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Day 1: As you travel to Italy, prepare your heart and mind for the profound experiences that await. Let the anticipation of this sacred journey fill you with hope and openness.

Day 2: Feel the palpable sense of excitement as you arrive in Rome. After settling into your hotel near Vatican City, gather for a soul-nourishing dinner and an inspiring retreat introduction. As night falls, experience the awe-inspiring Saint Peter’s Square, lit by the figures of the saints and Christ atop the Basilica and the inspiring Bernini fountains and the Egyptian obelisk. A place where countless pilgrims have found solace and renewal.

Day 3: Morning: Following Breakfast, Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vatican City, a realm steeped in spirituality and artistic grandeur. This tour offers an elegant exploration of three of the most iconic sites: Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Your adventure begins at the Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of art and history. As you navigate through its vast galleries, you will encounter masterpieces that span centuries. Highlights include the Gallery of Maps, showcasing intricate cartographic works, and the Raphael Rooms, adorned with the stunning frescoes of the Renaissance master Raphael. Each gallery is a testament to the Vatican’s rich artistic heritage, inviting you to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece. Next, you will find yourself in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes adorn the ceiling and altar wall. The chapel is not just a visual feast; it is a pivotal site in Catholic tradition, serving as the venue for papal conclaves. Here, you will stand in awe beneath the magnificent “Creation of Adam,” where divine artistry meets profound spirituality. The serene atmosphere allows for a moment of reflection amidst the grandeur, making it a highlight of your journey. Concluding your tour is a visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica, one of the largest and most revered churches in Christendom. Entering through a special back entrance from the Sistine Chapel, you will bypass long lines and step directly into this architectural marvel. Inside, marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, a poignant sculpture that captures the essence of human suffering and divine grace. The basilica’s dome, designed by Michelangelo himself, offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to appreciate its intricate mosaics up close. Lunch on your own in the neighborhoods around Vatican City. Afternoon/Evening: Retreat Session 1: “Built to Last”, Dinner. Free Evening in Rome.

Day 4: Morning: After Breakfast we will attend the Wednesday General Audience with the Pope in Saint Peter’s Square which is a unique and spiritually enriching experience. This weekly event, held at 10:00 AM, allows pilgrims and visitors from around the world to gather and receive the Pope’s blessings. Depending on the weather and crowd size, the audience may take place in either the square or the Paul VI Audience Hall. The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with anticipation as attendees await the Pope’s arrival, often arriving hours in advance to secure good seating. Upon arrival, participants are greeted by a diverse crowd of fellow pilgrims. The Pope typically arrives in the “Pope Mobile,” greeting attendees and engaging with them by shaking hands and blessing children. Following his entrance, he delivers a message that includes readings from Scripture and a homily, which is translated into multiple languages for the audience. The event culminates in an Apostolic Blessing, extending to those present and their loved ones. After the audience, visitors can enjoy a delightful lunch in one of the charming neighborhoods surrounding Vatican City. This combination of attending the Papal Audience followed by lunch in one of Rome’s vibrant neighborhoods creates a memorable day filled with spiritual reflection and culinary delight. Afternoon/Evening: Retreat Session 2: “Be Not Afraid”, Dinner. Free evening in Rome.

Day 5: Morning: After Breakfast, we will travel to the heart of Umbria, where the hilltop town of Assisi offers a breathtaking journey through medieval history, spirituality, and architectural beauty. This enchanting town invites travelers to explore its sacred sites and charming streets, each step revealing the profound legacy of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. The Basilica of Saint Francis stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a magnificent testament to medieval architecture and religious devotion. Built on a hill once known as “dell’Inferno” (of Hell), which was renamed “del Paradiso” (of Heaven), the basilica comprises two remarkable churches: Lower Basilica: Completed in 1230, housing Saint Francis’s tomb Upper Basilica: Consecrated in 1253, adorned with magnificent frescoes by masters like Giotto and Cimabue Constructed from pink Subasio stone, the basilica represents a pivotal moment in Italian medieval painting, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti. The Basilica of Santa Chiara honors Saint Clare, Francis’s friend and protégé who founded the Order of Poor Ladies. The 13th-century basilica features: Assisi’s tallest bell tower A shrine containing Saint Clare’s relics Wandering through Assisi’s medieval streets reveals architectural and historical treasures: Piazza del Comune: The town’s central square featuring classic Umbrian architecture Temple of Minerva: An ancient Roman building that captivated even German poet Goethe The Church of San Damiano, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds profound significance: Site of Saint Francis’s spiritual conversion Where the famous miraculous crucifix spoke to Francis in 1205 Home to Saint Clare for 42 years, where she lived and died. A visit to Assisi is more than a tour—it’s a transformative journey through centuries of spiritual history, artistic brilliance, and architectural wonder. After a Late Lunch, travel back to Rome. Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Retreat Session 3: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit”, Free Evening in Rome.

