Compare Shrines of Italy - Faith-Based Travel by Cosmos vs Highlights of Northern and Central Italy by Viandando Luxury Travel

Day 1: ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY

Check into your hotel and spend free time exploring this busy city on your own before meeting your tour companions and Tour Director for an included welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2: MILAN

Dedicate the morning to Milan's most important Catholic churches: St. Ambrose Basilica and the Gothic Duomo. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of beekeepers, beggars, learners, and Milan. Celebrate [M] Mass and discover the treasures of the Basilica and the Duomo with a Local Guide. (Breakfast)

Day 3: MILAN–TURIN

Turin is known in the Catholic community worldwide as the home of the Holy Shroud, only available to the public on very special occasions. The city was also home to St. John Bosco, the priest who founded the Salesian religious institute to help poor children with their education during the industrial revolution. Your visit includes the Holy Shroud Museum, the Basilica of St Mary Ausiliatrice and St. John’s rooms. You’ll have time to appreciate the elegance of this city and former capital of Italy before attending [M] Mass.
Today’s Distance: 90 mi / 145 km (Breakfast)

Day 4: TURIN–PAVIA–PADUA

Pavia boasts a beautiful Carthusian Monastery, built in the 1400s by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. The monastery is one of Italy’s “hidden treasures” with lavish decorations and it is inhabited and looked after by monks who still live a traditional life of seclusion and prayer.
Today's Distance: 245 mi / 395 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 5: PADUA–POMPOSA–RAVENNA

Attend morning [M] Mass and visit St. Anthony Basilica in Padua with a Local Guide, then enjoy a short city sightseeing tour and time on your own. In the afternoon, on the way to Ravenna, we’ll stop to see the Abbey of Pomposa, where the Benedictine monk Guido d’Arezzo invented modern musical notation in the 11th century.
Today’s Distance: 85 mi / 137 km (Breakfast)

Day 6: RAVENNA–ROME

UNESCO declared the early Christian monuments of Ravenna as having “outstanding universal value.” Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and places of worship. All buildings—the Neonian Baptistry, the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo, St. Vitale Church and the Archbishop’s Chapel of St. Andrew were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and Asian and Western styles. The morning is dedicated to discovering these masterpieces and focusing on the Byzantine-style mosaics with a Local Guide. In the afternoon, travel to Rome.
Today’s Distance: 221 mi / 355 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 7: ROME

Today you have the unique chance to attend the Papal Audience in the Vatican (subject to availability). Afterwards, enjoy an included city tour with a Local Guide to see the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where St. Paul was buried after his martyrdom, St. John Lateran Basilica, the Cathedral of Rome, and seat of its Bishop (the Pope) and the Holy Stairs. Said to have led Jesus to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate, the stairs were transferred to Rome by Empress St. Helena. Finally, visit St. Mary Major Basilica, where a reliquary contains wood from the Holy Crib. Attend [M] Mass here before returning to your hotel.*
(Breakfast)

* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 8: ROME

A special treat today: Visit the Papal Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo. Wander through its manicured gardens, an opportunity to reflect and meditate in quiet and relaxing surroundings. Walk through the rooms where many Popes have spent the summer months in the cooler countryside on the hills outside Rome. Later, you can join one of the optional excursions available.*
Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (Breakfast)

* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.

Day 9: ROME–PIETRELCINA–SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO

On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born. Then, head towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968.
Today’s Distance: 258 mi / 415 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 10: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. EXCURSION TO MONTE SANT’ANGELO

Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio's friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.
Today’s Distance: 43 mi / 70 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 11: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO–LANCIANO–LORETO–ASSISI AREA

Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 12: ASSISI

Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226. (Breakfast)

Day 13: ASSISI AREA–CASCIA–ROME

Travel to Cascia, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay.
Today’s Distance: 149 mi / 240 km (Breakfast)

Day 14: ROME

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Day 1: Arrival At Venice Airport And Private Transfer To Your Accommodation

Arrival at Venice International airport and private transfer to your accommodation. At sunset take a private gondola ride to enjoy a different perspective of this amazing city.

Day 2: Orientation Tour Of Venice

Join our Doge’s Palace & St. Mark’s Basilica Small Tour for an entertaining and educational way to explore the history of Venice! Together with a professional local tour guide you will get privileged access (no waiting in lines) to the two main sites of Venice including the panoramic terraces of St. Mark’s Basilica.

