DAY 1: DEPART USA
We depart USA en route to Rome, with complimentary meals and beverages served aloft.
DAY 2: ARRIVE ROME
We arrive in Rome and are met by our Catholic Travel Centre representative, who will accompany us throughout our journey. We enjoy a panoramic tour of the city on our way from the airport to the hotel. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. (D)
DAY 3: ROME: PAPAL AUDIENCE & BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR, PLUS JOHN LATERAN
This morning we transfer to the Papal Audience Hall for the general audience with the Holy Father (subject to Vatican schedule).
In the afternoon we make a special visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Nearby, we can pay a visit to the Church of St. Alphonsus, where we can view the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Next we visit the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran where we celebrate Mass. It is here that St. Francis persuaded Pope Innocent III to give permission to begin the Franciscan Order. The night before, the Pope had seen a man in a dream and the man was supporting the tottering building of St. John Lateran. The next day, when Francis appeared before Pope Innocent, His Holiness recognized the face from the dream and consented to Francis’ request. Dinner will be served at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 4: ROME: ST. PETERS & ANCIENT ROME
This morning we begin with Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter, followed by a visit with our local guide. Here we will see Michelangelo’s famous statue of the Blessed Mother holding her crucified Son. We know it as The Pieta. After our visit we will have time for browsing in the excellent religious article shops in the area.
This afternoon we enjoy some time at leisure for shopping, or strolling through the streets of Rome to experience its unique flavor. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant with music and wine included. (B, D)
DAY 5: ROME: LEISURE / DEPART FOR MEDJUGORJE
This morning we pack our bags and board our bus and then enjoy a tour of some of the sites of Ancient Rome, including the Forum and Coliseum. Its real name was the Flavian Amphitheatre, after the emperors who built it in the first century after Christ. Coliseum refers to the ‘colossal’ statue of Nero that at one time stood at the entrance. We will drive by the Forum and enter into the Coliseum. We stop at the Church of St. Peter in Chains, featuring Michelangelo’s famous statue of Moses.
This afternoon we transfer to the Rome airport for our flight to Split, Croatia. Upon arrival our Catholic Travel Centre representative and motor coach will be waiting for us. We enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Adriatic Coast on our way to Medjugorje. We arrive at the guesthouse of our host family, where we have dinner. (B, D)
DAY 6 – DAY 8: MEDJUGORJE
Each morning, after breakfast we’ll attend the Holy Mass in English at 10 a.m. In the evening we’ll take part in the evening Rosary with pilgrims from all over the world. During our stay here we’ll visit MT. PODBRDO (Hill of the Apparitions) & MT. KRIZEVAC (Cross Mountain).
Our guide will introduce us to the visionaries to talk and pray with. A special highlight will be an excursion to the Franciscan Monastery at SIROKI BRIJEG to meet and listen to Fr. JOZO ZOVKO (based on his availability) and receive his blessing. Dinner is served daily. (B, D)
DAY 9: MEDJUGORJE / FLIGHT TO ROME
Today we depart Medjugorje for the Split airport to take our flight to Rome. Upon our afternoon arrival in Rome we transfer to our hotel near the airport for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
DAY 10: RETURN USA
We transfer to the Rome airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)
NOTE: While no changes are anticipated, there might be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes in airline schedules or for other reasons. All Masses are subject to final church schedules.
