Pilgrimage to the Holy Saints and Shrines of Rome, Assisi, and Southern Italy
November 9-20, 2026
$4,299 - includes ground travel
and airfare
Fr. Patrick Agustin Fr. Joe Cwik
Join Fr. Patrick Agustin and Fr. Joe Cwik on a pilgrimage
to visit some of the most amazing holy saints and shrines of Italy!
Discover the profound Catholic heritage, inspiring saints, and sacred beauty of Rome and Southern Italy on this unforgettable pilgrimage. From the heart of the Church at St. Peter’s Basilica to the ancient catacombs of Naples and the miraculous shrines of Lanciano, Loreto, and Pompeii, you will walk in the footsteps of saints who shaped the faith across the centuries. Along the way, you will venerate some of the Church’s most beloved witnesses, including St. Peter and St. Paul; St. Benedict and St. Scholastica; St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi; St. Maria Goretti; St. Alphonsus Liguori; St. Philomena; St. Michael the Archangel; St. Padre Pio; St. Matthew the Apostle; and Blessed Carlo Acutis. This journey weaves together majestic basilicas, Eucharistic miracles, ancient martyrdom sites, and serene sanctuaries set amid Italy’s stunning landscapes, offering a deeply enriching encounter with the living tradition and holiness of the Catholic Church.
Visit: St. Catherine of Siena, St. Jerome, St. Peter, St. Thomas’ finger, St. John Paul II, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier's arm, St. Paul, St. Philip Neri, Bl. Fra Angelico, St. Monica, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. John Berchmans, Ven. Antonietta Meo, St. Cecilia, St. Maria Goretti, St. Benedict, St. Scholastica, St. Philomena, St. Januarius, St. Bartolo Longo, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Matthew, St. Gerard Majella, St. Padre Pio, St. Clare, St. Francis, St. Carlo Acutis, Colosseum, Catacombs, Scala Sancta, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Monte Cassino, Cave of St Michael (Monte Sant’ Angelo), Eucharistic Miracles of Lanciano and Orvieto, Sansevero Chapel, and the Holy House
The Spiritual Impact of Pilgrimage on St. Thérèse of Lisieux
“Before my journey to Rome I had not felt any special devotion to this Saint, but on visiting the house where she was martyred, and on hearing her proclaimed ‘Queen of Harmony’, I felt more than devotion to her; I felt real love as for a friend. She became my chosen patroness as well as the keeper of my most intimate thoughts....”
— St. Thérèse of Lisieux, describing the grace she received at age 14 during her pilgrimage to Rome and her visit to St. Cecilia’s home (The Story of a Soul).
"... I saw splendid monuments; I studied the countless wonders of art and religion; and better than all, I stood on the very soil trodden by the Apostles and bedewed with the blood of Martyrs, and my soul grew strong by contact with those holy things.”
— St. Thérèse of Lisieux, recalling her 1887 pilgrimage to Rome with her father Louis, her sister Céline, and a diocesan group (The Story of a Soul)
Your trip includes
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Round-trip nonstop airfare from Dulles International Airport
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Motorcoach transportation from a parish selected by the priests to Dulles and back.
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All airport taxes and fuel surcharges
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Carefully selected First-Class hotels, chosen for comfort, location, and reliability
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Hotels within the walls of Assisi and near St. Peter’s Basilica (15-min walk)
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Hotel accommodations:
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1 night: Nov 10, B&B Hotel Pomezia Roma, Pomezia, IT
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3 nights: Nov 11-13, Hotel Il Cantico, Rome, IT
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2 nights: Nov 14-15, Hotel Giotto & Fontebella Palace Hotel, Assisi, IT
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1 night: Nov 16, Hotel Valle Rossa, San Giovanni Rotondo, IT
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2 nights: Nov 17-18, B&B Hotel Napoli, Naples, IT
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1 night: Nov 19, Simon Hotel, Pomezia, IT
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Single supplement, while available, for an additional $1,000
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Transfers as per itinerary
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Breakfast and dinner daily
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Wine and mineral water with dinners
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Transportation by air-conditioned motorcoach
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Tour escort throughout
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Assistance of professional local guide at Colosseum and Assisi
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Sightseeing and admission fees as per Itinerary
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Mass daily and spiritual activities
Not included:
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Lunches and beverages not mentioned
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Travel Insurance
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Tips to your guide & driver. (est. $100 total)
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Church donations (budget $2.00-$5.00 per Mass)
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Passports, visas, and any required travel documentation
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NOTE: Participation in this active pilgrimage requires the ability to walk 10,000–12,000 steps per day, unassisted, at an average pace across uneven surfaces, including steps and cobblestones.