Late afternoon enjoy our Venice Wine tour. During this fascinating 2-hour walking tour of Venice, you’ll receive an insider’s glimpse into the lives and habits of authentic Venetians while visiting a favorite local Venetian hangout: winebars called baccari (or bacari).  Your private walking and wine-tasting tour includes stops in two baccari (winebars) that are filled to the brim with Venetians at the classic aperitivo time of 7pm. At the winebar, crowded with locals, you can sip a bubbly Prosecco or a smooth Soave and devour a cicchetto, a local Venetian snack, while your expert local guide tells you more about the traditional cuisine, native wines, history, and assorted lore. Some typical cicchettos are small pieces of toast with baccala, tiny meatballs, hardboiled eggs filled with anchovies, or pieces of fried, seasonal vegetables.

Day 3: Visit Of Murano And Burano

Morning dedicated to the visit of the amazing islands of Murano and Burano. First stop is Murano. This island, where all of Venice’s glass factories have been located since the 13th-century, is the most famous place for glassmaking in the entire world – and for good reason, as you’ll see soon. You’ll stop at an authentic glassmaking factory, which we’ve handpicked both for its history and quality. Then you will continue to Burano, a working fisherman’s island, famous for its brightly painted buildings. Return to Venice around lunch time and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 4: Private Transfer To Lake Como With A Stop In Verona

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Verona. Enjoy a private guided tour of Verona. Juliet, the squares, the arena: don’t miss this tour of the downtown historical centre of Verona, fully embraced by the bend of the Adige river. In ancient Roman times, the city of Verona received its chess-board layout and was adorned with the Arena, the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheater that today still provides hours of good music and entertainment. The visit also includes the 14th century house of Juliet, a lovers’ venue and a very popular stop: in everyone’s mind Verona is linked to her image and her sad love story. Another 14th century attraction consists of the bizarre “Arche” of the Della Scala family, namely the stone lace structures pointing up to the sky that still harbour suspicions and mysteries. Along the way you will cross three main squares that have maintained their peculiar and very popular, aristocratic or institutional character throughout the centuries.

After lunch continue to your accommodation at Lake Como area.

Day 5: Tour Of Lake Como

With your private guide discover Lake Como and Bellagio, “the pearl of Lario”. Visit this lively village and the gardens of Villa Melzi! You’ll begin the day on board a ferry that will sail slowly among villages, villas and gardens, introducing you to the atmosphere of Lake Como. Your guide will tell you about local traditions, old and new anecdotes and it’ll be possible to spot Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s retreat!), Villa del Balbianello (Star Wars and 007 location), the mysterious Island Comacina, Villa Carlotta with its botanical gardens and much more. Once you arrive in Bellagio you will explore the steep alleyways full of shops and the buzzing lakeside. Then free time for a typical lunch (suggestions provided) or shopping: Bellagio is famous for silk and olive wood items. The highlight of the afternoon is the visit of the gardens of Villa Melzi, that stretch out along the lakeshore with an impressive collection of plants, antique sculptures and beautiful architectures. Return to your accommodation.

Meals included – Breakfast

Day 6: Tour Of Como And Brunate

Today discover the elegant city of Como and its highlights: the Cathedral, piazza Volta, via Vittani, San Fedele church and the ancient medieval walls. The city of Como is charming and has many stories to tell: you’ll be fascinated with the quaint alleys and the tradition of silk weaving, with the history of how the electrical battery was invented here and the mystery of the two statues on the Cathedral front-side. Founded more than 2000 years ago, Como is rich in art masterpieces. After a pleasant stroll in the centre, a walk along the lake will take us to the Funicular station. You will reach the cute village of Brunate with a short ride: only 7 minutes! Enjoy the panorama over the lake, admire the Art-Nouveau style villas and breathe the fresh and pure air of Brunate. The tour may end with a well deserved aperitivo before lunch time. Return to your accommodation and afternoon at your leisure.

Day 7: Private Transfer To Milan

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you to Milan city center. Check into your accommodation and lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Milan to visit Milan’s marvellous Cathedral and rooftop terraces, the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Brera district and the Castello Sforzesco to learn about the family who sponsored much of da Vinci’s work and brought Milan to prosperity.

Day 8: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Tour

Your day will start with a visit of  one of the most famous paintings in the world. This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498 under the government of Ludovico il Moro and represents the last “dinner” between Jesus and his disciples.

Next you will continue with a visit of Leonardo’s Vineyard, or La Vigna di Leonardo, that lies tucked within the lush gardens of the Casa degli Atellani, an elegant private residence that provides a unique opportunity to experience the Milanese Renaissance. 

