FAITH COMES ALIVE! Journey to Italy
15 days

FAITH COMES ALIVE! Journey to Italy
October 22 - November 5, 2027

$8,595 from San Antonio based on double occupancy 
$1,375 Single supplement

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Tour Conditions

Under the Leadership of Deacon Tom and Mrs. Mary Jane Fox

5-STAR RATED EXPERTS I 30+ YEARS LEADING AUTHENTIC PILGRIMAGES

Thank you for your interest in our customized Faith Comes Alive! Pilgrimage to Italy.

We warmly invite you to join us on this extraordinary pilgrimage, where you will see, touch, and experience the places that have shaped our Catholic faith and its rich history. This sacred journey offers the unique opportunity to prayerfully retrace the footsteps of the Apostles and Saints and to venerate their tombs in some of Christianity's most treasured holy sites.

For more than 33 years, Pilgrim Center of Hope has organized and led nearly 100 pilgrimages. Through these experiences, we have witnessed firsthand how a pilgrimage becomes an eternal investment with lasting spiritual rewards. Our commitment is to provide every pilgrim with a meaningful, enriching, and unforgettable experience.

Our trusted ground partners in Italy are faithful Catholics and highly experienced professionals who have worked alongside Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox for many years. Their knowledge, hospitality, and dedication ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching pilgrimage from beginning to end.

Your pilgrimage package includes virtually everything from departure in San Antonio through your return, with the exception of lunches. In addition, you will be invited to participate in Pilgrimage Preparation Meetings at Pilgrim Center of Hope, where you will receive practical information, spiritual formation, and an opportunity to get to know your fellow pilgrims before departure.

We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable journey of faith. To learn more about Pilgrim Center of Hope, please visit www.PilgrimCenterofHope.org.

We hope you will join us for this life-changing pilgrimage!

Pilgrimage to Italy

Friday, October 22 - Depart U.S. for Italy Depart San Antonio to Rome via jet service.  Our pilgrimage begins onward on our journey.  

Saturday, October 23 - Arrive in Rome / Assisi  Upon our arrival in Rome, we will be met by our local pilgrimage representative that will assist us throughout our journey.  Our drive to Assisi will take us from the region of Lazio into the region of Umbria arriving in Assisi in the late afternoon.  Our time in Assisi will begin with Mass in the world-famous Basilica of St. Francis!  Check-in to our hotel located a few yards from the Basilica of St. Francis!  Dinner and overnight.

Sunday, October 24 Assisi  The morning begins visiting the Church of San Damiano. Here is where St. Clare lived and died.  A Eucharistic Miracle took place here through the work of St. Clare.  In the afternoon, we will experience the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels; where St. Francis began his Franciscan community, see where he died and the famous rose garden.  This Basilica houses the small chapel called the Porciuncula, the place from which the friars were sent on mission to the world.  Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Monday, October 25 – Assisi This morning, we will experience the Basilica of San Francesco.  This three-level Church, built after shortly after St. Francis’ death has three levels: including the Tomb of the Saint and sacred art depicting his life.  Proceeding to the Basilica of St. Clare where we will pray before her tomb and see the personal items of both Francis and Clare.  Nearby, is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the body of St. Carlo Acutis is located.  We will take time to pray and venerate this young modern-day Saint.  Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Tuesday, October 26 Assisi / San Giovanni Rotondo This morning we will depart Assisi and travel to San Giovanni Rotondo.  Enroute, we will enjoy a pre-reserved delicious lunch to experience the local hospitality and cuisine. Upon arrival in San Giovanni Rotondo we will check to our hotel, walking distance to the Shrine and Monastery of St. Padre Pio.  Our hotel has a chapel for those quiet moments. Mass will be reserved for us before dinner.  Our first night in San Giovanni Rotondo!

