Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele worth booking?
Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele is a 13-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €58 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (43)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- €58 per person
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 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.
What you get
- Pick up and drop off
- Assistant for the entire duration of the tour
- Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Visit to the Shrine of Padre Pio
- Visit to the Basilica Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo and the Grotto of San Michele
About this experience
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 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.
What's included
Included
- Pick up and drop off
- Assistant for the entire duration of the tour
- Driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Visit to the Shrine of Padre Pio
- Visit to the Basilica Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo and the Grotto of San Michele
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Santuario Padre Pio
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.
240 minutes here
Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo
The Grotto of San Michele Arcangelo, located in Monte Sant’Angelo, 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.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mamma Mia Italia
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A few things to know…
This tour uses a very nice mini van(-seats 6 + driver and guide) to pick you up. There are multiple stops at gas stations along the way and the stations used on our trip were very nice and had clean bathrooms. We were surprised that our poor guide had to Balance three different languages for our group tour, so it is possible you may experience a similar situation. Our guide, Frederica, was extraordinarily helpful in translating between us and event staff and restaurant staff when necessary. Massimo, our driver, helped everyone out of the vehicle at every stop and it’s a long day of driving as it’s 4.5 hours each way and many sharp curves. You get picked up in the dark and you get dropped off in the dark so expect that. One other thing that we weren’t particularly clear about based on the listing was that you go to the Rotondo churches first, then lunch, and then Saint Michael’s. Our guide also asked if we’d like to join a group reservation at a local restaurant that she was organizing, but you are not required to do that.
via Viator
3 trips with Mamma Mia Tours
Nikola and Antonella were both so nice and professionals. I was so glad I booked this trip. All worth it. In fact I booked three trips with them, this one, to Assisi and Cascia and next week to Sienna.
via Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Absolutely Wonderful and Memorable Day Trip
We had an absolutely wonderful experience on our day trip to San Giovanni Rotondo to visit St. Pio of Pietrelcina, followed by Monte Sant’Angelo in the Gargano to visit the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. From beginning to end, the entire day was exceptionally well organized, warm, welcoming, and truly memorable. Even before the tour, communication was excellent. Everything regarding our pickup, timing, itinerary, and what we needed to prepare was explained clearly, which made the whole experience completely stress-free. On the morning of the tour, Nicola and Antonella arrived right on time and immediately made us feel welcome and well taken care of. Nicola was an excellent driver. He was courteous, professional, punctual, and an incredibly smooth and careful driver. We always felt safe and comfortable, and he kept us on schedule throughout what was a fairly long day of travelling. His professionalism and kindness were greatly appreciated. And Antonella was simply wonderful! She has such a warm, bubbly, and engaging personality and brought so much life to the experience. From the moment we started, she gave us a clear overview of the day, explained where we were going and how long each journey would take, and kept us engaged with interesting information and conversation along the way. At San Giovanni Rotondo, Antonella went above and beyond. She personally walked us through the different sites associated with St. Pio, helped us understand what we were seeing, and made sure we had the opportunity to attend Mass and venerate the body of St. Pio. She also organized time for us to eat and continually checked that everyone was comfortable and taken care of. We never felt rushed, lost, or unsure of what was happening. The same care continued when we travelled into the beautiful Gargano to Monte Sant’Angelo and the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel. Antonella made sure we knew where we were going, what we were seeing, and that we had enough time to truly experience such an extraordinary and sacred place. What impressed us most was how personal the entire day felt. Nicola and Antonella did not simply transport us from one attraction to another. They genuinely looked after us. Their warmth, professionalism, punctuality, and attention to detail allowed us to simply enjoy the experience without worrying about any of the logistics. For anyone wanting to visit San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo, especially those making the journey as a pilgrimage to St. Pio and St. Michael the Archangel, I could not recommend this tour highly enough. It was beautifully organized from the initial communication to our final drop-off, and Nicola and Antonella were absolutely outstanding. Thank you, Nicola and Antonella, for making an already very special pilgrimage even more memorable. We could not have asked for a better driver, guide, or experience. Highly, highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review and for your kind words! ❤️ We’re truly happy that Nicola and Antonella made your pilgrimage even more meaningful and memorable. It was a real pleasure accompanying you on such an important day. Thank you for choosing Mamma Mia Tours and for your warm recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Italy soon!
via Tripadvisor
Tour to Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele
We had an absolutely incredible day tour to San Giovanni Rotondo and the Sanctuary of St. Michael, and it was all thanks to our fantastic team, Antonella and Nicola. Our driver, Nicola, arrived at our location in Rome right on time for a prompt 6:30 AM pickup. The long journey across Italy was incredibly smooth and comfortable; we felt completely safe and at ease in his hands the entire day. Our guide, Antonella, was very helpful and friendly. Her knowledge is rich and engaging for both sacred sites. She navigated the locations perfectly, ensuring we didn't miss a thing while keeping the pace comfortable.Punctual, professional, and genuinely warm, Antonella and Nicola made this long day trip completely stress-free and deeply memorable. We strongly recommend them to everyone who wants to engage them.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are truly happy to hear that your day trip to San Giovanni Rotondo and the Sanctuary of St. Michael was such a memorable experience. Your kind words about Antonella and Nicola mean a lot, and we will be sure to share them with them. We’re delighted that their professionalism, knowledge, and care helped make your journey comfortable and stress-free. Thank you for recommending us, and we hope to welcome you back for another special experience in Italy!
via Tripadvisor
Extremely grateful for this experience
We don’t have enough words to express the gratitude we feel for this experience. Antonella and Roberto were extremely supportive and kind throughout the entire journey. We are seniors and with our limited mobility capacity, a trip like this would have been impossible if it wasn’t for your expertise. The service, the trip, the guide and the visit to the Padre Pio Sanctuary and San Michele Grotto, all of it was excellent. This tour was a dream come true. Thank you very much! From Mabel and Benito.
Response from the operator: Dear Mabel and Benito, thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We are truly grateful for your kind words and so happy to hear that this special journey was a dream come true for you. We’re delighted that Antonella and Roberto were able to provide the care, support, and comfort needed to make your visit to the Padre Pio Sanctuary and San Michele Grotto a memorable experience. Creating meaningful and accessible journeys for our guests is very important to us. Thank you for choosing Mamma Mia. We hope to welcome you again in Italy for another beautiful experience!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- €58 to €750
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mamma Mia Italia, who run 31 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3.
See everything Mamma Mia Italia runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele cost?
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Prices start at €58 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 13-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele?
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Included: Pick up and drop off; Assistant for the entire duration of the tour; Driver; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Visit to the Shrine of Padre Pio. Not included: Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1464 listed pickup locations in and around Rome. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Small groups from Rome: Padre Pio and Grotto of San Michele?
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Across 43 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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