“ Religious people are in search of unique moments to connect with God and their friends ,” says Aldo Caronia of Michelangelo International Travel . “ We want to customize the most extraordinary experience for each group .”

The company is creating pilgrimage tours and faith-based vacations to allow travelers to explore Italy ’ s sacred sites , along with other cultural aspects of the country . Aiming for the 2018 season , Michelangelo is enhancing its Divino programs with popular culinary components and outdoor experiences .

“ Our faith-based itineraries will feature hiking and biking activities that take pilgrims to remote churches or sites where they will be able to celebrate Mass or pray , surrounded by the

Madonna della Rocca Sanctuary , Italy

beauty of nature ,” Caronia says . “ We ’ ll also organize fun culinary activities , like cooking classes , a truffle hunt , grape stomping or a nice wine tasting .”

One of the programs that will offer spiritual discovery amid Italian flavors and vistas is a 10-day tour in eastern Sicily . Visitors will hike to extraordinary churches on the Aeolian islands of Lipari and Salina and around the Sicilian town of Taormina . The tour will also include a walk to Savoca ( the filming location of the “ Godfather ” movies ), an excursion to Mount Etna and a visit to Taormina ’ s most famous landmark , the Greek Theater .

To learn more , contact Caronia at aldo . caronia @ michelangelo . travel or visit michelangelo . travel / us .

Madonna del Terzito Sanctuary , Italy

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