A 13-day faith based tour of Italy starting in Rome and ending in Oberammergau with the Passion Play.

2022 Grand Catholic Italy & Oberammergau

May 23 to June 4, 2022


Reserve your seat. Renew your Faith.

The world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play is a much-anticipated reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ – from His entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection – performed only once a decade in this quaint Bavarian village.

Home to numerous places of devotion and worship, Italy is the perfect destination for travelers looking to rejoice in their faith. On this Italy tour, overnight in Rome, the heart of Christianity; Assisi, where St. Francis was born, worked, and died; Florence, one of the world’s most beautiful cities; and Padua.

Along the way, visit—and even attend Mass at—many of Italy’s treasured basilicas. You will also travel to Germany, overnight in Oberammergau and Munich, and attend the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, performed every 10 years. Enjoy first-class seating for this remarkable play. In Rome, visit the four major Papal basilicas: St. Peter's Basilica, the world’s largest Christian church; St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome's second-largest basilica and the burial place of St. Paul the Apostle; St. John Lateran Basilica, the Western World’s oldest basilica and the Papal residence until the 14th century; and St. Mary Major Basilica, the most important Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Also in Rome, attend the Papal audience (subject to availability), receive the Papal Blessing, and visit the Holy Stairs, brought from Jerusalem around 326 AD by Constantine the Great’s mother. In Assisi, in addition to St. Mary of the Angels Basilica and the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare, visit the Monastery of St. Damian, a Franciscan shrine built on the spot where St. Francis heard Christ’s voice, and Carceri Hermitage, a peaceful oasis where St. Francis came to pray. In Florence, attend Mass at Santa Maria Novella Basilica, a gothic masterpiece, and visit Santa Croce Basilica, with the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and others. In Padua, founded more than 3,000 years ago, visit the Basilica of St. Anthony, dating to the 13th century. From Padua, an excursion to Venice includes a visit to St. Mark’s Basilica. These are just some of the many highlights on this inspirational Italy—with Oberammergau—tour.

This vacation  includes tickets for the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play. 

Tour Highlights & Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive In Rome, Italy: Welcome to Rome! At 5 pm, meet your Tour Director, then enjoy this evening's welcome dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the start of your spiritual journey through Italy.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Included meals: Dinner


DAY 2

Rome. Excursion to Castel Gandolfo. Look forward to a unique experience with a guided visit to the impressive PAPAL PALACE in Castel Gandolfo. The former summer residence of the popes is now a museum that is open to the public. Also visit the magnificent BARBERINI GARDENS, where ruins of the residence of Roman Emperor Domitian are still visible. Return to Rome and discover Vatican City with a guided visit of the VATICAN MUSEUMS, a unique collection of religious and secular art that spans for centuries, with some of the finest examples of Renaissance paintings, including the SISTINE CHAPEL, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and The Last Judgment, as well as for being the place where the conclave takes place for the election of the new popes. Then, visit ST. PETER’S BASILICA, not only an incredibly rich architectural and decorative wonder, but also the place where all Catholic popes are buried, and attend Mass. Finally, see ST. PETER’S SQUARE, where the Pope prays the Angelus every Sunday in front of thousands of believers. 

Details and inclusions: 

  • Visit the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo
  • Visit the Barberini Gardens
  • Enjoy a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
  • Attend Mass at ST. Peter's Basilica
  • See St. Peter's Square
  • Included meals: Breakfast


DAY 3

Rome: This morning, attend the PAPAL AUDIENCE (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, visit ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, one of Rome's four major Papal basilicas built by Constantine on the grave of St. Paul, and explore the mysterious ancient CATACOMBS that run under the city. During the persecutions, the catacombs were used as places of refuge for the celebration of the Eucharist. Next, visit ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA and the HOLY STAIRS, brought from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Officially, pilgrims may only ascend these 28 white marble steps on their knees. Then, visit the hallowed halls of ST. MARY MAJOR BASILICA. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value, and represent the Church's role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. For nearly 16 centuries, St. Mary Major has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence and has been a magnet for pilgrims from all over the world who come to the Eternal City to experience the beauty, grandeur, and holiness of the basilica. 

