak in the beauty around you. In the early evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm welcome reception featuring local wine, light refreshments, and good conversation. We’ll then share our first dinner together—a joyful time for connection, laughter, and setting intentions for the sacred journey ahead. (D)
Day 3 ✠Sunday – July 20, 2025
Today begins with Sunday Mass at Santa Maria in Sassia, a church known for its deep devotion to Divine Mercy. From there, we’ll make our way into St. Peter’s Square for a truly historic moment: the chance to be among the first people in the world to experience the Angelus with the newly elected pope. Afterward, we’ll enter the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica—one of the most awe-inspiring churches in the world. Take time to pray before Michelangelo’s Pietà and, if you wish, ascend to the dome’s summit for a panoramic view of the Eternal City. The rest of the afternoon invites reflection or relaxation. Tonight, dinner is on your own—you may choose to stay close to the hotel or join fellow travelers for an outing to Trastevere, a lively Roman neighborhood brimming with charm, cobbled streets, and authentic local cuisine. (B, ID)
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Day 4 ✠Monday – July 21, 2025
Today will begin with a panoramic bus tour of Rome, offering a sweeping introduction to the Eternal City. We’ll take in major landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Palatine Hill—the legendary birthplace of Rome. The tour will include a stop at the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), the heart of Marian devotion in Rome and now the final resting place of Pope Francis. Adorned with exquisite mosaics and rich with centuries of pilgrimage. (B, D)
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Day 5 ✠Tuesday – July 22, 2025
Today’s journey takes us deeper into the heart of Rome’s sacred heritage as we visit two more of the city’s four Major Basilicas. We begin at San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran), the official cathedral of the Pope and the oldest basilica in the Western world. Just across the street, we’ll pause at the Scala Sancta—the Holy Stairs believed to be those Jesus climbed during his trial before Pontius Pilate. Next, we’ll explore the Basilica of San Clemente, a hidden gem near the Colosseum that reveals layers of Christian history: a 12th-century basilica built atop a 4th-century church, and beneath that, a 1st-century Mithraic temple—complete with stunning medieval frescoes. This evening, enjoy a special dinner that introduces you to the diverse culinary traditions of Rome. After dinner, there will be an optional walking tour featuring a stop for gelato at the iconic Giolitti’s, followed by a visit to the dazzling Trevi Fountain and nearby landmarks that come alive under the soft glow of night. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome!
(B, D)
Day 6 ✠Wednesday – July 23, 2025
This morning, we’ll begin our journey through Rome’s rich history in Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most beloved squares, home to the stunning Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. From there, we’ll walk to the Pantheon, an architectural marvel and one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome. We’ll then continue to Piazza Venezia, where the impressive Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) stands as a national monument to Italian unification. Prepare to be amazed by the layers of history surrounding you at every turn.
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This afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy an espresso in a local café. For those interested, there will be an optional tour of Ignatian Rome, tracing the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola. We’ll visit the Church of St. Ignatius, the Ignatian Apartments, and the Church of the Gesù, gaining a deeper understanding of the origins and spiritual legacy of the Jesuit order.
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In the evening, we’ll gather in Campo de' Fiori, a lively and colorful square known for its street performers, local markets, and exceptional dining. Whether you crave a cozy trattoria serving classic Roman dishes like carbonara or cacio e pepe, or you’re in the mood for modern cuisine or pizza, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed and flavorful evening. (B, ID)
Note: There usually are no Papal Audiences in July, but Pope Francis held them during the Year of Mercy in 2016. If one is scheduled by Pope Leo, we will rearrange the days to fit it in.
Day 7 ✠Thursday – July 24, 2025
Today, we delve into the inspiring history of early Christianity with a visit to the Roman Catacombs, where early Christians sought refuge and left behind powerful symbols of their faith. These sacred underground burial sites offer a glimpse into the courage and devotion of the Church’s first followers. Next, we’ll journey to the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane, the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom. According to legend, three springs miraculously appeared where his head struck the ground after his execution, commemorating his profound sacrifice. We will make one final stop at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major basilicas of Rome, along with its peaceful monastery. The rest of this afternoon is yours to explore or shop for last-minute souvenirs before we gather for a special farewell dinner with excellent Roman dishes and a carefully selected wine pairing. (B, D)
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Day 8 ✠Friday – July 25, 2025
This morning, you'll be transferred to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to begin your journey home. As we depart, reflect on the incredible memories made during this Holy Year pilgrimage. Hopefully, a coin tossed into the Trevi Fountain ensures that you’ll return to Italy one day. Safe travels! (B)
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​Dining Codes:
B = Breakfast
D = Dinner
ID = Independent Dinner​​​
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