Depart on flight AA2169 at 9:40 AM to Chicago, arriving at 3:45 PM. Transfer on flight AA110 at 5:05 PM to Rome.

We will arrive in Rome at 9:15 AM. Upon arrival, we will proceed to the historic district of Trastevere. This area was where Pietro arrived by ship at the Port of Ripa Grande, near the Basilica of St. Cecilia, a neighborhood historically inhabited by Jews. We will begin our day by visiting the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, followed by a walking tour around the district, including the Church of St. Francesco a Ripa and the Basilica of St. Maria in Trastevere. A break for lunch at a local restaurant will allow us to experience authentic Roman cuisine (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to walk through the first Holy Door of our Jubilee Year Pilgrimage and celebrate Mass. Founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, this Basilica is the burial site of the great Apostle Paul. We will then continue to our hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

This morning, we will drive along the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome, to visit the Catacombs and the Basilica of St. Sebastian. We will also explore the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where it is said that the Apostle Peter, fleeing the city to avoid martyrdom, encountered Jesus. In response to Peter’s question, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “I am coming to Rome to be crucified again.” Understanding the message, Peter returned to face his fate. Inside the church, we will see a stone bearing the imprints of Christ’s feet, with the original located in the Basilica of San Sebastiano. We will return to Rome for lunch before visiting the Vatican Museum, where we will view world-renowned masterpieces, including the Sistine Chapel. Our tour continues at St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom, where we will pass through the second Holy Door of our journey. We will admire Michelangelo’s Pieta and pray at the tombs of St. Peter and Pope St. John Paul II before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

This morning, we will drive to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where we will pass through the third Holy Door of our pilgrimage and visit one of the oldest and most significant shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We will then proceed to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, walking through the fourth Holy Door. This Basilica serves as the seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is also the Pope, and houses remarkable artwork, including wood from the table used at the Last Supper. We will then walk to the Shrine of the Holy Stairs, named for the steps that led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate. After a break for lunch, our afternoon will include a tour of the stunning monuments of Baroque Rome, including Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. There will be some leisure time for shopping before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation. If time permits, we may also view the Colosseum along the way.

Following breakfast at the hotel and check-out, we will attend the General Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square, held on Wednesday mornings at 9 AM when the Pope is in Rome. Here, we will receive the Holy Father’s Apostolic Blessing. Pilgrims are encouraged to bring rosaries, medals, and other religious articles to be blessed by the Holy Father following his address. We will then board our bus and drive south, taking a break for lunch en route. We will arrive in Naples in the early afternoon, check in at our hotel, and meet our local guide to visit the Basilica of San Paolo Maggiore to see the Permanent Nativity Set. Next, we will visit the Duomo to see the Chapel of St. Januarius, the city’s patron saint, known for the ongoing miracle of his blood, which liquefies three times a year. We will celebrate Mass before returning to our hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately one hour to Pompeii. Our day begins with an excursion to Mount Vesuvius. The trail is about four miles up and back, reaching an elevation of 1,170 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of Vesuvius National Park and the Bay of Naples. After a break for lunch, we will explore the ruins of Pompeii, which were buried under ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This well-preserved site provides insight into what was once a vibrant Roman city. Mass will be celebrated at the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii before returning to our hotel in Naples for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a memorable ferry ride to the Island of Capri in the Bay of Naples. Known for the ruins of Imperial Roman Villas, the town of Anacapri, and the Blue Grotto (optional), Capri boasts a breathtaking landscape. We will view the famous Faraglioni rock formations and enjoy a free day on the island for strolling, sightseeing, and shopping in the Piazzetta and along the Via Camerelle. Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Francis before returning to Naples for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and journey through the Gargano Peninsula to visit the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant’Angelo. Mass will be celebrated in the grotto where St. Michael is said to have appeared in the years 490, 492, and 493. After free time to explore this charming area, we will continue to our hotel in San Giovanni Rotondo for check-in, dinner, and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend the morning visiting the holy sites associated with Padre Pio’s life. We will visit the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, the hospital founded by Padre Pio, which continues to serve the community today. We will also visit the beloved church of Padre Pio, Santa Maria della Grazie, where he dedicated hours to hearing confessions. It is said that he had the ability to “read souls,” and his confessional is available for viewing. We will then visit Padre Pio’s shrine to venerate his incorrupt body and tour his living quarters. In the afternoon, we will depart San Giovanni Rotondo to return to the Mediterranean coast, checking in at our hotel in Salerno for dinner and overnight accommodation.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive along the renowned Amalfi Coast road, stopping in the picturesque town of Positano, known for its narrow, boutique-lined streets. We will then take a boat to Amalfi, where we will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew and visit his relics and crypt. This day will be filled with spectacular sights and awe-inspiring landscapes. We will return by boat to Salerno for dinner and overnight accommodation. If time permits, we may also view the “Rovello”.

After breakfast and check-out, we will continue to Sorrento, approximately a 1.5-hour drive. Upon arrival, we will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Saints Philip and James (the Sorrento Cathedral). Following the service, there will be leisure time to explore Limonoro, Sorrento’s main pedestrian street, which is perfect for sampling limoncello and other local liqueurs. After a break for lunch, we will drive to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the popes, where we will enjoy a farewell dinner and spend the night.

Depart on flight AA235 at 10:30 AM to New York, arriving at 2:00 PM. Transfer on flight AA300 at 3:30 PM to Los Angeles, arriving at 6:45 PM.