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DAY 1: NORTH AMERICA / EUROPE.
Depart North America for our flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will
be served aloft.
DAY 2: ROME / ASSISI. Upon
arrival in Rome, we will be met by our tour guide and proceed to Assisi
for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: ASSISI. This morning we
have a guided tour of Assisi and visit the Lower (Inferiore) and the
upper (Superiore) Basilica and the church. We also visit St. Mary of
the Angels Basilica. This afternoon is at leisure for activities of our
own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 4: ASSISI / FLORENCE.
Today we begin our beautiful trip by driving to Florence,
the city considered to be the cultural heart
of Italy and former stronghold of the Medici family. We visit the
Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain stands. Then, we go
to Giotto's Bell Tower, the baptistery with its "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.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy activities on our own.
Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 5: FLORENCE / ROME.
This morning after breakfast we journey back
to Rome. Upon arrival we visit the Appian way, Capitoline Hill,
St. Peter in Chains, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Piazza
Venezia. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 6: ROME. Visit the Vatican
Museum and Library, as well as the Sistine Chapel. We will also visit
St. Peter's Basilica. This afternoon we visit the Catacombs. We will
also visit three of the four major basilicas in Rome ( the other being
St. Peter's Basilica ). These basilicas include St. Mary Major, St.
John Lateran, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Dinner and overnight at
our hotel.
DAY 7: ROME. After breakfast
depart for Papal audience (if available). Afternoon sightseeing will
include Moses' Fountain, Quirinale Palace, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Arch
of Titus, the Coliseum - site of early Christian martyrdom - and
Mamertine Prison, possibly the final place of confinement of the Apostle
Paul before his execution. Return to our hotel for overnight.
DAY 8: ROME / LISBON / SANTAREM /
FATIMA. Depart Rome this morning for flight to Lisbon,
Portugal. Upon our arrival at the Lisbon airport we will be met and
begin our orientation tour of Lisbon including Pombal square, the
Liberty Avenue, Rossio Square, Belem Tower and the Monument to the
Discoveries on the bank of the Tagus. En route to Fatima we will visit
Santarem, the Church of Marvila and the site of the Eucharistic
Miracle. We continue to Fatima and our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9: FATIMA. Today our
morning is devoted to visiting the Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of
Fatima and the birthplaces of Francisco, Jacinta and Lucia to whom the
Virgin appeared for the first time on May 13th, 1917. Afternoon at
leisure for activities of our own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
In the evening we join the Rosary and candlelight procession.
DAY 10: FATIMA / BURGOS. This
morning we depart Fatima and drive through the beautiful countryside to
Burgos. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 11: BURGOS / LOURDES.
Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was an
important hub for the Kingdom of Castile. Your guide will take you to
see the magnificent Cathedral, a classic example of Gothic
architecture. The medieval churches, historic plaza and monument to El
Cid will all be appreciated before bidding farewell to this charming
city. This afternoon we continue to Lourdes. Tonight, following
dinner, we have the option of participating in the Torch light
Procession.
DAY 12: LOURDES. Today we have
time on our own to visit the Grotto. We can walk to Boly Mill, the
birthplace of St. Bernadette, the Cachot, the former jail, where she
lived during the apparitions and the local parish church. The afternoon
is also free for personal devotions to Our Lady of Lourdes including,
for those who wish, the legendary, healing waters of the miraculous
Lourdes spring. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 13: LOURDES. Free day at
leisure for activities of our own.
DAY 14: LOURDES / TOULOUSE / NORTH
AMERICA. Early this morning we travel to Toulouse* for our
flight home - the end of an unforgettable journey. |
