Day 1 | Rome

Welcome to Rome! Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation. You will receive a one-day ticket for the "Hop on Hop off" bus tour. Explore Rome aboard one of the Gray Line - I Love Rome City Tour open-top buses and enjoy a unique perspective of the Eternal City's iconic landmarks. The panoramic buses provide spectacular views of Rome's most important monuments. Simply hop on, relax, and listen to the audio commentary, with the option to get on and off at any of the eight available stops along the route. The ticket is valid for one day, with audio commentary available in 12 languages. Also included is entry to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas and a major church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where you will have the opportunity to cross one of the Jubilee's Holy Doors. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Return to the hotel for the night. You may opt to do the Hop-on Hop-off tour and the Basilica entry on Day 2. If interested, please contact our reservations office.

Day 2 | Rome

After breakfast, depart for St. Peter's Square to participate in the Angelus, one of the Vatican's most symbolic ceremonies. This moment of prayer, led by the Pope from the window of the Apostolic Palace, gathers thousands of faithful from around the world who seek the Pope's blessing. After the Angelus, you will have the opportunity to cross the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, an act of spiritual renewal. Crossing it during the Holy Year symbolizes the desire to draw closer to God and receive plenary indulgence, making this a unique experience for all pilgrims. The afternoon is free for you to explore, and you will return to the hotel on your own. Overnight stay. (B)

Day 3 | Rome - Assisi - Siena - Florence

Departure at 7:15 AM on a Gran Turismo coach to Assisi. Upon arrival, free time to explore this small town surrounded by medieval-style walls, a global center of spirituality. A visit to the famous Basilica of St. Francis is recommended, where you can admire masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. You may also see the exposed body of Blessed Carlo Acutis in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Acutis, a young man who died at 15, is on the path to sainthood, recognized for miracles by the Church in several countries, and is already called the "Internet Saint" for his evangelization through the web. Free time for lunch (not included) and continuation to Siena, a monumental city surrounded by imposing walls, known for its impressive Piazza del Campo, where the famous "Palio delle Contrade" is held. Then, continue to Florence. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 4 | Florence

Breakfast at the hotel and guided city tour. Florence is a city where Italian genius manifests in all its splendor. The historic center, together with the Campanile, Baptistery, and Cathedral, forms an extraordinary ensemble of white, green, and pink marbles, representing the transition from medieval to Renaissance Florentine art. During the tour, you will admire the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, symbolizing Florence's wealth and power in the 13th and 14th centuries, crowned by Brunelleschi's majestic dome. You will also see Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, famous for its Bronze Doors, including the "Gates of Paradise," as named by Michelangelo. The tour continues through Piazza della Signoria, with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce. Lunch at a typical restaurant in Piazza San- ta Croce. The afternoon is free to explore Florence. Overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 5 | Florence - Bologna - Venice

After breakfast, departure to the elegant city of Bologna. Upon arrival, free time to explore the charming city center, with its iconic arcades. Begin the tour in Piazza Malpighi, leading to the heart of the city in Piazza Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Here, you will admire the Palazzo del Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the largest Gothic churches in the world. During free time, enjoy Bologna's vibrant street food scene, known as Italy's gastronomic capital. You'll have the chance to savor a light street food lunch at a traditional spot. In the afternoon, arrival in Venice (Mestre) and check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay. (B,L) *Departure on February 8 - Day 5 has a different itinerary: Florence > Padua > Bologna > Venice. Only for this departure, the group will visit Padua, and there will be no light street food lunch in Bologna.

Day 6 | Venice

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to St. Mark's Square for a guided tour of the city. The walking tour includes St. Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace-symbol of Venice's glory and power, the residence of the Dukes, and the seat of government. The Palace is connected to the Prison by the famous Bridge of Sighs, known for being the place where Casanova was imprisoned. After the guided tour, enjoy a typical Venetian aperitif with the famous "cicchetti" (local tapas), accompanied by a spritz or prosecco. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Venice at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 | Venice - Montepulciano - Rome

After breakfast, depart by coach from Piazzale Roma to the wine region of Val di Chiana in Tuscany, famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages. You will visit the picturesque town of Montepulciano, renowned for its internationally acclaimed "Nobile" wine. After a traditional lunch in a typical restaurant, enjoy free time to explore the charming town, taste local wines, or buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, return to Rome. Arrival and overnight stay at the hotel. (B,L)

Day 8 | Rome

A day dedicated to pilgrimage and spirituality. After breakfast, visit three important sacred sites in Rome. The first stop will be the majestic Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four papal basilicas, built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul. Here, you can admire the magnificent apse mosaic, the medieval cloister, and the papal medallions that tell the Church's story. Next, visit the Abbey of the Three Fountains, a monastic complex surrounded by nature, where, according to tradition, St. Paul was beheaded. You can stroll through the tranquil gardens and learn the story of the three miraculous fountains associated with his martyrdom. The final stop will be the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Revelation, a site of great Marian devotion where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bruno Cornacchiola in 1947, inviting him to conversion and prayer. This will be a perfect moment for reflection and spiritual connection. The rest of the day is free. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B)

Day 9 | Rome

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)