Catholic Italy Pilgrimage 10 days VCE no FLR

Europe
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegowina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Faroer
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Moldavia
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine

Created: 02.07.2013

Day 1 ? DEPART USA ? Today we depart Orlando to connect with our overnight flight to Rome aboard a wide-bodied jet. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Day 2 - PADUA - Upon arrival in Milan we board our motor coach to Padua where we tour of the Basilica of St. Anthony and view the largest bronze work of Donatello. We will enjoy this delightful town for strolling after dinner at our hotel. Day 3 - VENICE - Venice, the Queen of the Cities! The glories that are Venice have attracted Byron, Goethe, Wagner, Shakespeare and now - you! Following Mass in one of her beautiful churches, time is spent this morning walking the sights of Venice: the splendid Piazza San Marco and the incredibly rich Byzantine Basilica of San Marco. We marvel at the intricate network of elegant squares lined with stately Renaissance villas and palaces. This afternoon we are free for shopping, personal adventure or an optional romantic gondola ride through the inner canals of Venice. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 4 ? PADUA/ASSISI - Today, we celebrate Mass at the Basilica of St. Anthony. We visit the Treasury Chapel to view the relics of St. Anthony. Afterward, we journey through the beautiful countryside to Assisi and stop in the lower town for a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and the Portiuncula, Francis? Church of the Little Portion. We proceed to the hilltop village of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis for dinner and overnight. DAY 5 ? ASSISI - This morning we begin with a short walk to the Basilica of St. Francesco for Mass. After our visit of the Basilica and the tomb of St. Francis, we begin our walking tour of the village with a visit to the Church of St. Clare ?the little plant of Blessed Francis? as she loved to call herself, where we view the San Damiano crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. Kneeling before it, Francis composed the following prayer, which is considered to be among the oldest of his writings: ?All Highest, Glorious God, cast your light into the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, and profound humility, with wisdom and perception, O Lord, so that I may do what is truly your most holy will. Amen.? This afternoon, our taxis take us up to the Hermitage of the Carceri, where Francis and his Friars retreated from the world to pray and fast. Here the grotto of St. Francis can also be seen. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 6 - ASSISI/ROME - This morning, we depart Assisi and travel south to Rome where this afternoon we tour her sites, including the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the Church of St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo's possibly most celebrated sculpture, the "Moses." Afterwards, we see the nearby Roman Fora passing the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 7 ? ROME - This morning we visit Vatican City where we see the treasures of the Vatican Museum. We marvel at Michelangelo's recently restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the wonders of St. Peter?s. This afternoon, we continue our tour with a visit to the Holy Stairs and Basilica of St. John Lateran. We conclude our day at one of the Catacombs, burial place of early Christians. We celebrate Mass here and view the 2nd and 3rd century fresco paintings. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 8 ? ROME - This morning, we make our way to St. Peter's for an audience with Pope Francis if he is in residence. This afternoon we are free to further enjoy this fascinating city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. RANDY, NOT SURE WHAT YOU WANT TO ADD FOR THIS DAY INSTEAD OF FREE DAY? Day 9 - ROME FREE DAY - Following morning Mass at the hotel or at a nearby church, today is yours for shopping, personal adventure, or optional excursions to Pompeii, Sorrento, Naples or the Isle of Capri. We have the opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Rome tonight as dinner is on our own. Overnight at the hotel. Day 10 - RETURN TO U.S. - Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime.