Private Tour from Rome: Padre Pio and St. Michael's Cave
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 private 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, in the province of Foggia, 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
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
We had an amazing full day tour to San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Gargano from Rome. This was to visit the sites of St Padre Pio and the Sanctuary of St Michael. It's a very long distance from Rome but the team was so good at arranging everything and making sure we were comfortable the whole way. Ali was our tour guide and was extremely knowledgeable, not only about the sites but also all the towns and regions we saw along the way. Our driver Massimo was excellent, making sure we get to all our locations on time and safely. Both Ali and Massimo were also friendly and quite entertaining, which makes the whole trip just much more fun. Michela was handling our booking and was very proactive in making sure everything was taken care of before the tour. Communication was great. Overall one of the best private tour experiences I've had. Would highly recommend.
My sister and I splurged for a private tour and it was great. Our guide in Pompeii, Angelo B. was a real volcanologist and a Napoli native. He knew everything about the ancient city and of course, lots about volcanoes and the land we were viewing. Top notch! Max was our guide from Mamma Mia and made us feel safe everywhere we went. He answered our questions and took us to some great views along the route. Walter was amazing behind the wheel and with his sweet charm. We were especially grateful for his skilled driving on the winding, narrow roads along the coast. Book the tour! Absolutely worth it. Grazie Mille MM Tours !!!
Wonderful experience, informative and knowledgeable tour guide. Simone & Max were great and very helpful.
Our private tour with tour guide, Dinia was the highlight of our trip to Italy! She was incredibly knowledgeable about Padre Pio's life, taking us through the old church, his cell, and the new sanctuary, sharing details we never would have found on our own. What made her truly special was her respect for the spiritual nature of the visit; she ensured we had quiet, private moments for prayer and mass in the crypt without ever making us feel rushed. She was thoughtful, accommodating, and very patient with our questions. Our driver Walter was also an excellent driver. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a meaningful, personal experience in San Giovanni Rotondo! and St Michael the Archangel! Beth Tionloc and Abe Angelws
Simone, our tour guide is excellent, knowledgeable & very helpful. We learned a lot from him regarding history of the place we visited. Max, a very efficient driver kept us safe on the road. Simone & Max are the best. We plan on touring with them again soon. Until our next adventure!!!
We’ve been very well looked after by our hosts. It’s been a pleasure having Ali take us around , making our last very day memorable. He is very knowledgeable and passionate in what he does. The Lazio region is long away from Rome and Maximo did an amazing job driving the whole day!
We’re so happy we booked this trip with Mamma Mia Italia The professionalism of the company is off the chart. Communication is so easy and fast We’re so fortunate to have Simone as our guide, he was very knowledgeable and so helpful during the entire trip. Plus our driver Massimo was fantastic, it was raining a lot, but we felt really safe all the trip. We’ll recommend this company to our family and friends who are traveling this year
Absolutely incredible 5 star tour! Paula and Max made the experience so special! They accommodated our every need and truly made this the highlight of our Italy vacation. It's worth the price to get to see both Padre Pio and the grotto of St. Michael the Archangel from Rome. It's the only tour offering this unique and spiritual itinerary. Highly recommend!
This is a very spiritual tour for catholic tourists. If you are lucky enough to get Walter as your driver and Simone as your tour guide you with have a great experience. They were both very polite, respectful, courteous and knowledgeable about the areas that you will travel through. It is a long day but well worth the time and money. They also recommended an absolutely wonderful restaurant for true Italian cuisine as well for the lunch stop.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We are thrilled to hear that Walter and Simone made the tour so enjoyable, informative, and comfortable. We are also glad that you appreciated the recommended restaurant and the quality of the Italian cuisine. It will be a real pleasure to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience!
Our experience with Mamma Mia Italia was amazing! It surpassed all of our expectations. Our tour guide Simone and our driver Max were the kindest and most respectful people. We went in a very long journey from Rome to Saint Giovanni Rotondo first and then to the Basilica Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo. Simone and Max came very early in the morning, and were very well prepared with information related to the sites we visited as well as the different regions on the way to our destination. Our tour guide Simone was extremely sweet to my mother who is a senior and had trouble walking, his kindness without a doubt made the experience better. I highly recommend Mamma Mia Italy 🇮🇹 Simone and Max were simply outstanding but I also have to add the vehicle was immaculate! Overall great experience ♥️🇮🇹♥️🇮🇹
Thank you sincerely for your wonderful words! We are thrilled to hear that Simone and Max made your trip safe, comfortable, and enjoyable, and that their attention to every detail, especially toward your mother, enhanced the experience. We are also delighted that you appreciated our vehicle and the thorough preparation of the tour. It will be a real pleasure to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure with Mamma Mia Italia!
