9-Nights Shrines of Italy - Faith from $3,499
Collette
OFFER ID 1694232
From the hallowed Basilica of St. Francis to the glorious Sistine Chapel, discover why Italy is a bastion of Catholicism. Discover the Holy House of Loreto, said to have been transported from Nazareth by angels. Spend time at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the beloved saint’s hometown. Explore the burial sites of the Catacombs where the early Christians hid and venerated their dead. Attend the weekly Papal audience and receive the blessing given by the Holy Father. Discover Michelangelo’s Last Judgment mural and explore St. Peter’s Basilica. See the world’s most inspirational sites and relics on a journey through the rolling hills and lively cities of Italy.
9 nights from $3,499 per person
Special Promotion: Travelers can save up to $1,500 per couple on worldwide tours
Valid on new bookings deposited September 14 – September 30, 2026 for travel October 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027.
*Promotion is only combinable with Signature's Exclusive Amenity and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Ask your Travel Advisor for more information.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Travel on an inspirational journey to some of the most fascinating religious sites and relics in the world.
Day 2 Rome, Italy
Your tour opens in Rome, the spiritual center of the Catholic faith. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. This evening, savor regional flavors as you join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.(D)
Day 3 Rome
Begin your exploration of Rome's most revered Christian sites with a visit to the Cathedral of Saint John Lateran and its ancient Baptistery. Continue to the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs, believed to be the very steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate. Then, visit the Marian Basilica of St. Mary Major, before concluding your day at Saint Praxedes, one of Rome's oldest churches, where you have the possibility of celebrating Mass.*(B)
Day 4 Rome - Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi
Travel north to the region of Umbria, known as “the green heart of Italy” and where St. Francis spent most of his life. Pause for lunch at a family-owned winery nestled in the countryside. This afternoon, visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, where you explore the Porziuncola – the small chapel that is the founding site of the Franciscan Order. Stroll through the rose garden, where tradition holds that the miracle of the thorny bush took place. Then pause for a moment of reflection at the Chapel of the Transitus, where St. Francis of Assisi passed away. You’ll have the opportunity to celebrate Mass* at the basilica before checking into your hotel in the early evening. Settle in for a four-night stay before spending an evening at leisure.(B, L)
Day 5 Assisi - Loreto - Assisi
This morning, journey across the Apennine Mountains to the Marian shrine of Loreto, a site so sacred that more than fifty Popes have made a pilgrimage here. Pause for a moment of devotion at the statue of the Madonna di Loreto, especially venerated as the universal patroness of air travelers. Then, visit the shrine of the Holy House of Nazareth, which is believed to have been miraculously transported by angels from the Holy Land in 1294. The Holy House is revered as the place where the Virgin Mary was born, lived, and received the Annunciation. You have the opportunity of celebrating Mass* at the basilica before returning to Assisi in time for dinner at your hotel.(B, D)
Day 6 Assisi
Guided by a local expert, set out on a morning-long walking tour of the medieval hilltop town of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Spend time at the church of St. Clare, pausing for a moment of reflection at the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to Francis. Visit the Sanctuary of the Spoliation that now enshrines the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint who used his skills in website design to document and share Eucharistic miracles. Then, explore the 13th-century basilica of St. Francis, where you can see many of his possessions and a series of famous frescoes depicting his life. You can celebrate Mass* at the basilica before an afternoon at leisure to spend in prayer and meditation or exploring more of this charming hilltop town on your own.(B)
Day 7 Assisi - Roccaporena di Cascia - Assisi
This morning, travel along the winding roads of Nera Valley to the hamlet of Roccaporena, the birthplace of St. Rita. Visit the humble home where the patron saint of impossible causes was born, and the small church of San Montano where she got married. You will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass* in Roccaporena before continuing your journey to Cascia for a visit to the basilica that houses St. Rita's earthly remains. Return to Assisi in the early evening, in time for dinner at your hotel.(B, D)
Day 8 Assisi - Rome
This morning, say ciao to Assisi and travel back to Rome where you visit the Catacombs. Upon arrival, follow the steps down to the underground tunnels where early Christians, martyrs and saints gathered to worship and bury their dead. You have the possibility of celebrating Mass* in one of the garden chapels before continuing to your hotel. Then, settle in for a three-night stay and an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 9 Rome - Vatican Museum - St. Peter's Basilica
