Catholic Pilgrimage: Italy
with Fr. James Williams
Pilgrim Year of Hope December 29, 2025 - January 7, 2026
Heading 3
price includes:
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Round-trip airfare from Denver International Airport (DEN)
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All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
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8 nights in centrally located accommodations in Rome, Assisi & San Giovanni Rotondo
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Private motorcoach transportation throughout Italy
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Tour leader(s) & spiritual leader
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English-speaking guide
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Half board: breakfast and dinner daily
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One drink per dinner (glass of wine, beer, or soft drink)
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Transportation by air-conditioned motorcoach
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Sightseeing and admission fees per itinerary
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Daily Holy Mass & spiritual activities
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Visits to Eucharistic Miracle
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Visits to Saint Shrines: St. Francis, St. Clare, Carlo Acutis, Padre Pio, St. Michael the Archangel
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Headphones for guided tours
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Tips to your guide, driver and hotel staff
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81 Tours backpack & portfolio of travel documents
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and much more!
not included:
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Personal expenses (pocket money)
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Meals not specifically noted: beverages
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Single supplement (limited availability)
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Tips to your guide, driver and hotel staff
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Travel Insurance; we recommend www.insuremytrip.com
Package price
$5,400.00
(Based on double occupancy)
$890
(extra for single supplement)
To Register:
Please download PDF file, complete the Application form and your check of DEPOSIT $ 1,000.00 or the full amount
payable to 81 Tours LLC send to:
256 Old Dutch Mill Road, Malaga, NJ 08328, or contact us for further information.
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FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 10 WEEKS BEFORE THE DEPARTURE DATE
You will receive travel documents approximately two weeks before departure
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 Interior of the sienaCathedralInterior of Siena Cathedral – stunning fresco-adorned ceilings and impressive Gothic architecture. |  Orvieto CathedralOrvieto Cathedral – a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, featuring an impressive façade adorned with mosaics and sculptures. |  Interior of the Siena CathedralDome of Siena Cathedral – magnificent golden decorations and stunning geometric patterns that take your breath away. |
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 Siena CathedralSiena Cathedral – one of the finest masterpieces of Italian Gothic architecture, featuring an impressive façade and richly decorated interior. |  Interior of the Orvieto Cathedralnterior of Orvieto Cathedral – richly decorated walls adorned with frescoes and a sacred reliquary of great spiritual significance. |  Milan_cathedralMilan Cathedral – one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals, a symbol of Milan and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. |
 St_peters_basilicaSt. Peter's Basilica – the largest and most significant church in the Christian world, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture in the heart of the Vatican. |  Christmas_vaticanChristmas in the Vatican – a magical atmosphere in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, featuring a beautifully lit Christmas tree and Nativity scene. |  Florence_cathedralCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – the symbol of Florence, renowned for Brunelleschi's impressive dome and its stunning marble façade. |
 Basilica of St. Francis of AssisiBasilica of St. Francis of Assisi – a spiritual and architectural masterpiece dedicated to one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church. |  ColosseoColosseum – an iconic ancient Roman arena, symbolizing the power and grandeur of Imperial Rome. |
Planned
itinerary
DAY 1: Monday, December 29 – Departure from the U.S.
Make your way to Denver International Airport (DEN), where you will board your overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Enjoy complimentary meals and beverages served on board as you begin your spiritual journey to the Eternal City.
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DAY 2: Tuesday, December 30 – Arrival in Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, transfer to the hotel.
Attend Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and return again to St. Mary Major for additional time in prayer. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group and overnight stay in Rome.
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DAY 3: Wednesday, December 31 – Rome
Today you will make a special pilgrimage
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St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican)
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St. John Lateran (Cathedral of Rome)
Celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Attend the Papal Audience (if available). In the evening, enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve celebration and special dinner. Overnight in Rome.
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DAY 4: Thursday, January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
We begin the New Year in prayer and gratitude.
In the morning, we travel to Assisi, a peaceful town deeply connected to St. Francis. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Angels (Portiuncula) – the small chapel restored by St. Francis. Then visit the Basilica of St. Clare, where the San Damiano Cross is kept – the cross before which Christ called Francis to rebuild His Church. The day ends with a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis and time for prayer at his tomb. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
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Day 5: Friday, January 2 – Assisi Pilgrimage
We begin the day with a visit to the Shrine of the Renunciation: Carlo Acutis remains are now enshrined in a glass tomb at the Sanctuary of the Renunciation (Santuario della Spogliazione), which is part of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Assisi. We then celebrate Holy Mass at the Basilica of St. Clare. The afternoon is free for personal prayer, reflection, or quiet time in the peaceful streets of Assisi. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
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Day 6: Saturday, January 3 – Free Day in Assisi
We begin the day with Holy Mass at a local church. The rest of the day is free to explore Assisi at our own pace – to walk, pray, visit favorite sites, or simply rest in the peaceful atmosphere of this holy town. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
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Day 7: Sunday, January 4 – Assisi to Lanciano and San Giovanni Rotondo
We depart Assisi in the morning and travel approximately 190 miles (305 km) to Lanciano, home of the oldest recorded Eucharistic Miracle, where the Host turned into real flesh and the wine into blood. We celebrate Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle. After lunch, we continue the journey to San Giovanni Rotondo, located approximately 168 miles (270 km) further south. Upon arrival, we visit the Shrine of St. Padre Pio, a powerful place of healing and devotion. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
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Day 8: Monday, January 5 – San Giovanni Rotondo & Monte Sant’Angelo
This morning we travel to Monte Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Western Europe. Celebrate Holy Mass at the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, located inside the sacred cave where St. Michael is said to have appeared. We return to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, closely connected to the life and ministry of St. Padre Pio. The afternoon is free for personal prayer and quiet reflection. Dinner and overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo.
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Day 9: Tuesday, January 6 – San Giovanni Rotondo – Return to Rome
We depart San Giovanni Rotondo and begin our journey back to Rome (233 miles / 375 km). Upon arrival, we check in at our hotel and prepare for the final evening together. Celebrate Holy Mass at a local church in Rome. Enjoy a special farewell dinner and overnight in the Eternal City.
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Day 10: Wednesday, January 7 – Depart for Denver
This morning we transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for our return flight home. We return with hearts full of grace, memories, and blessings from this sacred pilgrimage. Arrival at Denver International Airport (DEN).
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Rev. James Williams the Campus Director at The University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS). Born in Pueblo, he is the youngest of ten children. The family moved to Colorado Springs when he was nine-years-old. He grew up attending public schools. His first Catholic school experience was Conception Seminary near St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduating he went on to priestly formation at North American College and studied at the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. He has Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and theology and a Master’s Degree in Spirituality. He was ordained a deacon at St. Peter’s in Rome on Oct. 3, 1996 and ordained a priest on August 2, 1997 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Colorado Springs.
​​Why Join This Pilgrimage?
Deepen Your Faith at Sacred Sites
Visit renowned sites of Eucharistic miracles, historic basilicas, and holy shrines of saints, enriching your spiritual life and strengthening your faith.
Spiritual Guidance & Fellowship
Join fellow pilgrims in moments of prayer, reflection, and worship. Experience the joy of faith in a supportive community, sharing this sacred journey with like-minded believers.