Italy:
Day 1:Depart USA
Day 2: Rome
arrive to Rome ,assist by a representative to the bus . Transfer to the hotel.
Day 3: Rome-Vatican Basilicas
Today we visit St Peter basilica which gathers inside 2000 years of history and famous works of art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, you will see the most impressive of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, your group will have the opportunity to visit the Vatican museum to observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo’s Masterpiece. Continue to other Basilicas of Rome’s Mary Major which
contain relic from the manger of the Infant Jesus, The papal Arch basilica ,St. John in Lateran and the Holy stairs from Pontius Pilate’s palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century.
Day 4:Rome-Papal Audience-Catacombs
The tour begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! This Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (subject to the holy father’s schedule). following the audience visit Vatican sop at the tomb of St. John Paul II. Afterward, your group will enjoy free time for lunch on your own, or to purchase souvenirs from Vatican City. We will then begin the short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road will lead to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the place of Saint Paul the Apostle.
Day 5: Rome–Monte cassino–San Giovanni Rotunda
Today we will be transferred by bus to Montecassino. This one hour and forty-five minute (approximate) bus ride will be extremely scenic, as you pass through the Roman countryside that is known for its villas and vineyards. Throughout this bus ride, your tour escort will share very interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. You will arrive in Montecassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D. then we shall drive (approximately three hours) toward San Giovanni Rotunda, the hometown of Saint Padre Pio.
Day 6: San Giovanni Rotunda-Monte Siant’Angelo
this morning we shall see the places associated with Saint Pio. See his room, confessional and the Crucifix from which Saint Pio received the Stigmata. Visit the Grotto Michael the Archangel, a shrine consecrated by St. Michael. At this grotto, St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his diocese would not be annihilated as he feared. Following the visit to this grotto, your group will enjoy free time for lunch on their own and gaze at the breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding countryside.
Day 7: San Giovanni Rotundo-Lanciano– Assisi
Today your group will board the bus and head to Lanciano (approximately two hours). Upon arrival in Lanciano, you will celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus. This Church is the site of the Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of the Miracle, there was a Brazilian monk who struggled with the belief in the real presence of The Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his
voice, said the “Words of Consecration” and the bread turned into living flesh, and the wine transformed into live blood. Next we shall drive toward Assisi (Approximately three hours), the hometown of St. Francis.
Day 8: Assisi
Explore the hilltop birthplace of St Francis. In the Crypt of St Francis Basilica laid the tomb of one of the most beloved saints of all the time, St Francis of Assisi. During the tour, your group will have the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, as well as, view a few of the saint’s possessions. next we shall visit the Basilica of saint Clare and the Crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis.
Day 9: Assisi–Siena - Florence
After breakfast, your group will transfer to Siena (approximately an hour and a half). the birthplace of Saints Catherine and Beranrdine . Stroll the Piazza Del Campo, and visit the Cathedral and the Basilica of saint Francis , containing the miraculous consecrated host that remained intact since 1730. next we shall drive to Florence (approximately an hourand a half).
Day 10: Florence
Full day in Florence, the art capital of the world and home to superb churches. We soon discover why Florence is the undisputed cradle of the Renaissance era. Here one almost breathes art and culture in its charming medieval streets, in craftsmen’s workshops, Renaissance palaces, and the world renowned museums, all found within the downtown area of Florence. The memories of the Medici family are united with the splendor of the works of illustrious artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. A highlight will be a guided tour: see the Baptistery of St. John, the religious historic jewel of the city with Michelangelo’s Gates of Paradise, so called because of their exquisite beauty; it is believed that the creation of these art pieces marked the beginning of the period to be known as the Renaissance. We see the Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral of Santa Maria
del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, yet another masterpiece of Gothic art with the pantheon of famous Italians artists such as Michelangelo and Machiavelli. we visit the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, whose magnificent dome was created by Brunelleschi.
Day 11: Florence-Padua
We drive this morning to Padua (approximately two hours). home of St Anthony patron saint of things lost. visit the richly decorated tomb inside the Basilica. One of the Catholic Church’s greatest preachers, his incorrupt tongue is kept in the chapel of Reliquaries.
Day 12: Padua - Venice
Today, your group will depart Padua and
transfer to the magical city of Venice (approximately forty five minutes). Your group will enjoy a full day tour of the city paved with water! The tour includes visits to St. Mark’s Square, the largest square in the city and
the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the
great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh,
a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it.
Day 13: Return Home
After an early breakfast, your group will leave by motor coach and transfer to the Venice
airport for return flights home.