Traveling with the Saints in Italy: Contemporary Pilgrimages on Ancient Paths

Pilgrims have long been a vital part of Italy's heritage. Yet visiting its sacred sites seems an overwhelming challenge for the modern traveler: what to see, where to go, how much time to spend in each place?

In her updated and expanded edition celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year "Pilgrims of Hope," Lucinda Vardey provides solutions and guidance. She offers ten pilgrimages to all parts of the country for one or two days or a week, in a unique format of biography of early masters such as St. Benedict, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Catherine of Siena, and more contemporary teachers such as Pope St. John XXIII and St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio). After learning of the life of each saint, readers find a summary of their spiritual teachings and suggestions for itineraries and maps, with detailed directions to the prime places to visit in that person's life. Also provided are sidebars on religious art and artists and a four-day retreat in Rome.

Endorsements

"Lucinda Vardey provides insightful context to the saints, making them more relatable as human beings. The right balance between historical and religious information makes the book worth packing on your next pilgrimage."
--Fr. Christopher Iwancio, chaplain, Modern Catholic Pilgrim

"More than a guidebook, Traveling with the Saints in Italy outlines the spiritual journey required of every Christian. As past touches present, pilgrimage inspires hope-filled prayer that transforms us and the world."
--Fr. Christopher Renz, professor of liturgical studies, Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley, California

Lucinda Vardey has guided pilgrimages in Italy for over ten years and lives in Tuscany with her husband, John Dalla Costa. Her website is sapielbooks.com.
+