Rome • Assisi • Medjugorje

We depart from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to catch our flight and begin our pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Rome, Assisi and San Giovanni Rotondo with Bishop Noel Rucastle of Oudtshoorn.

We arrive in Rome, and visit the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls with the authenticated tomb of St Paul the Apostle, and the images of every pope in history, represented in medallion mosaics. We then explore the Rome of the Renaissance, including the Trevi Fountain, Navona Square as well as the Pantheon. Overnight: Rome

Today we see the pope at the general audience in St Peter's Square. It is an unforgettable experience to see the Pope close-up (subject to the pope being in Rome at the time). We visit St Peter's Basilica, which was built on the site where St Peter was martyred.

At St Mary Major Basilica we see the statue of Mary Salus Populi Romani, and the relic of the Holy Crib. St John Lateran Basilica is the official cathedral of Rome and of the pope. It includes many great artworks as well as a remnant said to be of the table of the Last Supper.

We have the opportunity to see and ascend the Holy Stairs, said to be the staircase Jesus climbed for his trial by Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. We also have opportunity to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Overnight: Rome

After breakfast, we leave Rome and drive through Italy's beautiful countryside to Assisi, the town of St Francis and his companion St Clare. The 13th-century Basilica of St Francis contains the sacred tomb of Francis and Giotto's beautiful frescoes of his life. St Clare Basilica, also from the 13th century, houses the relics of St Clare, original robes that belonged to her, as well as the miraculous crucifix that spoke to Francis.

At San Damiano Convent St Francis first received his miraculous calling in 1205 and St Clare died there in 1253, it is an important stop on the pilgrimage to the Franciscan holy city. It was here that St Clare repelled the invaders by holding up the monstrance.

We then visit the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli (St Mary of the Angels), just outside Assisi. This is the place where St Francis' great mission really began and where he died. Inside the grand Baroque basilica is the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the meadows which St Francis was called to renovate. Overnight: Assisi

Today we drive along the Adriatic to visit San Giovanni Rotondo, the sanctuary of St Pio of Pietrelcina, the famous Padre Pio. We pray at the saint’s incorrupt body in its richly decorated tomb, view the crucifix where he received the Stigmata, visit the saint’s parish church with the famous confessional as well as the new shrine Church of St Pio with its huge stained glass window, and see how Padre Pio lived.

We have Mass in the sanctuary. Overnight: San Giovanni Rotondo

Today is our travelling day. In the morning we drive to the city of Bari from where we take a ferry to Dubrovnik, Croatia. On the ferry we have reserved seats for rest, and opportunity to enjoy our cruise across the Adriatic sea.

We are met by our driver who takes us to Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Overnight: Medjugorje

Today we have a guided tour of Medjugorje. At this Marian shrine we fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus as we follow the Stations of the Cross in the beautiful gardens. We also see the huge statue of Jesus at the moment of the resurrection, from which drops of liquid inexplicably flow.

In the evening we may participate individually in the public prayers of the Rosary, Blessings of Objects, and Prayer for health of soul and body (as we can the next two evenings). There will be time for prayer, silent adoration and confession. We also walk up Mount Krisevac (optional). Overnight: Medjugorje

In the morning we climb the Hill of the Apparitions where bronze plaques depict the Mysteries of the Rosary help us meditate on the life of Our Lord. On top is the site of the first apparitions of the Virgin, a place of contemplation.

We then take the short drive to the picturesque city of Mostar, with its famous bridge and streets that merge Christian and Muslim cultures. Just outside the Old City, we visit the church of St Peter and Paul, which has a close relationship with Our Lady of Medjugorje.

After breakfast, we drive to Dubrovnik, on Croatia's Adriatic coast. Subject to our flight schedule, we will have a guided tour city of this city of history and beauty before we begin our journey home.

We arrive in Johannesburg in the morning, spiritually raised by our holy journey which brought us in contact with Our Lord, Our Lady and many great saints in Medjugorje, Rome and Assisi.