Five Great Catholic Pilgrimages in Italy for 2027

Italy is one of the world's richest destinations for Catholic pilgrimage. From the tombs of the Apostles in Rome to the quiet hills of Assisi and the shrines of beloved modern saints, the country offers an extraordinary concentration of sacred places.

For Catholics traveling from the United States, an organized pilgrimage can make it easier to combine prayer, daily Mass, spiritual direction, and visits to several important destinations.

Here are five of the most meaningful pilgrimage destinations in Italy, along with specific 2027 pilgrimage options.

Rome has welcomed Christian pilgrims for nearly two thousand years. It is home to the tombs traditionally associated with Sts. Peter and Paul and to many of the Church's most important basilicas.

Pilgrims typically visit St. Peter's Basilica, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major. Other highlights often include the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs, and the Holy Stairs.

Multiple 2027 departures

10 days

Catholic Journeys offers its Great Shrines of Italy pilgrimage with several 2027 departure dates, including February 8–17, April 12–21, and June 7–16, 2027. The pilgrimage visits many of Italy's major Catholic sites and is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the country's spiritual heritage.

View the 2027 Great Shrines of Italy pilgrimage

Best for: First-time pilgrims who want to experience Rome and several of Italy's most important shrines in one journey.

Assisi is one of Italy's most beloved pilgrimage destinations and the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare.

Pilgrims visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where St. Francis is buried, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, home to the tiny Portiuncula chapel. Assisi is also an important destination for those wishing to pray at the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis.

April 10–22, 2027 13 days

Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs offers an Assisi and Rome pilgrimage that focuses on the Franciscan spiritual tradition while also providing significant time in Rome. Additional 2027 departures are listed throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

View the 2027 Assisi and Rome pilgrimage

Best for: Catholics especially drawn to the spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare.

San Giovanni Rotondo is best known as the place where St. Padre Pio lived and carried out much of his priestly ministry.

Pilgrims can visit the places where he celebrated Mass and heard confessions and pray at his shrine. Many Italy pilgrimages combine San Giovanni Rotondo with nearby Monte Sant'Angelo, home to the ancient Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel.

September 26–October 4, 2027

9 days / 8 nights

The Sainthood: Italy with the Saints pilgrimage travels through Rome, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo, and Monte Sant'Angelo. The journey focuses on the lives of St. Carlo Acutis, St. Padre Pio, and St. Michael the Archangel and includes prayer and Mass at major sacred sites.

View the September–October 2027 Italy with the Saints pilgrimage

Best for: Pilgrims who want a journey centered on beloved saints and their enduring examples of holiness.

Central Italy contains two especially important destinations for Catholics interested in Marian devotion and the Eucharist.

Loreto is home to the Basilica of the Holy House, one of Italy's most revered Marian shrines. Lanciano is known for its ancient Eucharistic miracle tradition and draws pilgrims seeking to deepen their faith in Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist.

June 21–30, 2027

10 days

ProRome Tours offers a pilgrimage through Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, and Assisi. The itinerary includes four nights in Rome, time at the Shrine of Padre Pio, a visit to the Eucharistic miracle site in Lanciano, and prayer at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi. Daily Mass is a central part of the journey.

View the June 2027 Pilgrimage to Italy

Best for: Catholics interested in combining the saints of Italy with Eucharistic devotion and the major basilicas of Rome.

For pilgrims with more time, a comprehensive journey through Italy can combine several regions and traditions in one experience.

These longer pilgrimages may include Rome, Assisi, Loreto, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant'Angelo, and other sacred destinations. They provide an opportunity to encounter the Apostles, the great saints, Marian shrines, and Eucharistic traditions of Italy in a single journey.

October 22–November 5, 2027

15 days

Pilgrim Center of Hope offers an extensive Italy 2027 pilgrimage with three nights in Assisi, three nights in San Giovanni Rotondo, three nights on the Bay of Salerno, and four nights in Rome.

Highlights include the tombs of St. Francis, St. Clare, St. Carlo Acutis, and St. Padre Pio, as well as Monte Sant'Angelo, the Amalfi Coast, Castel Gandolfo, and Rome's major Catholic sites. The pilgrimage includes daily Mass, prayer, and spiritual reflections.

View the October–November 2027 Italy pilgrimage

Best for: Pilgrims who want an extended and comprehensive journey through several of Italy's most important Catholic regions.

The right pilgrimage depends on what most draws you spiritually.

Choose Rome for the Apostles, the Vatican, the papal basilicas, and the history of the universal Church.

Choose Assisi for the simplicity and spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare.

Choose San Giovanni Rotondo for a deeper encounter with the life and legacy of St. Padre Pio.

Choose Loreto and Lanciano for Marian devotion and reflection on the Eucharist.

Choose a longer Italy pilgrimage if you want to experience several of these destinations in a single journey.

Italy offers so many sacred places that it can be tempting to choose the itinerary with the longest list of destinations. Yet a pilgrimage is most meaningful when it leaves time for prayer, Mass, confession, and quiet reflection.

Before booking, travelers should confirm current dates, departure cities, prices, airfare arrangements, accommodations, accessibility, and what is included in the pilgrimage package. Itineraries can change, and some 2027 departures may fill well in advance.

Whatever route a pilgrim chooses, Italy offers a remarkable opportunity to encounter the Catholic faith through the places where the Apostles, saints, martyrs, and generations of believers have prayed before us.