The 2025 Jubilee Tour (Catholic Itinerary)

Welcome to Italy on this very special Holy Year occasion! Check into your hotel, then the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and touring companions, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey, then enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

This morning, celebrate Mass [M] at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Sassia, then walk to St Peter's Square to attend the Papal Angelus Sunday prayer (subject to availability). The Pope delivers an address in Italian and ends his speech with the Papal blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle and one of Rome's four major Papal basilicas.

Last but not least, spend time in prayer at the Basilica of St. Sebastian Outside the Walls, named in honor of the soldier who was martyred at the time of Diocletian. A Local Guide will show you the nearby Catacombs, an underground cemetery decorated with frescoes, testifying the origins of Christianity. (B)

A different, quite unique experience is offered today. The included excursion to Castel Gandolfo takes us with a Local Guide to a quaint village in the hills outside Rome. Visit the Papal summer residence, a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the beautifully manicured gardens' quietness and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit of St. Peter's Basilica and leisure time in Rome. Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (B)

Today is free to explore Rome on your own or join a very special optional day trip to Assisi, home of Italy's patron Saint, Saint Francis. This medieval hilltop village set in the verdant region of Umbria, surrounds visitors with a sense of serenity, contemplation, and gratitude. Attend Mass [M] at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto paintings depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and other significant sites of St. Francis's life. Alternatively, spend the day at leisure in Rome. (B)

Prepare for this morning's unique opportunity to attend the Papal Audience (if available) in Vatican City: see the Pope and receive his blessing. In the afternoon, join a Local Guide for the visit of the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. When Constantine moved the capital of the Roman empire to Constantinople (now Istanbul), his mother Helen decided to transform part of her Roman residence into a chapel for the relics of the Holy Cross, which she herself had found at the Calvary during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 325. The Basilica was built later around the original chapel.

Complete the day with the visit of the Basilica of St. Lawrence Outside the Walls—named after St. Lawrence, a deacon of Spanish origin who was martyred in 258 as a result of an edict by Emperor Valerian. Attend Mass [M] (B)

Today is dedicated to two major Papal Basilicas: the impressive Basilica of St. John Lateran, and the magnificent St. Mary Major Basilica where you will celebrate Mass [M]. Additionally, experience the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Tonight, toast to the Jubilee experience with your touring companions during the farewell dinner. (B/D)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)