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PILGRIMS TOURSIN ITALY

2016

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In occasion of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, we are pleased to present our new “Pilgrim Tour” brochure, dedicated to religious itineraries. It proposes a selection of tours especially created for groups of pilgrims and their cultural and religious journeys throughout Italy and Europe. Spiritual paths represent our need for challenges, the evolution of consciousness, through the rediscovery of a collective memory in the various Christian destinations of ancient rituals, including all the Catholic Italy with Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi, Loreto, Cascia, Padua; the Marian Shrines in Lourdes and

Fatima and much more.

The itineraries can change according to client’s specific needs in order to create ad-hoc itineraries and tailor made packages

region/area page

THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY 12-15Rome

ON THE HOLY WAY 16-19Rome, Bolsena, Orvieto, Assisi, Cascia, Rieti

SIGNS OF FAITH ACROSS APULIA 20-23San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Barletta, Trani, Altamura, Matera, Lecce, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Bari

RELIGION AND ART AROUND ITALY 24-27Rome, Orvieto, Assisi, Loreto, Ravenna, Bologna

SICILY BETWEEN FAITH AND MYTHOLOGY 28-31Palermo, Monreale, Agrigento, Piazza Amerina, Syracuse, Catania

ON THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. FRANCIS AND ST. BENEDICT 32-35Rome, Bolsena, Orvieto, Assisi, La Verna, Sansepolcro, Greccio, Subiaco, Mentorella, Montecassino

FAITH THROUGH ITALY 36-39Rome, Bolsena, Orvieto, Siena Assisi, Cascia, Loreto, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Montecassino, Rome

RELIGION: FROM THE SOUTH TO THE NORTH 40-43Rome, Mugnano del Cardinale, Amalfi, Sorrento, Pompeii, Naples, Montecassino, Assisi, Siena, Pisa, Florence, Padua, Venice

THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE ITALIAN SHRINES 44-47Rome, Montecassino, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi, Siena, Pisa, Florence, Padua, Venice

CREDENCE ALONG ITALY 48-51Padua, Venice, Florence, Assisi, Cascia, Loreto, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Montecassino, Rome

KINGDOM OF THE 2 SICILIES 52-55Palermo, Monreale, Cefalù, Agrigento, Piazza Armerina, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Messina, Salerno, Cava dei Tirreni, Sorrento, Pompeii, Montecassino, Rome

ST. PAUL’S PATH FROM MALTA TO ROME 56-59Malta, Syracuse, Catania, Taormina, Messina, Salerno, Cava dei Tirreni, Sorrento, Naples, Pozzuoli, Minturno, Rome

PILGRIMAGE IN EUROPE 60-63Lisbon, Fatima, Madrid, Zaragoza, Lourdes, Paris, Venice, Padua, Florence, Assisi, Cascia, Loreto, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Montecassino, Rome

Index

garda lake

iseo lakemajor

lakeVALLE

D’AOSTA

PIEDMONT

LOMBARDIA

TRENTINOALTO ADIGE

VENETO

EMILIAROMAGNA

MARCHE

LAZIOABRUZZO

CAMPANIA

APULIA

ROME

LIGURIA

SICILY

TUSCANY

UMBRIA

Gubbio

Tivoli

BolsenaLake

Trento

Padua

RiminiRavenna

Spoleto

Pesaro

VicenzaSirrone

Lovere

SARDINIA

FRIULIVENEZIAGIULIA

MOLISE

BASILICATA

CALABRIA

Assisi

Orvieto Cascia

Ischia

L’Aquila Lanciano

Taormina

Messina

Catania

Syracuse

Agrigento

MarsalaMonreale

Cefalù

PiazzaArmerina

GozoMalta

Palermo

Capri

Naples

Salerno

Sanremo

Turin

Oropa Milan

Iseo

Pavia

Ferrara

Bologna

Venice

Como

La Spezia

Sansepolcro

Bergamo

Verona

Ancona

Torgiano

Bolzano

Treviso

Florence

CuneoGenoa

Aosta

Chiavari

Lucca

Siena Arezzo

PompeiiPozzuoli

SorrentoAmalfi

Paestum

Elba

tyrrhenian sea

Pisa

Olbia

Cagliari

Reggio Calabria

Crotone

Cosenza

MateraPotenza

ionian sea

Lecce

Otranto

Santa Maria di Leuca

Taranto

Altamura

Bari

Foggia

Monte Sant’Angelo

Campobasso

Ascoli Piceno

Urbino

Loreto

adriatic sea

ModenaParma

Trieste

San GiovanniRotondo

Vieste

Trani

BrindisiAlberobello

Santa Teresadi Gallura

SassariAlghero

Oristano

NuoroOrgosolo

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DAY 1: ROME - ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLSArrival in Rome, the Eternal City, meet your assistant and transfer to the Hotel and accommodation. In the afternoon guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 : ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERAN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is

celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule).Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman church, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is

also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of

rome, saint john lateran

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5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS L, R�e & � Vat�� C�

Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of

several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of S. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROME After breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire,

The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch in restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 5: ROME AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and come back at your destination.


rome, saint mary in trastevere

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rome, navona square

rome, trevi fountain

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rome

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS L, R�e & � Vat�� C�

THE PLACES OF FAITHRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors : St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena

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DAY 1: ROME - ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLSArrival in Rome, the Eternal City, meet your assistant and transfer to the Hotel and accommodation. In the afternoon guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ROME - VATICAN CITY, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERANAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside

the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own

knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ROME - BOLSENA – ORVIETO - ASSISI Arrival in Rome and departure to Orvieto in Umbria Region. During the way we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Cristina, nearby Bolsena, site of the Eucharistic miracle, preserved to the next destination Orvieto. At arrival guided visit of the Cathedral with the Corporal Chapel, built in order to preserve the memory of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena (1263), hosting the Sacred Linen Cloth. Possibility to celebrate Mass. The impressive Cathedral took over thirty architects, 90 mosaic artisans and 152 sculptors to bring to its current splendor. The Orvieto tour proceeds along the Via del Duomo to visit the Palace of the Popes and the National Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Soliano. Lunch in restaurant. Departure to Assisi, upon arrival to the hometown of St. Francis, we will

assisi, church of saint francis

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6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTSL, U��a

visit Santa Maria Degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: ASSISIAfter breakfast, meet the local guide and visit Assisi, pilgrimage destination and place rich of artistic works. Walking tour through the medieval street of Assisi, visiting The Cathedral of San Rufino, the St. Clare Basilica where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church and finally St Francis Basilica. This impressive double church was completed in just twenty years. We will see the Lower altar with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. We will also visit the crypt housing St Francis’ tomb. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Lunch at restaurant. In

the afternoon departure to the Hermitage of the Carceri, located about five kilometres from Assisi, on the slopes of Mount Subasio. The Sanctuary has evolved throughout the centuries around the cave of St. Francis and the little Chapel of St. Mary, where St. Francis spent periods of time in contemplation and intense prayer. Departure to Assisi , dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 5: ASSISI -CASCIA-RIETI-ROMEAfter breakfast departure to Cascia, a little town but an important pilgrims destination all over the world as the life place of Saint Rita of Cascia, knew as the “Saint of the Impossible” and because here is preserved the Eucharistic Miracle. Guided visit of the Sanctuary and the Basilica including Saint Rita Chapel where her relics is preserved and the Chapel dedicated to the Eucharistic Miracle, kept in a stone and crystal tabernacle, happened in Siena in

1339. At the end of the visit, departure “on the way of St. Francis” to Rieti . Guided visit of the sanctuary of Santa Maria de La Foresta, where in 1225 St. Francis performed the miracle of grapes and to the Church and Convent of San Francesco, containing the chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, particularly revered in Rieti. Departure to Rome, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.


orvieto, the cathedral

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vatican city, saint peter


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THE PLACES OF FAITHRomeVatican Square; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors: St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran

Orvieto The Cathedral and the Chapel of the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena

Bolsena Sanctuary of St. Cristina

Santa Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the Porziuncola

AssisiSaint Francis Monastery, Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross, St. Rufino Cathedral

