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DAY 01: U.S.A. /
EUROPE. Tour members will depart to Venice.
Dinner will be served aboard the flight.
DAY 02: ARRIVE VENICE.
Upon our arrival at the airport we will be met and escorted to our
motor coach for a tour around the city of Mestre (Venice). Dinner and overnight at
our hotel.
DAY 03: MESTRE / VENICE.
After a good breakfast we will have a half-day tour of Venice, including
St. Mark's Cathedral, Doge’s Palace and the Academy
of Fine Arts. The rest of the day is at leisure for free time in Venice.
Enjoy an optional gondola ride. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 04: VENICE / PADUA / VENICE.
After breakfast we will drive to Padua and visit the Basilica of St.
Anthony and his tomb. Then return to Venice for some time at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 05: VENICE / FLORENCE.
Today begins with a drive across serene Tuscan countryside to Florence,
the city considered to be the cultural heart of Italy and former
stronghold of the Medici family. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
DAY 06: FLORENCE.
Today we begin our beautiful trip by visiting the Piazza della Signoria,
where the Neptune Fountain stands. Then we visit Giotto's Bell Tower,
the baptistery with it's "Gates of Paradise" doors, and the Academia
that houses the Michelangelo's original statue of David. We will also
see the Santa Croce Church, the famous church where Dante, Michelangelo,
Leonard da Vinci and many others are buried. Dinner and overnight at our
hotel.
DAY 07: FLORENCE / SIENA / ASSISI.
Morning excursion to Siena.
 You
drive southwest, through the heart of Italian wine country, over rolling
hills of Chianti, in a beautiful landscape of a Renaissance painting. In
Siena, you will be lead to the Piazza del Campo, through narrow streets,
past medieval towers and walls. You'll feel immersed in a unique
atmosphere. Then, on to the mystic province of Umbria and its capital
city of Assisi, town of St. Francis. Our afternoon walking tour includes
Santa Maria degli Angeli with the "thornless rose bush", the Basilica of
St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare, which to this day houses her
incorrupt body. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Assisi.
DAY 08: ASSISI / ROME.
Today we leave Assisi and drive past the hill town Todi, through Umbria
-"the Green Heart of Italy," and on to Rome - the Eternal City. Leisure
time in Rome after arrival. Dinner awaits you at your hotel.
 DAY 09: ROME.
Early morning we attend an Audience with Our Holy Father (if
available), Pope Benedict XVI. Then we visit The Vatican City including
the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael's Rooms, the Sistine Chapel and
St. Peter's Basilica. The remainder of the day is at leisure for
activities of your own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 10: ROME.
Today we will have a half-day tour of Rome, including City Hall, the
Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, St. Peter in chains, Appian Way, Palazzo
Venezia, Arch of Constantine, and Circus Maximus. Afternoon is for
leisure and shopping. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 11: ROME / U.S.A.
Early departure from Rome to the United States. The end of a most
enjoyable tour. |