Today, explore the Vatican Museum,** including the Sistine Chapel where the Pope is elected and where Michelangelo’s famous Last Judgment mural is located. End your visit in St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. Feel the grace around you as you meander along towering marble columns and stand in awe before the Pietà, Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture of the Christ and the Virgin Mary. The afternoon is yours to explore more of the Eternal City. You may celebrate Mass* at a local church before an evening at leisure.(B)
Day 10 Rome - Papal Audience
Early this morning, attend the weekly Papal Audience*** in the Vatican City to receive the blessing given by the Holy Father. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the end of a memorable pilgrimage to Italy.(B, D)
Day 11 Rome - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Rome.(B)
Assisi is a well-preserved medieval town that's, after the Vatican, Italy's
second most-popular religious-pilgrimage destination. Located high on a hilltop,
it has an air of mystical serenity in keeping with its history. Assisi was the
home of St. Francis (the founder of the Franciscan order of friars), and the
churches and crypt that bear his name draw a steady stream of pilgrims and sightseers
every year. Although the town was rocked by an earthquake in 1997, much of the
damage has been repaired. One of the most severely damaged buildings, however,
was the treasured Basilica of San Francesco, known for its vivid frescoes by
Giotto that depict the life of the saint. The upper basilica has recently reopened
and, though restoration continues, many of the beloved frescoes can be admired
again. The lower basilica and St. Francis' tomb are also open to the public.
Other places of interest include the Church of Santa Chiara, a medieval fortress
(La Rocca Maggiore), the Piazza del Comune (the old town center) and St. Peter's
church. Or just stroll the narrow, picturesque streets and listen to the musicians
practicing nearby (though they may be drowned out by construction noises --
many buildings are still under renovation).
You may want to visit during one of Assisi's numerous celebrations: the Feast
of Calendimaggio, a five-day coming-of-spring festival with medieval costumes,
dances and songs (around the first week of May); a month of folklore and musical
events in August; or the Feast of St. Francis (4 October), which celebrates
the saint's transition from this life into the next. During this two-day festival,
the entire town is illuminated by oil lamps. If you are going to Assisi at one
of these times, reserve accommodations well ahead of time -- the city will be
filled with pilgrims.
Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always
been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world.
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory
began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.
Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the
Sistine Chapel.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short,
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.
Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.
Shopping For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles,
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente,
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.
Cuisine Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria,
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.
Other Sights Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the
sights not to be missed:
Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as
a symbol of Italy’s unification.
The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.
Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.
Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.
St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square.
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.
St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante,
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.
Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days.
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow.
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely
you may have to wait in line to enter.
Excursions
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Rome Highlights and Vatican: 9 hours
Meet your private English-speaking driver at the pier side of Civitavecchia port.
Rome is a mix of architecture styles, of antiques and new, of sacred and profane. In this full day tour you can enjoy a sample of this capital city. With your guide reach the Vatican city where you can visit the Museums, admiring its priceless collection of art and architecture: highlights include Raphael's Transfiguration, The Raphael Rooms, the Sculpture Garden featuring the famous Laokoon. Finally, the restored Sistine Chapel, famous all over the world for the breathtaking Michelangelo’s ceiling and the Last Judgment. From here you walk to St. Peter's Basilica to marvel at Michelangelo's Dome, his statue Pietà, Bernini's magnificent Baldacchino and the Tombs of the Popes. The tour will continue with a look at the ancient part of the Eternal city and its symbol: the Coliseum, where, jumping the lines, you will be able to enter in the magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre and admire where the gladiatorial duels, wild beast fights were arranged for the entertainment of Roman people.