CasciaSaint Rita of Cascia Sanctuary and Basilica

RietiSanctuary of Santa Maria de La Foresta; Church and Monastery of San Francesco

rieti, the cathedral

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTSL, U��a

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DAY 1: BARI – SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDOArrival at the Bari airport. Meet your guide and departure to discover the capital of Apulia, which has a strong commercial tradition since it was the main trade, cultural, and political focal point with the Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Visit of the prestigious Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari where his relics are preserved and source if pilgrimage for Catholic and Ortodox Christians. At the end of the visit departure to last destination of the day, San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Blessed Padre Pio, who was made Saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ANGELO After breakfast, departure for the visit of San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations in Europe because of

the extraordinary life and reputation of the Franciscan Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, who lived, worked and in 1968 died here. Possibility to celebrate Mass at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Guided visit to his Sanctuary, the crucifix, in front of which St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, the crypt and Padre Pio tomb, the confessional from where St. Padre Pio spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon departure through the beautiful Gargano Peninsula, to reach the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, in Monte Sant’ Angelo, one of the most ancient of Christian shrines, dedicated to the Archangel Michael who appeared here in the 5th and 8th centuries. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO – BARLETTA – TRANI - CASTEL DEL MONTE - ALBEROBELLO After breakfast departure to Barletta.Important harbour, agricultural and industrialcentre in Apulia. Walking tour to the historical centre with the possibility to visit: theCathedral of St. Mary Major, the Medievalchurch of St. Sepulcre, close to the colossalbronze statue ‘Colosso di Barletta’ and theSvevian-aragonese Castle. The tour proceedsto Trani to visit the Romanic Cathedral,dedicated to St. Nicolaus the Pilgrim, hisrelics are kept in the monumental crypt.In the afternoon transfer to the Castel delMonte, the famous octagonal castle wantedby the Emperor Frederic II of Svevia in 1240and Unesco World Heritage. After the visittransfer to your hotel in Alberobello area.Accommodation, dinner and overnight.

lecce, basilica of santa croce

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6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTSB!i, "n G#$i R%'(, T)*, O+�to, ".a M!� Di L01

DAY 4: ALBEROBELLO – ALTAMURA – MATERA - ALBEROBELLO After breakfast departure to Altamura and walking tour along the historical centre, visiting the only one Cathedral built by the Emperor Frederic II between 1228 and 1232. It is one of the four Palatine Basilicas in Apulia and it is dedicated to our Lady of Assumption. Possibility to visit a bakery where the famous bread of Altamura is made. The tour proceeds to Matera and guided visit of the magnificent city “Sassi” (rocks), rupestral houses partly made out of natural cavities in the rocks. Matera is listend in the Unesco world Heritage sites and choose as the European Capitol of Culture 2019. Many filmmakers chose Matera as location for shooting their movies, from Pasolini to Mel Gibson, who shot ‘the Passion’ movie here. On the way of the return stop to The Crypt of the Original Sin , also known as the “Sistin Chapel” of the rupestrian wall painting.

In a rocky hollow overlooking the limestone cliff, the masterly hand of the “Painter of The Flowers of Matera” has narrated scenes from the Old and New Testament in a cycle of frescoes dating back to the 9th century. A. D.. of the rupestrian wall painting. Arrival at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: ALBEROBELLO – LECCE – OTRANTO – ALBEROBELLOAfter breakfast departure to Lecce, famouscity of the baroque, also called the Florenceof the South. Guided visit of the RomanAmphitheatre, the Cathedral and St. CroceBasilica. At the end of the visit we proceedto the beautiful coast of Salento and reachOtranto, the most eastern city of Italy.Guided visit of the city centre: the RomanicCathedral which hosts the relics of theMartyrs proclaimed Saints by Pope Francis in2013 and where you can admire the widest

floor mosaics built from 1163 and 1166, the byzantine church of St. Peters and the Castle of Alfonso of Aragona king of Naples. Departure to Santa Maria di Leuca to visit Shrine of Santa Maria de Finubus Terrae. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: ALBEROBELLO – BARI DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, departure to discover Alberobello, the capital of trulli one of the Apulia’s symbol. Guided walking tour of Rione de Monti, Unesco World Heritage, Trullo Church, the Siamese Trullo and other important places of the city. Lunch in restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Bari Airport and come back at your destination.

lecce, cathedral of santa maria dell’ assunta

otranto, the cathedral

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bari, basilica of saint nicholas of bari

trani, cathedral of saint nicholaus the pilgrim

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THE PLACES OF FAITHBariBasilica of St. Nicholas of Bari

San Giovanni RotondoShrine Monastery of Saint Padre Pio

Monte Sant’AngeloShrine and Grotto of Michael the Archangel

Barlettathe Cathedral of St. Mary Major, the Medieval church of St. Sepulcre

TraniCathedral, dedicated to St. Nicolaus the Pilgrim

AltamuraCathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

LecceCathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta; Basilica of Santa Croce

OtrantoCathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata

Santa Maria di LeucaShrine of Santa Maria de Finubus Terrae

AlberobelloChurch of St. Antony ( Trullo church)

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTSB!i, "n G#$i R%'(, T)*, O+�to, ".a M!� Di L01

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DAY 1: ROME - ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLSArrival in Rome, the Eternal City, meet your assistant and transfer to the Hotel. In the afternoon guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ROME - VATICAN CITY, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERNAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical

restaurant. In the afternoon the visit the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ROME – ORVIETO - ASSISI After breakfast departure to Orvieto in Umbria Region. Guided visit of the Cathedral with the Corporal Chapel, built in order to preserve the memory of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena (1263), hosting the Sacred Linen Cloth. Possibility to celebrate Mass. The impressive Cathedral took over thirty architects, 90 mosaic artisans and 152 sculptors to bring to

its current splendor. The Orvieto tour proceeds along the Via del Duomo to visit the Palace of the Popes and the National Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Soliano. Lunch in restaurant. Departure to Assisi, upon the arrival to the hometown of St. Francis, we will visit Santa Maria Degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: ASSISI - LORETOAfter breakfast, meet the local guide and visit Assisi, pilgrimage destination and place rich of artistic works. Walking tour through the medieval street of Assisi, visiting The Cathedral of San Rufino, the St. Clare Basilica where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church and finally St Francis Basilica. This impressive double church was completed in just twenty years. We will see the Lower altar with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. We will also visit the crypt housing St Francis’ tomb.

ravenna, basilica of saint vitale

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7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTSL, U��a, M!>e, ?@� R�EF

Possibility to celebrate Mass. Lunch at restaurant. Departure to Loreto, in Marche Region. Guided visit of the great Marian Shrine in Loreto, one of Italy’s leading pilgrimage sites. An ancient tradition tells that the Holy House, that we’ll visit, is the same House where Our Lady Mary was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement. This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: LORETO - RAVENNAAfter breakfast, departure to Ravenna. The guided visit start from St. Vitale Basilica, the most precious example of Byzantine art extant in western Europe. We will see the marbles, capitals and mosaics which include depictions of the retinues of the Emperor Justinian and Theodora. Nearby, is the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, erected by the sister of the Emperor Honorius in the 5th century A.D., a small cruciform building which contains the earliest wall mosaics in Ravenna. After visiting the Mausoleum we walk to the Arian Baptistery, with fine mosaics

of the Baptism of Christ in the dome. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon guided visit of the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, originally the palatine church of the Emperor Theodoric. Its wall mosaics, including the ceremonial procession of martyrs and female saints, rank among the largest to have come down to us from antiquity. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: RAVENNA - BOLOGNAAfter breakfast, departure to Classe, the ancient port just to the east of Ravenna, to visit the splendid Basilica of Sant’ Apollinaire in Classe with its magnificent mosaics. It was consecrated by Archbishop Maximilian in 549 A.D. At the end of the visit departure to Bologna, knows as the ‘’the Learned’’, ‘’The Fat’’, and ‘’The Red’’. This afternoon our first place of pilgrimage will be the Church of San Domenico, built in 1251, thirty years after the death of Dominic in 1221. It is built on the site of a convent founded by Dominic, and where he died. The Church houses the Saint’s tomb, the Arca Di San Domenico. Afterwards we will walk to the Piazza Maggiore in the heart of the city, which contains the magnificent

fourteenth century Basilica of St.Petronius, Bologna’s Patron Saint. Accommodation at Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: BOLOGNA AND DEPARTURE After breakfast, transfer to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and come back at your destination.

orvieto, the cathedral

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237' 8 9t !:; I<�

loreto, sanctuary of santa casa

bologna, piazza maggiore

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THE PLACES OF FAITHRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors: St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran

OrvietoThe Cathedral and the Chapel of the Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena


AssisiSaint Francis Monastery, Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross, St. Rufino Cathedral

LoretoThe Sanctuary of the Holy House

RavennaSt. Vitale Basilica; Mausoleum of Galla Placidia; Arian Baptistery; St. Apolinnare Nuovo Basilica; St. Apollinare Basilica in Classe

Bologna Church of San Domenico; St.Petronius Basilica

rome, saint angel bridge

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTSL, U��a, M!>e, ?@� R�EF

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DAY 1: PALERMO Arrival in Palermo. Meet your guide and departure to discover the Byzantine, Arab, Norman city centre. We’ll visit the Cathedral and the Royal Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) with the Palatine Chapel, considered one of the best monuments of Norman art in the Sicilian capital. Our tour proceeds to Mount Pellegrino (Pilgrims’ Mountain), a holy place for Palermo inhabitants, to visit Saint Rosalie’s Sanctuary (Palermo patron Saint). This medieval Saint sought a hermit’s life on Mount Pellegrino and many miracles were attributed to her. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: PALERMO – MONREALE - AGRIGENTO After breakfast departure to Monreale, on Palermo hill, to visit the magnificent Norman cathedral that attracts every year a million visitors. Famous for its structure, the richness

of the interior, for the magnificence of the mosaics, the Cathedral is certainly the greatest monument of the Norman period in Sicily and above, is considered the “most beautiful temple in the world.” In the afternoon departure to Agrigento. Accommodation at hotel dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: AGRIGENTO – PIAZZA ARMERINA - SYRACUSEAfter breakfast, departure to discover the archaeological area known as the Valley of the Temples one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Along a long rocky scarp, chosen as the southern limit of the town, are still sited the great temples of ancient Akragas. Ancient Akragas, in its hey-day, was a flourishing cultural center: it gave the world Empedocles, the pre-socratic philosopher, whose concept of matter was divided into four

elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, was the foundation of science for many centuries to come. The city attracted poets like Simonides and Pindar who described it as “the most beautiful of mortal cities”. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon departure to Syracuse with a stop to Piazza Armerina to visit Roman Villa del Casale, fabulous villa for its thirty rooms decorated by 3500 sqm of mosaics. Departure to Syracuse, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: SYRACUSEAfter breakfast, we start the visit of Syracuse with the Basilica of Madonna delle Lacrime which holds the plaque of Our Lady of the Tears. It was constructed in 1954 to honour a modest chalk drawing of the Virgin, from which real tears began to flow out of the eyes and heart. The picture, once owned by the Lannuso family, whose home had become a site of

palermo, the chatedral

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23

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTSP`�b, M'c`e, d�f.o, P�ga 9j�F, k)lm, Cat��, Tpqva

pilgrimage, is now preserved in the Sanctuary. After Mass we visit the wonderful city of Syracuse where historic cultures are evident in the narrow streets and lovely courtyards of the old houses. Our first stop is the Church of St. John the Baptist and its crypt, where, Saints Paul and Luke said to have preached to the Christian community. Next we visit the Ortigia Island where we find the Duomo, which is one of the town’s most celebrated sights. Once it was the Greek Temple of Athena, with a giant gold statue of the goddess on its roof. The massive Doric columns of the temple are still visible. Inside the Duomo, you can see more evidence of the temple origins of the building, and more of the original structure. Inside we see the Chapel dedicated to St. Lucy patron saint of Syracuse. Dinner and overnight at hotel

DAY 5: SYRACUSE – CATANIA After breakfast, departure to Catania. Guided walking tour of the city centre, from the the famous Fish market to Piazza Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, patron Saint of Catania. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon tour in “Coast of the Cyclopses”, between Catania and Acireale, typical landscape for its lava coast, created with the innumerable eruptions of Etna. You will meet the suburbs of S. Maria la Scala, S. Tecla, Stazzo, Pozzillo andfinally, Torre Archirafi and the cities of Giarreand Riposto. Accommodation at hotel, dinnerand overnight.

DAY 6: CATANIA - TAORMINA – ETNA – CATANIAAfter a buffet breakfast, departure (weather conditions permitting) to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Across fascinating landscape, we will reach a height of

2000 metres, where we will enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Ionic Sea. Lunch in a local restaurant on the slopes of Etna. After lunch departure to Tormina, called “the pearl of the Ionian sea”. Guided tour of the Greek theatre, which dates from 3rd century B.C. There is a wonderful view of Mount Etna and the coastline from the top. The tour proceeds to the gardens of the Villa Comunale described by many, as one of the most beautiful public parks in the world, consisting of terraced gardens of exotic plants and flowers. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: CATANIA AND DEPARTURE After breakfast, transfer to Catania airport and come back at your destination.

catania, the chatedral

24

�K�: beXZn ��h 8 M[\]^

taormina, greek theatre

Monreale, the cathedral

25

THE PLACES OF FAITHPALERMOSaint Rosalie’s Sanctuary

MONREALECathedral Basilica of Monreale

SYRACUSEBasilica of Madonna delle Lacrime; Church of St. John the Baptist; Duomo of Syracuse

CATANIA Cathedral of Sant’Agata

agrigento, valley of temples

piazza armerina, roman villa del casale

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTSP`�b, M'c`e, d�f.o, P�ga 9j�F, k)lm, Cat��, Tpqva

26

DAY 1: ROME – BOLSENA – ORVIETO – ASSISIArrival in Rome and departure to Orvieto in Umbria Region. During the way we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Cristina, nearby Bolsena, site of the Eucharistic miracle, preserved to the next destination Orvieto. At arrival guided visit of the Cathedral with the Corporal Chapel, built in order to preserve the memory of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena (1263), hosting the Sacred Linen Cloth. Possibility to celebrate Mass. The impressive Cathedral took over thirty architects, 90 mosaic artisans and 152 sculptors to bring to its current splendor. The Orvieto tour proceeds along the Via del Duomo to visit the Palace of the Popes and the National Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Soliano. Lunch in restaurant. Departure to Assisi, the quite hometown of St. Francis, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ASSISI - LA VERNA – SANSEPOLCRO - ASSISIAfter breakfast, early departure to discover the Sanctuary of La Verna built from St. Francisand his companion and became an importantplace of faith after the year 1224 when St.Francis received here the stigmata. Possibilityto celebrate the Holy Mass at the Chapel ofthe Stigmata. Departure to Sansepolcro, called “Little Jerusalem”. We visit Cathedral with thechapel of St. Leonardo containing the relicsthat St. Egidio and St. Arcano bought with them from Jerusalem. Afterwards, we have free time to walk through this medieval and renaissance town. Return to Assisi, dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: ASSISIAfter breakfast, we have a full day guided tour of this charming town, the pilgrimage centre where St. Francis and St. Clare lived. Visit the

Upper and Lower Basilica of St. Francis (with its Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue) and the Basilica of St Clare where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church. Lunch at restaurant.In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Church of St.Damiano, where St. Francis probably wrote hisfamous “Laudes Creaturarum” (Canticle of theCreatures) . The visit proceeds to Santa Mariadegli Angeli with the Basilica included the“Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded hisorder and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 4: ASSISI - GRECCIO - SUBIACO After breakfast departure through the Umbrian Valley and the picturesque cities of Spello and Spoleto to reach the hermitage of Greccio, the “New Bethlehem”. The sanctuary is famous because Saint Francis chose it as the backdrop

cassino, abbey of montecassino

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27

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS L 8 U��a

to one of the highest and most lyrical moments in his life: the first recreation of the Bethlehem Nativity in Christianity on Christmas Eve, 1223. The visit of the Sanctuary starts with the Chapel of Nativity and continues through the ancient Convent: the refectory, the dormitory and the cell where St. Francis slept. Possibility to celebrate Mass. After free time for lunch, we continue by coach to the little village of Subiaco. We will spend two nights in this mystic place that St. Benedict (5th Century) chose to spend time praying and meditating. Dinner and overnight in the monastery to experience aspects of monastic life.

DAY 5: SUBIACO - MENTORELLA – SUBIACOAfter breakfast, departure to discover the magnificent monastic complex. The Monastery of St. Benedict with the Santo Speco Grotto, where St. Benedict spent his years of isolation and the Grotto of Shepherds,

the Abbey of St. Scolastica (St. Benedict’s twin sister) including the library and the archive (containing copies of ancient codex,) the cloister and the church. In the afternoon, departure to the Sanctuary of the Mentorella, the favourite of Pope John Paul II. Perched high on a rocky outcrop in the Prenestine Hills at an altitude of 1220 metres, it is considered the oldest sanctuary in Italy and in Europe. In this holy place we can experience the strong religious and harmonic atmosphere where art, faith and nature coexist, pervaded by the fragrance of an ancient ”sweet - smelling mint”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Return to Subiaco, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: SUBIACO - MONTECASSINO – ROMEAfter breakfast, departure to Rome with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In

the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community and the principles of the Rule (540). “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Benedict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Rome, the Eternal City. Guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

subiaco, monastery of saint benedict

28

DAY 7: ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERAN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLISTO After breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural

masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROME After breakfast, departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight at hotel


