11-Day Journey of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome
with Fr. Joey Shelton
Start Date: March 31, 2027
End Date: April 10, 2027
Location: Italy
Journey through the heart of Italy on a pilgrimage filled with sacred history, timeless beauty, and unforgettable experiences! Begin in Rome, the eternal city, where ancient ruins, holy sites, and magnificent basilicas reveal the story of the early Church. Follow in the footsteps of the saints in Assisi, the beloved hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Continue to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, where stunning churches, masterpieces, and centuries of Christian art await. From the ancient catacombs and martyrdom sites of Rome to the peaceful hills of Assisi and the artistic treasures of Florence, this pilgrimage offers a beautiful encounter with faith, history, art, and the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Wednesday, March 31
Beginning of Tour
Depart Cincinnati to follow Paul’s final journey to Rome and experience the best of Italy. Prepare for an inspiring, life-changing adventure.
Day 2
Thursday, April 1
Arrival in the Eternal City
Arrive at Fiumicino Airport, meet your tour escort, and transfer via private coach to your hotel. Entrust your pilgrimage to the intercession of Rome's patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul.
Day 3
Friday, April 2
The Heart of the Church and Petrine Tradition
Begin your day with a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica (Pilgrim Church #1), built over the tomb of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles. In the afternoon, depart from Terminal Gianicolo to visit Piazza Navona and the historic Basilica of St. Augustine, reflecting on the Communion of Saints. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 4
Saturday, April 3
Footsteps of the Martyrs, Peter, and Paul
After breakfast travel to ancient Rome to witness the Colosseum, where early Christians poured out their blood for love of Christ. Walk through the Roman Forum and visit the Mamertine Prison, the ancient dungeon where St. Peter and St. Paul were traditionally imprisoned before their martyrdom. In the afternoon, visit the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, giving thanks to God for the beauty of His creation. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5
Sunday, April 4
Sunday with the Successor of St. Peter
Make your way to St. Peter’s Square to participate in Sunday Holy Mass celebrated by the Holy Father, the Successor of St. Peter, followed by the midday Angelus prayer. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time for personal prayer, quiet reflection, or exploring the holy sites of Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6
Monday, April 5
The Catacombs, Divine Love, and the Apostle to the Gentiles
Depart for the ancient Domitilla Catacombs, subterranean sanctuaries where early Christians celebrated the Eucharist and buried their dead. Continue to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Divine Love (Pilgrim Church #2), the sacred hillside shrine added to the seven-church walk by Pope John Paul II, reflecting on Mary’s protective mantle over Rome. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Pilgrim Church #3), housing the earthly remains of St. Paul, the great Apostle to the Gentiles, before proceeding to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the sacred site of St. Paul’s final martyrdom. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7
Tuesday, April 6
The Martyrdom of Lawrence and the Major Basilicas
Visit the Basilica of Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls (Pilgrim Church #4), honoring the famous early deacon who was martyred for the faith. Continue to the ancient Basilica of San Clemente and the Archbasilica of St. John in Lateran (Pilgrim Church #5), the Cathedral of Rome, followed by a prayerful climb of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), meditating on Christ’s Passion. In the afternoon, visit the major Marian basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Pilgrim Church #6) and Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Pilgrim Church #7), completing the historic Seven Churches circuit. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8
Wednesday, April 7
Journey to Assisi, City of Peace
After breakfast, depart from Rome and journey to the sacred hillside town of Assisi, where you will meet your local guide and visit the stunning Basilica of St. Francis, home to the tomb of the Poverello. Continue to Piazza del Comune and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, honoring St. Clare. In the afternoon, travel northward to Florence and check in at the Starhotels Michelangelo. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 9
Thursday, April 8
Sacred Art and Heritage of Florence
Explore Florence with your local guide on a walking tour, viewing the exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) and its Baptistery. Visit the Accademia Gallery to admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s David, then cross the historic Ponte Vecchio. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for personal devotion, contemplation, or exploring the streets of Florence, before returning to the hotel for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 10
Friday, April 9
Treasures of Faith and History in Florence
Meet your local guide for a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, discovering centuries of sacred Christian art that trace the Gospel story, and conclude in the historic Piazza della Signoria. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for leisure, shopping, or personal prayer, followed by a final pilgrimage overnight stay. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 11
Saturday, April 10
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with your luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories from your tour of Italy.
- $7,295 per person based on double occupancy.
- $6,295 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,895
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before September 28, 2026
- Balance due on or before December 29, 2026
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AF1267 10APR FLR CDG 0640A 0835A
AF8700 10APR CDG CVG 1215P 0319P
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast provided daily. Lunch and dinner provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the transfer bus at no additional charge.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators or scooters. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.