Join our November 2026 pilgrimage to Rome and Southern Italy. With limited space available, reserve your place today through our fast and secure registration.
Simply complete the online form and upload a copy of your passport, if you have one. We accept all major credit and debit cards, with a 3% processing fee.
Please note our nonstop flight schedule below
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE: $4,299
SINGLE OCCUPANCY PRICE: $5,299
Price reflects cash discount
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
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A 50% deposit is due at time of registration
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Final payment/balance is due on or before July 1, 2026
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Registration after July 1, 2026 requires payment in full at time of booking
PAYMENT METHODS:
We accept major credit cards, checks, money orders, and ACH transactions. There is an additional 3% fee for each credit card transaction.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
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All payments are 100% refundable if a cancellation request is received in writing before July 1, 2026
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All payments are 50% refundable from July 1, 2026 to 30 days prior to departure
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There are no refunds for cancellation requests received after 30 days prior to departure
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Processing fees will be deducted from refunds of payments made by credit card
Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance is optional, it is strongly recommended. We encourage you to purchase it at the time of registration in order to qualify for Cancel for Any Reason coverage.
You have two options for purchasing travel insurance:
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Purchase directly from Faye through our website after submitting your application
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Purchase a policy from your own insurance provider
Follow this LINK to view our Travel Protection Plan details.
You don’t want to think about things going wrong when you’re preparing for a long-awaited trip. But life is unpredictable—plans change, illnesses and injuries happen, luggage gets lost, and even severe weather can disrupt your plans. Having the right travel protection ensures you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered no matter what comes your way.
We’ve partnered with Faye to provide reliable travel insurance coverage for your pilgrimage. Please use the link below to receive a fast and easy quote.
For more information on why Faye, click HERE.
Itinerary
Dulles International Airport
Day 1
After a pilgrimage Mass at a St. Mary's County parish, transfer by coach bus to Dulles International Airport to catch an evening flight for a morning arrival in Rome.
Day 2
Arriving early in the morning in Rome, we begin our pilgrimage by traveling north by motorcoach toward the historic hilltop abbey of Monte Cassino. Along the way, we stop for lunch before continuing to one of the most important spiritual centers in Europe. Founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century, Monte Cassino is the birthplace of Western monasticism and a powerful symbol of faith rebuilt through perseverance after centuries of conflict. During our visit, we honor both St. Benedict and his twin sister, St. Scholastica, reflecting on their enduring legacy of prayer, community, and Christian hospitality.
In the afternoon, we journey to the coastal town of Nettuno to visit the Shrine of St. Maria Goretti. At this moving place of prayer, pilgrims have time for reflection on her courageous witness, profound forgiveness, and unwavering faith at a young age. We then continue to Pomezia, where we gather for dinner and fellowship before settling into our hotel for the night, concluding a full and spiritually rich day of pilgrimage in Italy.
Basilica of Monte Cassino
The Colosseum
Day 3
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to St. Peter’s Square to attend the Papal Audience, subject to the Holy Father’s schedule—a highlight of any pilgrimage to Rome. Joining pilgrims from around the world, you’ll experience the joy and energy of gathering with the universal Church as the Pope offers his apostolic blessing and spiritual reflections. Following this uplifting encounter, we depart for the area surrounding the Colosseum, where you will enjoy lunch before beginning a guided tour of Rome’s most iconic ancient monument, reflecting on the memory of early Christian martyrs and the dramatic history of the Roman Empire.
Our afternoon continues with visits to three of Rome’s most treasured churches, each rich in sacred history. At the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, you will see the magnificent 6th-century mosaic dedicated to the twin physician-martyrs Sts. Cosmas and Damian, whose relics are venerated beneath the altar. We then walk to the Chiesa del Gesù, the mother church of the Jesuits and the resting place of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus; it also houses the arm reliquary of St. Francis Xavier. The day concludes at the beautiful Church of Sant’Ignazio, where the tomb of Jesuit saint and missionary St. John Berchmans is honored. After a full day immersed in the Church’s history and the lives of her saints, we gather for dinner at a nearby restaurant to relax and reflect on the blessings of the day.
