A Taste of Italy: Jubilee Pilgrimage 2025

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You’ll receive a one-day ticket for the “Hop-on Hop-off” bus tour, allowing you to explore Rome aboard one of the Hop-On-Hop-Off open-top buses. Enjoy a unique perspective of the Eternal City’s iconic landmarks with panoramic views of Rome’s most important monuments. Simply hop on, relax, and listen to the audio commentary, available in 12 languages, and get on or off at any of the eight stops along the route. The ticket is valid for one day and also includes entry to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Here, you will have the opportunity to cross one of the Jubilee’s Holy Doors. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Return to the hotel for the night. If you prefer, you can do the Hop-on Hop-off tour and Basilica entry on Day 2. Please let us know at the time of booking.

After breakfast, depart for St. Peter’s Square to participate in the Angelus, one of the Vatican’s most symbolic ceremonies. This moment of prayer, led by the Pope from the window of the Apostolic Palace, gathers thousands of faithful from around the world seeking the Pope’s blessing. After the Angelus, you will have the opportunity to cross the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a profound act of spiritual renewal. Crossing the Holy Door during the Holy Year symbolizes a desire to draw closer to God and receive plenary indulgence, making this a unique and meaningful experience for all pilgrims. The afternoon is free for you to explore, and you will return to the hotel on your own. Overnight stay.

Departing at 7:15 am from your hotel by deluxe coach, you will arrive in Assisi, ready to explore this tiny, walled town built in the Middle Ages at your own leisure. Take your time to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you will see masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Afterward, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included). Next, board the bus to reach Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for the Palio, the historic horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Then, you will continue to Florence, where you will check in at your hotel before enjoying dinner and a well-earned night of rest.

After breakfast, explore Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance, where Italian art thrived under Michelangelo's influence. Marvel at the Duomo's exterior, the Campanile Tower, and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors. In the city center, visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy an included lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce. In the afternoon, stroll Florence's cobblestone streets at your own pace or take an optional trip to Pisa, one of Italy's historical Marine Republics. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli with its iconic Duomo, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the majestic Baptistery.

After a delightful breakfast in Florence, depart for elegant Bologna. Upon arrival, explore the charming city center with its iconic porticos. Start your walking tour at Piazza Malpighi, leading to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, the world's largest Gothic brick church. Discover why Bologna is hailed as Italy's gastronomic capital with a street food experience, exploring medieval streets lined with food stalls and markets offering traditional and contemporary treats. Enjoy a light lunch at a local eatery, sampling authentic flavors that define Bologna's culinary identity. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Venice (Mestre).

After breakfast, jump aboard a water taxi to the famous St. Mark’s Square, where you will visit the exterior of the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice. Nearby, see the legendary Bridge of Sighs before tasting a Venetian spritz or a prosecco with the company of your tour leader. As you relax in comfort and savor your drink, you'll also have the chance to indulge in the renowned "cicchetti," a Venetian take on tapas, offering a delightful light lunch option. Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, strolling along Venice's enchanting canals, before returning to the hotel. Your Tour Leader will provide you with all the essential information for your return journey to the hotel in Mestre, by water taxi and local bus services. Please note that tickets for public transportation are not included.

After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, famous for its landscapes, churches, castles, and exquisite wines. Head to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art. Known for its Nobile wine, which you can purchase at local wine houses, Montepulciano also offers stunning panoramic views and a rich cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant. Afterward, have some free time before continuing to Rome, where you are expected to arrive in the evening.

A day dedicated to pilgrimage and spirituality. After breakfast, visit three important sacred sites in Rome. The first stop is the majestic Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four papal basilicas, built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul. Here, you can admire the stunning apse mosaic, the medieval cloister, and the papal medallions that chronicle the Church’s history. Next, visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains, a peaceful monastic complex surrounded by nature, where, according to tradition, St. Paul was beheaded. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and learn the story of the three miraculous fountains linked to his martyrdom. The final stop is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Revelation, a site of profound Marian devotion where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bruno Cornacchiola in 1947, calling him to conversion and prayer. This will be a perfect opportunity for reflection and spiritual connection.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport, or you can choose to extend your journey with one of our Amalfi Coast packages. Arrivederci!