Murphy Italy Pilgrimage 10 days

Europe
Albania
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Armenia
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Bosnia and Herzegowina
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Cyprus
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Spain
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Ukraine

Created: 14.03.2015

Tuesday, October 20 - Day 1 ??? DEPART USA ??? Today we depart Washington Dulles to connect with our overnight flight to Rome aboard a wide-bodied jet. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Wednesday, October 21 - Day 2 - ROME/SIENA ??? This morning we arrive in Rome where we are met by our full time tour guide and board our motor coach for our ride to Siena. We hug the coastal road and journey up to Siena- stopping en route for our WELCOME LUNCH at one of the little coastal towns. We continue to the delightful town of Siena and celebrate Mass at the Dominican Church commemorating St. Catherine. We take the escalator down to the famous Piazza del Campo. This shell shaped square is the dramatic setting for the annual Palio bareback horserace. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico, the  public palace, which dates  back to 1250. The balance of the day is at leisure to stroll through the inviting streets of this charming town. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Siena. Thursday, October 22- Day 3 - FLORENCE - This morning we drive to  Florence  where our  first  stop  will be a visit  to  the Academia Gallery, here we view Michelangelo???s famous ???David??? (OR MEDICI). We continue for a visit of the Duomo, the heart of the city, here we admire the cupola by Brunelleschi, completed in 1240, its campanile by Giotto- we celebrate Mass here.  Once outside we view the Baptistery???s with its incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti. Afterwards, we set out to the Piazza della Signoria,    dominated     by    the    Palazzo    Vecchio    and    its embattlement crowned tower. Across from the Palace, we visit the Loggia dei Lanzi with the statues of the Perseus by Cellini; Giambologna's  the  ???Rape  of  the  Sabines???  and  ???Hercules.??? Following free time for Lunch on our own we visit the   Basilica of  Santa  Croce.  Among  the  most  famous  interred  here,  lie Galileo, Rossini, Michelangelo and Macchiaveli. Following some free time for shopping or personal adventure, We conclude with a drive to  ???Piazzale Michelangelo??? for a panoramic view of this spectacular city. Return to hotel for dinner/ overnight in Siena. Friday, October 23 - Day 4 ???SIENA/ASSISI ??? Before we depart Siena we visit the monumental Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Then we travel south through Umbria to the hilltop village of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis. En route we stop at a vineyard for a WINE TASTING AND LUNCH. Our first stop is 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- where we celebrate Mass. Continue to the upper village for dinner and overnight at our hotel in Assisi. Saturday, October 24 - Day 5 - ASSISI - This morning, we begin at the Basilica of St. Francesco with Mass. After our visit of the Basilica and the tomb of St. Francis, we begin our walking tour of the village. Included, is a visit to the Church of St. Clare to view the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. We pass by the famous Temple of Minerva in the Piazza del Comune. This afternoon, we can enjoy this picturesque hillside village. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Assisi. Sunday, October 25 ??? Day 6 - ASSISI/ROME - Today we depart Assisi  and  travel  south  to  Rome  where  we  tour  her  sites, including the Basilica of St. Mary Major where we celebrate Mass   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 in Rome Monday, October 26 - 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 in Rome. Tuesday, October 27 - Day 8 ??? ROME FREE DAY - Following morning Mass at the hotel or at a nearby church, today is yours for shopping, personal adventure, or depending on interest optional excursions to the Tivoli Gardens, 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 in Rome Wednesday, October 28 - Simon & Jude - Day 9 - ROME - This morning, we make our way to St. Peter's for an audience with Pope Franci,s if he is in residence. This afternoon we visit the final Basilica in Rome- St. Paul outside the Wall and then are free to further enjoy this fascinating city. Tonight we will have our FAREWELL DINNER in the old Trastevere area with wine and singing! Overnight at the hotel in Rome. Thursday, October 29 - Day 10 - RETURN TO U.S. - Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime.