8 days from Philadelphia Departure 25 April 2011 - Return 02 May 2011
VISITING: Rome and Assisi
Itinerary:
April 25 - DAY 1
Depart Philadelphia on an overnight trip to Rome on a non stop flight on US AIR
April 26 - DAY 2 - Rome
Arrive at Rome's international airport where we are met by our English speaking Select International Tours guide. Transfer to your hotel with a stop at St. Paul Outside the Walls for Mass. Settle into your hotel and have an afternoon at leisure and time to become acclimated to a new time zone. Tonight we enjoy a walking tour of "Baroque" Rome, visiting the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navone and the Pantheon. Overnight Rome. (D)
April 27 - DAY 3 - Papal Audience and CHRISTIAN Rome
This morning we attend the Papal Audience at the Vatican, and then embark on a sightseeing tour of Christian Rome which includes: the Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, a shrine that contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus; the Holy Stairs, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, The Basilica of the St John in Lateran, is the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377; and Holy Cross in Jerusalem to see relics of the Holy Cross. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
April 28 Day 4 - Rome/Assisi/Rome
Depart to Assisi for a full day tour. Upon arrival take a guided tour to see San Ruffino Church where St. Francis and St. Clare were both baptized. Also visit St. Clare Church to see the cross that spoke to St. Francis and led him to a life of piety. Celebrate Mass at St. Francis of Assisi and visit Santa Maria degli Angeli. After Mass there is free time to stroll this charming village with its quaint shops. Return to Rome this evening for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
April 29 Day 5 - Rome- VATICAN MUSEUM and CATACOMBS
After breakfast enjoy a visit of the Vatican Museums, a group of most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We'll cover the Tapestry Gallery, the Raphael Rooms and the most overwhelming Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Masterpiece, restored mural of the Last Judgment. Later, enter the largest church in Christendom St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims come from around the world, St Peter's is the grandest of the world's churches. Marvel Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. We will also visit the grave of Pope John Paul II located at the Vatican. In the afternoon we travel the Appian Way , the oldest road from Roman times, plus the famous Domino Quo Vadis Chapel; see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus; Tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. Afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
April 30 Day 6 - Rome- Ancient ROME
This morning we enjoy an Ancient Rome tour, visiting the Colliseum, the Mamertine Prison and other famous landmarks. Afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Rome. (B)
May 01 Day 7 - BEATIFICATION AT THE VATICAN
Today we make our way to the Vatican where we will be present for Ceremony of the Beatification of Pope John Paul II. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight we have a gala farewell dinner in a restaurant with wine and music. Overnight Rome. (B, D)
May 02 Day 8 - Rome- Philadelphia
We bid farewell to our new friends and to a pilgrimage which will be in our memories and heart for a long time to come. Arrivederci Italia! (B)
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- Airfare PHL/ROME/PHL
- Accommodations in ¾ star hotels for 6 nights
- Buffet breakfast and 5 dinners
- Professional English speaking tour escort
- Private deluxe bus
- All touring and visits as per the itinerary
- Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
- Mass Daily
- Participation in the Beatification Ceremony
Cost per person based on double occupancy: $ 3,099.00
Single supplement..............$ 595.00
Airport taxes and fuel surcharges.....$ 445.00
Optional insurance............$ 246.00
Add on air rates are available from most major cities.
Prices are based on minimum 30 full paying passengers per coach.
Exchange rate used 1.33 USD to Euro. Prices are subject to change at time of full payment based on the current exchange rate and fuel surcharge. Final price will be calculated at time of final payment. Price can be guaranteed with full payment only.
We require a $ 600.00 group deposit to hold space plus a $ 600.00 individual deposit. Final payment 60 days before departure. Payments are accepted by check or money order.
All payments are non-refundable within 90 days of departure. We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellations insurance.
Reservations: Janice Rivera journeyexperienceit@gmail.com