Leonardo Da Vinci spent a productive period in Milan working on numerous projects for the Duke Ludovico Sforza over twenty years. He engineered the city’s canal district, drew thousands of sketches preserved in his Codex Atlanticus notebook and painted The Last Supper (1495-1498), housed within the refectory of the convent of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. To demonstrate his gratitude, Ludovico Sforza gifted Leonardo a small vineyard which the artist tended to while he painted The Last Supper. Leonardo himself hailed from a family of winemakers and took great care of the vineyard, even including it in his will at the end of his life.

Day 9: Private Transfer To Portovenere

Following breakfast and check out your driver will take you to the lovely village of Portovenere, one of the most romantic spots on the Italian Riviera thanks to the multicolored tower houses, that in the ancient times were built as defense against the pirates, the tiny square and its fountain, the beautiful ancient church of St. Peter on the white and black rocks of the point from where the poet Byron used to swim, the church of S. Lorenzo with its precious works of art and the massive 16 century castle.

While in Portovenere don’t miss the chance to enjoy a dinner at Locanda Lorena located in the rugged island of Palmaria across the small bay of Portovenere. To get here, take the restaurant’s free riva boat from the Portovenere jetty.

Day 10: Full Day Tour Of The Cinque Terre

Today enjoy a private guided visit of the Cinque Terre: five stunning towns perched on seaside cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The full-day Cinque Terre Walking Tour allows you to visit these small fishing villages, famously connected in older times exclusively by a winding, steep, rock-laden and root-crossed trail. Each village has a distinct character, and offers different amenities. Your knowledgeable, friendly English-speaking tour guide specializing in outdoor excursions will take care of you for the full-day tour, and tell you more about these unique villages. Return to Portovenere and overnight stay.

Day 11: Private Transfer To Florence With A Stop In Lucca

Following breakfast and check out your private driver will take you to Lucca, actually my favourite Tuscan city after Florence and enjoy a guided tour of this relatively unknown gem. Hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls, its cobbled streets, handsome piazzas and shady promenades make it a perfect destination to explore by foot. Continue to Florence and check into your accommodation.

Day 12: Orientation Tour Of Florence Including The Uffizi And The Accademia Galleries

Start your Florentine sojourn with a guided orientation walk to admire the most important Florentine sites: the Cathedral with its Giotto Bell Tower, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio knowing for its gleaming gold shops. The tour also includes the visit of the Accademia Gallery which houses the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and of the Uffizi Gallery with masterpieces of Caravaggio, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and many other famous painters. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 13: Visit Of A Winery Of The Chianti Area And Leisure Time In San Gimignano

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Chianti area which offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards and olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes in stone. Visit one of the most prestigious wineries of the area. The visit will be followed by tasting of their superb wines and a delicious Tuscan lunch. After lunch your driver will take you to the romantic hilltop town of San Gimignano where you will spend some time at your leisure. Return to Florence and overnight stay.

Day 14: Florence Food Tour And High – Speed Train To Rome

Florence is not just paintings and palazzos; it is also home to one of the most palatable and well-known cuisines in the world. With your private guide visit one of Florence’s most characteristic food market, Sant’Ambrogio, and learn about history and traditions of Tuscan cuisine. During the visit you will taste some local specialties: cheeses, salami, focaccia, extra – virgin olive oil.

After lunch take your high – speed train to Rome. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation.

Day 15: Colosseum Underground Tour

Feel the fear and hear the roars of the crowd above you as you enjoy this full Colosseum Underground tour. Stepping beneath the arena floor, you’ll walk in the footsteps of gladiators who waited here before battle. As you tour the tunnels, your guide will tell you about the real life of gladiators before taking you back up to the arena floor. Walk out onto a recreation of the stage where the fighting took place and be blown away by the most impressive view of the Colosseum (seen by so few!). After your Colosseum and Colosseum Underground tour, you’ll experience the very heart of Ancient Rome: the Roman Forum. Here was where Rome ruled its empire of untold political and cultural influence—and of more than 2.5 million square miles and 65 million people. At the Palatine Hill you’ll discover the origins of Ancient Rome. Legend has it that this is the spot where Remus and Romulus were found by the she-wolf and where they battled to decide which would have the privilege of building their own town. Hear how this legendary battle impacted the world you know today (your very own life even!) We owe the Ancient Romans more than you’d believe! Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 16: Early Bird Vatican Museum Tour With Breakfast

Your early bird Vatican tour lets you carpe diem, seize the day, by getting the most out of your time in Rome. Starting with a breakfast fit for the Pope in the verdant Pinecone Courtyard, you’ll be thoroughly energized to meander through the expansive halls of the Vatican Museums, gaze up at the stunning ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the world-renowned Saint Peter’s Basilica. Afternoon at your leisure.

Day 17: Fly Back Home

Private chauffeured transfer to Rome International airport to take your flight back home