Day 4
After breakfast, we begin the day with visits to two of Rome’s most important papal basilicas. Our morning starts at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles and renowned for its serene atmosphere and striking mosaics. We then continue to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the Church’s greatest Marian shrines, where sacred art and tradition testify to centuries of devotion to the Mother of God. These early visits provide a prayerful foundation for the day as we encounter the heart of Rome’s ancient Christian heritage.
Midday brings free time for lunch near the Pantheon, allowing pilgrims to enjoy Rome’s historic streets, cafés, and piazzas at a relaxed pace. In the afternoon, we resume our walking pilgrimage with visits to Santa Maria sopra Minerva, one of Rome’s few Gothic churches, followed by the Basilica of Sant’Agostino, home to treasured works of sacred art and relics. We then visit the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella (the Chiesa Nuova), closely associated with St. Philip Neri and the renewal of Catholic life in Rome. The day concludes with dinner in the lively Piazza Navona area or at our hotel, bringing together prayer, culture, and fellowship in the Eternal City.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
St. Peter's Basilica
Day 5
We begin the day early with a truly unforgettable experience: a morning Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Celebrating the Eucharist at the heart of the universal Church is a profound highlight of the pilgrimage. Following Mass, pilgrims enjoy extended free time inside St. Peter’s, allowing ample opportunity for prayer at the tomb of St. Peter, visits to side chapels, time for confession, or quiet reflection beneath Michelangelo’s magnificent dome. During this time, pilgrims are free to enjoy lunch on their own in the surrounding Vatican area.
In the early afternoon, we transfer to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the oldest papal basilica in the Church. Nearby, we visit the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs believed to have been climbed by Christ during His Passion, offering a deeply moving moment of devotion. We then continue to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, which houses important relics of the Passion of Christ. The day concludes with a visit to the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore del Suffragio and its Museum of the Holy Souls of Purgatory, inviting reflection on prayer for the faithful departed. Dinner and overnight in Rome bring this spiritually rich day to a peaceful close.
Day 6
We begin the day in Rome with Mass and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, built over the home and burial place of the beloved early Christian martyr. In this peaceful and historic church, pilgrims reflect on St. Cecilia’s courageous witness of faith and her enduring legacy within the life of the Church. Our morning in Trastevere offers a prayerful start before departing the Eternal City.
After our visit to St. Cecilia, we travel north to Orvieto, where we visit the magnificent cathedral housing the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena, a powerful testimony to Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist. Following time for prayer and reflection, we enjoy lunch in Orvieto before continuing to Assisi. Upon arrival, we visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which shelters the Porziuncola, the heart of St. Francis’s spiritual life. We then transfer to our hotel for check-in, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Assisi, concluding a day rich in faith, history, and sacred encounters.
Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli
Day 7
We begin the day in the quiet beauty of Assisi with a visit to the Basilica of St. Clare, where the body of St. Clare, the spiritual sister of St. Francis and foundress of the Poor Clares, rests in the lower crypt. Here you will also see the original San Damiano Crucifix—the very cross from which Christ spoke to St. Francis, calling him to “rebuild My Church.” From there, we make our way to the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, the world-renowned shrine that houses the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi. Spread across two stunning levels adorned with Giotto’s frescoes, this basilica invites pilgrims into the radical simplicity, joy, and holiness that shaped the life of one of the Church’s most beloved saints.
Our pilgrimage continues with a visit to the Sanctuary hosting the tomb of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the modern teen known for his deep Eucharistic devotion and his mission to use technology to evangelize the world. His witness of holiness in everyday life offers a powerful inspiration for people of all ages. After these grace-filled encounters, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy free time in Assisi—strolling its peaceful streets, shopping, or returning to your favorite churches for quiet prayer. We gather again in the evening for dinner, reflecting together on a day spent in the company of some of the Church’s most treasured saints.
Day 8
We begin the day with a drive to Loreto, one of the Church’s most treasured Marian pilgrimage sites. Here we visit the Holy House, traditionally believed to be the home of the Holy Family in Nazareth and now preserved within the magnificent Basilica of the Holy House. This sacred shrine invites pilgrims to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, the humility of the Holy Family, and Mary’s faithful “yes” to God’s plan, offering a deeply prayerful start to the day.