Details and inclusions: 

  • Attendance at the Papal Audience (subject to availability)
  • Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls
  • Visit the Catacombs
  • Visit St. John Lateran Basilica and the Holy Stairs
  • Visit St. Mary Major Basilica
  • Included meals: Breakfast


 


DAY 4

Rome-Cascia-Assisi: Depart Rome today and head north into Umbria for a stop in Cascia to explore the life of St. Rita, known as the "Saint of the Impossible," as she went through many problems through the different stages of her life but always managed to get through thanks to her faith and prayer. Visit the BASILICA, see the tomb with the saint's incorrupt body, and attend Mass. Also, visit the lower basilica, home of the Eucharistic Miracle, which is commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Continue to hilltop Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare. Here, visit ST. MARY OF THE ANGELS BASILICA, where St. Francis consecrated St. Clare as the "Bride of Christ," and the PORZIUNCOLA, where he founded the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1209.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Stop in Cascia
  • Visit the Basilica of St. Rita and attend Mass
  • Visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica
  • Visit the Porziuncola
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 5

Assisi: Attend Mass Mass this morning, followed by a guided walking tour of Assisi. Visit the BASILICAS OF ST. FRANCIS and ST. CLARE, and see the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. St. Francis abandoned a life of luxury for a life devoted to Christianity after hearing the voice of God who commanded him to rebuild the Christian church and live in poverty. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment. St. Claire was one of St. Francis' first followers and founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. A short trip by minibus takes you to the CARCERI HERMITAGE, a peaceful oasis in the woods of Mount Subasio where St. Francis came to pray. Finally, visit the MONASTERY OF ST. DAMIAN, a Franciscan shrine built on the spot where St. Francis heard the voice of Christ, and where he wrote the Canticle of the Creatures. The convent founded by St. Clare is still intact, and is where she died in 1253. This afternoon, you may wish to join an optional excursion to magnificent medieval Spello.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Attend Mass in Assisi
  • Visit the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare
  • Visit Carceri Hermitage
  • Visit the Monastery of St. Damian
  • Included meals: Breakfast
 


DAY 6

Assisi-Siena-Florence: Leave Assisi and enter Tuscany. In Siena, meet your Local Guide and learn all about St. Catherine-a saint, a mystic, a doctor of the Church, and the patroness of Italy and Europe-as you visit the BASILICA OF ST. DOMINIC, the SANCTUARY, and the HOUSE. Then, enjoy a walk through the ancient narrow lanes and visit beautiful PIAZZA DEL CAMPO. Afternoon arrival in Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance."

Details and inclusions: 

  • Guided tour of Basilica of St. Dominic including the Sanctuary and the House
  • Visit Piazza del Campo, Siena
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 7

Florence: Follow your Local Guide and visit the ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS with Michelangelo's David. Later, walk to beautiful Cathedral Square, admire Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise." Attend Mass Mass at the magnificent DUOMO, with its incredible Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Also see sculpture-studded SIGNORIA SQUARE and famous SANTA CROCE SQUARE with its Franciscan basilica. 

Details and inclusions: 

  • Visit the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence
  • Attend mass at the Duomo in Florence
  • Visit Signoria Square
  • Visit Santa Croce Square
  • Included meals: Breakfast


DAY 8

Florence-Padua: Travel through the Apennine Mountains to arrive in the flat Po area. In Padua, aguided visit of the BASILICA OF ST. ANTHONY shows you the tomb and reliquaries of this miracle-working saint and patron of lost and stolen articles. St. Anthony Is one of the Catholic Church's most popular saints. He was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher. He was born in Lisbon in 1195 and died just outside Padua in 1231, having led a short but very intense religious life.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Visit the Basilica of St. Anthony
  • Included meals: Breakfast


DAY 9

Padua. Excursion To Venice: A short drive brings you to Venice. Enter the city in style by PRIVATE BOAT and see the sights with your Local Guide. Visit lavish DOGES' PALACE, the BRIDGE OF SIGHS, and ST. MARK'S SQUARE and its BASILICA. Time at leisure or take an optional gondola ride. Return to Padua.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Visit Venice by private boat 
  • Guided tour with local guide
  • Visit Doges' Palace
  • Visit Bridge of Sighs
  • Visit St. Mark's Square
  • Visit the Basilica
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 10

Padua-Innsbruck, Austria-Oberammergau, Germany: A scenic drive through the impressive Dolomites brings you to the capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck. Follow your Tour Director for a pleasant walk to the GOLDEN ROOF, and you may wish to shop for crystal, for which the city is famous. Cross the German border and arrive in picturesque Oberammergau.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Walk to the "Golden Roof" 
  • Included meals: Breakfast, dinner




DAY 11

Oberammergau: The afternoon and evening are dedicated to the world-famous PASSION PLAY, held every 10 years and performed by the people of Oberammergau. 

Details and inclusions: 

  • Tickets to the Passion Play
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


DAY 12

Oberammergau-Munich: Arrive in Munich, where Germany's "Secret Capital" comes alive during an orientation featuring the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Olympic Tower, and MARIENPLATZ, in the historic heart of the city. Afternoon at leisure; and tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Details and inclusions: 

  • Visit to Marienplatz
  • Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner 


Submit Details to Join Us