Day 6: Morning: Following Breakfast, embark on an unforgettable journey through Rome’s rich tapestry of history and spirituality with a meticulously curated visit to four iconic landmarks: the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Begin your exploration at the majestic Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Rome’s “Big Four.” Built on the burial site of Saint Paul, this architectural masterpiece boasts five naves adorned with monolithic granite columns, intricate mosaics, and the renowned Gothic ciborium by Arnolfo di Cambio. Stroll through its serene cloister, marvel at biblical- inspired gardens, and reflect on centuries of Christian heritage in this timeless sanctuary. Descend into the depths of early Christian history at the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, Rome’s largest underground burial site. Guided tours reveal crypts where martyrs, popes, and St. Cecilia were laid to rest. Admire ancient frescoes and decipher enigmatic symbols etched into stone as you navigate these sacred tunnels that embody the resilience of faith during times of persecution. Step into the heart of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum, a sprawling archaeological site that was once the epicenter of political, social, and religious life. Wander amidst towering columns, triumphal arches, and ruins of temples dedicated to gods and emperors. Each corner tells a story of Rome’s grandeur and its transformation over millennia. Conclude your journey at the Colosseum, an enduring symbol of Roman engineering and spectacle. Walk through its massive amphitheater where gladiators once fought for glory before tens of thousands. As you gaze upon its towering arches and intricate underground chambers, imagine the vibrant energy that once filled this iconic arena. This tour offers an elegant blend of spiritual reflection and historical immersion, leaving you with a profound appreciation for Rome’s eternal legacy. Lunch on your own. Afternoon/Evening: Retreat Session 4: “Messenger of Mercy”, Dinner. Free evening in Rome.

Day 7: Morning: At the Conclusion of Breakfast, we will travel to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. These two major sites offer an enriching experience steeped in history, art, and spirituality. The Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, is a stunning example of Early Christian architecture, adorned with exquisite Baroque elements. As you enter, you are greeted by the grandeur of its tall nave, flanked by elegant aisles and culminating in a semicircular apse, reminiscent of imperial basilicas from the second century. The interior boasts remarkable features, including: 5th-century mosaics: The apse mosaic by Jacopo Torriti depicts scenes from the life of Mary, showcasing intricate artistry that has captivated visitors for centuries. Coffered ceiling: The 16th-century ceiling is gilded with gold from Columbus’s voyages, adding a touch of opulence. Holy Cradle relic: A revered artifact believed to be part of the manger where Jesus was laid, housed in a beautifully crafted reliquary. Additional highlights include the Borghese Chapel, known for its miraculous icon, and the serene Chapel of the Holy Sacrament. The basilica also serves as a papal burial ground, featuring tombs of notable figures such as Pope Sixtus V and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, enhancing its spiritual significance. The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, often referred to as the “mother of all churches,” is the cathedral of Rome and holds profound historical importance. Established in the early 4th century, it stands as a testament to early Christian architecture and ecclesiastical power. Key features include: Sancta Sanctorum: This chapel houses some of Christianity’s most sacred relics and is accessible via the Holy Stairs, believed to be those climbed by Jesus during his trial. Artistic masterpieces: The basilica showcases remarkable works by renowned artists, including Borromini’s architectural innovations that define its grandeur. Visitors can explore the adjacent Lateran Palace and the serene Cloister, which together create a monumental complex rich in history and artistry. The intricate details found throughout the cathedral invite contemplation and reverence. Both basilicas are not just places of worship but also repositories of art and history that reflect the evolution of Christian architecture over centuries. A guided tour through these sacred spaces allows for deeper appreciation of their artistic treasures and spiritual significance, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Rome. Lunch on your own. Afternoon/Evening: Retreat Session 5 “Welcoming the Word”, Evening Mass in Rome, Late Dinner,

Day 8: Fly back home.

Please note: We do our best to ensure that all sites listed in this itinerary will be seen. However, due to scheduling conflicts, or other circumstances beyond our control, sites may be visited on a different day than listed. If this happens it will also necessitate a change in the restaurant for dinner. However, we will never sacrifice the quality of the meal, all restaurants will meet Proximo Travel's very high standards. Since we have several different trip configurations touring at the same time, it is likely that groups on different tours will be combined when their itineraries overlap in certain areas.