Rome, Naples & Sicily

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart from your local airport for your overnight flight to Italy. Meet your fellow pilgrims and spiritual director before check-in and prepare for a journey filled with faith, history, and the beauty of Italian culture.

As you cross the Atlantic, reflect on the saints, shrines, and sacred places you will encounter throughout Rome, Naples, and Sicily. Enjoy in-flight meals and spend time in prayer, reading, or rest.

Overnight aboard your flight.

Welcome to Italy.

Upon arrival at Rome's airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and driver before transferring to your hotel.

After time to refresh and settle in, begin your introduction to the Eternal City with a panoramic sightseeing tour.

Drive past some of Rome's most famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, and the Victor Emmanuel Monument. Learn about the rise of Christianity in the heart of the Roman Empire and the sacrifices of the early martyrs who helped establish the Church.

Celebrate your welcome Mass at a local church and entrust your pilgrimage intentions to the Lord.

This evening gather for a welcome dinner and enjoy your first taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the spiritual center of the Catholic Church.

Begin at St. Peter's Basilica, built over the tomb of St. Peter, the first Pope. Marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino, and countless artistic treasures that inspire millions of pilgrims each year.

If available, participate in the Papal Audience or Sunday Angelus blessing in St. Peter's Square.

Following lunch, continue to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas and the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Continue to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Holy Father.

Nearby, visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the staircase Jesus ascended during His trial before Pontius Pilate.

Conclude the day at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built above the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle.

Celebrate Holy Mass before returning to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Following breakfast depart Rome and journey south through the beautiful Italian countryside toward Naples.

Your first destination is the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, founded by Blessed Bartolo Longo, whose conversion and devotion to the Rosary transformed Pompeii into one of Italy's most important Marian pilgrimage sites.

Celebrate Holy Mass within the magnificent basilica and learn about the life of Blessed Bartolo Longo and the miracles associated with the shrine.

Following lunch continue to Naples.

Visit the Cathedral of St. Januarius (San Gennaro), patron saint of Naples. Learn about the famous miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, which has inspired devotion among the faithful for centuries.

Walk through parts of the historic center and experience the vibrant culture that makes Naples unique.

Dinner and overnight in Naples.

Following an early breakfast transfer to Naples Airport for your short flight to Sicily.

Upon arrival in Palermo, begin your exploration of Sicily's rich Christian heritage.

Travel to Monreale and visit the spectacular Cathedral of Monreale, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the world. Inside, admire breathtaking golden mosaics depicting scenes from Sacred Scripture and the life of Christ.

Celebrate Holy Mass and spend time appreciating the beauty of this UNESCO-recognized masterpiece.

Continue into Palermo and visit the Cathedral, home to the relics of St. Rosalia, patroness of Palermo.

Visit the Palatine Chapel, renowned for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, and the Church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio, commonly known as La Martorana.

Dinner and overnight in Palermo.

After breakfast depart Palermo and travel along Sicily's northern coastline.

Stop in Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous throughout Sicily for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Enjoy free time to browse workshops and local artisan stores.

Continue to the beautiful seaside town of Cefalù.

Visit its magnificent Norman Cathedral, dedicated to Christ Pantocrator, and admire the impressive mosaics that decorate the sanctuary.

Spend time walking through the medieval streets, enjoying views of the Mediterranean Sea and the charming atmosphere of this historic town.

Following lunch continue eastward toward Catania.

Arrive in the city during the evening and check into your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Catania.

After breakfast travel to Taormina, one of Sicily's most beautiful towns.

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the surrounding coastline.

Visit the famous Greek Theatre, still used today for concerts and performances. Learn about the history of the ancient Greeks and Romans who once ruled Sicily.

Spend time walking through the picturesque streets filled with churches, shops, and beautiful piazzas.

Return to Catania during the afternoon.

Visit the Cathedral of St. Agatha, patroness of Catania, whose courageous witness to the faith continues to inspire Christians today.

Pray before her relics and celebrate Holy Mass.

Dinner and overnight in Catania.

After breakfast depart for Siracusa, one of the oldest Christian cities in Sicily.

According to tradition, St. Paul spent time here during his journey to Rome.

Visit the Basilica of St. Lucy and learn about the life and martyrdom of this beloved Sicilian saint.

Continue to the Catacombs of San Giovanni and discover the early Christian history of Sicily.

Visit the Cathedral of Siracusa, built upon the foundations of an ancient Greek temple and transformed into a Christian church after the triumph of Christianity.

Later explore Ortigia Island, the historic center of Siracusa.

Walk through charming streets lined with Baroque architecture, fountains, churches, and historic buildings while enjoying views of the Mediterranean.

Dinner and overnight in the Siracusa area.

This morning travel to Noto, widely considered the capital of Sicilian Baroque architecture.

Walk through elegant streets lined with magnificent churches, monasteries, and palaces rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693.

Celebrate Holy Mass and enjoy time to admire the city's remarkable beauty.

Continue to Agrigento and visit the famous Valley of the Temples.

Explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean world, featuring remarkably preserved Greek temples that testify to Sicily's rich history.

As the sun sets over the ancient ruins, reflect on the civilizations that prepared the way for Christianity to flourish throughout the region.

Dinner and overnight in Agrigento.

Following breakfast travel to Selinunte, one of the largest archaeological parks in Europe.

Explore the extensive remains of this ancient Greek city and admire the impressive temples overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Continue to Palermo Airport for your return flight to Rome.

Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time before gathering for a farewell Mass.

This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner as you reflect on the many blessings, friendships, and spiritual experiences shared throughout your pilgrimage.

Overnight in Rome.

After breakfast transfer to Rome Airport for your return flight home.

As your pilgrimage concludes, carry home the spiritual treasures received while visiting Rome, Naples, Palermo, Monreale, Taormina, Siracusa, Agrigento, and the many sacred shrines of Sicily.

May the intercession of Our Lady of Pompeii, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Januarius, St. Rosalia, St. Agatha, and St. Lucy continue to guide and strengthen you long after your return home.

Arrive in the United States with renewed faith, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the rich Catholic heritage of Italy and Sicily.