Pilgrimage of Faith, Art & Italian Beauty

Some people go to Rome for the pasta. You're going for the saints, the sacred art, and the VIP tours so Catholic it basically comes with its own saint canonization. The journey kicks off in Rome with a guided walk through the historic city center and a festive welcome dinner-because pilgrimage is best begun well-fed. Highlights include Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, a rare behind-the-scenes visit to the Vatican Mosaic Workshop, and an unforgettable dive through the layered Christian and Roman history of San Clemente. A full-day escape to Castel Gandolfo offers Mass, gardens, a winery visit, and an exceptional lunch at Borgo Laudato Si' -the first restaurant ever opened at the Pope's summer residence, created by Chicago restaurateurs Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith. Throughout the trip, Catholic faith, sacred art, and prayer are thoughtfully woven into Rome's art, piazzas, and countryside, with free evenings for personal wandering (or gelato research). Guests may depart on October 12 or extend the pilgrimage for more holy sites, meaningful moments, and one final farewell dinner before heading home. Airfare for two in coach and four nights at a hotel are included-so yes, the hard parts of planning are handled, and no, you don't have to sleep in a monastery or walk to Rome.

Details:

Dates & Travel

Core Trip: October 8-12

Optional Extension: October 12-15 (paid by winner)

Airfare: 2 Coach tickets Included from Chicago (suggested departure October 7)

Airline: Suggested carrier American Airlines or United Airlines

(final booking flexible)

Hotel: 4 nights included

Suggested stay at Albergo del Senato, overlooking the Pantheon

(hotel name provided as a recommendation).

Meals: 4 Meals included (noted below)

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Historic Rome: Arrival in Rome followed by a guided "Living Memory of the Faith" walk through the historic city center, ending with a festive opening dinner (dinner included).

Day 2 - St. Peter's & Vatican Art: Morning pilgrimage to St. Peter's Basilica with Mass, followed by lunch (lunch included) and a rare visit to the Vatican Mosaic Workshop; evening at leisure.

Day 3 - San Clemente: Mass and VIP guided tour of the Basilica of San Clemente, exploring layers of Christian and Roman history, with group lunch (lunch included) and optional visit to St. Mary Major.

Day 4 - Castel Gandolfo: Full-day excursion to the papal summer residence, including Mass, the Laudato Si' Center, gardens, lunch

included, and winery visit; optional group dinner.

Included: A truly exceptional lunch at Borgo Laudato Si', the first restaurant ever opened at the Pope's summer residence, created by Chicago restaurateurs Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith - a remarkable blend of faith, sustainability, and hometown pride.

Departure Day: October 12 departure from Rome

Optional Extension (Oct 12-15): Includes Palazzo Montecitorio, St. Paul Outside the Walls, Tre Fontane, Subiaco (Monastery of St. Benedict), and Vatican Dicastery for Communication.

Optional Departure Day: (October 15): Farewell dinner with Father Peter ▪ If extended, optional extension hotel, meals paid for by winner.

Donors: Jim and Molly Perry