Peacock Catholic Italy Pilgrimage 9 days

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Created: 13.08.2014

Wednesday, May 6 - Day 1 ??? DEPART USA ??? Today we depart Chicago for Rome aboard a wide-bodied jet. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Thursday, May 7 - Day 2 - ROME/ASSISI ??? This morning we arrive in Rome where we are met and board our motor coach for our ride to Assisi.  Following lunch on our own we continue through Umbria to the hilltop village of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis. 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. Continue to the upper village for dinner and overnight at our hotel. Friday, May 8 - Day 3 - 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 on our own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Saturday, May 9 - Day 4 - ASSISI/SIENA/ ROME - This morning, we depart Assisi and travel through the Italian countryside arriving in the magnificent city of Siena, which invites us to stroll through its Gothic streets. After we 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. We continue uphill to visit the monumental Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Free time for lunch and browsing. In the afternoon we continue south to Rome and our hotel for dinner and overnight. Sunday, May 10 - Day 5 ??? ROME - This morning, we tour Rome???s sites, including the Roman Forum pass the Arch of Constantine, see the inside of the Coliseum, and pass the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon, we continue our tour with a visit to the Holy Stairs and Basilica of St. John Lateran. We visit St. Paul???s Beyond the Walls. This huge, imposing Basilica, second only to St. Peter???s and one of the largest churches in the Christian world, contains an unusual gallery of papal portraits: 265 tablets portraying the popes of the past. We conclude our day with Mass at the Catacombs of San Sebastian, burial place of early Christians.  We also view the 2nd and 3rd century fresco paintings. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Monday, May 11 - Day 6 ??? ROME ??? This morning, we walk to St. Peters to celebrate Mass at the Basilica.  We return to the hotel for breakfast and later 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 visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major and visit the Church of St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo's possibly most celebrated sculpture, the "Moses."  Followed by some free time to further enjoy this fascinating city. Tuesday, May 12 - Day 7 - ROME FREE DAY - 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 our hotel. Wednesday, May 13 - Day 8 - ROME -This morning following Mass at a parish church near our hotel, we make our way to St. Peter's for an audience with Pope Francis if he is in residence. In the afternoon embark on a pleasant walking tour of Rome including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona plus the Pantheon, built by the Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 A.D. We will also have some free time for further shopping or rest.  We return to our hotel and this evening we will stroll to a delightful nearby restaurant for our included farewell dinner. Thursday, May 14 ??? Ascension of Jesus - Day 9 - RETURN TO U.S. - Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime.