Join us on our Pilgrimage to Italy and see a vast wealth of religious shrines, ancient and beautiful architecture, Renaissance exhibitions, exquisite food and good wine. We start in Loreto and tour the Basilica della Santa Casa, a Shrine of the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We then move on to a historical city pervaded by the spirit of St. Francis, viewing the Basilica of St Francis and his tomb and then Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. We finish our pilgrimage to Italy in Padua, viewing the Basilica of St Anthony and his tomb and a day in Venice, Italy’s "floating city," ranked many times as the most beautiful city in the world.
UK - Ancona - Loreto
Depart London Gatwick on our direct flight to Italy. Transfer to our hotel in Loreto and check-in.
Loreto (The Holy House of Our Lady)
Following breakfast in the hotel, we tour the Basilica della Santa Casa, a Shrine of the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is one of the holiest and most visited pilgrim destinations in Italy because it contains the family home of Mary. This is where she grew up and where the Archangel Gabriel appeared and told her that she would become the Mother of God. Return to our hotel for our last dinner and night in Loreto.
Loreto - Assisi
Early transfer to Assisi after breakfast. Once we arrive, we walk to the Basilica of St Francis and tour here visiting the tomb of St Francis, chapels of St Martin and St Magdalin and view many of the frescoes associated with the life of St Francis. There are in all 32 frescoes to be seen here. Mass here. Free time will be allocated for private prayer and meditation followed by lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. We then walk to the Basilica of St Claire and we see the Saints incorrupt body which is kept underneath the altar. We visit the museum to see many of her relics and on to the chapel where the precious Crucifix spoke to St Francis. Check-in and dinner at the hotel in Assisi.
Assisi - Florence - Padua
We check-out of our hotel after breakfast for an early departure to Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage Site in 1982. We will have a short guided tour of Florence and Mass will be arranged here. Free time afterwards for lunch in one of the many restaurants serving delicious local food. We continue our journey to Padua where we will stay for the remainder of our pilgrimage. Check-in to our hotel and dinner here.
Padua
After breakfast we visit the beautiful church of St Anthony of Padua. This basilica is run by the friars of the Franciscan order to which St Anthony belonged. To many people around the world St Anthony is well known as the doctor of the church, patron saint of finding things or lost people and the patron saint of Padua. We tour the church and view the body of St Anthony. The Chapel of the Saint is the most beautiful and spiritual centre of the basilica, which houses the Altar and Tomb of St Anthony. Mass here. Dinner at our hotel.
Padua - Venice - Free time
Following breakfast, Mass in Padua before making our way by boat to Venice for the day. Venice, otherwise known as the "the floating city" is built on a group of 126 islands, linked by 472 bridges, and separated by many canals. The islands are in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay which lies between the mouths of the Po and Piave rivers. There will be a short, guided tour here followed by free time to explore the picturesque city. Today, Venice is a very popular tourist destination and has been ranked many times the most beautiful city in the world. Return to our hotel in Padua by boat for our farewell dinner.
Padua - UK
After breakfast, we check-out of the hotel. Mass will be arranged and afterwards, free time to explore Padua at your leisure. The picturesque city appears twice in the UNESCO World Heritage List; for its beautiful Botanical Garden and its 14th-century Frescoes. Transfer to the airport in Venice for our direct flight back to London.
The booking deadline at this price is 30/04/2024. If you are booking after this date, please contact us first to confirm the current price.
A deposit payment of £350 with your completed booking form will confirm your place on this tour. The final balance is due 2 months prior to the departure date.
We’ll mail your travel pack around two weeks before travelling, including your flight information, boarding passes (if applicable), general information booklet, hymn and prayer booklets, name badge, lanyard and luggage label.
All Saints Travel is an ATOL licence holder (no. 6049). In the very unlikely event of company insolvency, you are guaranteed a refund and repatriation back to the UK through the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF). Please visit www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection for further information.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of return, in addition to any visas required to travel to the relevant countries. Please call us on 01793 881166 for further information.
For the latest travel advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
While people of all ages are invited to travel on this tour, a reasonable level of fitness is required in order to keep pace with the group. There may be extended periods of standing and walking on hard surfaces.
It’s compulsory to have adequate travel insurance for your journey. You have the option of purchasing cover from Global Travel Insurance when booking with us, or you can buy your insurance independently.
