Board a train from rome termini to foggia, where you will meet your private car and driver, who will take you to your hotel in san giovanni rotondo, home of the shrine of padre pio (opportunity to stop at monte sant’angelo with a supplement). settle in to your hotel to rest up for the day ahead.

After breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring this fascinating city on your own. from july 28, 1916 until his death on september 23, 1968, padre pio, famous for his stigmata, called san giovanni rotondo his home. the miracle of his stigmata was recognized by the pope after the approval of the three commissions canonically required. the medical consultations of the congregation for the causes of saints examined the case, and with a unanimous vote judged it “scientifically inexplicable.” on june 16, 2002 john paul ii declared padre pio a saint of the catholic church. millions of people exulted with joy and participated in the ceremony at saint peter’s square. his body was exhumed in march of 2009 and displayed at santa maria delle grazie shrine, where it stayed until september 2009. after this intense day, return to your hotel for some well-earned rest.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private car takes you back to foggia train station, where you will depart to rome for the conclusion of your tour.