11 Days / 9 Nights
Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, led an extraordinary life marked by mystical experiences and deep devotion to God.
Ordained as a Capuchin friar in 1910, he gained widespread recognition for bearing the stigmata— wounds resembling those of Christ. Despite controversy and scrutiny from church authorities, he was canonized a saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. His legacy endures through the global popularity of the Padre Pio devotion and the healing miracles attributed to him.
Itinerary
Group meets at JFK for departure to Rome.
Morning arrival in Rome, transfer to Assisi. Visit Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Check into 4-star hotel.
Mass at San Damiano, visit Chapels and Saint Clare's nuns' rooms. Explore Basilicas of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Free time for lunch and shopping.
Depart to La Verna, celebrate Mass. Visit La Verna Sanctuary and enjoy lunch. Return to Assisi in the late afternoon.
Visit Gubbio and Church of Saint Francis. Enjoy Italian wine tasting.
Check-in at the hotel, rest of the evening at leisure, dinner, and overnight accommodations.
Visit Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie and Chapel. Mass, English Office talk, and blessing with Padre Pio’s relics. Explore the new Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.
Visit La Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza. Celebrate Mass in Padre Pio’s hospital chapel. Tour hospital and visit St. Michael’s Cave.
Depart to Padre Pio’s hometown, Pietrelcina. Visit Santa Maria degli Angeli, Padre Pio’s family home, and church of his baptism. Travel to the Forgione family farm where Padre Pio received stigmata. Continue journey to Rome.
Attend Papal Audience at St. Peter's Square. Panoramic tour of Rome with a stop at the Trevi Fountain. Group dinner.
Concluding day of the tour.
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Round-trip air: USA » Rome
- 9 nights First Class or Deluxe hotel accommodation
- Continental buffet breakfast daily; 8 dinners
- Professional bilingual tour escort for the whole tour
- Local guides
- Entrance fees for all sites
- City tax
- Whisper sets
- Porterage at hotels of 1 large suitcase per person
- Deluxe fully equipped motorcoach as per program
- USTOA 1 Million Dollar Travelers Protection Plan
This itinerary may be modified to the specific requirements of your group. Ask About Our Church Donation Program