Pilgrimage to Italy – March 27, 2025

Milan | Bologna | Loreto | San Giovanni Rotondo

Tour a land steeped in the history of martyrs and well-known saints. See how the Catholic faith grew as a signpost to the world.
A Truly Catholic Pilgrimage
Date:
3/27/2025
Duration:
12 Days
Departure:
Spokane
Activity Level:
Level 2 - Challenging
Image
Activity Level 2 - Challenging
Learn More
$5,985
REGISTER FOR
THIS PILGRIMAGE
VIEW BROCHURE
Questions? Call Us
(317) 574-4191

Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1 | March 27 | Depart USA

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Milan. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Day 2 | March 28 | Arrive Milan

Upon arrival in Milan, we will be met by our tour manager who will be with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. Afterwards we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Milan

Day 3 | March 29 | Milan

We depart Milan for a day trip to Turin. Here we begin in the Duomo – the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – housing the reliquary containing the Shroud of Turin. Here we can visit other side chapels of the Cathedral, including the resting place of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati (soon to be canonized). This afternoon we proceed to the Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice (Mary, Help of Christians). This church houses the body of St. John Bosco (and was originally part of the home for boys he founded), St. Mary Mazzarello, St. Dominic Savio, and relics of over 6,000 other saints. After time for prayer here we return to our hotel in Milan for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Milan

Day 4 | March 30 | Milan / Pavia / Bologna

We begin this morning in the Milan Duomo, one of the world’s largest Gothic Cathedrals. The Duomo houses the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo, known for his leadership during the counter-reformation, as well as the baptistry where St. Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose. Afterwards, travel a short distance outside of Milan to Pavia. The remains of St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, lie here in the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro. The relics of St. Augustine are kept in a marble reliquary on the upper floor of the church. One of the chapels is also dedicated to St. Monica, St. Augustine’s mother. We will also visit the Certosa, or Charterhouse, of Pavia, originally home to Carthusian monks and now housing a Cistercian community. This complex houses a Renaissance façade and Gothic interior, with impressive artwork and a peaceful cloister. After time for veneration, we continue our travels east to Bologna. (B, D) Overnight Bologna

Day 5 | March 31 | Bologna

Today we visit Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Basilica di San Petronio. This afternoon we journey to the Basilica di San Domenico, a significant religious site in Bologna. Admire its Gothic architecture and visit the Chapel of Saint Dominic, which houses his tomb and stunning artwork. Afterwards, the balance of the day is free, including dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Bologna

Day 6 | April 1 | Bologna – regional day trip

After Mass this morning we explore the culinary world of Emilia Romagna – home to some of the most iconic Italian foods. Enjoy a tour encompassing the history of the region, including tastings of Parma ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and balsamic vinegar of Modena. Return to Bologna for dinner on our own and overnight. (B) Overnight Bologna

Day 7 | April 2 | Bologna / Loreto

Today we journey south to Loreto. Here we visit the Shrine of the Holy House, said to be the same house in which the Virgin Mary was born and raised in Nazareth. This is where she received the visitation of the angel announcing that she was the mother of Jesus and according to tradition the home was transported by four angels from Nazareth to its present resting place in Loreto. After time for prayer and exploration, we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Loreto

Day 8 | April 3 | Loreto / Lanciano / San Giovanni Rotondo

After breakfast, we depart Loreto to continue our journey along the Adriatic to Lanciano, site of the oldest miracle of the Eucharist, still preserved after twelve centuries. Here we’ll visit the sanctuary of the 8th century Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano. There will be time for adoration as well as a tour of the museum detailing the history of the miracle. After time for prayer and reflection, we will then drive along the coast to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of St Padre Pio and proceed to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

Day 9 | April 4 | San Giovanni Rotondo

Spend the morning in San Giovanni Rotondo, praying where St. Padre Pio prayed and relaxing in this grace-filled village. We will visit his tomb and tour the sanctuary of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where this famous Saint said Mass. This afternoon, we drive a short distance to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, and visit the church built above the cave consecrated to the Lord by St. Michael himself. After time for prayer in this sacred site, return to San Giovanni for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

Day 10 | April 5 | San Giovanni Rotondo- day trip to Corato

Today we journey to the small town of Corato, the birthplace of Luisa Piccarreta, known for spreading the message of living within the Divine Will. After time for prayer here, we return to San Giovanni for one final night here. (B, D) Overnight San Giovanni Rotondo

Day 11 | April 6 | San Giovanni Rotondo / Naples

This morning, we depart San Giovanni and cross Italy to the region of Naples. Here we visit the ruined city of Pompeii that was dug out from the ashes rained on it by Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Pray at the shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, built by Blessed Bartolo Longo who was once a fallen-away Catholic. After his reversion to the faith, he developed a great devotion to Our Lady and took the religious name of Brother Rosario upon becoming a Third Order Dominican. We’ll check into our hotel before having a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D) Overnight Naples

Day 12 | April 7 | Naples / USA

Transfer to the airport this morning where we will check in for our return flights home, taking with us all the graces and blessings of this pilgrimage. (B)

Image

What's Included

  • Daily Mass at holy sites
  • Roundtrip economy class airfare from Spokane on Delta Airlines/Air France
  • 10 nights’ accommodation, including taxes and service charges
  • Porterage of one piece of luggage at airports and hotels
  • Knowledgeable, friendly, Catholic/Christian guides; whisper headsets; deluxe motor coach transportation to holy sites; all entrance fees listed on itinerary
  • Farewell dinner at a local restaurant on day 11
  • Breakfast and dinner per itinerary (excluding drinks)

*Pricing Information

The total pricing is based off the following components:
Base price:
$5,370
Air taxes/fuel surcharges:
$614.31
Gratuities:
$180 (Gratuities are not factored into the total pricing, but will be added to the final invoice.)
See brochure for information about single rooms and/or land-only pricing.

Please note: Air taxes/fuel surcharges and gratuities are subject to change and will be updated on the final invoice. The final invoice will be emailed to you approximately 3 months prior to departure.
Contact Tekton Ministries to reserve your spot on this life-changing pilgrimage

Testimonials

Read what other pilgrims have shared about their experiences with Tekton Ministries.
You can view more testimonials here.
Italy
"The planned itinerary and the professionalism of the Tekton staff made it obvious that the company was highly experienced with great attention to detail."
Lou D. Pilgrim from Papillion, NE
Italy
"The people I was with were so kind and devout, as were all of the people we saw praying, our guide, and our leader. The churches we saw and the countryside we drove through were an experience. If I had to choose one site that was special, I believe it would be the site of the First Eucharistic Miracle at Lanciano.   View More "
Tom H.Pilgrim from Adams, NE
Italy
"My favorite moment was offering Mass on the altar of Pope St. Gregory the Great in St. Peter's."
Fr. Sean D.Pilgrim from Pawhuska, OK