11-Day Journey to Rome
$6,895
Number of Days: 11
Location: Italy
Explore some of the most influential and historical cities in the world! Begin in Rome, the Eternal City, exploring the Vatican, ancient wonders, and churches connected to Saints Peter and Paul. Continue to Lanciano and San Giovanni Rotondo, home of the Eucharistic Miracle and the sacred sites of St. Padre Pio. Visit the ancient cave of St. Michael in Monte Sant’Angelo, explore the treasures of Naples, and walk among the ruins of Pompeii. This tour will be filled with sacred history, breathtaking beauty, and unforgettable experiences!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
BEGINNING OF TOUR
Leave the USA to follow Paul’s final journey to Rome and experience the best of Italy. Prepare for an inspiring, life-changing adventure.
Day 2
ARRIVAL
Arrive in Rome. Meet with the tour guide and take private transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 3
VATICAN CITY
Begin the day with a visit to Vatican City and the Vatican Museums, home to remarkable works of art and artifacts from around the world. Walk through the galleries and admire the famed Sistine Chapel before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, explore the heart of Rome, including Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 4
ANCIENT ROME
After breakfast, visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the official cathedral of Rome and the seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. See the Holy Door, an important part of Catholic Jubilee tradition, before continuing to the nearby Scala Santa, traditionally believed to be the steps Jesus climbed before His Passion. Travel to the Colosseum, the iconic Flavian Amphitheater where gladiators and wild animals once fought before thousands of spectators. Continue through the Roman Forum, passing ancient temples, pathways, and monuments at the heart of the Roman Empire. Visit the Mamertine Prison, traditionally believed to be the place where Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned. Explore its two chambers, including the lower room that was once a water cistern and the larger upper chamber where prisoners awaited their fate. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5
ROME
Start the day with a visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a magnificent basilica built over the traditional burial place of the Apostle Paul. Continue to the Abbey of the Three Fountains, traditionally associated with the final moments of St. Paul’s life. Visit Santa Maria Scala Coeli, built over the site traditionally believed to be where St. Paul was imprisoned, followed by the Church of St. Paul at the Three Fountains, marking the traditional site of his martyrdom. Conclude with a visit to Santi Anastasio e Vincenzo, one of the oldest churches in the area, known for its distinctive medieval brick architecture. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6
LANCIANO
Journey through the Italian countryside to Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. Housed within the historic Church of San Francesco, the site is traditionally associated with an 8th-century Eucharistic miracle and has become an important pilgrimage destination. Continue through the beautiful Italian countryside to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of the beloved St. Padre Pio. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Day 7
SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO
Spend the day following in the footsteps of St. Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. Visit the historic Capuchin Friary and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Padre Pio lived and ministered. See the Crucifix of the Stigmata and his confessional before exploring the friary and his preserved living quarters. Visit Cell Number 5, his simple and untouched bedroom, as well as the infirmary room where Padre Pio passed away. Conclude with a walk along the Way of the Cross and take time to reflect on the life and legacy of this beloved saint. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Day 8
NAPLES
Leave San Giovanni Rotondo and travel along the scenic mountain road to Monte Sant’Angelo, climbing nearly 800 meters above sea level while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gargano Peninsula. Follow a route that Padre Pio encouraged pilgrims to take on their way to visit St. Michael. Explore the historic, whitewashed town, passing through medieval stone archways and shrines adorned with images of angels. Continue to the Sanctuary of St. Michael and descend into the ancient cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Italy. See the natural rock walls of the cave church and the renowned marble statue of St. Michael defeating Satan. Continue to Naples for dinner and overnight.
Day 9
NAPLES
Discover the spiritual heart of Naples with a visit to the Cathedral of San Gennaro and its magnificent Royal Chapel of the Treasure. Admire the cathedral’s frescoes, ornate architecture, and the relics of San Gennaro, including the two sealed vials traditionally believed to contain his blood. Continue to the Crypt of San Gennaro, adorned with Renaissance marble and home to the saint’s remains. Explore the Basilica of Santa Restituta, one of the oldest Christian structures in Naples, and see the ancient Roman columns and the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte. Conclude the visit at the Museum of the Treasure of San Gennaro, home to an extraordinary collection of gold, silver, jewels, and religious treasures gifted to the saint by popes, emperors, and kings throughout the centuries. Dinner and overnight in Naples.
Day 10
POMPEII
Begin the day in Pompeii, the ancient city preserved beneath layers of ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the 1st century AD. Explore its remarkably preserved streets, homes, theaters, baths, shops, Forum, Basilica, and temples, gaining a glimpse into daily life in the ancient Roman world. Continue to the 19th-century Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in nearby Pompei, known for its magnificent blue and gold dome. Visit the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pompei, the tomb of Blessed Bartolo Longo, and the Rosary Corridor and chapels adorned with beautiful mosaics depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and the mysteries of the Rosary. Continue to Pagani and the Basilica of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the final resting place of the founder of the Redemptorist Order. Visit his chapel and relics, admire the High Altar and Chapel of the Rosary, and explore the Redemptorist House and Alphonsian Museum, which shares the story of his life and ministry. Return to Naples for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
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.
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.