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orvieto

29

THE PLACES OF FAITHBolsenaSanctuary of St. Cristina OrvietoThe Cathedral and the Chapel of the Eucharistic miracle of BolsenaAssisiSaint Francis Monastery; Saint Clare, Saint Damiano; Santa Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the PorziuncolaLa VernaSanctuary of Laverna Sansepolcro The Cathedral of SansepolcroGreccioFranciscan Sanctuary of the Bethlehem Nativity SubiacoMonastery of St. Benedict Abbey of St. ScolasticaSanctuary of the MentorellaMontecassinoBenedectine AbbeyRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica ; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena


10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS L 8 U��a

30

DAY 1: ROME - BOLSENA – ORVIETO - SIENAArrival in Rome and departure to Orvieto in Umbria Region. During the way we’ll visit the Sanctuary of St. Cristina, nearby Bolsena, site of the Eucharistic miracle, preserved to the next destination Orvieto. At arrival guided visit of the Cathedral with the Corporal Chapel, built in order to preserve the memory of the Eucharistic Miracle of Bolsena (1263), hosting the Sacred Linen Cloth. Possibility to celebrate Mass. The impressive Cathedral took over thirty architects, 90 mosaic artisans and 152 sculptors to bring to its current splendor. The Orvieto tour proceeds along the Via del Duomo to visit the Palace of the Popes and the National Archaeological Museum in the Palazzo Soliano. Lunch at restaurant. Departure to Siena, the quite hometown of St. Catherine, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: SIENA - ASSISIAfter breakfast, meet the local guide for the visit of most significant places in the life of Saint Catherine in her native town of Siena. The tour will include the house, now become a Sanctuary, in which the great Saint, patron of Italy and Europe, was born. In this devout

place you will see the Cross oratory where Saint Catherina received the stigmas. We will visit the Basilica of San Domenico, where the relic of her head is kept, surrounded by beautiful sixteenth century frescoes, and take the same route that Catherine followed every night to help the ill at the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. During the tour you will be able to appreciate the major tourist attractions like Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the town, and “Palazzo Comunale”(Town Hall). Lunch at restaurant. We depart to Assisi, upon the arrival to the hometown of St. Francis, we will visit Santa Maria Degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consacreted Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Accommodation in hotel and dinner.

DAY 3 : ASSISI – CASCIA - LORETOAfter breakfast, meet the local guide and visit Assisi, pilgrimage destination and place rich of artistic works. Walking tour through the medieval street of Assisi, visiting The Cathedral of San Rufino, the St. Clare Basilica where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his

call to save the Church and finally St Francis Basilica. This impressive double church was completed in just twenty years. We will see the Lower altar with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. We will also visit the crypt housing St Francis’ tomb. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Departure to Cascia, a little town but an important pilgrims destination all over the world as the life place of Saint Rita of Cascia, knew as the “Saint of the Impossible” and because here is preserved the Eucharistic Miracle. Guided visit of the Sanctuary and the Basilica including Saint Rita Chapel where her relics is preserved and the Chappel dedicated to the Eucharistic Miracle, kept in a stone and crystal tabernacle, happened in Siena in 1339. At the end of the visit, transfer to Loreto, in Marche Region. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 : LORETO – LANCIANO - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDOAfter breakfast, departure for the guided visit of the great Marian Shrine in Loreto, one of Italy’s leading pilgrimage sites. An ancient tradition tells that the Holy House, that we’ll visit, is the same House where Our Lady Mary

basilica of saint peter, vatican city

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10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS L, T�1�, U��a, M!>e, ��go 8 �ul�

was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement. This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. Late morning we depart to Lanciano to visit St. Francis church and the Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle that happened in this place in the eighth century and where the Holy Relics is preserved. Departure for the last destination of the day, San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Blessed Padre Pio, who was made Saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ANGELOAfter breakfast, departure for the visit of San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations in Europe because of the extraordinary life and reputation of the Franciscan Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, who lived, worked and in 1968 died here. Possibility to celebrate Mass at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Guided visit to his Sanctuary, the crucifix, in front of which St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, the crypt and Padre Pio

tomb, the confessional from where he spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Departure by bus, through the beautiful Gargano Peninsula, to reach the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, in Monte Sant’ Angelo, one of the most ancient of Christian shrines, dedicated to the Archangel Michael who appeared here in the 5th and 8th centuries. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTECASSINO - ROME AND ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLSAfter breakfast, departure to Rome with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks

still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Rome, the Eternal City. Guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: ROME PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERAN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and


32

visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLISTOAfter Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from Vatican Museums: we enter the Pinecone Courtyard, crossing the collection of greek and roman sculpture, admiring the famous statue of Apollus, the Laocoon and the Belvedere Torso, the statues of animals, the Coffins of St. Helen and St. Constance, the Galleries of Tapestries and the frescoed Maps of all Italy painted in 1585. The Rooms painted by Raphael and his pupils, ending with the amazing Michelangelo’s

Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. More than a simple church the Basilica, originally build by Emperor Constantine over the tomb of the very first pope, the apostle Peter, was designed by the best Italian architects. Its building took more than 150 years, and under a certain point of view is still a “work in progress”. The Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, the staircase enlightened by eternal lamps leading to the tomb of Saint Peter designed by Carlo Maderno, the tombs of the Popes made by Bernini, Della Porta, Canova, Thorvaldsen and many others, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more masterpieces will overhead you. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St. Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican”, preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried

where today we can see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROME After breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church withits tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.


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loreto

33

THE PLACES OF FAITHOrvietoThe Cathedral and the Chapel of the Eucharistic miracle of BolsenaBolsena Sanctuary of St. Cristina SienaSanctuary of St. Caterina, San Domenico Basilica; Santa Maria della Scala hospital Santa Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the PorziuncolaAssisi Saint Francis Monastery; Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross; St. Rufino CathedralCasciaSaint Rita of Cascia Sanctuary and BasilicaLoretoThe Sanctuary of the Holy HouseLancianoSaint Francis Church and Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle San Giovanni Rotondo Shrine Monastery of Saint Padre Pio Monte Sant’AngeloShrine and Grotto of Michael the Archangel Montecassino Benedictine AbbeyRome Vatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors : St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena

siena

10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS L, T�1�, U��a, M!>e, ��go 8 �ul�

34

DAY 1: ROME - ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS Arrival in Rome, the Eternal City, meet your assistant and transfer to the Hotel and accommodation. In the afternoon we’ll have a guided visit of the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE , ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERAN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps

(now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon

the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: ROME - MUGNANO DEL CARDINALE – AMALFI COAST - SORRENTO After breakfast, departure to the beautiful Amalfi coast, we’ll drive along the Amalfi Costal road, one of the most scenic in Europe, enjoying magnificent views of Positano and other picturesque fishing villages. On the way, we’ll take a stop to the little town of Mugnano del Cardinale, to visit the Sanctuary of St. Philomena, important pilgrims destination all over the world. You’ll visit the tomb of the young martyr, who willingly traded her earthly life, at the age of thirteen, in exchange

florence, santa maria del fiore chatedral

237': f � �� to � Nor�

35

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTSL, C��*a, U��a, T�1�, V{�o

for heavenly salvation. Arrival in Amalfi and walking guided tour through its pretty streets arriving to the 10th century Cathedral with its colourful façade and the Crypt of St. Andrew, patron saint of Scotland. The panoramic tour proceeds to the small village of Scala and to Ravello to admire the ancient fortified castle, Piazza Vescovado, Cathedral. Arrival in Sorrento, splendid town overlooking Naples Gulf. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: SORRENTO – POMPEII – NAPLES – SORRENTO After breakfast, departure to Pompeii. This ancient city was buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Upon arrival in Pompeii, you will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable site, as well as visiting the most significant archaeological museums in the world and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii. The Sanctuary contains a large image of Our Lady of the Rosary that was restored from a convent in Naples, in 1875. Since then, a number of miracles have been reported as a result of prayer in this Cathedral. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the

guided visit of Naples and its historical centre “Spaccanapoli” with the important churches of St. Gregorio Armeno, St. Clare Monastry with beautiful and colored majolicas, St. Severo Chapel with the “Veiled Christ” and finally Naples Cathedral or well known as St. Gennaro Basilica with the treasure of the blood miracle. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: SORRENTO – MONTECASSINO – ASSISIAfter breakfast, departure to Assisi with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make

researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Assisi. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: ASSISI After breakfast, we have a full day guided tour of this charming town, the pilgrimage centre where St. Francis and St. Clare lived. Visit the Upper and Lower Basilica of St. Francis (with its Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue) and the Basilica of St Clare where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in St. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Church of St. Damiano, where St. Francis probably wrote his famous “Laudes Creaturarum” (Canticle of the Creatures) . The visit proceeds to Santa Maria degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

padua, saint antony chatedral

36

237': f � �� to � Nor�

DAY 8: ASSISI – SIENA – PISA - FLORENCEAfter breakfast, departure to Siena, in Tuscany Region, birthplace of St Catherine, the doctor of the Church and St. Bernardine, the Apostole of Italy. Guided tour of most significant places in the life of Saint Catherine including the house, now become a Sanctuary, in which the great Saint, patron of Italy and Europe, was born. In this devout place you will see the Cross oratory where Saint Catherine received the stigmas. We will visit the Basilica of San Domenico, where the relic of her head is kept, surrounded by beautiful sixteenth century frescoes and take the same route that Catherine followed every night to help the patients at the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. During the tour you will be able to appreciate the major tourist attractions like Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the town, the “Palazzo Comunale”(Town Hall). Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Pisa for a walking tour of the historical centre of the ancient Maritime Republic, with the famous “Campo dei Miracoli” which includes the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery and the famous Tower. At the end of

the visit, transfer to the hotel in Florence area, Dinner and Overnight.

DAY 9: FLORENCEAfter breakfast, departure to Florence, regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities of the world with its rich artistic, historic and spiritual heritage. Guided tour of the cathedral and the outside of the baptistery with ‘Gates of Paradise’, passing the ‘home’ of Dante and the church where he first saw Beatrice, and on to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, where apart from the tombs of the famous, there are two chapels with frescoes by Giotto and some lovely medieval stained glass. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: FLORENCE – PADUAAfter breakfast, departure to discover Padua and his Saint Antony, who came to Italy at the age of 26, and after meeting St Francis during the Feast of Pentecost in 1221, was inspired to become a great Franciscan preacher, missionary and teacher. After his death at the

age of 36 near to Padua, his body was later buried in the great basilica constructed by the towns people of Padua. Guided tour of the basilica, to the 16th century cathedral (Duomo) and the 12th century baptistery next to it, with frescoes depicting scenes from the bible including the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the magnificent Cappella degli Scrovegni, built in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni. The interior contains Frescoes of New Testament scenes by Giotto, which have been acclaimed as his masterpiece. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 11: PADUA – VENICE – PADUAAfter breakfast, departure to Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, where traditionally an angel appeared to St. Mark on his way to Rome and where the famous Basilica was constructed to house the relics of the Saint. Guided visit of St. Mark’s Basilica and the surrounding area. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon private excursion by boat to the Venice lagoon to visit the 3 islands: Torcello with its cathedral, the first built in Venice in the 7th century, and although there are few inhabitants today,

napoli, chatedral of san gennaro

37

THE PLACES OF FAITHRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors : St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of SienaMugnano del CardinaleSanctuary of St. PhilomenaAmalfiSt. Andrew CathedralPompeiiSanctuary of our LadyNaplesSt. Gregorio Armeno Church; St. Clare Monastery; St. Severo Chapel; St. Gennaro CathedralMontecassinoBenedectine AbbeySanta Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the PorziuncolaAssisi Saint Francis Monastery, Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross, St. Rufino CathedralSienaSanctuary of St. Caterina; San Domenico Basilica; Santa Maria della Scala hospital FlorenceSt. Maria del Fiore Cathedral; St. Croce BasilicaPaduaSaint Antony BasilicaVeniceSt. Mark Basilica

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTSL, C��*a, U��a, T�1�, V{�o

in the 14th century there were nearly 20,000 people living here! Today, Torcello is quiet but its beautiful cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is definitely worth the visit. Burano in contrast to Torcello is still very much a working island, where many of the men still depend on fishing and some of the women still practise lace making and the brightly coloured houses lend it its own particular character. Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 12: PADUA AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport and come back at your destination.

38

DAY 1: ROME - ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS Arrival in Rome, the Eternal City, meet your assistant and transfer to the Hotel and accommodation. In the afternoon we’ll have a guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 : ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE , ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps

(now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon

the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROME After breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with

rome, church of santa maria sopra minerva

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13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTSL, �ul�, ��go, M!>e, U��a 8 T�1�

its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 5: ROME – MONTECASSINO- SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDOAfter breakfast, departure to Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Blessed Padre Pio, who was made Saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ANGELOAfter breakfast, departure for the visit of San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations in Europe because of the extraordinary life and reputation of the Franciscan Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, who lived, worked and in 1968 died here. Possibility to celebrate Mass at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Guided visit to his Sanctuary, the crucifix, in front of which St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, the crypt and Padre Pio tomb, the confessional from where St. Padre Pio spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Departure by bus, through the beautiful Gargano Peninsula, to reach the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, in Monte Sant’ Angelo, one of the most ancient of Christian shrines, dedicated to the Archangel Michael who appeared here in the 5th and 8th centuries. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO – LANCIANO – LORETO – ASSISI After breakfast departure to Lanciano to visit St. Francis church and the Chapel of

Eucharistic Miracle that happened in this place in the eighth century and where is the Holy Relics is preserved. Lunch at restaurant. Departure to Loreto, for a guided visit of the great Marian Shrine, one of Italy’s leading pilgrimage sites. An ancient tradition tells that the Holy House, that we’ll visit, is the same House where Our Lady Mary was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement. This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. At the end of the visit, transfer to Assisi, the home town of St. Francis. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: ASSISI After breakfast, we have a full day guided tour of this charming town, the pilgrimage centre where St. Francis and St. Clare lived. Visit the Upper and Lower Basilica of St. Francis (with its Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue) and the Basilica of St Clare where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church. Lunch at restaurant.In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Church of St.

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Damiano, where St. Francis probably wrote his famous “Laudes Creaturarum” (Canticle of the Creatures). The visit proceeds to Santa Maria degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 9: ASSISI – SIENA – PISA - FLORENCEAfter breakfast, departure to Siena, in Tuscany Region, birthplace of St. Catherine, the doctor of the Church and St. Bernardine, the Apostole of Italy. Guided tour of most significant places in the life of Saint Catherine including the house, now become a Sanctuary, in which the great Saint, patron of Italy and Europe, was born. In this devout place you will see the Cross oratory where Saint Catherine received the stigmas. We will visit the Basilica of San Domenico, where the relic of her head is kept, surrounded by beautiful sixteenth century frescoes and take the same route that Catherine followed every night to help the patients at the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. During the tour you will be able to appreciate the major tourist attractions like Piazza del Campo, the true heart of the town,

the “Palazzo Comunale”(Town Hall). Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Pisa for a walking tour of the historical centre of the ancient Maritime Republic, with the famous “Campo dei Miracoli” which includes the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery and the famous Tower. At the end of the visit, transfer to the hotel in Florence area, Dinner and Overnight.

DAY 10: FLORENCEAfter breakfast, departure to Florence, regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities of the world with its rich artistic, historic and spiritual heritage. Guided tour of the cathedral and the outside of the baptistery with ‘Gates of Paradise’, passing the ‘home’ of Dante and the church where he first saw Beatrice, and on to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, where apart from the tombs of the famous, there are two chapels with frescoes by Giotto and some lovely medieval stained glass. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 11: FLORENCE – PADUAAfter breakfast, departure to discover Padua and his Saint Antony, who came to Italy at the age of 26, and after meeting St Francis during the Feast of Pentecost in 1221, was inspired to become a great Franciscan preacher, missionary and teacher. After his death at the age of 36 near to Padua, his body was later buried in the great basilica constructed by the towns people of Padua. Guided tour the basilica, to the 16th century cathedral (Duomo) and the 12th century baptistery next to it, with frescoes depicting scenes from the bible including the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the magnificent Cappella degli Scrovegni, built in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni. The interior contains Frescoes of New Testament scenes by Giotto, which have been acclaimed as his masterpiece. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 12: PADUA – VENICE – PADUAAfter breakfast, departure to Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, where traditionally an angel appeared to St. Mark on his way to Rome and where the famous Basilica was constructed to


41

THE PLACES OF FAITHRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors : St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of SienaMontecassinoBenedectine AbbeySan Giovanni RotondoShrine Monastery of Saint Padre Pio Monte Sant’AngeloShrine and Grotto of Michael the Archangel LancianoSaint Francis Church and Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle LoretoThe Sanctuary of the Holy HouseSanta Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the PorziuncolaAssisiSaint Francis Monastery; Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross; St. Rufino CathedralSienaSanctuary of St. Caterina; San Domenico Basilica; Santa Maria della Scala hospital FlorenceSt. Maria del Fiore Cathedral; St. Croce BasilicaPaduaSaint Antony BasilicaVeniceSt. Mark Basilica

13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTSL, �ul�, ��go, M!>e, U��a 8 T�1�

house the relics of the Saint. Guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and the surrounding area. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon private excursion by boat to the Venice lagoon to visit the 3 islands: Torcello with its cathedral, the first built in Venice in the 7th century, and although there are few inhabitants today, in the 14th century there were nearly 20,000 people living here! Today, Torcello is quiet but its beautiful cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is definitely worth the visit. Burano in contrast to Torcello is still very much a working island, where many of the men still depend on fishing and some of the women still practise lace making and the brightly coloured houses lend it its own particular character. Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 13: PADUA AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport and come back at your destination.

42

DAY 1: PADUA Arrival at Venice Marco Polo airport and transfer to the Hotel in Mestre or Padua area. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: PADUA After breakfast, departure to discover Padua and his Saint Antony, who came to Italy at the age of 26, and after meeting St Francis during the Feast of Pentecost in 1221, was inspired to become a great Franciscan preacher, missionary and teacher. After his death at the age of 36 near to Padua, his body was later buried in the great basilica constructed by the towns people of Padua. Guided tour of the basilica, to the 16th century cathedral (Duomo) and the 12th century baptistery next to it, with frescoes depicting scenes from the bible including the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the magnificent Capella degli Scrovegni, built in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni. The interior contains Frescoes of New Testament scenes by Giotto,

which have been acclaimed as his masterpiece. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 3: PADUA – VENICE – PADUAAfter breakfast, departure to Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, where traditionally an angel appeared to St. Mark on his way to Rome and where the famous Basilica was constructed to house the relics of the Saint. Guided visit of St. Mark’s Basilica and the surrounding area. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon private excursion by boat to the Venice lagoon to visit the 3 islands: Torcello with its cathedral, the first built in Venice in the 7th century, and although there are few inhabitants today, in the 14th century there were nearly 20,000 people living here! Today, Torcello is quiet but its beautiful cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is definitely worth the visit. Burano in contrast to Torcello is still very much a working island, where many of the men still depend on fishing and some of the women still practise lace making and the brightly coloured houses lend it its own particular character. Murano, known

throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: PADUA - FLORENCE After breakfast, departure to Florence, regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities of the world with its rich artistic, historic and spiritual heritage. Guided tour of the cathedral and the outside of the baptistery with ‘Gates of Paradise’, passing the ‘home’ of Dante and the church where he first saw Beatrice, and on to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, where apart from the tombs of the famous, there are two chapels with frescoes by Giotto and some lovely medieval stained glass. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: FLORENCE - ASSISIAfter breakfast, departure to Assisi, upon arrival to the hometown of St. Francis, we will visit Santa Maria Degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order

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13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTSV{�o, T�1�, U��a, M!>e, ��go, �ul�, L

and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to the visit of Assisi, pilgrimage destination and place rich of artistic works. Walking tour through the medieval street of Assisi, visiting The Cathedral of San Rufino, St. Clare Basilica where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St. Francis received his call to save the Church and finally St. Francis Basilica. This impressive double church was completed in just twenty years. We will see the Lower altar with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. We will also visit the crypt housing St Francis’ tomb. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: ASSISI - CASCIA - LORETOAfter breakfast departure to Cascia, a little town but an important pilgrims destination all over the world as the life place of Saint Rita of Cascia, knew as the “Saint of the Impossible” and because here is preserved the Eucharistic Miracle. Guided visit of the Sanctuary and the Basilica including Saint Rita Chapel where her relics is preserved

and the Chapel dedicated to the Eucharistic Miracle, kept in a stone and crystal tabernacle, happened in Siena in the year 1339. At the end of the visit, transfer to Loreto, in Marche Region. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon guided visit of the great Marian Shrine in Loreto, one of Italy’s leading pilgrimage sites. An ancient tradition tells that the Holy House, that we’ll visit, is the same House where Our Lady Mary was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement. This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: LORETO - LANCIANO - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO After breakfast, departure to Lanciano to visit St. Francis church and the Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle that happened in this place in the eighth century and wherethe Holy Relics is preserved. Departure for the last destination of the day, San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Blessed Padre Pio,

who was made Saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ANGELOAfter breakfast, departure for the visit of San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations in Europe because of the extraordinary life and reputation of the Franciscan Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, who lived, worked and in 1968 died here. Possibility to celebrate Mass at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Guided visit to his Sanctuary, the crucifix, in front of which St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, the crypt and Padre Pio tomb, the confessional from where St. Padre Pio spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon departure through the beautiful Gargano Peninsula, to reach the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, in Monte Sant’ Angelo, one of the most ancient of Christian shrines, dedicated to the Archangel Michael who appeared here in the 5th and 8th centuries. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, dinner and overnight.

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DAY 9: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE CASSINO - ROME AND ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLSAfter breakfast, departure to Rome with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Rome, the Eternal City. Guided visit of the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERNAfter breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 11: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St. Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of

venice, basilica of saint mark

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THE PLACES OF FAITHPaduaSaint Antony BasilicaVeniceSt. Mark BasilicaFlorenceSt. Maria del Fiore CathedralSanta Maria degli AngeliBasilica with the PorziuncolaAssisiSaint Francis Monastery; Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross; St. Rufino CathedralCasciaSaint Rita of Cascia Sanctuary and BasilicaLoretoThe Sanctuary of the Holy HouseLancianoSaint Francis Church and Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle San Giovanni RotondoShrine Monastery of Saint Padre Pio Monte Sant’AngeloShrine and Grotto of Michael the Archangel MontecassinoBenedectine AbbeyRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4; Holy doors; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena

13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTSV{�o, T�1�, U��a, M!>e, ��go, �ul�, L

Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 12: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROME After breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 13: ROME AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and come back to your destination.

46

DAY 1: PALERMO Arrival in Palermo. Meet your guide and departure to discover the Byzantine, Arab, Norman city centre. We’ll visit the Cathedral and the Royal Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) with the Palatine Chapel, considered one of the best monuments of Norman art in the Sicilian capital. Our tour proceeds to Mount Pellegrino (Pilgrims’ Mountain), an holy place for Palermo inhabitants, to visit Saint Rosalie’s Sanctuary (Palermo patron Saint). This medieval Saint sought a hermit’s life on Mount Pellegrino and many miracles were attributed to her. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: PALERMO – MONREALE – CEFALU - PALERMO After breakfast departure to Monreale, on Palermo hill, to visit the magnificent Norman cathedral that attracts every year a million visitors. Famous for its structure, the richness of the interior, for the magnificence of the mosaics, the Cathedral is certainly the greatest monument of the Norman period in Sicily and above, considered the “most beautiful temple

in the world.” In the afternoon departure to Cefalu, a charming coastal town home to a massive Norman Cathedral with outstanding mosaics. Here we visit the city center and stroll down main street to reach the Cathedral. Return to Palermo, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: AGRIGENTO – PIAZZA ARMERINA - SYRACUSEAfter breakfast, departure to Agrigento, discover the archaeological area known as the Valley of the Temples one of the most important archeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Along a long rocky scarp, chosen as the southern limit of the town, are still sited the great temples of ancient Akragas. Ancient Akragas, in its hey-day, was a flourishing cultural center: it gave the world Empedocles, the pre-socratic philosopher, whose concept of matter was divided into four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, was the foundation of science for many centuries to come. The city attracted poets like Simonides and Pindar who described it as “the most beautiful of mortal cities”. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon departure to Syracuse with a stop to Piazza

Armerina to visit Roman Villa del Casale, fabulous villa for its thirty rooms decorated by 3500 sqm of mosaics. Departure to Syracuse, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: SYRACUSE - CATANIA After breakfast, we start the visit of Syracuse with the Basilica of Madonna delle Lacrime which holds the plaque of Our Lady of the Tears. It was constructed in 1954 to honour a modest chalk drawing of the Virgin, from which real tears began to flow out of the eyes and heart. The picture, once owned by the Lannuso family, whose home had become a site of pilgrimage, is now preserved in the Sanctuary. After Mass we visit the wonderful city of Syracuse where historic cultures are evident in the narrow streets and lovely courtyards of the old houses. Our first stop is the Church of St. John the Baptist and its crypt, where, Saints Paul and Luke said to have preached to the Christian community. Next we visit the Ortigia Island where we find the Duomo, which is one of the town’s most celebrated sights. Once it was the Greek Temple of Athena, with a giant gold statue of

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12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS�K�, C��*a, L

the goddess on its roof. The massive Doric columns of the temple are still visible. Inside the Duomo, you can see more evidences of the temple origins of the building, and more of the original structure. Inside we see the Chapel dedicated to St. Lucy patron saint of Syracuse. Lunch at restaurant. Departure to Catania and guided walking tour of the city centre, from the the famous Fish market to Piazza Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, patron Saint of Catania.

