Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele
Description
Set off from Rome for a spiritual journey into the heart of Puglia. You will be picked up from your hotel or apartment and travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, accompanied by a dedicated tour assistant. The first stop will be the Grotto of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo, one of the oldest shrines in Christianity, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A mystical place linked to the apparitions of the Archangel Michael, it has been a pilgrimage destination for over a thousand years. You will then continue to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit the Shrine of Padre Pio, one of the most important in the Catholic world. You will see the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Padre Pio lived and worked, with relics and his incorruptible body. You will also visit the new Church of San Pio, designed by Renzo Piano, which houses the crypt with his remains. You will have time to pray, reflect and have lunch before returning to Rome, bringing with you a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Sanctuary of San Giovanni Rotondo is an important place of worship located in the city of the same name in the province of Foggia, Puglia, mainly known for being the place of veneration of San Pio da Pietrelcina, the Capuchin friar who lived and died there in 1968. The sanctuary consists of a number of religious buildings, including the lower church, where the tomb of St. Pius is located, and the upper church, a modern structure designed by architect Renzo Piano, inaugurated in 2004. The shrine is a destination for pilgrimages from all over the world, attracted by the spirituality of St. Pius and the graces that many attribute to his intercession. Next to the church, there is also the Capuchin convent, where St. Pius lived and carried out his life of prayer and service.
The Grotto of San Michele Arcangelo, located in Monte Sant’Angelo, is one of the oldest and most venerated places of worship in Christianity. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cave is linked to a series of apparitions of the Archangel Michael, dating back to the fifth century, which made it one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Europe, especially during the Middle Ages. Inside, the cave retains a solemn and spiritual atmosphere, enriched by architectural elements that have stratified over the centuries: altars, statues, inscriptions and testimonies of deep faith. The shrine has been visited by popes, saints and millions of faithful over the centuries, and is still a symbol of devotion and mysticism today. The visit to the Grotto of San Michele offers not only an intense religious experience, but also a journey into history and art, immersed in a suggestive natural setting with a spectacular view of the Gargano.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Wait in the lobby or outside your apartment/B&B 10 minutes before the agreed time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(39)
We had an absolutely incredible day tour to San Giovanni Rotondo and the Sanctuary of St. Michael, and it was all thanks to our fantastic team, Antonella and Nicola. Our driver, Nicola, arrived at our location in Rome right on time for a prompt 6:30 AM pickup. The long journey across Italy was incredibly smooth and comfortable; we felt completely safe and at ease in his hands the entire day. Our guide, Antonella, was very helpful and friendly. Her knowledge is rich and engaging for both sacred sites. She navigated the locations perfectly, ensuring we didn't miss a thing while keeping the pace comfortable.Punctual, professional, and genuinely warm, Antonella and Nicola made this long day trip completely stress-free and deeply memorable. We strongly recommend them to everyone who wants to engage them.
We don’t have enough words to express the gratitude we feel for this experience. Antonella and Roberto were extremely supportive and kind throughout the entire journey. We are seniors and with our limited mobility capacity, a trip like this would have been impossible if it wasn’t for your expertise. The service, the trip, the guide and the visit to the Padre Pio Sanctuary and San Michele Grotto, all of it was excellent. This tour was a dream come true. Thank you very much! From Mabel and Benito.
Ali and Robert are invaluable assets to Mama Mia Italia Tours. They are knowledgeable, excellent professional communicators, and friendly. They were kind, attentive and very helpful to the senior in our group of five. Their smiles never left throughout the 14 hour tour. Our family of three traveled to six cities and two countries for three weeks. Ali and Robert were the best tour guides we encountered who helped us make meaningful family memories. Thank you Ali and Robert!
Antonella (the guide) and Roberto were very kind, respectful, and responsible during the trip. The schedules were met, and the stops along the way were ideal for stretching our legs and resting. The places are wonderful, with enough time to pray and buy some souvenirs.
Amazing experience, highly recommend this trip. Ali did a fantastic job explaining the sites. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely worth it.
We enjoyed our trip to San Giovannni Rotondo - country side was beautiful. Roberto was an excellent driver. Ali did a good job facilitating.
Absolutely amazing , Ali and massimo were the best , five star , they Had superb knowledge , on time , very kind , respectful, I will return again with this group for my next trip , my family felt like they have been cared for by a a family of mamma Mia Love you guys
Ali and massimo were absolutely amazing , professional and very knowledgeable, I recommend everyone to book with mamma Mia , they were kind , very respectful and everything was right on time
This was an amazing trip. Max was professional and very friendly. He got us there safely. Simone was attentive and very knowledgeable. My mother was not feeling well during our trip and he continuously checked on her. He was sweet and kind. I highly recommend.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are delighted to hear that Max and Simone made your trip safe, enjoyable, and attentive to everyone’s needs, especially your mother. Our goal is always to provide professionalism, care, and friendliness, and reading your kind words is a great satisfaction for us. We hope to offer you another unforgettable experience soon!
I really enjoyed this trip and loved visiting several different places in one tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and shared interesting insights that made the experience even better. Everything was well organized, and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience and for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, appreciated the organization, and found the guide knowledgeable and engaging. Our goal is always to provide enriching and well-organized experiences, and we truly hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future.
