800 years of Saint Francis of Assisi

Check-in at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Depart for Rome, Italy.

Check-in and have dinner at the hotel (D).

“All Roads Lead to Rome.” Indeed, Italy’s capital is one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring cities, and a must-go place of your life. Gaze upon the Colosseum from the outside – one of the greatest architectural wonders of ancient Rome. Construction began in 72 AD, and with a capacity of over 50,000 spectators, this monumental arena once hosted fierce gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, and even mock sea battles. More than just an architectural masterpiece, the Colosseum stands as a symbol of Roman power, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of conquest.
Next, visit the Spanish Steps, a graceful flight of 135 white marble steps connecting Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti Church above the Pincio Hill. Built in the 18th century, this elegant staircase was designed as a flowing “ribbon” through the heart of the city — a favorite gathering place for artists, poets, and travelers. Its name derives from the Spanish Embassy, once located at the square below. Here, visitors can pause to enjoy a cup of espresso, admire Italy’s luxury boutiques, and watch the lively scene unfold as if stepping into a classic Italian film.
Not far from the Spanish Steps lies the Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous fountain in Rome. Completed in 1762 and designed by Nicola Salvi, this Baroque masterpiece features the majestic figure of Oceanus riding a chariot drawn by sea horses, symbolizing the power and abundance of water — the lifeblood of Rome. According to legend, if you toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain, you are destined to return to Rome. One coin ensures your return, two coins bring love, and three coins promise marriage — making the Trevi Fountain known as the fountain of love and wishes.

Amid the vibrant heart of Rome lies a small yet spiritually powerful sovereign state — Vatican City. It is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to some of the world’s most magnificent artistic treasures. The Vatican Museums, founded in the 16th century from Pope Julius II’s personal collection, have grown into one of the largest and most significant museums in the world, housing over 70,000 works of art.
The most sacred and awe-inspiring part of the museum complex is the Sistine Chapel, built in the late 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV (after whom it was named). The chapel serves not only as a site for important Vatican ceremonies but also as the Conclave, where new Popes are elected. What makes the Sistine Chapel legendary are the frescoes painted by Michelangelo, especially his masterpieces The Creation of Adam on the ceiling and The Last Judgment behind the altar. Gazing up at the Sistine ceiling is an unforgettable experience, where one feels humbled by the grandeur of art and faith intertwined.
Stepping outside the museum, visitors arrive at the majestic St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. The square’s elliptical shape, surrounded by 284 Doric columns arranged in sweeping colonnades, symbolizes the embracing arms of the Church welcoming all humanity. At its center stands an Egyptian obelisk over 3,000 years old, while the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica rises ahead — the burial site of Saint Peter, the first Pope. Each year, millions of pilgrims and visitors gather here to attend Mass and receive the Pope’s blessing.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner together in the heart of Rome. (B/D)

En-route to Assisi perched on the gentle slopes of Mount Subasio, Umbria.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, where Saint Francis was born and died. The Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage, is a Papal minor basilica and one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. The Italian mystic St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) founded the religious order known as the Franciscans. He became renowned for his love, simplicity, and practice of poverty.

For the first time in 800 years after his death, the tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi will be unsealed for a public veneration event. From February 22 to March 22, his remains will rest at the foot of the papal altar in the Lower Church of the Basilica of Saint Francis. A time for prayer, reflection, and renewal — to bear witness that his spirit still lives, and his message continues to bear fruit.

Attend mass at Leone Chapel, located within the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, reserved exclusively for the AV Travel group. (B/D)

Visit and attend mass at the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi. Built in the 13th century, the basilica houses the sacred Crucifix of San Damiano and the tomb of Saint Clare (Chiara d’Assisi, 1194–1253). Born into a noble family, Clare renounced a life of wealth and privilege to dedicate herself entirely to God, following in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. With humility, austerity, and deep compassion, she founded the Order of Poor Clares, embracing a life of poverty, prayer, and service.
Throughout her life, Saint Clare was known as a woman of unwavering faith. One of the most remarkable stories recalls how, during a foreign attack on Assisi, she held the Blessed Sacrament aloft at the gates of the San Damiano convent and prayed, causing the soldiers to retreat in fear. This moment sealed her legacy as a symbol of spiritual strength and absolute trust in God.

Visit the tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis (1991–2006) — a young saint of the 21st century, known as the “Apostle of the Internet.” From a young age, he had a deep love for the Eucharist. Using his gift for technology, he created a website to document Eucharistic miracles around the world. Though he passed away at the age of 15 from leukemia, Carlo left behind a shining example of faith, charity, and love for God in everyday life. Carlo was canonized on September 7, 2025, becoming the first saint of the millennial generation — a symbol of youthful faith in the digital age.
The relics of Saint Carlo Acutis rest at the Santuario della Spogliazione in Assisi — the same place where Saint Francis once renounced his worldly possessions to live in poverty. His body lies in a glass tomb, dressed simply like a modern teenager. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here to pray, reflect, and seek blessings from this remarkable young witness of faith. (B/D)

Welcome to Pisa (Italy), where the Leaning Tower of Pisa is its iconic landmark. Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. The tower is situated in the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), together with the Pisa Cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry. The tower’s tilt began during construction in the 12th century, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground, which was too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed in the 14th century. It gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Transfer to Florence. Enjoy dinner with the signature Firenze steak called “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”. This iconic steak is characterized by its thick cut, typically sourced from Chianina cattle, one of the oldest and most prized breeds in Italy. The preparation of Bistecca alla Fiorentina is relatively simple yet precise: the steak is cooked over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with only salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, and traditionally served rare to medium-rare, preserving its rich, natural flavors and tenderness. (B/D) 32

Have a full day in Florence to embrace the richness in history and architecture of the city. Being the cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Florence was a center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages.” You will be amazed by the outstanding artworks of some of the greatest Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Boccaccio, Michelangelo…

Behold the marble statue of David, a Renaissance sculpture masterpiece created by Michelangelo. One of Florence’s most iconic sights is the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Unsurprisingly, the entire city center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Transfer to Milan. (B/D)

Milan, the capital of the Lombardy region, is the fashion centre of the world and the cultural, artistic, and spiritual heart of Italy.

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) stands as the city’s most magnificent landmark and the second-largest Gothic cathedral in Europe. Built over more than 600 years, the structure is adorned with thousands of intricate sculptures and soaring spires reaching toward the sky. From its rooftop, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Milan and the distant Alps — a truly unforgettable sight.
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) was once the residence of the Sforza family, rulers of Milan during the Renaissance. Today, it houses a complex of museums and art galleries, preserving masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Bramante.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — Italy’s oldest shopping arcade — is affectionately known as the “living room of Milan.” This stunning glass-domed gallery connects the Duomo Cathedral with the La Scala Opera House and is home to luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Strolling under its golden lights, visitors can truly feel the elegance and vibrant spirit that define Milan. (B/D)

Fly back to the United States. (B)