Day 1: DEPARTURE DAY — (D)

Day 2: PADRE PIO — Morning arrival in Naples. Transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Saint Padre Pio. Dinner and overnight. - (D)

Day 3: IN SAN GIOVANNI / MONTE SANT’ ANGELO — Celebrate Mass at St. Padre Pio’s Sanctuary followed by a lecture by one of the residents on the life and the stigmata of the saint. Then a guided tour of Padre Pio’s living quarters. Afternoon excursion to Monte Sant’Angelo for a visit to the Grotto of the Archangel Michael. - (B, D)

Day 4: MONTECASSINO - ROME — Depart for the Abbey of Montecassino. Founded by St. Benedict in 529 it has been completely restored after the 1944 bombings. After Mass at the crypt of St. Benedict a guided tour of the monastery and the Polish Cemetery. Continue to Rome. - (B,D)

Day 5: ROME / VATICAN — Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Square, explore the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, site of the recent election of our new Holy Father, Benedict XVI, and see Michelangelo’s celebrated ‘The Last Judgment’ . After time for lunch and the opportunity to purchase of religious articles, visit the Basilicas of St. Mary Major and St. John Lateran, the Holy Stairs and St. Paul Outside the Walls, erected over the Apostle’s tomb. - (B, D)

Day 6: ROME / PAPAL AUDIENCE / CATACOMBS — Today attend an Audience and Blessing by the Holy Father. Later drive along the ancient Appian Way past the Chapel of “Domine Quo Vadis?” to the Catacombs, where the early Christians buried their dead. Stop to view the Colosseum and the Forum, center of Imperial Rome. Then, explore Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. - (B, D)

Day 7: ASSISI - FLORENCE — Depart for Assisi. Visit the Church of San Damiano before entering the walled, medieval part of town. Following Mass at St. St. Francis’ crypt, explore the huge basilica above. At St. Mary of the Angels Basilica visit the Porziuncola; the thorn-less rosebush; and the cave where the saint retreated for prayer. Continue to Florence. Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular view over the Tuscan capital and see a replica of Michelangelo’s ‘David’. A guided walk illuminates Florence’s riches of the Renaissance: The marble Duomo and the Bell Tower by Giotto; the Baptistry with its ‘Doors of Paradise’; and cross the Arno on the famed Ponte Vecchio. - (B, D)

Day 8: PISA - MONACO - NICE — Motor via the Chianti wine region to Pisa’s ‘Leaning Tower’. Then, journey past Genoa, the hometown of Columbus, to Monaco. Stop for a splendid view of the distinct harbor; the well-groomed parks flanking the ornate cathedral; the famed Casino and the Palace. On to Nice. - (B, D)

Day 9: FRENCH RIVIERA - LOURDES — Journey along the Mediterranean Sea coast and past medieval Carcassonne to Lourdes. Tonight join other pilgrims in a torchlight procession. - (B, D)

Day 10: LOURDES — Mass at the Grotto is followed by a guided walking tour, including St. Bernadette’s childhood home; the Basilica of the Rosary; the Upper Basilica, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception; and the underground Basilica of St. Pius X. In the afternoon you have opportunity to visit the Baths, the site of many miracles and to attend the Blessing of the Sick. - (B, D)

Day 11: LOURDES – PARIS — After breakfast and a leisurely morning in Lourdes, board the world’s fastest train (TGV). Travel past the Bordeaux wine region and the chateau country to the French capital. Dinner and overnight. - (B,D)

Day 12: PARIS / MIRACULOUS MEDAL — Celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal. Here the Blessed Virgin spoke to St. Catherine Laboure and pilgrims today venerate an effigy of the saint. Then an orientation drive through Paris, highlighting Champs Elysee, the Arch of Triumph and the Eiffel Tower. Afterwards visit Notre Dame Cathedral. Your afternoon in the ’City of Lights’ is free. - (B,D)

Day 13: MIRACULOUS MEDAL / NEVERS — Depart to beautiful Nevers, situated on the banks of the Loire River. Visit the Convent of St. Gildard, where St. Bernadette’s incorrupt body reposes. Later return to Paris. - (B,D)

Day 14: Day 14, PARIS - U.S.A. — (B)