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DAY 1: NORTH AMERICA
/ MILAN. Evening departure from
North America on our trans-Atlantic flight. Dinner and breakfast on
board.
DAY 2: MILAN / PADUA. Buon
Giorno! Upon our arrival at the Milan airport we will be met and
escorted to our motor coach for a tour around the city. Some of the
highlights are La Scala Opera House, the Duomo, and the Church of Santa
Maria delle Grazia, home of Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" art work
(if time allows). Continue to Padua for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: PADUA / VENICE. This
morning we celebrate Mass at St. Anthony's Basilica. Continue to
Venice. Upon arrival we visit the Doge's Palace, inside the San Marco
Basilica, decorated with marble plundered from conquered cities by the
once-powerful Venetians. Then on to the Bridge of Sighs and the
Rialto. The afternoon is free for shopping or an optional gondola
ride. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: VENICE /
RAVENNA / FLORENCE. Morning
departure to Ravenna, an ancient capital of the Roman Empire. Here, we
will see the most extensive Byzantine mosaics in the world, an art in
evidence at the dawn of the Middle Ages. Then, in less than two hours,
our motor coach whisks us across the Apennines and on to Florence.
Dinner at your hotel.
DAY 5: FLORENCE. Today, we
begin our guided tour by visiting the Piazza della Signoria, where the
Neptune Fountain stands. Then we have outside visits to Giotto's Bell
Tower and the baptistery with its "Gates of Paradise" doors. Then visit
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. Finish the
day with Mass held at the Duomo. Dinner and overnight at our hotel
DAY 6: FLORENCE /
PISA / SIENNA / ASSISI. Depart
this morning for Pisa to wander around the Square of Miracles with the
Baptistery and Duomo and see the famous Leaning Tower. Time at leisure
and lunch on your own. Drive through the heart of Italian wine country,
over rolling hills of Chianti, in a beautiful landscape of a Renaissance
painting. In Sienna, we will be lead to the Piazza del Campo, through
narrow streets, past medieval towers and walls. We’ll feel immersed in
a unique atmosphere. Visit the famous Palio Square and the charming
city center. Celebrate Mass at the Church of San Domenico, at the
Chapel of Saint Catherine. Continue to Assisi for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7: ASSISI. Today is a full
day visiting the medieval city of Assisi, home of St. Francis. Our
guided tour begins at the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St.
Clare. Time at leisure to walk throughout the narrow streets of this
well preserved city. Celebrate Holy Mass at St. Francis. In the
afternoon, visit the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli where the famous
“Porziuncola” is hosted (the thornless rose bush). Time at leisure to
visit the shop of the Church where a lot of Franciscan items are sold.
Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8: ASSISI /
ORVIETO / SORRENTO. Morning
departure from Assisi. Stop in Orvieto for a visit of the town: the
Duomo, the Torre Civica del Pozzo di San Patrizia. Celebrate Holy Mass
at the Duomo. After lunch, continue south to reach Sorrento for a
breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: SORRENTO /
CAPRI / SORRENTO. Morning
departure from Sorrento to Capri for a full day excursion of the lush
little isle that has entranced the world. Transfer by minibus from
Sorrento coach terminal to the pier and meet with English speaking
guide. Jetfoil ride from Sorrento to Capri. A minibus tour of the
island is planned plus entrance fees to Blue Grotto by rowing boats
(weather conditions permitting). In the afternoon jetfoil ride from
Capri to Sorrento. Transfer by minibus from Sorrento pier to the coach
terminal. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.
DAY 10: SORRENTO / POMPEII /
MONTECASSINO / ROME. This morning we proceed to Pompeii and a
visit to the excavations. We will also stop at the Shrine of Our Lady
of the Rosary. Then drive north to Montecassino to visit the Abbey and
celebrate Holy Mass. Continue to Rome for a late afternoon arrival.
DAY 11: ROME. Papal Audience in
the morning. Then we take a tour of Ancient Rome in the afternoon,
including entrance to Coliseum, Roman Forum and church of San Peter in
Chains to see the Michelangelo’s Moses. Return to hotel for dinner and
overnight. Celebrate Holy Mass in the Chapel of the hotel.
DAY 12:
ROME. This morning we visit the
Catacombs of San Sebastian. Continue to the Vatican Museums which
includes museums, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica and
Square. Mass at the Tomb of Saint Peter today. Then we stop for a
‘Pranzo’ lunch, included. This afternoon, we transfer to central Rome
for a walking tour throughout famous fountains and squares of Rome.
Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight. Return to
the hotel for overnight.
DAY 13: ROME / NORTH
AMERICA. Early morning transfer
to Rome's airport for your flight back to North America. |
