Archbishop Checchio's Pallium Pilgrimage to Italy

Itinerary

ASSISI PRE-TOUR:

Day 1: Monday, June 22 - Depart USA

Depart the USA on overnight flights to Rome, Italy. 

Day 2: Tuesday, June 23 - Welcome to Assisi

Upon arrival in Rome, meet Archbishop Aymond and your local Italian tour manager who will be with you throughout the pilgrimage. Board your luxury motor coach and transfer to Assisi for hotel check-in. Celebrate Mass and gather for a group welcome dinner before your overnight in Assisi.

Day 3: Wednesday, June 24 - Saints of Assisi

Begin the day with Mass, then visit the Chiesa Nuova, the place of St. Francis’s birth, and the Cathedral of San Rufino, where he was baptized. Pray before the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. This afternoon, visit San Damiano, where St. Francis heard the call of Christ to rebuild His Church, and Eremo delle Carceri, where he retreated for prayer and solitude. Overnight in Assisi.

Day 4: Thursday, June 25 - Assisi | La Verna

Celebrate Mass followed by a guided tour of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare. After lunch, take a half-day excursion to La Verna, where St. Francis received the stigmata. Return to Assisi for overnight.

Day 5: Friday, June 26 - The Portiuncula | Welcome to Rome

Depart for Rome, stopping at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. The Basilica houses the Portiuncula, the little chapel so central to St. Francis’s life, where he eventually died in 1226. Upon arrival in Rome, meet Archbishop Checchio and begin the pallium pilgrimage.

ROME MAIN TOUR:

Day 1: Thursday, June 25 - Depart USA

Depart the USA on overnight flights to Rome, Italy.

Day 2: Friday, June 26 - Welcome to Rome | St. Paul Outside the Walls

Arrive in Rome, meet your local Italian tour manager, and gather for a festive welcome lunch. Then, take an overview tour of the city. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Gather for an opening Mass with Archbishop Checchio at St. Paul Outside the Walls followed by a private reception in the cloister walk. Overnight in Rome.

Day 3: Saturday, June 27 - Castel Gandolfo

After a leisurely morning, take a day trip to Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s idyllic summer residence. Celebrate Mass and enjoy a group lunch. Explore the Apostolic Palace, the Borgo Laudato Si’ project and the Papal Gardens, open to the public for the first time after many centuries. Overnight in Rome.

Day 4: Sunday, June 28 - Liz Lev | Pontifical North American College

Begin the day with a presentation from renowned Catholic art historian Liz Lev in the auditorium of the Pontifical North American College. Celebrate Mass in the College’s chapel, followed by a tour and reception. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight in Rome.

Day 5: Monday, June 29 - Pallium Mass | Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Attend the Pallium Mass this morning at St. Peter’s Basilica. Following Mass, join Archbishop Checchio at the Pontifical North American College for a celebratory reception. This evening, experience a private, after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Overnight in Rome.

Day 6: Tuesday, June 30 - San Clemente | St. Mary Major

This morning, visit the Basilica of San Clemente, then explore the excavations below, which uncover one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Rome and centuries of subsequent Church history. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. This evening, experience an after-hours tour of St. Mary Major, celebrate Mass, then enjoy a private reception on the Basilica’s upper terrace. Overnight in Rome.

Day 7: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Ancient Rome | St. John Lateran | Farewell

This morning, we offer an optional guided walking tour of ancient Rome, including the Colosseum (exterior view) and the Roman Forum. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the Eternal City. In the evening, take a tour of St. John Lateran, Celebrate Mass, then gather for a special farewell dinner. Overnight in Rome.

Day 8: Thursday, July 2 - Return Home

Depart for the airport and your return flights home.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change.