Wednesday, October 27 –San Giovanni Rotondo This morning we will visit our Lady of Grace Church where Padre Pio celebrated Mass; see his confessional where he heard thousands of Confessions. A walking tour of his monastery will include his simple cell, a view of his personal belongings that bear witness to his poverty, obedience, and devotion and the crucifix from which he received the stigmata on September 20, 1918.   These places offer a powerful glimpse into the daily life of a saint whose holiness continues to inspire millions of pilgrims.   Reflect on his life of humility, suffering, and unwavering trust in Christ. Spend time in silent prayer, ask for the saint's intercession. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, continuing Padre Pio's legacy as a compassionate confessor.  Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Thursday, October 28 – Monte Sant’Angelo  This morning after breakfast our 45-minute drive will take us to the mountain town of Monte Sant'Angelo, home to the Shrine of St. Michael the Archangel, where St. Michael appeared in the 5^th century.  It is one of Christianity's oldest pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Shrine of Saint Michael the Archangel. Descend into the ancient grotto where generations of pilgrims—including saints, popes, and kings—have come to honor St. Michael and seek his protection. We will have Mass at the site where St. Michael appeared.  There will be time to pray and purchase unique, authentic sacramentals from the religious community.  In the afternoon, a wine and cheese tasting is pre-reserved for us at a local winery.  As we return to San Giovanni Rotondo, there will be another opportunity to pray before the body of St. Padio Pio.  Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Friday, October 29 – Salerno  This morning, we will continue our journey to Salerno. Our three-hour drive will take us through the regions of Puglia and Campania.  The name Campania is derived from the Latin 'Campania Felix' meaning 'Fertile Countryside' and it certainly is! Campania provides some of the most beautiful countryside to be found in Italy. With all of the convenience of big city life but retaining the charm of a small town.

Founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, this historic city has a remarkable amount of significance. Our hotel sits on the Set on the cliffs of Vierti Sur Mare overlooking the Bay of Salerno. Salerno is known as the cradle of Italian ceramics.   Mass will be at the Cathedral of Salerno.  Dinner at our hotel. 

Saturday, October 30 – Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary  A short drive to Pompeii to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary built by former satanic priest, Bartolo Longo. Now a Saint, Longo built an enormous Church for our Lady.   A museum is located on the church premises with items of St. Bartolo Longo.  We will see his body at rest in one of the chapels.  Mass will be at this beautiful Church built with such beauty and honor.  Time to enjoy lunch in this small town.  In the afternoon we will visit a historical Coral factory. 

Italians have pulled coral and seashells from the Mediterranean and the Adriatic since ancient times, using the bounty of the sea to make some of Italy’s most beautiful adornments. The region is famous for cameos and the distinctive red coral that Italian jewelers often pair with gold, pearls, and other precious materials. Alongside environmental concerns over delicate coral and reef reserves as well as important initiatives to protect them, the making of cameo and coral jewelry and other objects a vibrant industry in the Naples region.

Sunday, October 31 – Sorrento and Amalfi  Full day excursion along the Amalfi Coast. From Vietri sul Mare, the eastern gateway and “first pearl” of the Amalfi Coast, drive along via highway and the scenic coastal roads to the cliffside town of Sorrento, the western gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Explore historic alleyways, Via San Cesareo, Piazza Tasso, take in views of Mt. Vesuius, visit the Cathedral of Saints Philip & James, Basilia of Sant’Antonio, and much more. Continue along the scenic coastal roads to the historic heart of the coast, Amalfi. Entrance included to the Duomo di Amalfi including the Cloister of Paradise, Crypt of Saint Andrew, and Diocesan Museum. Spend time at the Piazza Duomo or stroll down Ruga Nova Mercatorum. Return to Vietri sul Mare for dinner and overnight.

Monday, November 1 -  Rome - After breakfast, we will start our journey to Rome where we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls.  Here we will pray before the tomb of Saint Paul.   Our next visit is to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, housing a relic from Christ’s manger, a Miraculous Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary painted by St. Luke and the tomb of Pope Francis.  Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of St. Mary. Proceed to your hotel for dinner and overnight.  

Tuesday, November 2 - Rome  The day begins with early morning Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, built over the site of the martyrdom and burial of St. Peter, the first Pope. Here, we will marvel at Michelangelo's magnificent Pietà, pray at the tombs of holy popes, and experience the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church.

Later, we will visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and the oldest and highest-ranking of the four major papal basilicas. This afternoon, we journey to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, one of the largest and most important Christian burial sites in Rome.  Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Wednesday, November 3 -  Rome After breakfast, we will proceed to St. Peter’s Square for an audience with His Holiness Pope Francis Leo XIV. Afterwards, free time for lunch, shopping, or mail a postcard from the Vatican! 

Thursday, November 4  Castel Gondolfo  This day we will journey around an hour to the summer residence of the Pope, Castel Gondolfo.  We will walk through the Papal home and gardens.  Enjoy lunch at one of the quaint restaurants and time to walk through this charming and picturesque town.  Return to hotel for dinner and our last night in Italy.  

Friday, November 5 – Rome Transfer to the airport in time for you return journey home.