• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - The tour begins with a visit to one of Rome’s oldest churches dedicated to Theotokos (Mother of God), the Basilica of St Mary Major. Beneath its main altar lies wood from the manger where baby Jesus once rested. This church, adorned by every era of Italian art history, also houses the body of the devout Baroque master artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
• Basilica di Santa Prassede - Next, the tour proceeds to the Basilica of Santa Prassede, renowned for its stunning 9th-century mosaics and the stone pillar on which Jesus was scourged, brought from the Praetorium in Jerusalem to Rome in the 13th century.
• Santuario della Scala Santa - The journey continues to the Holy Steps, where Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate, transported to Rome in the 4th century by St Helena. Although there won’t be time to ascend the stairs on knees as per pilgrim tradition, visitors will have the opportunity to look into the Holy of Holies at the top to see the icon painted by the Gospel writer, St Luke.
• Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano - The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni Laterano), to admire Borromini’s architectural design and understand the symbolism and history of the magnificent mosaic. The expert guide will highlight the location above the high altar where the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul are kept.
• Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme - The tour concludes at one of the most sacred places in the world, the Basilica of the Holy Cross, built on earth brought from Calvary in the 4th century. Visitors will learn about the artifacts of Jesus’ passion and death brought to Rome and finally enter to see fragments of the Holy Sepulcher and the Cave of Bethlehem, a Nail of The Crucifixion, 2 Thorns of The Crown of Thorns, the small walnut board reading “Jesus the Nazarene king of the Jews,” and the wood of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

• Expert local guide
• Entry to each site included in the tour

• Some temporary exhibitions and special events may be excluded
• Food and Drink
• Gratuities

When the Roman Empire adopted the faith it once opposed, it ignited a passionate observance of the history and truth of Christianity, evident in literature, art, and relics of the early Christian church. Many of these were subsequently brought to Rome, the then capital of the world. On this tour, participants can expect a profound encounter with the Relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ—tangible items used during His suffering and crucifixion, mostly transported to Rome from Jerusalem by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. All pilgrims joining this unique Catholic pilgrimage tour will have the opportunity to reflect and pray as part of their spiritual journey.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.