Catholic Sites of Italian & French Riviera

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Overview

Catholic Sites of Italian & French Riviera
Nice, France
Oct 19 - 29, 2026
Encounter Travel image
Encounter Travel
$5,775
Deposit: $875

About this trip

Turin, Italy - Monaco - Nice, France - Cotignac, France - Marseille, France

Saints: St. Mary Magdalene, St. John Bosco, St. Pier Gorgio Frassati

Devotions: Shroud of Turin, Holy Family Apparition, Eucharist Miracle, Monasteries and much more

TRIP REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 15th, 2026

Trip Chaplain: Fr. Eric Clark

Trip Highlights

  • Pray at the Shroud of Turin

  • Visit and pray with St. Pier Giorgio Frassati & St. John Bosco

  • Scenic travel along the Italian and French Riviera

  • Mass at the Cathedral of Monaco

  • Two-night stay at Lérins Abbey island monastery

  • Pilgrimage to Cotignac, site of the apparitions of the Holy Family

  • Prayerful hike and Mass at Sainte-Baume, grotto of St. Mary Magdalene

  • Visit the spectacular hill-top basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille

This spiritually rich pilgrimage journeys through some of Europe’s most sacred and beautiful Catholic sites, blending prayer, history, and breathtaking landscapes. The pilgrimage begins in Turin, with prayer and Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, home of the Shroud of Turin and the uncorrupt body of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. After visiting the city’s royal and historic landmarks we will also have a chance to pray at the tomb of St. John Bosco. From Turin we will travel along the Mediterranean coast to Monaco for Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and onward to Nice, where pilgrims enjoy a retreat morning at the Monastère de Cimiez, a place connected to St. Francis of Assisi.

In southern France, the pilgrimage deepens with time in medieval villages such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence, guided tours of Nice, and a profound overnight stay at Lérins Abbey on Île Saint-Honorat, including Sunday Mass with the monastic community. Pilgrims then continue to Cotignac, site of the only approved apparition of the Holy Family, followed by prayer and Mass at Sainte-Baume, where St. Mary Magdalene lived in prayer. The journey concludes in Marseille with visits to Abbaye Saint-Victor and the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, culminating in a closing Mass of thanksgiving.

Throughout the pilgrimage, daily Mass, prayer, reflections, and sacred silence are woven together with cultural experiences, stunning coastal scenery, and authentic local cuisine—offering a deeply prayerful and unforgettable Catholic pilgrimage.

What's included

Airfare

Airfare on United & Lufthansa out of Omaha

Hotel Accommodations

Ground Transportation

Most Meals

Daily Breakfast + Lunch or Dinner

All Tours

Entrance Fees, Guides

Full-Time Guide

Encounter Travel group guide to provide specialized travel care, pilgrimage leadership support

What's not included

Travel Insurance

Tips

Personal Incidentals

Travel Day

Travel Day image

Departure from Omaha

Monday, October 19

  • United Airlines Flight 1195
    Omaha (OMA) → Denver (DEN)
    Departs 1:45 PM | Arrives 2:24 PM

  • Lufthansa Flight 481
    Denver (DEN) → Munich (MUC)
    Departs 4:05 PM | Arrives 9:40 AM (next day)

Tuesday, October 20

  • Air Dolomiti Flight 8256
    Munich (MUC) → Turin (TRN)
    Departs 3:25 PM | Arrives 4:40 PM

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrival in Turin, Italy

After arriving in Turin from Munich in the afternoon, pilgrims are welcomed to Italy and transferred to the hotel to settle in and refresh after the journey. A gentle introductory walk through the historic city center offers a first glimpse of Turin’s rich Catholic and cultural heritage. The day concludes with the celebration of Holy Mass, grounding the pilgrimage in prayer, followed by a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel, providing time for fellowship and rest as the pilgrimage officially begins.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Shroud of Turin - St. Pier Giorgio Frassati - St. John Bosco

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before setting out for one of the most significant moments of the pilgrimage: a visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin. Here, pilgrims gather for prayer and Holy Mass at the site of the revered Shroud of Turin, inviting deep reflection on Christ’s Passion. During our time at the Cathedral, we will pray with Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati in the presence of his uncorrupt relics.

The morning continues with guided visits to Turin’s principal landmarks, including the Palazzo Reale and the elegant covered galleries, highlighting the city’s rich Catholic, cultural, and royal heritage. After a picnic lunch, we visit the Basilica of Maria Ausiliatrice, a pray at tomb of St. John Bosco, asking his intercession and drawing inspiration from his dedication to young people and the Church.

Later in the afternoon, pilgrims may ascend to Monte dei Cappuccini for panoramic views of the city and quiet time for reflection. The day concludes with free time to explore or rest before reuniting for dinner in Turin, bringing to a close a full and spiritually enriching day. Overnight in Turin.

Day 3

Day 3 image

Travel the French Riviera and visit Monaco

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group departs Turin and travels along the stunning Mediterranean coastline. A relaxing coffee break in Imperia provides time to enjoy the seaside scenery before continuing to the Principality of Monaco. Upon arrival, pilgrims visit the area surrounding the Prince’s Palace and enjoy lunch in Monaco.