DAY 5: CATANIA - TAORMINA- MESSINA - SALERNOAfter a buffet breakfast, departure Taormina to discover the first town of Sicily conquered by the Greeks, with all its colorful and panoramic views. Visit the Duomo-Cathedral (Church of San Nicola), built around 1400 on the ruins of an ancient church. The Gothic style makes the Cathedral look similar to a fortress. Continue to Messina to see the Cathedral with the belfry and the worlds largest mechanical clock, which will delight us at midday with a fabulous spectacle. Then an overnight ferry to Salerno. Dinner and breakfast on board.

DAY 6: SALERNO – CAVA DE TIRRENI - SORRENTOUpon arrival at the ferry terminal in Salerno, visit of the Norman city centre from the Cathedral of San Matteo to the Minerva Gardens and Arechi Castle, from where it is possible to enjoy a wonderful landscape on the Amalfi coast. The tour proceeds to Cava dei Tirreni to visit the Benedictine abbey of S.S. Trinità. Guided visit of the Cathedral, St. Alferio Grotto, New and Old Sala Capitolare, Catacombs, Museum. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, splendid town overlooking Naples Gulf. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: SORRENTO – POMPEII – NAPLES – SORRENTOAfter breakfast, departure to Pompeii. This ancient city was buried by the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Upon arrival in Pompeii, you will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable site, as well as visiting the most significant archaeological museums in the world and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pompeii. The Sanctuary contains a large image of Our Lady of the Rosary that was restored from a convent in Naples, in 1875. Since then, a number

of miracles have been reported as a result of prayer in this Cathedral. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the guided visit of Naples and its historical centre “Spaccanapoli” with the important churches of St. Gregorio Armeno, St. Clare Monastry with beautiful and colored majolicas, St. Severo Chapel with the “Veiled Christ” and finally Naples Cathedral or well know as St. Gennaro Basilica with the treasure of the blood miracle. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: SORRENTO - MONTECASSINO - ROME AND ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLSAfter breakfast, departure to Rome with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or

sorrento

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make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Rome, the Eternal City. Guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is

also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs of St. Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal

Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 11: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROMEAfter breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 12: ROME AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and come back to your destination.

palermo, the cathedral

rome, basilica of saint peter

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THE PLACES OF FAITHPalermoSaint Rosalie’s Sanctuary MonrealeCathedral Basilica of MonrealeCefalu’Cathedral of CefalùSyracuseBasilica of Madonna delle Lacrime; Church of St. John the Baptist; Duomo of SyracuseCatania Cathedral of Sant’AgataTaorminaCathedral of St NicolaSalerno – Cava De’ TirreniAbbey of S.S. TrinitàPompeiiSanctuary of our LadyNaplesSt. Gregorio Armeno Church; St. Clare Monastery; St. Severo Chapel; St. Gennaro CathedralMontecassinoBenedectine AbbeyRomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors : St. Peter, St. Mary Major, St. Paul’s, St. John Lateran; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena

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50

DAY 1: MALTA Arrival at Malta International airport, meet our English speaking guide and transfer by coach to the hotel in Sliema or St. Julians. Dinner and Overnight.

DAY 2: VALLETTA After breakfast departure to discover Malta’s capital city, Valletta and Knights of St John. We concentrate first of all on visiting the churches. We’ll visit St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church, one of the oldest churches in Valetta. We may view the paintings of Attilio Palumbi, portraying episodes in the life of St. Paul, as well as two important relics, an armbone of St. Paul and a piece of the column on which he was beheaded. We visit St. John’s Cathedral, where Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of John the Baptist” hangs in the Oratory. Afterwards, we visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the Valletta Living History audio-visual show. We shall then walk to the Upper Barraka Gardens for a wonderful view of Valetta harbour. Lunch

at restaurant. In the afternoon departure to discover the Three cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. We’ll visit St. Lawrence church in Vittoriosa that displays fine baroque architecture and beautiful paintings from centuries ago, the Church of our Lady of Victories in Senglea, commemorating the victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565 and the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Cospicua, which was the only building in its area that survived the bombings of World War II. Return to the hotel dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: RABAT - MDINA After breakfast, departure for a full day excursion to Rabat and Mdina. First stop at Mosta, which hosts the beautiful church called the “Mosta Rotunda”, that has the third largest dome in the World. On the way to Rabat, next stop is at Ta’ Qali, where visitors are able to see the local craftsmen at work. Continue towards Rabat and stop to visit St. Paul Church, founded in 1575, and Grotto.

Beneath the church is St. Paul’s Grotto, where, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul was held captive by the Romans for three months following his shipwreck on the Islands in AD 60. Lunch at restaurant. Finally we’ll arrive toMdina, the old capitol of Malta, called “SilentCity” for the magic atmosphere that the townprovides walking on the narrow streets withfew inhabitants and beautiful views over theIsland. In the hearth of this fantastic placewe have the possibility to visit the St. Paul’sCathedral. According to tradition, the Cathedral was built on the area where St. Paul converted Publius, the Roman governor, to Christianity.The Cathedral, designed by Lorenzo Gafa’,has a prominent facade that dominates thelandscape of Mdina’s narrow streets. Returnto the hotel, dinner and overnight.

4 DAY: GOZO ISLAND - GGANTIJAAfter breakfast we travel by coach and then cross by ferry to the peaceful island of Gozo separated by a five-mile wide channel from Malta. It is very different from Malta itself,

malta, la valletta

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greener, more rural and very relaxing. We visit the charming capital of Victoria, including the citadel and the 17th century cathedral of the Virgin Mary. After time for lunch, we leave the capital, and drive to the most important place of pilgrimage on the island, Ta’ Pinu Church, named after Pinu Gauci, a wealthy man of great devotion, who lived in the 17th century and restored the church, which is dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady. We also visit the Ggantija temples, and finally the marvellous church of St. John Baptisti in the village of Xewkija, which has a dome third in size only to St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. Move to Xaghra for afternoon tea in the cake shop. Return to Malta by ferry in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: HAGAR QIM - BLUE GROTTO & FISHING VILLAGESAfter breakfast departure to the impressive megalithic temples of Hagar Qim & Mnajdra. Afterwards we take a trip by boat to see the famous Blue Grotto. From here, we continue

by coach to the Village of Zurrieq, one of the oldest in Malta. We visit the 17th century church of St Catherine, which contains wall paintings by Mattia Preti, who also painted the interior of St John’s co-cathedral in Valetta. We also visit some of the picturesque fishing villages along the coast. Lunch in restaurant in the traditional market town of Marsaxlokk. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: MALTA – SICILY , SYRACUSE - CATANIA Early morning transfer to the port to embark the ferry to Sicily. Arrive in Pozzallo, east of Sicily at 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, meet coach and depart to visit the city of Syracuse, site of St. Paul’s arrival in Sicily en route from Malta to Rome. City tour to admire the main churches: Basilica of Madonna delle Lacrime; Church of St. John the Baptist; Duomo of Syracuse and the Neapolis’ archaeological park. Departure to Catania and guided walking tour of the city centre, from the famous Fish market to Piazza Duomo to admire the Cathedral of Sant’Agata,

patron Saint of Catania. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: CATANIA - TAORMINA- MESSINA - SALERNO After a buffet breakfast, departure to Taormina to discover the first town of Sicily conquered by the Greeks, with all its colorful and panoramic views. Visit the Duomo-Cathedral (Church of San Nicola), built around 1400 on the ruins of an ancient church. The Gothic style makes the Cathedral look similar to a fortress. Continue to Messina to see the Cathedral with the belfry and the worlds largest mechanical clock, which will delight us at midday with a fabulous spectacle. Then an overnight ferry to Salerno. Dinner and breakfast on board.

DAY 8: SALERNO – CAVA DEI TIRRENI - SORRENTOUpon arrival at the ferry terminal in Salerno, visit of the Norman city centre from the Cathedral of San Matteo to the Minerva Gardens and Arechi Castle, from where it is possible to enjoy a wonderful landscape on the Amalfi coast. The

taormina, greek theatre

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tour proceeds to Cava dei Tirreni to visit the Benedictine abbey of S.S. Trinità. Guided visit of the Cathedral, St. Alferio Grotto, New and Old Sala Capitolare, Catacombs, Museum. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, splendid town overlooking Naples Gulf. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: NAPLES – POZZUOLI - GAETA After breakfast departure to Naples and its historical centre “Spaccanapoli” with the important churches of St. Gregorio Armeno, St. Clare Monastry with beautiful and colored majolicas, St. Severo Chapel with the “Veiled Christ” and finally Naples Cathedral or well know as St. Gennaro Basilica with the treasure of the blood miracle. Lunch at restaurant. Departure to Pozzuoli and stop at the old port where Paul landed on the ship from Alexandria by the Three Taverns. Continue north to the city of Gaeta. Accommodation at hotel dinner and overnight.