From Loreto, we continue south to Lanciano to visit the site of the Eucharistic Miracle, one of the oldest and most compelling testimonies to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Time is provided for prayer and reflection before we transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo. Upon arrival, we gather for dinner and settle into our hotel for an overnight stay, concluding a day centered on profound encounters with Christ and His saving presence in the sacraments.
Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano
Cave of St. Michael the Archangel
Day 9
We begin the day in San Giovanni Rotondo with a visit to the Shrine of St. Padre Pio, one of the most beloved saints of the modern Church. Here pilgrims have time for prayer at his tomb and to visit the churches and spiritual sites associated with his life, priesthood, and profound witness of suffering united to Christ. This moving morning invites reflection on mercy, confession, and trust in God’s will, themes that defined Padre Pio’s extraordinary vocation.
We then transfer by motorcoach to Monte Sant’Angelo to visit the Cave of St. Michael the Archangel, one of the most ancient pilgrimage sites in Western Christianity, a sacred grotto, long revered as a place of heavenly encounter and spiritual protection. Continuing south, we travel to Materdomini to visit the shrine of St. Gerard Majella, patron saint of expectant mothers and families, before concluding the day with a drive to Pompeii. Upon arrival, we enjoy dinner and settle in for an overnight stay, bringing to a close a day rich in powerful saints, sacred places, and deep spiritual meaning.
Day 10
We begin the day in Pompeii with a visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Rosario, where pilgrims honor St. Bartolo Longo, whose remarkable conversion and devotion to the Rosary transformed Pompeii into one of Italy’s most important Marian shrines. Time for prayer in this beautiful sanctuary invites reflection on the power of the Rosary, mercy, and the hope of redemption. From Pompeii, we travel to Mugnano del Cardinale to venerate St. Philomena, a beloved early martyr whose shrine has drawn pilgrims for centuries, followed by time for lunch nearby.
In the afternoon, we continue to Pagani to visit the Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists and a great Doctor of the Church, known for his compassionate moral theology and pastoral care. We then travel to Salerno to visit the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist, where his relics are venerated beneath the high altar. The day concludes with a drive to Naples for dinner and an overnight stay, bringing together a rich tapestry of saints, devotion, and sacred history.
Sansevero Chapel, Naples
Day 11
We spend the day immersed in the rich Christian heritage of Naples, beginning at the Naples Cathedral, home to the relics of St. Januarius (San Gennaro), the city’s beloved patron saint. Here, pilgrims learn about his heroic witness to the faith and the centuries-old devotion surrounding the miracle associated with his relics.
From there, we descend into the ancient Catacombs of San Gennaro, linked to St. Agrippinus, one of Naples’s earliest bishops, followed by a visit to the Catacombs of San Gaudioso. In these sacred underground spaces, the early Christian community bore witness to the faith even amid persecution, offering a powerful and moving connection to the roots of Christianity in southern Italy.
Returning above ground, we visit the renowned Sansevero Chapel, celebrated for its extraordinary artistry and profound symbolic expressions of faith. Our sightseeing concludes at the Santa Chiara Basilica and Monastery Complex. This serene Gothic sanctuary, especially its beautiful cloister, provides a peaceful moment of reflection amid the vibrant energy of the city.
At the end of the day, we transfer to Pomezia to check into our hotel and enjoy our final dinner together.
Day 12
Depart Rome on a flight to Washington Dulles. After landing, a motorcoach bus will meet the group and return you to the parish from which you set out, completing your pilgrimage together.
AMDG Travel Disclaimer
From time to time, local religious or national holidays, weather, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to the sequence of activities or result in the omission of certain sites or events. While every effort will be made to operate the itinerary as planned, the itinerary should be understood as an indication of the planned schedule rather than a binding guarantee of specific stops or events. Hotels listed on the itinerary have been carefully selected and contracted in advance for this pilgrimage. However, due to availability changes, operational requirements, or circumstances beyond our control, it may occasionally be necessary to substitute a hotel. In such cases, AMDG Travel will secure accommodations of equivalent or higher quality, consistent with the overall standard, location, and character of the pilgrimage.