The afternoon features a tour of Monaco, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, the resting place of the Grimaldi family. The day concludes with travel to Nice, where pilgrims check in to the hotel and gather for a welcome dinner, marking the beginning of the French portion of the pilgrimage.

Day 4

Day 4  image

Spiritual heritage: Monastère de Cimiez & Saint-Paul-de-Vence

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Monastère de Cimiez, a peaceful Franciscan site in Nice visited by St. Francis of Assisi. The morning is set aside as a retreat, including orientation, a Holy Hour, and the celebration of Holy Mass, offering quiet time for prayer and reflection.

In the afternoon, pilgrims travel to the hilltop village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence for lunch and time to explore its historic stone streets and medieval charm at a relaxed pace. After returning to Nice, the evening is free for rest or personal dining, allowing pilgrims to reflect on the graces of the day. Overnight in Nice.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Nice tour - Cannes lunch and onto French Island Monastery

After breakfast at the hotel, pilgrims enjoy a guided tour of Nice, including the colorful streets of Vieux Nice, the lively Cours Saleya market area, and panoramic views from Castle Hill. The morning concludes with the celebration of Holy Mass, grounding the day in prayer.

Following Mass, the group travels to Cannes for lunch near the harbor before boarding the ferry to Île Saint-Honorat. Upon arrival, pilgrims receive an orientation to Lérins Abbey, beginning a unique and prayerful stay at the island monastery. The day concludes with dinner on the island, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Mediterranean.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Sabboth on Island of Saint-Honorat

This Sunday is observed as a Sabbath retreat on the peaceful Île Saint-Honorat, inviting pilgrims into rest, prayer, and sacred stillness at Lérins Abbey. The day begins with breakfast at the monastery, followed by the celebration of Sunday Mass with the monastic community—an especially profound experience in this centuries-old place of prayer.

After Mass, pilgrims enjoy a leisurely Mediterranean lunch at La Tonnelle, set amid the natural beauty of the island. The afternoon is left free for quiet reflection, personal prayer, spiritual reading, or contemplative walks along the island paths. The day concludes with dinner at the monastery, allowing pilgrims to fully embrace the rhythm of monastic life and the grace of Sabbath rest.

Day 7

Day 7  image

Cotignac and Apparition site of the Holy Family

The day begins with early Mass at the monastery, followed by breakfast before departing Île Saint-Honorat by ferry. Upon arrival in Cannes, the pilgrimage continues by bus to Cotignac, a site of the approved apparitions of the Holy Family.

After orientation and lunch in Cotignac, pilgrims take a prayerful 4 km walk (2.5 mi) to the apparition sites, reflecting and praying along the path. The group returns by bus to the hotel in the evening, concluding the day with dinner, carrying the spiritual graces of the afternoon’s pilgrimage.

Day 8

Day 8 image

Sainte-Baume and Grotto of St. Mary Magdalene

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning talk and reflections on the bus journey to Sainte-Baume, located in the Var, in the municipality of Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume. The sanctuary of Sainte-Baume, also known as Mary Magdalene’s cave, is a sacred site of Catholic worship where Mary Magdalene is believed to have taken refuge after evangelizing Provence.

Pilgrims then embark on a one-hour hike to the grotto, navigating paths and stairs while preparing their hearts for prayer. At the grotto, the group celebrates Mass and prayer, experiencing the profound spiritual presence of this holy site. A picnic lunch follows, after which pilgrims walk back to the bus and return to the hotel. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant, offering time to reflect on the blessings of this deeply meaningful pilgrimage.

Day 9

Day 9  image

Marseilles & Notre-Dame de la Garde

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel and a time for morning reflections before departing for Marseille. Pilgrims visit Abbaye Saint-Victor, a historic abbey with dedicated prayer time, allowing for quiet reflection in one of the city’s most sacred sites.

Following a lunch at Le Chalet du Pharo, the group makes the steep climb to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, one of Marseille’s most iconic landmarks. Here, pilgrims enjoy a tour of the basilica and participate in the closing Mass, offering prayers of thanksgiving for the pilgrimage journey. The day concludes with a return to the hotel and a final dinner, celebrating the spiritual and cultural richness of the journey.

Day 10

Day 10 image

Departure from Marseille

Thursday, October 29

  • Lufthansa Flight 2267
    Marseille (MRS) → Munich (MUC)
    Departs 8:00 AM | Arrives 9:35 AM
    Operated by Lufthansa CityLine

  • Lufthansa Flight 480
    Munich (MUC) → Denver (DEN)
    Departs 11:50 AM | Arrives 3:35 PM

  • United Airlines Flight 1436
    Denver (DEN) → Omaha (OMA)
    Departs 5:55 PM | Arrives 8:25 PM

About your organizer

Encounter Travel is a family-owned and operated organization that draws on 25 years of experience in creating custom travel experiences. The formative elements of every trip draw on over 17 years of missionary experience serving a variety of apostolates of the New Evangelization.

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