30 day Itinerary for a Roman Catholic in Italy

Italy Pilgrimage Itinerary: 30-Day Spiritual Journey

Day 1-3: Arrival in Rome

• Sites:
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world and home to the Vatican, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Explore Michelangelo's masterpieces, including the iconic ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
  • Papal Audience (if on a Wednesday): Witness a special moment with the Pope.
  • St. Peter’s Square: Famous for its ancient obelisk and Bernini’s grand colonnade.
• Accommodation:
  • Domus Carmelitana (near Vatican City)
• Dining:
  • Ristorante Arlu: Savor traditional Roman cuisine.

Day 4-6: Continuing in Rome

• Sites:
  • Basilica of St. John Lateran: The official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, a must-see for its historical and architectural importance.
  • Basilica of St. Mary Major: One of the four great basilicas, known for its beautiful mosaics.
  • Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta): Climb the steps that Jesus is said to have walked before his trial; an important pilgrimage site.
  • Catacombs of San Sebastiano: Explore the early Christian burial site rich in history.
  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls: Visit the site of St. Paul’s tomb, a significant church in Christianity.
• Accommodation:
  • Domus Carmelitana (same as Day 1)
• Dining:
  • Roscioli Salumeria: Enjoy Roman deli-style dishes.

Day 7-9: Assisi

• Sites:
  • Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Admire the frescoes by Giotto that depict the life of St. Francis.
  • Basilica of Santa Chiara: Dedicated to St. Clare, whose relics are housed here.
  • Eremo delle Carceri: A tranquil hermitage where St. Francis spent time in prayer and reflection.
  • Rocca Maggiore: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Giotto Assisi
• Dining:
  • Osteria Piazzetta dell’Erba: Dine on Umbrian specialties.

Day 10-12: Loreto

• Sites:
  • Basilica of the Holy House: A significant pilgrimage site believed to house the "Holy House of Nazareth," where the Virgin Mary lived.
  • Santuario della Santa Casa: Another important site for Catholic pilgrims, steeped in history.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel San Gabriele
• Dining:
  • Ristorante La Ruota: Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.

Day 13-15: Siena & Florence

• Sites in Siena:
  • Siena Cathedral (Duomo): Marvel at its stunning striped marble architecture.
  • Basilica of San Domenico: The resting place of St. Catherine of Siena.
• Accommodation:
  • Grand Hotel Continental Siena
• Dining:
  • Ristorante Tullio ai Tre Cristi: Relish Tuscan fare.
• Sites in Florence:
  • Florence Cathedral (Duomo): Gaze upon the grand Gothic structure that dominates the city’s skyline.
  • Basilica of Santa Croce: Visit the final resting place of luminaries like St. Francis and Michelangelo.
  • Basilica of San Lorenzo: A Medici chapel with a wealth of art and architecture.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Brunelleschi
• Dining:
  • Trattoria Mario: Delight in local specialties.

Day 16-18: Padua & Venice

• Sites in Padua:
  • Basilica of St. Anthony: A key pilgrimage destination for those seeking to honor St. Anthony.
  • Scrovegni Chapel: Explore Giotto's stunning frescoes portraying the Last Judgment.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Belludi 37
• Dining:
  • Ristorante Belle Parti: Savor traditional dishes.
• Sites in Venice:
  • St. Mark’s Basilica: Famous for its spectacular mosaics and stunning architecture.
  • Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute: A baroque church that elegantly overlooks the Grand Canal.
  • Church of San Giorgio Maggiore: A picturesque church with beautiful views of the Venetian lagoon.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Antiche Figure
• Dining:
  • Antiche Carampane: Enjoy Venetian seafood dishes.

Day 19-21: Milan

• Sites:
  • Milan Cathedral (Duomo): A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Italy.
  • Santa Maria delle Grazie: Home to Da Vinci’s iconic painting, The Last Supper.
  • San Ambrogio Basilica: One of the most important churches in Milan, showcasing early Christian architecture.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Spadari al Duomo
• Dining:
  • Trattoria Milanese: Taste classic Milanese dishes.

Day 22-24: Turin

• Sites:
  • Basilica of Superga: Overlooks the city and houses royal tombs - a site of both beauty and history.
  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist: Famous for housing the Shroud of Turin.
  • Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice: Important Marian shrine and the tomb of Don Bosco.
• Accommodation:
  • Grand Hotel Sitea
• Dining:
  • Ristorante Del Cambio: Experience traditional Piedmontese cuisine.

Day 25-27: Naples & Pompeii

• Sites in Naples:
  • Naples Cathedral (Duomo): Home to the relic of St. Januarius, an important site for local Catholics.
  • Basilica of Santa Chiara: Known for its beautiful cloisters and art.
  • San Gennaro Cathedral: Explore the relics of Naples’ patron saint.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Piazza Bellini
• Dining:
  • Da Michele: Famous for its delicious Neapolitan pizza.
• Sites in Pompeii:
  • Basilica of Pompeii: Dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, a site of great significance.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Forum (near Pompeii)

Day 28-30: Santuario di San Giovanni Rotondo & Monte Sant'Angelo

• Sites:
  • San Giovanni Rotondo: Visit the tomb of St. Padre Pio, a major pilgrimage site where many come seeking solace and healing.
  • Monte Sant'Angelo: Visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, a revered site for medieval pilgrims.
• Accommodation:
  • Hotel Vittoria (San Giovanni Rotondo)
• Dining:
  • Ristorante Il Focolare: Delight in local specialties.

Travel Tips:

• Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance for popular attractions like The Last Supper and St. Peter's Basilica to avoid long queues.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting churches and holy sites.
• Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport and check for any Vatican events, such as Mass or the Papal Audience that may affect your visit.

Enjoy your spiritual and cultural pilgrimage through Italy, immersing yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this magnificent country!