13-Day Pilgrimage to Italy
with Fr. Kirby Rust & Fr. Shayne Duvall
Start Date: May 20, 2027
End Date: June 1, 2027
Location: Italy
Explore some of the most influential and historical cities in the world! The journey begins in Rome, the eternal city. Visit wonders of the ancient world and stunning churches commemorating important people and moments of church history. Stroll the streets of Assisi on the slopes of Monte Subasio, the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Marvel at the artwork and architecture showcased in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover the beauty of Pisa and visit the Leaning Tower. The tour ends in Venice, the floating city. This tour will be full of unique experiences, ancient history, and unspeakable beauty!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Thursday, May 20
BEGINNING OF TOUR
Depart the USA for an inspiring adventure experiencing the best of Italy.
Day 2
Friday, May 21
ARRIVAL
Arrive in Italy and meet your tour manager. Journey to the spectacular Amalfi Coast with its breathtaking views of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Deemed by UNESCO "an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values," the coast was awarded a coveted spot on the World Heritage list in 1997. Dinner and overnight in Pompeii or Sorrento.
Day 3
Saturday, May 22
CAPRI
Spend the day at leisure on the stunning island of Capri. Options include a visit to the famed Blue Grotto, swimming, and shopping. Dinner and overnight in Pompeii or Sorrento.
Day 4
Sunday, May 23
ROME
After breakfast, begin the journey to Rome with a stop at the fascinating town of Pompeii. Explore the city that was buried under several feet of ash and pumice after the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Wander through the vast archeological ruins featuring the petrified remains of people, houses, shops, and streets that appear to be frozen in time. Continue to one of Rome’s four papal basilicas, St. Paul Outside the Walls. This basilica was built to commemorate and mark the burial place of the Apostle Paul. Next, visit St. Mary Major, the papal basilica dedicated to Mary in Rome. See the remains of Jesus’ manger, the tomb of Bernini, the remains of St. Matthew the Evangelist, the tomb of St. Jerome, and the oldest icon in the world of the Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke—the famous Salus Populi Romani. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5
Monday, May 24
ROME
The day begins with a drive on the ancient Appian Way. Sink below the Eternal City to visit the Catacombs where 500,000 early Christians are buried. Next, stand in awe beneath the imposing Colosseum, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Proceed to St. John Lateran, once the papal residence and now the Cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. This papal basilica was the first to be built in the Roman Empire after Constantine opened the world to Christianity. End the day with a visit to the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa). The stairs were brought to Rome in the 4th century from Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem because tradition holds that these were the stairs Jesus walked on Good Friday when he stood before Pontius Pilate. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6
Tuesday, May 25
VATICAN CITY
The day begins with a visit to Vatican City and a tour of the Vatican museums. Meander through the galleries, observing the exquisite tapestries that line the hallways. Enter the Apostolic Palace and stand in awe of the renowned Sistine Chapel, the Pope’s private chapel. Continue to the Basilica of St. Peter, the largest basilica in the world, which boasts famous works from artists such as Bernini and Michelangelo and holds the remains of St. Peter. Admire the basilica’s ornate architecture and majestic dome from St. Peter’s Square. Later, enjoy lunch and time to shop for various religious items that you would like blessed by the Pope during the Audience. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7
Wednesday, May 26
ROME
After an early breakfast, journey to the Vatican to experience the Audience with the Pope. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through the city viewing the captivating Trevi Fountain, the picturesque Spanish Steps, and the historic Pantheon. Finish the day with a visit to the Piazza Navona, basking in the spellbinding beauty of Baroque Roman architecture and the exquisite fountains adorning the “living room” of Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8
Thursday, May 27
ASSISI
Journey to Assisi, relishing the views of the countryside. Roam the narrow streets of the ancient town on the slopes of Monte Subasio. Visit the Basilica of Saint Clare, built to honor and house the remains of St. Clare of Assisi. Appreciate the arresting beauty of the Basilica of St. Francis and see the tomb of the venerated saint. In the afternoon, journey through the splendid Umbrian hills covered in olive groves and vineyards, arriving in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 9
Friday, May 28
FLORENCE
Discover the cradle of the Renaissance, where one breathes art in the medieval streets, the craftsmen's workshops, and the Renaissance Palaces. Visit the Baptistery of St. John with its distinctive octagonal design and gilded bronze doors dubbed “the Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo. See Giotto’s Bell Tower and the stunning Duomo, a magnificent display of Gothic architecture. Stop by the Piazza della Signoria, the Church of St. Lorenzo, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Spend time at the Academia Gallery where Michelangelo’s “David” is showcased among other Florentine masterpieces. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore additional treasures of Florence and shop on your own. Explore the outdoor Market of San Lorenzo and the Ponte Vecchio, known for the jewelry shops that have covered the bridge for centuries. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 10
Saturday, May 29
VENICE
In the morning, travel to Venice, The Floating City. Begin at the core of the city in St. Mark’s Square. Tour the opulent St. Mark’s Basilica with its superb, detailed architecture and striking mosaics. Continue to historical Doge’s Palace where even the ceilings captivate. Explore the interrogation rooms and take in the spectacular scenes of Venice Lagoon from the Bridge of Sighs. Savor the city during a free afternoon. Take the opportunity to see the city from one of the charming gondolas. Catch a ferry boat back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
Sunday, May 30
MILAN
After breakfast journey to Milan, Italy’s financial and fashion hub. Enjoy a captivating tour of the grand Gothic cathedral, Milan Duomo. The brilliant stained-glass windows, intricate sculptures, and architectural design combine with church history in a way that leaves one spellbound. Enjoy a free afternoon in Milan before continuing on to Como. Dinner and overnight in Como.
Day 12
Monday, May 31
LAKE COMO
Spend a day of leisure on Lake Como. Dinner and overnight in Como.
Day 13
Tuesday, June 1
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.
- $6,495 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,495 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,795
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before November 17, 2026
- Balance due on or before February 17, 2027
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: 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 above 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.