Catholic Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi

TRIP REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 15th, 2026

Trip Chaplain: Fr. Andrew Dickinson

Trip Leader: Josh Burks, Encounter Travel


Join us on a spiritual journey through the heart of the Catholic Church, exploring sacred sites, celebrating Mass, and walking in the footsteps of saints. Begin with your flight from Sioux Falls to Rome, where you will settle at Residenza Paolo VI, just steps from the Vatican. Highlights in Rome include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, participation in the Papal Audience with Pope Leo XIV, and visits to the city’s major basilicas, including St. John Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls, and St. Mary Major. Pilgrims will also explore the Holy Stairs, the Catacombs of San Callisto, and ancient sites such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, with time for personal prayer and reflection.

The pilgrimage continues to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, where we will celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, tour the Basilica, and visit the Piazza del Comune and the shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis. We will walk in the footsteps of St. Clare at her basilica and the San Damiano Cross, and enjoy prayerful reflection at the Eremo delle Carceri, the mountain retreat where St. Francis and his followers sought solitude and prayer.

This journey blends spiritual enrichment with cultural immersion, including guided tours, group meals, and opportunities to explore on your own. Celebrate your faith amid the history, art, and sacred spaces of Rome and Assisi, returning home renewed, inspired, and deeply connected to the Church.

Outbound Flights to Italy

American Airlines AA2872
Depart: Sioux Falls, SD (FSD)
October 12, 2026 — 1:33 PM
Arrive: Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

October 12, 2026 — 3:55 PM

American Airlines AA0240

Depart: Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)

October 12, 2026 — 6:40 PM
Arrive: Rome, Italy (FCO)
October 13, 2026 — 12:05 PM

Our pilgrimage begins with our arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, followed by a private coach transfer to Residenza Paolo VI, ideally situated near St. Peter’s Basilica. Upon arrival, pilgrims enjoy a light lunch at the hotel, offering time to relax and recover from travel. Guests then check in, unpack, and prepare for the spiritual experiences ahead.

In the afternoon, we set out for a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of the Catholic Church and a powerful symbol of faith built over the tomb of St. Peter. As we walk through this sacred space, pilgrims are invited to reflect on the legacy of the apostles, the beauty of sacred art and architecture, and the universality of the Church.

The day concludes with a welcome dinner, providing an opportunity for fellowship and shared reflection as our pilgrimage officially begins. We retire for the evening at Residenza Paolo VI, resting in the shadow of the Vatican as we prepare for the days ahead.

The day begins early with breakfast at the hotel before departing for a truly memorable experience: a General Audience with the Holy Father. Gathering with pilgrims from around the world, we take part in this unique moment of prayer, teaching, and blessing, offering a profound sense of unity with the universal Church.

Following the audience, we enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant, allowing time to reflect on the morning’s experience and share fellowship. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Pilgrims may return to St. Peter’s Basilica for personal prayer, visit the Vatican Museums independently, or simply wander the nearby streets and piazzas, taking in the beauty and history of Rome.

In the early evening, pilgrims may choose to participate in an optional group Mass in central Rome, providing a peaceful opportunity to gather again in prayer as the day draws to a close. We return to Residenza Paolo VI for overnight accommodations, resting in the heart of the Vatican area.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a morning spiritual talk, offering reflection and preparation for the sacred sites we are about to visit. We then travel by bus to St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and the mother church of the Catholic world. A guided tour introduces its rich history and profound significance, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass in this historic basilica.

After Mass, we gather for a group lunch before continuing to Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, home to revered relics of the Passion of Christ. Nearby, pilgrims may choose to visit the Holy Stairs, traditionally believed to be the steps Jesus ascended during His trial before Pontius Pilate, offering a powerful opportunity for personal devotion.

In the afternoon, we make our way to the Colosseum, viewing it from the outside and reflecting on the witness of the early Christian martyrs. The remainder of the day is free to explore Ancient Rome, including the Roman Forum (tickets may be purchased in advance), visit nearby churches, or simply wander through the historic heart of the city at your own pace.

