11-Day Pilgrimage to Italy
with Fr. Michael Silloway & Fr. Evan Glowzinski
Start Date: June 8, 2026
End Date: June 18, 2026
Location: Italy
Greetings in the Lord! I invite you to prayerfully consider joining our pilgrimage to Italy in early Summer of 2026. We will dive deep into the lives of St. Francis, St. Peter and St. Paul; we will encounter history in a way that will make the past come alive; and most importantly, the flame of Faith will be fanned into a blaze by our encounter with Jesus Christ and His Church all along the way. And because "grace builds on nature," we will, of course, take in the best of Italian culture and cuisine! We hope you can join us. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: This pilgrimage involves a good deal of walking, frequently on uneven surfaces. Also, this trip is a pilgrimage, so we will be giving special attention to prayer, to Mass, to deeper personal conversion as we encounter the holy sites connected to the lives of the Lord and the saints. Please take this into consideration as you discern participating in this pilgrimage.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Monday, June 8
DEPARTURE USA
Depart from Atlanta International Airport for an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.
Day 2
Tuesday, June 9
ROME/ASSISI
Arrive in Rome and transfer to Assisi. Spend the afternoon exploring and reflecting. Participate in Mass at Santo Stefano before enjoying a rooftop welcome reception. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 3
Wednesday, June 10
CHURCH OF ASSISI
After breakfast, spend time in prayer and celebrate Mass at a local church. Visit Chiesa Nuova, the church built in 1615 on the presumed birthplace of Saint Francis. Walk to San Rufino and explore the stately church where Saint Francis and Saint Clare were baptized. Proceed to San Damiano, the first monastery of the Order of Saint Clare. It was here that the Lord spoke to Saint Francis from a crucifix telling him, “Rebuild my Church.” Continue to the Basilica of St. Clare which now houses the crucifix, the tomb of Saint Clare, and relics from the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. Tour Saint Francis’s refuge for prayer and reflection at Hermitage Eremo. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 4
Thursday, June 11
ASSISI
In the morning, journey to the Basilica of St. Francis where the revered saint is buried. Admire the stunning frescos and exquisite stained glass. Travel to the birthplace of the Franciscan movement, Santa Maria degli Angeli. It was here that the young Saint Francis understood God’s calling on his life and renounced the world. Enjoy free time in the medieval city before concentrated prayer at a local church in the evening. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
Day 5
Friday, June 12
ORVIETO/ROME
After breakfast, spend time in prayer at a local church. Enjoy the drive to Orvieto and celebrate Mass at Duomo where the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena is preserved. Tour the cathedral with its magnificent frescoes. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to Rome. Meander through the cobblestone streets of the famed city while enjoying gelato. Pray the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6
Saturday, June 13
BASILICAS OF ROME
Celebrate Mass at San Giovanni in Laterano, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. The breathtaking cathedral built in the 4th century is known as the first church in Christendom. Visit Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs Helena had transported to Rome from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. Continue to Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, built to house the relics of the Passion. Proceed to Santa Maria Maggiore, another of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Constructed in 432 AD and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church encompasses impressive architectural features from multiple centuries. The day ends with a visit to the tomb of Saint Paul and the celebration of Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7
Sunday, June 14
ANGELUS/CITY CENTER
Begin the morning with prayer at a local church. Attend Mass at St. Peter’s. Experience the Papal Angelus in St. Peter’s Square. Tour the opulent St. Peter’s Basilica with a possible visit to the crypt enshrining the bones of Saint Peter. Savor the majestic views of the city from the top of the dome after an optional climb to the cupola. Explore the heart of Rome with a visit to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8
Monday, June 15
VATICAN
The day begins with the celebration of Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Spend the morning wandering through the expansive Vatican Museums. Marvel at the relics, artifacts, tapestries, paintings, murals, and works of art. Stand in awe of Michelangelo’s masterful work in the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 9
Tuesday, June 16
THE ANCIENT CITY
Free day to explore the Eternal City at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 10
Wednesday, June 17
ROME/PAPAL AUDIENCE
Rise early for the Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV in the morning. Tour ancient Rome with guided visits to the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum, showcasing ruins from thousands of years ago. Celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, which has the relics of the chains that were used to hold Saint Peter prisoner as he went to his execution. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 11
Thursday, June 18
ROME/USA
Transfer to Rome airport for the return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
- $6,295 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,295 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,495
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before December 6, 2025
- Balance due on or before March 8, 2026
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants 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 participants 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 and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is 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. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants 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, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.
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. Participants 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. Participants 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: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Participants 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 group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.
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. 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.