Assisi is without doubt one of the most important religious sites in Italy, especially for Christian pilgrims. Whilst focusing on northern Italy it would be remiss not to add some other areas from central Italy. So in this proposed itinerary we include Assisi, in Umbria, and Rome in Lazio.

Why Assisi Is Special

• Home of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved and influential saints in Christianity.
• The Basilica of Saint Francis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a major pilgrimage destination containing extraordinary frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
• Also home to the Basilica of Saint Clare, the San Damiano Monastery, and the Eremo delle Carceri, where Francis used to pray in solitude.

If You’re Open to Expanding Beyond Northern Italy: You should definitely include Assisi in your itinerary. It’s spiritually powerful, visually stunning, and steeped in history. Many travelers combine Assisi with other central Italian religious and cultural sites such as:

• Rome (Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica)
• Florence (Santa Croce, San Miniato al Monte)
• Orvieto (with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and Eucharistic miracle)

Fantastic! Here’s a 10-day itinerary that combines the best religious sites in Northern and Central Italy, including Assisi, Rome, and Florence, alongside top Northern locations like Milan, Padua, and Turin.

10-Day Religious Pilgrimage Itinerary – Northern + Central Italy

Day 1: Milan

• Sites:
  • Duomo di Milano (Cathedral + rooftop views)
  • San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (fresco masterpiece)
• Optional: View Leonardo’s Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)

You will need an afternoon to see the sites in Milan. If you arrive in Milan early this would give you enough time. For some this could be a little rushed especially if you want to see the Last Supper. If this is the case, or you can’t find an early flight arrival, maybe spend an extra night in Milan. Milan is served by three major airports, Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo. If possible try to get a flight into Linate. On a trip like this it is better not to waste time travelling from the airport. Linate is a short taxi or bus ride into the centre. Try and stay close to Milan Central station (Milano Centrale). This way you save money on taxis and have a little more time to explore Milan.

Overnight: Milan

Day 2: Pavia & Certosa di Pavia

• Sites:
  • Certosa di Pavia (Carthusian monastery, Gothic-Renaissance architecture, Museo della Certosa di Pavia)
  • Pavia Cathedral and old city center
• Optional: Travel to Turin in the evening

The train journey to Pavia is about 30 minutes from Milan. You may decide to hire a car from Milan for this part of the journey. If travelling by train the monastery is a very short taxi journey from the town centre. The Cathedral is walking distance from the train station. After seeing the sites in Pavia it is just under 2 hours by train to Turin with one change required. If travelling by car it is also about 2 hours. This will be a long day but you then get two nights in Turin.

Overnight: Turin

Day 3: Turin & Sacra di San Michele

• Sites:
  • Turin Cathedral (Shroud of Turin – copy on display year-round)
  • Sacra di San Michele (mountaintop abbey with stunning views)

Overnight: Turin

If you have hired a car you may want to drop it off in Turin. If not it is about a three and a half hour journey. On the train it’s about 3 hours, it is best to plan this in advance to get an early start.

Day 4: Padua

• Travel: Morning train to Padua
• Sites:
  • Basilica of Saint Anthony (major pilgrimage site)
  • Scrovegni Chapel (Giotto’s frescoes – book in advance)

The Scrovegni Chapel is close to the train station. The Basilica is a little further away. If you are taking the day trip option to Venice there won’t be any time to waste in Padua. It’s is a smaller city so getting round will be easier making both sites possible. The train time to Venice is only 20 minutes. Given this I would stay in Padua on day 5 and travel by train to Venice.

Overnight: Padua

Day 5: Venice (optional day trip)

• Sites:
  • Basilica di San Marco
  • Relics of St. Mark, golden mosaics
  • Free time along canals or for gondola ride

The close proximity of Padua to Venice will give you plenty time to explore Venice for the day. You can then take a quick train back to Padua in the early evening. Or if you fancy a night in Venice it only adds a few minutes to the journey to Florence.

Overnight: Padua or Venice

Day 6: Florence

• Travel: Train to Florence
• Sites:
  • Basilica di Santa Croce (tombs of saints and scholars)
  • San Miniato al Monte (spiritual, panoramic site)

Depending on the train it will be around 2 hours to get to Florence. Once there the main sites are within walking distance of the train station. The San Miniato al Monte is a little walk. If you are not able to walk long distances you may need a taxi.

Overnight: Florence

Day 7: Assisi

• Travel: Morning train or transfer to Assisi
• Sites:
  • Basilica of St. Francis (tomb, Giotto frescoes)
  • Basilica of St. Clare
  • San Damiano and Eremo delle Carceri (hermitage)

You will need to allow 3 hours for the train journey from Florence to Assisi. The upside is the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside will be a joy to see. You could choose to take a hire car again and keep it for this part of the trip. If travelling by train you will need a bus or taxi from the station in Assisi to the major sites.

Overnight: Assisi

Day 8: Assisi (deep dive or relaxation day)

• Options:
  • Attend Mass or spiritual retreat
  • Explore more sites or enjoy the peaceful Umbrian countryside

This could be an option to simply relax after seeing 7 places in 7 days.

Overnight: Assisi

Day 9: Rome – Vatican City

• Travel: Morning train to Rome
• Sites:
  • St. Peter’s Basilica (tomb of St. Peter)
  • Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel)
  • Attend Papal Audience if available (Wednesdays)

Last it is a couple of hours down to Rome on the train. It will be a little longer than that if you are driving. Rome has so much to offer even from a religious perspective so decide how long you need. Having been many times there is always something else to see or do. An afternoon and a full day will give you time to see the Vatican and the Major Basilicas. But after all the travelling maybe another night will allow you to take your time around The Eternal City.

Overnight: Rome

Day 10: Rome – Major Basilicas

• Sites:
  • Basilica of St. John Lateran
  • Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

Optional: Explore Christian Catacombs (e.g., San Callisto or San Sebastiano)

Overnight: Rome or departure

Rome is serviced by two main airports. Both Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) and Ciampino are both easily accessible from the centre. My choice would always be Ciampino if possible. Remember you could also take a few days by the beach in nearby Ostia. So a long trip but 8 places in 10 days. Without the little breaks along the way it will be tiring but for a pilgrimage definitely worth it.

Practical Travel Tips

• Rail travel: Easy and fast between cities like Milan, Florence, Assisi, and Rome.
• Advance booking: Required for Vatican Museums, Scrovegni Chapel, and some guided tours.
• Dress modestly: Shoulders and knees covered in churches.
• Mass attendance: Check times ahead of visit if you’d like to participate.