Italy Faith and Spirituality Tours: Explore Chef Walter's Culinary and Religious Journey

Experience the profound faith and spirituality of Italy through our unique Italian pilgrimage tours. Give thanks for God's grace as you explore sacred sites across four stunning Italian regions, discovering Holy Sites often overlooked by tourists, which are steeped in spirituality and immense history.

Begin your journey in Abruzzo, Marche, Puglia, and Lazio as you trace the paths of pilgrims to Italy's most important sacred religious centers. This spiritual journey includes visits to Saint Gabriel, the Holy Stairs, Loreto, Cascia, Pietralcina, and culminates at the Vatican, where you will have the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square. Learn about the captivating history of the Holy Stairs while deepening your connection to these sacred sites.

Each location you visit holds significant religious importance, unique spiritual histories, and traditions that enrich your experience. Come to Italy and explore the native regions of Chef Walter, where you can indulge in the authenticity of Italian spiritual and culinary philosophy, honoring the genuineness of the land, its products, lifestyle, and religion.

This tour offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in holy faith and exceptional cuisine while visiting ancient Sanctuaries, Hermitages, and Churches, representing the pinnacle of Christian traditions in diverse Italian regions. Throughout your pilgrimage, you will savor traditional foods tied to Catholicism and the rituals that intertwine food and religion.

Our restaurants in Italy are meticulously chosen by Chef Walter along with our Travel Specialist and Consultant, Sheila Filipponi, who resides in Abruzzo, assisting us on this path to discovery.

Don’t hesitate... Join us to uncover this folkloric land filled with rich religion and traditions while rediscovering the spirituality that resides in each of us!

Home Base: Giulianova, Abruzzo, Italy

Day 1 – Monday: Abruzzo Region

Guests will arrive at Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), departing towards the beautiful shores of Giulianova in Abruzzo, with an estimated travel time of 3 hours. Check into our hotel in the early afternoon, where welcome cocktails and nibbles await. Enjoy some free time to stroll near the beach (optional), followed by a welcoming dinner. Our faith-filled journey begins tomorrow as we visit Saint Gabriel in Teramo, Abruzzo.

Inclusivity: Welcome Cocktail / Welcome Dinner with wine. Overnight.

Day 2 – Tuesday: Abruzzo Region

Morning: Begin your day with a continental breakfast at the hotel lobby, then depart for San Gabriele and Isola del Gran Sasso, where you will visit the Sanctuary of Saint Gabriel, the Saint of Smile, and young people. Lunch will be at a local trattoria, reflecting the region's mountainous cuisine. A brief visit to nearby Castelli, renowned for its handmade ceramics, concludes the first half of the day.

Afternoon: Depart for Campli to visit the Holy Stairs, Farnese Palace, and the Duomo, with a stop in Campovalano (weather permitting) to see the ancient Necropolis, dating back to the Bronze Age. Rich artifacts are well-preserved in the Museum of Campli.

Under Roman rule, this land was known as Praetutium (later Abruzzi), and Teramo (Interamnia) thrived during the reign of Emperors Augustus and Adrian. Return to Giulianova in the late afternoon for a break, followed by a cooking class focusing on homemade gnocchi, complete with a tasting. Our exploration continues tomorrow in the charming town of Lanciano in central Abruzzo.

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Lunch with wine / Cooking Class on Gnocchi.

Day 3 – Wednesday: Abruzzo Region

Morning: After a continental breakfast, depart for Lanciano, the City of Art, Miracles, and Fairs. The historic center retains its medieval charm with monuments like the Main Cathedral, Diocleziano's bridge, Saint Augustine's Church, the Catholic Museum, and Saint Francis's Church, where you can witness the Eucharistic Miracle, regarded as one of the Catholic Church's greatest prodigies: the transformation of the Holy Host into Flesh and Wine into Blood. Enjoy lunch in Lanciano.

Afternoon: Head towards Ortona where you will visit the Miracle of the Crucifix and Saint Thomas Church before enjoying a personal evening in Giulianova.

Tomorrow, our journey leads us to Loreto.

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Lunch with wine / Overnight.

Day 4 – Thursday: Marche Region

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Loreto (Marche Region) to visit the Holy House, home to the renowned Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto. Legend has it that the House of Jesus from Nazareth was transported by the Crusaders to this hallowed ground. The city was fortified to protect against Turkish invasions, serving as a pilgrimage site for many Popes. Enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine at a trattoria near the basilica.

Afternoon: Depart for Osimo to visit the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Campocavallo before returning to Giulianova for a late afternoon break, followed by a dinner of unique Metro Style Pizza at L'Antico Portone in Tortoreto. Our pilgrimage continues tomorrow to Puglia for a visit with Padre Pio.

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Lunch with wine / Dinner featuring specialty pizza with wine / Lodging.

Day 5 – Friday: Puglia Region (Extended Day)

Morning: Continental breakfast, followed by departure to San Giovanni Rotondo in Puglia, the home of Saint Pio of Pietralcina and the Sanctuary of Saint Michael in Monte Sant'Angelo. Experience awe-inspiring views of the Gargano Peninsula, a significant shrine of early Christianity. Spend the day exploring the sanctuary, including the old church and crucifix where St. Pio received the stigmata in 1918, then visit the new church and Padre Pio's tomb, with lunch highlighting local specialties offered in between. Return to Giulianova for a late afternoon break with a free evening to explore. Our journey takes us to Umbria tomorrow to visit Santa Rita da Cascia.

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Lunch with wine / Lodging.

Day 6 - Saturday: Umbria Region

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Santa Rita from Cascia and Roccaporena, the birthplace of Santa Rita in Umbria. Known as The Precious Pearl, she led a life deeply devoted to faith, serving as a wife, mother, nun, and ultimately a servant of God. Enjoy a lunch of local Umbrian cuisine in a traditional restaurant before returning to Giulianova for a break. Enjoy an evening free to eat at local eateries. Tomorrow, we travel to Rome!

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Lunch with wine / Lodging.

Day 7 – Sunday: Lazio Region

Morning: Check out and enjoy a continental breakfast before departing for Rome, the Eternal City. Visit Vatican City and marvel at St. Peter's Basilica, built on the site where Saint Peter was martyred. Attend Sunday Mass, followed by a guided tour of the area's most iconic historical sites. Spend the afternoon shopping and relaxing before our farewell dinner in the Testaccio area at a renowned Roman trattoria, sampling the finest of Roman cuisine. Overnight accommodation in Rome.

Inclusivity: Breakfast / Dinner with wine / Lodging.

Day 8 – Monday

Morning: Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Leonardo da Vinci airport for flights back to your final destinations.