The second part of the day will be dedicated to the visit of the city center, starting from Navona Square, the most important of Baroque Rome, where today it is possible to admire the monumental Fountain of the Rivers by Bernini. Continue your tour visiting the Pantheon, the jewel of Roman architecture, then Trevi Fountain, the most famous and beautiful fountain in Rome. End the tour at the Spanish Steps, built entirely in travertine in the 18th century.
We will ensure your timely return transfer to the Civitavecchia Port
Access to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica is allowed only to properly attired visitors.
Highlights:
- Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, main highlights
Tour can Operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: low
Inclusions:
· Luxury Mercedes minivan at disposal for the entire day
· English-speaking driver at disposal for the entire day
· 6 hour private English-speaking guide
· No Line entrance fees for the Vatican Museums and Colosseum
Exclusions:
· All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
· Gratuities
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
Tivoli: Villas in the Countryside - 8 Hours
A trip out to Tivoli, just east of Rome, makes for a perfect and relaxing day, when you need a little rest from extensive sightseeing in the city. On your way out, you will pass the Travertine marble quarries from which so many of Rome’s important buildings were constructed. Tivoli itself is a very pleasant town, perched on a hill but its main claim to fame lies in its country villas, Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este. The emperor Hadrian was very well traveled and when he decided to build a country villa, he was greatly influenced by some of the spectacular sights he’d seen on his travels. The result was probably the largest and most sumptuous villa in the Roman Empire and by any standards, it is huge and covers an area that would normally be occupied by a small town. The site became a sort of retirement home for Hadrian, from 135AD until his death three years later. Here you will see the remains of peaceful and romantic gardens, pools, a theater and baths, which were of course an essential part of any Roman villa. From here, you will visit the stunning Villa d’Este, built for Cardinal Ippolito d’Este in the mid-16th century. Its gardens and fountains are legendery but the restored ground floor apartments have some stunning frescoes.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Ostia Antica - 6 Hours
If you can’t fit in a trip to Pompeii, Ostia Antica makes a very worthwhile substitute and even though it is right by the airport, it is largely overlooked by the majority of tourists and never suffers from crowds. Ostia Antica was the main port for the city of Rome and consequently, where goods from all over the Empire were unloaded. You will see warehouses, high rise apartments for the workers and sumptuous villas for the nobility as well as baths complete with mosaics and the odd bar or two. Even the public lavatories have survived! Just outside the town, lies the beautiful castle of Pope Julius II, largely built from recycled bricks from Ostia Antica.
After the visit of the archaeological site, driving back towards the port, you will have the chance to stop for lunch in a great fish restaurant overlooking the sea.
Duration: 6 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Roman Castles - 8 Hours
The Castelli Romani (Roman castles) are a mere 35 minutes from Rome, but you could be hours away. Beautiful green hills, topped with ancient towns, a couple of volcanic lakes, delicious cuisine and abundant wines, the most famous being Frascati; all explain why Romans have been building their summer villas here for centuries. The most famous of these being Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. Frascati is the largest of these towns, while Nemi, the smallest gives its name to one of the lakes. The route out of Rome is worthwhile too, as you will pass the remains of the aqueducts that once carried water into the city and other imposing ruins.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
Lake Bracciano and the Monster Park - 8 Hours
You will start the day by being driven to Lake Bracciano, a delightful spot and much favored by Romans escaping from the heat of the city by having a refreshing swim in the lake. It burst onto the world stage in 2006, when Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married in the local castle.
After a stroll around the town, you will be taken to Viterbo where at nearby Bomarzo is a most extraordinary garden, known as the Parco dei Mostri, the Monster Park. This makes a great day out for children. Created by the hunchbacked Duke of Orsini in 1552, he set out to mock the Mannerist gardens of the time by deliberate vulgarity. At the entrance to the park stands a giant warrior, tearing apart a woodcutter, while deeper into the park, you will come across an English prince pouring the brains of a madman down an elephant’s trunk. The surprises continue to come; mossy sculptures of tortoises, elephants, a whale, dragons, nymphs and butterflies, to name but a few. After Orsini’s death, the park became very neglected but has now been restored to its former glory.
Duration: 8 hours
Pricing: Please Inquire
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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