Shrines of Italy - 2024

11 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
From the hallowed Basilica of St. Francis to the glorious Sistine Chapel, discover why Italy is a bastion of Catholicism.
19%
$3,037
From$2,469
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Attend the weekly Papal audience in the Vatican City.
    • Spend time at the renowned Abbey of Montecassino, founded by St. Benedict.
    • Visit the Holy Stairs, believed to be the steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate.
    • Venture underground to the catacombs of Rome, where early Christians hid and buried their dead.
    • Discover the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto.
    • Join a local expert for a fascinating tour of Assisi.

What's this trip about?

    From the hallowed Basilica of St. Francis to the glorious Sistine Chapel, discover why Italy is a bastion of Catholicism.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityRome
End CityRome

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Italy

Attractions

  • Assisi
  • Rome
  • Vatican City

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Travel on an inspirational journey to some of the most fascinating religious sites and relics in the world.

Day 2 Rome, Italy

Arrive in Rome. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner at a popular local restaurant featuring regional delicacies and Italian wine.

Day 3 Rome - Assisi

Travel north to Assisi, where St. Francis spent most of his life. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, built on the founding site of the Franciscan Order. Pause at the Chapel of the Porziuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint prayed. Join a local...

Day 4 Assisi - Optional Florence Excursion

Enjoy a day at leisure to independently explore historic Assisi. Or, join a full-day optional excursion to Florence,* the “Cradle of the Renaissance.” A local expert provides a walking tour featuring views of the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo. Here stands the mas...

Day 5 Assisi - Loreto - San Giovanni Rotondo

Travel across the Apennine Mountains to the Marian shrine of Loreto. Discover the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto where more than 50 popes have made a pilgrimage. Celebrate Mass before continuing your journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, home of St. Padre Pio.

Day 6 San Giovanni Rotondo - Monte Sant’Angelo - San Giovanni Rotondo

Visit Monte Sant’Angelo and take in stunning views of the Gargano Peninsula. Explore the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, where popes and saints have knelt and prayed for protection. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo and celebrate Mass in the sanctuary of St. Pio of ...

Day 7 San Giovanni Rotondo - Tomb of Matthew the Apostle - Campania

Journey through the picturesque landscapes of Apulia on your way to Campania. Visit the Cathedral of Salerno, which guards the relics of St. Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. You will have the option of celebrating Mass here in Salerno. This afternoon, opt to relax at your hotel or visit the historic ruins of Pompeii during an optional tour of this vast archeological site.

Day 8 Campania - Abbey of Montecassino - The Catacombs - Rome

Travel to Montecassino and discover the renowned abbey founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century A.D., housing the relics of the saint and his sister, St. Scholastica. Montecassino also became famous during World War II, when the abbey was bombed and destroyed. You’l...

Day 9 Rome - Papal Audience - Christian Rome City Tour

Attend the weekly Papal audience** in the Vatican City to receive the blessing given by the Holy Father. Visit the Marian Basilica of St. Mary Major and Rome’s Cathedral: St. John in Lateran - the former residence of the popes. Conclude your day with a visit to the Scala Sancta, the Holy Stairs which tradition believes are the steps that Christ climbed when he appeared before Pontius Pilate.

Day 10 Rome - Vatican Museum - St. Peter’s Basilica

Celebrate Mass before exploring the Vatican Museums,*** including the Sistine Chapel and the famous Last Judgment mural. End your visit in St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. Feel the grace around you as you meander along towering marble columns and stan...

Day 11 Rome - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close in Rome.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,469
Price per day$224
Last Updated: 11/5/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Share
Single Standard
Triple Share
Availability
25 Mar 2025
04 Apr 2025
$2,499
$2,999
$2,469
01 Apr 2025
11 Apr 2025
$2,599
$3,199
$2,569
29 Apr 2025
09 May 2025
$2,599
$3,199
$2,569
06 May 2025
16 May 2025
$2,599
$3,199
$2,569
20 May 2025
30 May 2025
$2,599
$3,199
$2,569

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
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Other Collette Reviews

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Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

Accommodation

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
15
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Optional Activities

Day Trip to Florence - $99

Florence The beautiful city of Florence is a gem in the crown of the renowned region of Tuscany, and its capital city should not be missed. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing as a local expert highlights such treasures as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo. Here, stand before the massive Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its imposing dome and the gilded “Gates of Paradise,” the bronze doors adorning the neighboring Baptistery. Before your return to Assisi, take some time at leisure to savor the local flavors of this region and shop in the wonderful boutiques and acclaimed handicraft shops that Florence offers. Duration approximately 12 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Time for lunch will be allotted, but lunch is not included. The driving distance from Assisi to Florence is 2.5 hours. You must be prepared to walk approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to complete the sightseeing. The optional tour to Florence requires a long drive of approximately 2.5 hours each way. Due to tight limitations to motor coach circulation in the city, you must be prepared to walk approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to complete the sightseeing. The walking tour takes place over cobblestoned streets with narrow sidewalks which are often crowded.

Visit the Historic Ruins of Pompeii - $80

Pompeii Experience the eerie pull of history as you walk through Pompeii, the excavated ruins of a Roman city at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. Discover what was buried under more than 60 feet of ash and pumice, sealing history away until it was discovered in the mid-1700s. The walking tour begins at Porta Marina, the city gate leading to the Sea. Ascend to the Forum, which was once the core of daily life in the city, as well as Pompeii’s main places of citizen worship. Along the way see the theatres, bath complex, and plaster casts while a local expert guides you through Pompeian life and history. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Please note that walking in Pompeii can be difficult for some. The streets are uneven, with steps up or down everywhere. Opportunities for sitting and rest could be far between. There is little to no shade available during the walking tour. Travelers need to be able to walk and stand for at least 90 minutes consecutively.
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-15415

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