A large modern structure where the remains of Padre Pio rest The Church of San Pio da Pietrelcina is the quintessential reference point for devotees of Padre Pio, beatified by John Paul II in 1999 and proclaimed a saint by the same pontiff three years later. The large church, designed by architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2004, stands in San Giovanni Rotondo, where the Capuchin friar died after residing there for many years. The imposing building was commissioned by the same Capuchin Friars Minor to whom Padre Pio belonged. Its purpose was to house the saint's relics and easily accommodate the thousands of faithful who choose to visit San Giovanni Rotondo as a pilgrimage destination, offering them an almost mystical experience. The Church of San Pio is a large modern structure, surrounded by a huge churchyard and composed of an upper church, dedicated to liturgical celebrations, a smaller lower church, and a crypt, which houses the saint's remains.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with its convent, is known as the place where Padre Pio of Pietrelcina lived and died from July 28, 1916. The construction of the first church dates back to the 15th century; due to the increase in visitors, work on a new church began in 1956. The old church is rectangular with a simple façade; inside, it has a single nave in Baroque style with four chapels dedicated to saints. The high altar features a wooden fresco of the Madonna and Child, flanked by Saint John the Baptist and the Evangelist. The old church of Santa Maria delle Grazie houses the urn containing the remains of the martyr Saint Maximiana, beneath a minor altar. The convent includes Padre Pio's cell, open to visitors, and the crypt where his body was kept before being transferred to the nearby sanctuary, designed by Renzo Piano. A tour inside the convent allows you to visit places significant to Padre Pio, such as the cell and the choir of the ancient church.
The Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel is located in Monte Sant'Angelo, in the province of Foggia, and is part of the Archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo. The sanctuary consists of an upper basilica, which includes the Romanesque portal, the bell tower, and a lower basilica, which includes the cave where, according to tradition, the Archangel Michael appeared. It is also known as the Celestial Basilica, as it is believed to have been consecrated by the Archangel Michael. This minor basilica is one of the main centers of worship dedicated to the Archangel in the West, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. The sacred cave is accessible via a long staircase. The Archangel's words are engraved here: "Where the rock opens, there the sins of men will be forgiven."
31oct2026- t was all really good, our guide was very knowledgable and attentive. Our driver was very responsible. The timing and events included were just enough to make the 4 hour drive worth it. Highly reccomrnd them
Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable . The driver was excellent!! Car was comfortable . I would highly recommend this tour.
Mum had a fantastic pilgrimage with (queen) Elizabeth and (king) Alberto. She loved the experience, couldn’t have rated it more highly. Picked up and dropped off at the hotel doorstep and Elizabeth had an answer for each and every one of mum’s questions. 10/10.
Elizabeth was knowledgeable, energetic, courteous, and friendly. Our driver Manuel, was careful, courteous, and also friendly. I highly recommend this tour!
I love this tour because of St Padre Pio. It was my first time and Juliana was a great companion. She let me take all the time I needed and had my souvenirs blessed as well. Kudos to Roberto as well. He got us there and back safe and sound. Best day ever. Thank you.
Absolutely FANTASTIC! Elizabeth was so knowledgeable and helpful. So much more than religious sights. I would book this tour just for the drive through the Italian countryside. Our driver was great. A lot of driving, and we always felt safe and comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed everything on the tour. The espresso at the morning pitstop was one of the best on our trip through Italy and France. Later, Elizabeth helped us find a restaurant for lunch and checked in on us to make sure that we didn't need anything. She knew the shops and was able to help guide us find particular items. She and our driver were able to show us points of interest along the way. Very knowledgeable and able to answer questions and provide insights at the sights as well as on the drive without adding her personal opinions or beliefs. (We had a really bad experience at the coloseum with a different tour company.) We told our b&b host to recommend it to his other guests. Truly a highlight of our trip and worth including in your trip!
The tour was excellent. I traveled with my 60-year-old parents, and both enjoyed it immensely. The transportation was very comfortable, with well-organized stops for coffee or restroom breaks, which made the trip very pleasant. At each destination, both in San Giovanni Rotondo and in Monte Sant’Angelo, we had enough time to listen to the explanations, take photographs, admire the relics, and enjoy the places without rushing. Without a doubt, Elisabetta was an exceptional guide and companion: kind, knowledgeable, and always attentive to every detail. I also want to highlight Fabio, our driver, who made the trip comfortable and safe.
Thank you Julianna and Emmanuel for the very wonderful, relaxing and sacred experience! Highly recommended for families/people who would like to have a personal and convenient service. I will definitely recommend this to my families and relatives.
We had such a fantastic experience with Juliana as our tour guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely caring. When she noticed my mom needed assistance, she helped arrange a wheelchair so she could comfortably enjoy every part of the tour—something we truly appreciated. We visited on a Monday, so there were no crowds, which made everything even more peaceful and enjoyable. The Padre Pio Sanctuary was wonderful, and St. Michael Cave in Italy was unforgettable. Juliana went above and beyond to make the entire day special. I highly recommend her!
The trip is very interesting especially if you are Catholic and the guide was very friendly. It is still a new tour for this company so guides are learning. Beware it is a great distance from Rome. The return trip was 4 hours in light traffic. The scenery was beautiful on the ride especially along east coast of Italy
Me with my dad have this trip to Padre Peo and Michael Angel and was amazing privet tour ! Out tur guide Elizabeth and driver Fabio were fantastic! We see what we want to see and have amazing experience!
The trip was amazing!!! Our drive and Anna, our guide, were great!!! They made our experience in unforgettable one!!! The day trip from picking us up at the hotel and taking us to Father Pio and the cave of St. Michael the Archangel tour, and bring us back to the hotel... is a tour I will never forget. Our guide, Anna was the best!!!
It was a long drive full day trip .Very meaningful experience. Worth it. Very good guide and driver.
Our tour guide, Anna was the best!!! Also our driver!!! They were very kind and patient with us. I would recommend a tour with Anna, very informative, kind and friendly!!!
Very personalized. Very comfortable travel. Lots of steps. Our guide was lovely and knowledgable. She speaks four languages. Our driver was polite and his car luxurious and clean
Excellent service, very punctual, The guide and the driver were very kind; they explained many important things about each place to us.
The tour was excellent. I traveled with my 60-year-old parents, and both enjoyed it immensely. The transportation was very comfortable, with well-organized stops for coffee or restroom breaks, which made the trip very pleasant. At each destination, both in San Giovanni Rotondo and in Monte Sant’Angelo, we had enough time to listen to the explanations, take photographs, admire the relics, and enjoy the places without rushing. Without a doubt, Elisabetta was an exceptional guide and companion: kind, knowledgeable, and always attentive to every detail. I also want to highlight Fabio, our driver, who made the trip comfortable and safe.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email