Christian Tour of Italy: Rome, Vatican City & Assisi

Rome

For many years pilgrims have visited Rome to discover the spiritual and artistic beauty of the city's famous basilicas, churches and monasteries, which have been developed over the centuries and enriched by the genius of so many artists with thanks to the Christian faith. Here you can deepen your spirituality on a Christian tour of Rome, which takes you to the glorious Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Saint John in Lateran, as well as Ancient Appian Way. As a rare treat, you will also be granted special access to Rome's underground catacombs, which served as an ancient hiding place for Christians under persecution. You will also have the opportunity to discover the secrets of the Passetto in Rome, which is the corridor at the top of the old Vatican wall between St Peter's Basilica and the Castel Sant'Angelo - it was historically used as an escape route for popes in danger, including Pope Alexander VI and Pope Clement VII, and gives you fascinating insight into the Christian heritage of Rome.

Vatican City

The capital of Italy surrounds the Vatican City, which is the smallest state in the world and the official residence of the Pope. During your stay in Rome you can discover this site of extreme religious significance and explore its exquisite museums, which are a sanctuary to priceless masterpieces and rare artefacts from throughout history. You will also be treated to a special tour of the Sistine Chapel - a building like no other on Earth that you will have time to embrace and savor. You will also enjoy a tour of St Peter's Basilica with an expert guide and, on a separate day, you can embrace the once-in-a-lifetime experience of a Papal audience. Alternatively, during the summer months, you can visit the Pope at his summer residence in Castelgandolfo, where you will be given a Papal Blessing in the main square. This special and unmissable part of your religious vacation in Italy will be sure to deepen your faith and enhance your spirituality in a way like no other experience.

Assisi

The city of Assisi is perfectly nestled at the foot of Mount Subasio and is the birthplace of the noble St Francis, who dedicated his life to preaching the message of peace and forgiveness around the globe. He had a profound impact on Christian belief and his legacy is evident in every corner of Assisi. Here you can discover the story of St Francis on an in-depth walking tour that features iconic sights, such as the Basilica di San Francesco, the “Pax et bonum” tiles, the 3rd century BC Roman walls and Roman city gate, and Basilica di Santa Chiara. As an optional excursion, you can extend your vacation or alter the number of nights in Rome to enjoy a 5 night self-guided walking pilgrimage from Rieti Cathedral to Santa Maria della Foresta. This spiritual option allows you to discover some of the main landmarks that featured in Saint Francis' story, including the Holy Valley and Rieti, and includes a "pilgrim's passport", which you can have stamped at the sanctuaries along the route as a wonderful memory of your important journey.