Dinner is on your own this evening, allowing flexibility to enjoy Rome as you wish. Pilgrims return independently to Residenza Paolo VI for overnight accommodations.

The day begins with a morning talk, offering spiritual reflection and insight into the life and mission of St. Paul as we prepare to visit one of Rome’s most important basilicas. We then travel by coach to St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles. A guided tour highlights the basilica’s striking mosaics, history, and profound connection to the early Church, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass in this sacred place.

After departing the basilica, we enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Catacombs of San Callisto, one of the most significant early Christian burial sites in Rome. Here, we descend into the ancient underground passages and visit the Crypt of St. Cecilia, reflecting on the faith, sacrifice, and hope of the early Christian community.

In the late afternoon, we return by bus to the hotel. The evening is free for dinner on your own, offering the opportunity to explore central Rome, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the city’s timeless atmosphere. Overnight accommodations are at Residenza Paolo VI, concluding a day rooted in the foundations of the Church.

Following breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a morning talk to prepare our hearts and minds for the Marian focus of the day. We then travel by coach to St. Mary Major, one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas and the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. A guided tour introduces its magnificent mosaics, relics, and rich history, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass in this revered Marian shrine.

After Mass, we walk to Santa Prassede, a hidden gem known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and deep atmosphere of prayer. We then return by bus to the hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon free for lunch on your own and time to rest or explore.

Later in the afternoon, pilgrims may choose to join an optional walking tour through Piazza Navona and central Rome, visiting churches closely connected to beloved saints, including Chiesa Nuova, home of St. Philip Neri, and Il Gesù, associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier. These visits offer insight into the vibrant spiritual life of Rome and the saints who shaped the Church.

The day concludes with a group dinner, sharing fellowship and reflection on the experiences of the pilgrimage. Overnight accommodations are at Residenza Paolo VI.

After an early breakfast, we travel by coach through the Umbrian countryside to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Upon arrival, luggage is delivered to the hotel, allowing time to freshen up before walking together to the Basilica of St. Francis.

At midday, we celebrate Sunday Mass in the Lower Basilica, praying at the tomb of St. Francis. Lunch follows at a local restaurant near the basilica. The afternoon is free for rest, personal prayer, and exploring the peaceful streets of Assisi.

Dinner and overnight accommodations are at the Asisium Boutique Hotel, concluding a serene and spiritually rich day.

The day begins with breakfast followed by morning prayer and a spiritual talk. We then gather for a private Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis, offering a deeply prayerful experience at the saint’s tomb. After Mass, a guided tour of the basilica allows us to explore its sacred art, history, and Franciscan heritage.

Following a group lunch, there is time to rest at the hotel before walking to Piazza del Comune and continuing on to the shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, with time set aside for personal prayer and reflection. The day concludes with a dinner at the hotel, shared in fellowship in the peaceful setting of Assisi.

After breakfast and a morning talk, we walk to the Basilica of St. Clare and the nearby San Damiano Cross, taking time for prayer and reflection. Mass is celebrated at the basilica, deepening our connection to the Franciscan saints.

Lunch is on your own before we gather for a shuttle to Eremo delle Carceri, the serene mountain monastery where St. Francis and his followers prayed. Time is provided for a guided tour and personal reflection in this peaceful setting.

We return to Assisi in the late afternoon for free time, followed by a final special dinner at the hotel, celebrating fellowship and the spiritual journey of our pilgrimage.

Early in the morning, luggage is handled by the porterage service before transferring by taxi and coach to Rome Fiumicino Airport for our flights home. We depart Rome mid-morning and arrive in Chicago O’Hare, continuing onward to Sioux Falls, carrying with us the memories, blessings, and spiritual graces of our pilgrimage.

Return to the United States

American Airlines AA0111
Depart: Rome, Italy (FCO)
October 21, 2026 — 11:05 AM
Arrive: Chicago, IL (ORD)
October 21, 2026 — 2:45 PM

American Airlines AA4937
Operated by SkyWest Airlines as American Eagle

Depart: Chicago, IL (ORD)
October 21, 2026 — 8:20 PM
Arrive: Sioux Falls, SD (FSD)
October 21, 2026 — 10:17 PM