Tremblay Italy Pilgrimage 11 days

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Created: 15.04.2015

Wednesday, November 4 - Day 1 - BOSTON/ROME - This evening, we depart Boston for our overnight flight to Rome. We enjoy in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft. Thursday, November 5 - Day 2 - ROME/FLORENCE - Upon arrival in Rome we transfer to our short flight to Florence where we are met and board our motor coach and enjoy an orientation drive of Florence before checking into our hotel for dinner and overnight. Friday, November 6 - Day 3 - FLORENCE - This morning we visit Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of the city. We proceed for Mass and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce. Among the most famous, here lie Galileo, Rossini, Michelangelo and Machiavelli. 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. This afternoon we visit The Academy and view the magnificent DAVID.   We are free to sample the wonderful cuisine of Florence on our own this evening.   Dinner on our own. Saturday, November 7 - Day 4 - FLORENCE/PISA/ FLORENCE - This morning, we see the highlights of Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance.  We begin our walking tour of Florence with a visit of the Duomo, the heart of the city with its cupola by Brunelleschi, completed in 1240, its campanile by Giotto and Baptistry with incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti.  Next we visit the Medici Chapel in the church of San Lorenzo, to see the tombs designed and executed by Michelangelo. Following lunch we journey to the coast and visit nearby Pisa and her famous leaning tower. We return to Florence for dinner on our own.  Overnight at our hotel. Sunday, November 8 - Day 5 ??? FLORENCE/SIENA/ ASSISI - Today we journey through the Italian countryside arriving in the magnificent city of Siena, which invites us to stroll through its Gothic streets converging on the famous Piazza del Campo. We celebrate Mass at the Dominican Church which commemorates St. Catherine.  We next continue south through Umbria.  We proceed to Assisi. 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, the home of Saint Francis.  Dinner on our own and overnight at our hotel in the upper village. Monday, November 9 - Day 6 ??? 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 on our own and overnight at out hotel Tuesday, November 10 - Day 7 ??? ASSISI/ROME - This morning, we travel south to Rome. On arrival, we tour her sites. We start with the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where we celebrate Mass.  We have a guided tour of the Roman Fora, then drive by the Arch of Constantine and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.   We arrive at our hotel for dinner and overnight. Wednesday, November 11 - Day 8 ??? ROME - This morning, we make our way to St. Peter's for an audience with Pope Francis if he is in residence. We continue to visit the Holy Stairs and Basilica of St. John Lateran. Dinner on our own and overnight at our hotel.   Thursday, November 12 - Day 9 - ROME - This morning, we return to the Vatican, where we celebrate Mass in one of the chapels.   We then visit the Vatican Museum and marvel at Michelangelo's restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the wonders of St. Peter???s. This afternoon we visit St. Peter in Chains and view ???The Moses.???   On to a guided tour of the Coliseum.   Dinner on our own and overnight at our hotel.  Friday, November 13 - Day 10 ??? TODAY IS FREE for personal pursuits.   Dinner on our own. Saturday, November 14 - Day 11 - RETURN TO U.S. - Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime.