Best of Fatima, Rome, and Assisi

Day 1 | USA – Lisbon
Depart the USA for Lisbon, Portugal. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard the flight.

Day 2 | Lisbon
Today we arrive in Lisbon. Depending on the time of arrival we will visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, St. Jeronimos Monastery, and the famous Belem Tower. If we arrive later in the day we will visit Lisbon tomorrow morning. Check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 | Lisbon –Santarém – Fatima
After breakfast we depart for Fatima. On our way north we will stop in Santarém and the Church of St. Stephen, the place of the oldest known Eucharistic Miracle on display since 1269 AD. Upon arrival in Fatima we will join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B, D)

Day 4 | Fatima
Today we are in and around Fatima. We will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica with the tombs of Francisco, and Jacinta- Perpetual Adoration Chapel. In Aljustrel we will see the two homes of the little shepherds and then return to Fatima. In the evening, join pilgrims from all over the world in the nightly procession and prayers. (B)

Day 5 | Fatima – Lisbon – Rome – Assisi
After breakfast we head to the airport for our flight to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Assisi. Remainder of the day is free to rest and relax after your flight. Dinner tonight at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 | Assisi
Today enjoy a full day in the peaceful and tranquil village of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, St. Francis’ Porziuncola, and Capella Del Transito. Pray in the Shrine, inspired by Giotto’s frescoes of the life of St. Francis. Visit the monastery and the Basilica of St. Clare to pray before the San Damiano crucifix from which Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild His church. Time to explore Assisi. This evening enjoy dinner in Assisi on your own. (B)

Day 7 | Assisi – Rome
Today we make an early departure from Assisi for Rome. In Rome we visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls by the oldest Roman road, the Appian Way. Time permitting explore the nearby Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Late tonight we enjoy a delicious meal in our hotel together. (B, D)

Day 8 | Rome
We will tour St. Peter’s Basilica, including Pope St. John Paul II’s tomb in Vatican City. Millions come every year to these breathtaking pilgrimage sites. This is the world’s largest Basilica, designed by architects such as Michelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. After lunch, we will tour the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Room, and more. (B)

Day 9 | Rome
Today will be an intense day of Ancient and Christian Rome, one of the busier walking days as our tour bus cannot drive to every site we will be visiting. Begin with a visit to the famous monument of Ancient Rome – the Colosseum. We take you around and explain the history of the arena and the events that took place here, while you stand on the same spot as emperors, gladiators and the Roman mob. From here, go through the Roman Forum, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, the Holy Staircase and Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. This city tour is largely by foot and makes for a long day. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight in Rome. (B)

Day 10 | Rome
In the morning we will attend the Papal Audience and receive a Blessing by His Holiness the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. (Pending schedule of the Holy Father, subject to change at last moment). In the afternoon enjoy your last day free for shopping and leisure. You are in the Eternal City –one of the greatest cities in the world. Enjoy a final group dinner together tonight at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 11 | Rome – USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B)