Italy Jubilee Year 2025

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

Check-in and have dinner at the hotel (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 Siena, a beautifully preserved medieval city in Tuscany, Italy. It is famous for its distinctive Gothic architecture, a rich history intertwined with Florence, and the thrilling biannual Palio horse race. Strolling through the historic center—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—you’ll feel transported back to the Middle Ages.

At its heart lies the stunning Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, renowned for its shell shape and as the stage of the famous Palio horse race, a tradition that has united the city’s contrade (districts) for centuries.

The Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, adorned with intricate marble façades, soaring arches, and treasures by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Bernini.

Beyond its artistic wonders, Siena delights the senses with its rich gastronomic heritage. Local specialties such as pici pasta, wild boar ragù, and almond-based sweets like ricciarelli reflect the city’s rustic traditions, best enjoyed with a glass of Chianti Classico from the surrounding vineyards. (B/D)

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.

When in Florence, be sure to taste 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)

En-route to Assisi perched on the gentle slopes of Mount Subasio, Umbria.

As evening descends, Assisi reveals one of its most enchanting treasures: a sunset view ranked among the Top 10 most beautiful in the world. From the terraces overlooking the Umbrian valley, the sky ignites in shades of gold, rose, and violet, casting a magical glow over olive groves, vineyards, and ancient rooftops.
Beyond its natural beauty, Assisi is also a delight for the palate. The Umbrian countryside provides a rich culinary heritage, with specialties such as black truffle pasta, porchetta slow-roasted pork, and rustic breads paired with extra virgin olive oil. Local wines like Sagrantino di Montefalco and Grechetto complement the flavors, making every meal a celebration of the region’s bounty. (B/D)

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.

Attend Mass at Leone Chapel, located within the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, reserved exclusively for the AV Travel group.
Visit 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.
From the church’s terrace, visitors can also admire sweeping views of the Umbrian Valley, making the basilica not only a sacred pilgrimage site but also a place of profound peace and beauty.

Transfer to Rome. (B/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. Your guide will take you inside the world-famous Colosseum and explore its bloody history. The places that are also included in our trip are: The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museum where the stunning masterpieces of Michelangelo are preserved.

In the evening, enjoy a dinner together and a musical show in the heart of Rome. (B/D)

Join AV Travel in passing through the four Holy Doors in the city of Rome during the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Spes non confundit” — Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). The Holy Doors are usually only opened during Jubilee Years, which occur every 25 years or on special occasions declared by the Pope.
In Rome, each Holy Door is located at one of the four major basilicas:

1. St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano)
• Built over the tomb of Saint Peter—the first pope—this basilica is the spiritual center of the universal Catholic Church. Construction began under Emperor Constantine and was later rebuilt during the Renaissance with Michelangelo’s dome and Bernini’s square.
• Significance of the Holy Door: Opened by the Pope himself, this is the principal Holy Door during the Jubilee Year. Passing through it symbolizes entering the heart of the Church and receiving the mercy of Christ.

2. Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano)
• The oldest church and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, it is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. Dedicated in 324 AD, it is known as the “Mother of all churches.”
• Significance of the Holy Door: Symbolizes the foundational unity of Christianity and the apostolic mission of the Church.

3. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
• Built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle in the 4th century, the basilica was destroyed by fire in 1823 and later reconstructed. With its grand colonnade and stunning mosaics, it honors Saint Paul’s missionary spirit.
• Significance of the Holy Door: Passing through this door invites the faithful to continue the mission of spreading the Gospel.

4. Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore)
• The oldest church in the West dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in the 5th century to celebrate the dogma of Mary as the Mother of God. It houses relics of the Nativity crib and many early Christian mosaics.
• Significance of the Holy Door: Honors Mary’s role as a guide to Christ and a source of hope for all who seek comfort. (B)

Fly back to the United States. (B)