You Are Invited to Join Father Gerald L. Seiler Jr. and the Clarion Herald on
A Pilgrimage to the Catholic Splendors of Italy
Desenzano – Venice – Assisi – Florence – Rome – Pompeii
Your Journey Begins Here
On October 4th, 2024, you will depart from New Orleans to begin your unforgettable Pilgrimage to view the Catholic splendors of Italy.
You will spend 12 unbelievable days touring this magnificent country, which is so important to our Catholic faith, and soaking in all that it has to offer.
October 5th
Brescia – Desenzano
Upon your arrival in Milan, you will be met by your private bus to begin your adventure. You will immediately proceed to Brescia to visit the ancient Church of St. Afra and the St. Angela Sanctuary. From Brescia, you will continue to Desenzano to visit the family home of St. Angela Merici, Le Grezze, where the foundress of Ursuline Order—who is so important to New Orleans history—spent her childhood. Your first night will be in Desenzano. Dinner is included tonight.
October 6th
Venice
You will depart in the morning for a full-day excursion to “The Floating City” of Venice. Here you will explore the magical city by foot as you tour the Doge’s Palace, admire the Rialto Bridge and stroll through the St. Mark’s Square. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs! This evening you will return to Desenzano.
October 7th
Assisi
You will say goodbye to Desenzano as you depart for the charming and significant town of Assisi. Located in Italy’s Umbria region, Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis. Your highlight in Assisi is the Basilica of St. Francis, a massive two-story church that was completed in 1253.
October 8th
Florence
Following your overnight in the Assisi area, you will continue your journey to the amazing city of Florence where upon arrival, dinner this evening is included.
October 9th
Vatican City
In order to facilitate your being able to attend the Papal Audience, a special excursion to Rome exclusively for the Papal Audience and Vatican City is planned. We will travel by express train to Rome where we will be met by our private bus to go directly to Vatican City. Following our Papal Audience, we will enjoy a guided visit of the Vatican Museum and have time to revel in the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica. Following our time in Rome, we will return by express train to Florence.
October 10th
Florence
In the morning, you will depart for a guided walking tour of Florence including the Academia, home to Michelangelo’s David. Your sightseeing this afternoon will continue with visits to both the ever-important Duomo and the Basilica Santa Croce.
October 11th
Rome
You will depart Florence bound for Rome. Following hotel check-in and dinner, included this evening, you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic district to include such sites as the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps. Welcome to Rome!
October 12th
Rome
Today offers you visits to three of Rome’s most important basilicas—St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major—followed by a visit to one of Rome’s important Catacombs.
October 13th
Pompeii
This morning, you will depart Rome by fast train bound for Naples. Upon arrival, you will be met by your private bus which will take you to explore the archaeological treasures of Pompeii with your guide. Following your Pompeii visit, you will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Following your lunch, you will travel by bus to Rome with a stop on the way at the imposing Abbey of Monte Cassino, rebuilt stone by stone after massive bombing during WWII.
October 14th
Rome
Your final day allows you to explore Rome on your own and enjoy personal time for shopping and sightseeing. Your farewell to Italy dinner is included tonight.
October 15th
Rome
You will depart from the Rome International Airport for you return flight to New Orleans, with wonderful memories and graces and, hopefully, some memorable souvenirs!