ITALY
“The Creator made Italy by designs from Michelangelo.”
– Mark Twain
Italy is the beauty of the flower-draped hillsides, the history of the Roman Republic, the art of Michelangelo, the legal heritage of Cicero, the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, the religion of the world’s one billion Catholics — it is the birthplace of almost every aspect of Western Civilization — of the culture that most of us in the West share.
Italy’s past is a very long and storied one, but Inside the Vatican pilgrims explore its history not just for its own sake (which, admittedly, is a fascinating study unto itself); but also in order to understand the Church and the Faith which both shaped, and were shaped by, an Italian culture that was heir to that of the Roman Empire of past millennia.
During our Italy pilgrimages, we will journey to many beautiful towns outside of Rome, however while in Rome, Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages has access to our own private accommodations just outside the city; a beautiful villa turned-monastery.
Upcoming Italy Pilgrimages
Italy: Journey Toward The Face of Christ 2028
Italy
May 27 – June 7, 2028
As we pilgrimage through the spiritual byways of Italy, walking on time-worn cobblestones in ancient cities and traveling across highways that wind through breathtaking countryside, we will encounter truly unique places and people—living expressions of our 2,000-year-old faith. From the ancient rooms where St. Peter lived for seven years to the bishop’s residence in Assisi, from the sacred grotto of St. Michael the Archangel to the Benedictine monastery of Norcia, each stop brings us closer to the “living stones” of our Church.
Italy : Easter April 2028
Italy
April 10 – 20, 2028
We have consciously designed this pilgrimage to prepare our hearts for the Easter Triduum as we travel through the land of saints – Assisi and Norcia – before arriving in Rome to celebrate Easter with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Journey Toward the Face of Christ
ITALY
May 29 – June 9, 2027
As we pilgrimage through the spiritual byways of Italy, walking on time-worn cobblestones in ancient cities and traveling across highways that wind through breathtaking countryside, we will encounter truly unique places and people. Ultimately, our journey draws us toward the Face of Christ—both spiritually and physically—in the miraculous Face of Manoppello
A Culture Born of History
Italy was actually home to many well-known and influential civilizations, including the Etruscans, Samnites and the Romans, while also hosting colonies from important foreign civilizations like the Phoenicians and Greeks, whose influence and culture had a large impact through the peninsula (In fact, the Greek ruins in southern Italy are perhaps the most spectacular and best preserved anywhere).
The many segments of Italian history throughout the centuries were woven together seamlessly to form the culture in which the universal church was born and matured; understanding these historical roots brings clarity to our understanding of the Catholic Church of the 21st century.
Our Previous Pilgrimages
Italy Journey Toward The Face of Christ June 2025
Italy
May 24 – June 3, 2025
As we pilgrimage along the spiritual byways of Italy, sometimes over time-worn cobblestones in the city, and sometimes over highways through the beautiful countryside, we will encounter truly unique places and people that are today’s living expressions of our 2,000-year-old faith.
Signature Easter in Italy Pilgrimage
Italy
April 14 – April 24, 2025
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages are different from all other tours and pilgrimages. We craft a daily itinerary which creates a fabric woven of spiritual, historical and personal elements – the personalities of great saints, the personalities of those we encounter and the personalities of our pilgrims with everything they bring from their lives and their faith journeys. Our pilgrimages, therefore, are unique, unrepeatable experiences.
Classic Christmas in Italy Pilgrimage
Italy
December 21 – 28, 2024
Inside the Vatican Pilgrimages are different from all other tours and pilgrimages. We craft a daily itinerary which creates a fabric woven of spiritual, historical and personal elements — the personalities of great saints, the personalities of those we encounter and the personalities of our pilgrims with everything they bring from their lives and their faith journeys.