DAY 1 - DEPART - Today, we depart our home airport to connect with our overnight flight to Milan aboard a wide-bodied jet. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner, and breakfast while aloft.

DAY 2 - MILAN – This morning, upon arrival in Milan, we are greeted by our Unitours Tour Manager, who will be with us during our travels. We board our motor coach for a short drive to the Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in Italy and a gem of gothic architecture and magnificent stained glass windows. While there we visit the crypt church and the tomb of St. Charles Borromeo, the first Archbishop of Milan and patron saint of seminarians. If possible, we celebrate Mass while there. Following a break for lunch on our own, we continue to our hotel before we enjoy our “welcome” dinner and overnight in Milan.

DAY 3 - TURIN - Today, we journey west to Turin, home of the Shroud of Turin, the famous burial cloth of Jesus Christ! While there we visit the Museum of the Shroud*, Turin Cathedral, as well as the Churches of San Carlos & Santa Cristina. Following a break for lunch on our own, we have an opportunity for afternoon Mass before our drive back to Milan for dinner and overnight in Milan. *The shroud is only displayed for limited times during specific years, thus we can’t guarantee it will be on display during this Holy Year pilgrimage.

DAY 4 - MILAN - This morning, we visit the Santa Marie della Grazie, home of Leonardo di Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper”. We tour this magnificent church, as well as nearby Sforza Castle, a 15th century renaissance castle, which features numerous works of art and Michelangelo’s last work before his death. Following a break for lunch on our own, the remainder of the day is free to browse, shop or relax in metropolitan Milan. This evening dinner is on our own at one of Milan’s many great restaurants. Overnight in Milan.

DAY 5 - MILAN/BERGAMO/SIRMIONE Today, we travel to the town of Bergamo for a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a magnificent basilica dating back to the 9th century and rebuilt in 1137AD. While there, we break for lunch on our own before we continue our visit to the famous Accademia Carrara, Italy’s oldest academy of arts, which also houses a renowned fine art museum. We then proceed to the town of Sirmione, situated on picturesque Lake Garda. Dinner and overnight in Sirmione.

DAY 6 - SIRMIONE/VERONA - This morning, we visit the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman era villa where archeological discoveries are still uncovering much of northern Italy’s amazing history. Following our visit and a break for lunch on our own, we continue our journey to Verona, home to the famous novel “Romeo & Juliet.” We’ll view the balcony of Juliet, inspired from the novel, as well as the enormous Roman Arena of Verona, the 3rd largest in Italy! We finish the day with a visit to the Duomo di Verona and St. Elena Church. Dinner tonight is on our own and overnight in Verona. 

DAY 7 - PADUA/VENICE - Today, we make our way to the historical town of Padua, home to the enormous Basilica of St. Anthony. Though born in Portugal, St. Anthony spent the majority of his life in Italy and is entombed here. Following our tour of this grand church and a break for lunch on our own, we visit the beautiful Prato della Valle, the largest public square in all of Italy and most of Europe. Beautiful gardens and statuary surround this picturesque square. We then proceed to Venice. Dinner and overnight near Venice.

DAY 8 - VENICE – Venice, the Queen of the Cities! The glories that are Venice have attracted Byron, Goethe, Wagner, Shakespeare and now - you! This morning, following Mass in one of her many beautiful churches, time is spent this morning walking the sights of Venice: the splendid Piazza San Marco and the incredibly rich Byzantine Basilica of San Marco. We marvel at the intricate network of elegant squares lined with stately Renaissance villas and palaces. This afternoon, following a break for lunch on our own, we are free to explore this great city, its many shops, or to participate on a romantic gondola ride through the inner canals of Venice on our own, a bucket list item for the romantic in all of us. Dinner and overnight in Venice.

DAY 9 - VENICE & BOLOGNA - Today, we visit the nearby city of Bologna. Though famous for its meats and cheeses, as well as the luxury sports car icons of Ferrari and Lamborghini, it also houses the 10th largest Basilica in the world, The Basilica of San Petronio. Following our tour of the basilica, we enjoy the famed Piazza Maggiore, surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops and featuring a magnificent statue of Neptune by the artist Giambologna. We break for lunch on our own before we return to Venice for our “farewell” dinner. Overnight Venice.

DAY 10 – VENICE/USA - This morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight home to the US with memories of a lifetime!