DAY 10: GAETA – MINTURNO - ROMAAfter breakfast, departure to Rome. First stop is in Minturno to visit the ruins this well reserved roman village located along the Appian Way, which is the same that St. Paul would have seen during his trip to Rome. Continue to the north

passing along the sites of Foro Appio and Tres Tabernaes, still on the Appian Way. Arrival in Rome in the late afternoon, accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 11: ROME – ANCIENT ROME AND ST. SEBASTIAN’S CATACOMBSAfter breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine, the Mamertine Prisons where St. Peter was held prisoner, finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon departure to the Ancient Appian Way and visit the St. Sebastian’s Catacombs where the bodies of St. Paul and St. Peter were laid before moving them to St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s churches. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12: ROME - ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLS, PAUL’S CHURCHES , ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERN After breakfast departure to discover St. Paul’s Churches: the church of St. Paul “Alla Regola” where Paul lived and worked as a “leather tanner” during his second stay in Rome, the “Mitreo” in the church of “Santa Prisca”, where St. Paul lived with his Greek friends Aquila and Prisca and finally

we’ll arrive to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran , the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 13: ROME - VATICAN CITY AND BAROQUE ROMEAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries

rome, trevi fountain

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THE PLACES OF FAITHVallettaSt Paul’s Shipwreck ChurchSt John’s CathedralRabatSt. Paul Church AND gROTTOMdinaSt. Paul’s CathedralGozo IslandTa’ Pinu ChurchSyracuseBasilica of Madonna delle Lacrime; Church of St. John the Baptist; Duomo of SyracuseCatania Cathedral of Sant’AgataTaorminaCathedral of St NicolaSalerno – Cava De’ TirreniAbbey of S.S. TrinitàNaplesSt. Gregorio Armeno Church; St. Clare Monastery; St. Severo Chapel; St. Gennaro CathedralPozzuoliChurch of Santa Maria delle Grazie RomeSt. Peter Basilica; St. Paul alla Regola; Church of St. Prisca; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; Catacombs of St. Sebastian; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena.

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of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 14: ROME AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and come back to your destination.

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DAY 1: LISBON Upon arrival in Lisbon you will find your luggage and exit the baggage claim into the arrivals hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. You will be escorted to the vehicle which will then take you on a sightseeing tour of this beautiful Portuguese city. We will visit the Cathedral, St. Jerome’s Monastery, Saint Anthony’s Church (the patron saint of lost objects), Belem Quarter, the Belem Tower, 25 April Bridge, and Discoveries Monument. Our drive will also take us through the Basilica of the Star, Rossio Square, Commerce Square and Marquee of Pomba Square. We arrive at our hotel on time for dinner.

DAY 2: LISBON - SANTAREM - FATIMA After breakfast depart for Santarem, one of the oldest cities in the world. We will walk through its narrow streets to the Church of St. Stephen, containing the oldest recorded Eucharistic miracle. This miracle has been on continuous display since 1269 A.D. We will celebrate Mass at this holy site. We then continue on to Fatima, where the Blessed Mother appeared in 1917 to three simple shepherd children and exhorted mankind to pray for world peace. We arrive on time for dinner and retire for a restful evening.

DAY 3 - FATIMAAfter breakfast, we begin our day celebrating Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions. After Mass we begin our tour of Fatima where we will experience the beauty of this spiritual town. We will see the Basilica, the site of Francesco and Jacinta’s graves, the Hamlet of Aljustrel, where the children lived, and Valinhos, the site of Our Lady’s appearance after the children’s return from prison. Experience Christ’s love as you walk and follow the Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacra (The Sacred Way) culminating in the Chapel of Calvary, which overlooks all of Fatima. Join your prayers with those of pilgrims from around the world as you pray for the sick, drink water from the miraculous well. Attend the blessing of the sick and participate in nightly candlelight processions requested by Our Lady. Time for private devotions before dinner and a restful night’s sleep.

DAY 4: FATIMA – MADRID After breakfast at hotel and departure to Madrid. Arrival at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: MADRID – TOLEDO – MADRIDAfter breakfast, departure for a guided panoramic tour of Madrid: the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Prado Museum (outside). Lunch at restaurant.

In the afternoon departure to visit the Imperial City of Toledo where Saint John of the Cross was imprisoned by the Inquisition. Toledo is known as the City of the Three Religions or Cultures, because for many centuries the Christians, the Moors and the Jews lived together in relative equality and peace. The city, surrounded by walls, hides great treasures: the Cathedral, the church of Santo Tomé, where the Greco’s masterpiece is located; The Burial of Mr. Orgaz; the Tránsito Synagogue, actually it holds the Museo Sefardita; Santa María La Blanca Synagogue, the superb church of San Juan de los Reyes. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 6: MADRID – ZARAGOZA – LOURDESAfter breakfast, departure to Zaragoza where we will visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, built in the place where our Lady appeared to Saint James. We will also visit the Cathedral of Zaragoza and we will do a walking tour of the city. Later we will continue our journey to Lourdes. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 7: LOURDESAfter breakfast, walking tour of Lourdes, visiting the places associated with the life of St. Bernadette: the “Boly Mill” (site of the birthplace of St. Bernadette), the

fatima, sanctuary

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lourdes, the cathedral

“Cachot,” and the parish church, housing the baptismal font of St. Bernadette. Later, at leisure, explore the town’s rich historical and natural heritage and be submerged in the atmosphere that reigned during the apparitions and the spirit of brotherhood that is still present today. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: LOURDES – PARISAfter breakfast, transfer to Lourdes Railway Station and departure by TGV train directly to Paris. At arrival at Montparnasse Railway Station, meeting with the assistant and transfer by private bus to the hotel. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 9: PARISAfter breakfast, full day guided tour of Paris including the Sacre Coeur Basilica, Notre Dame Cathedral, Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse, the Eiffel Tower, L’Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees and the Louvre. We enjoy a lovely dinner before returning to our hotel. Overnight.

DAY 10: PARIS – VENICE Early in the morning transfer by private bus from the hotel to Paris airport, on time to board on the flight to Venice. Arrival to Venice airport. Meeting with our assistant and transfer by private bus to the Hotel in

Padua or Venice area. Dinner in the hotel (drinks not included) and overnight.

DAY 11: PADUA After breakfast, departure to discover Padua and his Saint Antony, who came to Italy at the age of 26, and after meeting St Francis during the Feast of Pentecost in 1221, was inspired to become a great Franciscan preacher, missionary and teacher. After his death at the age of 36 near to Padua, his body was later buried in the great basilica constructed by the towns people of Padua. Guided tour the basilica, to the 16th century cathedral (Duomo) and the 12th century baptistery next to it, with frescoes depicting scenes from the bible including the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the magnificent Capella degli Scrovegni, built in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni. The interior contains Frescoes of New Testament scenes by Giotto, which have been acclaimed as his masterpiece. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 12: PADUA – VENICE – PADUA After breakfast, departure to Venice, ‘La Serenissima’, where traditionally an angel appeared to St Mark on his way to Rome and where the famous Basilica was constructed to house the relics of the Saint. Guided visit to St. Mark’s Basilica and the surrounding area. Lunch

at restaurant. In the afternoon private excursion by boat to the Venice lagoon to visit the 3 islands: Torcello with its cathedral, the first built in Venice in the 7th century, and although there are few inhabitants today, in the 14th century there were nearly 20,000 people living here! Today, Torcello is quiet but its beautiful cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is definitely worth the visit. Burano in contrast to Torcello is still very much a working island, where many of the men still depend on fishing and some of the women still practise lace making and the brightly coloured houses lend it its own particular character. Murano, known throughout the world for its glass manufacturing industry. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 13: PADUA - FLORENCEAfter breakfast, departure to Florence, regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most beautiful and inspiring cities of the world with its rich artistic, historic and spiritual heritage. Guided tour of the cathedral and the outside of the baptistery with ‘Gates of Paradise’, passing the ‘home’ of Dante and the church where he first saw Beatrice, and on to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, where apart from the tombs of the famous, there are two chapels with frescoes by Giotto and some lovely medieval stained glass. Lunch at restaurant. Afternoon dedicated to the

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visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 14: FLORENCE - ASSISIAfter breakfast, departure to Assisi, upon arrival to the hometown of St. Francis, we will visit Santa Maria Degli Angeli with the Basilica included the “Porziuncola” where St. Francis founded his order and consecrated Saint Clare as the Bride of Christ. Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to the visit of Assisi, pilgrimage destination and place rich of artistic works. Walking tour through the medieval street of Assisi, visiting The Cathedral of San Rufino, the St. Clare Basilica where, we see her tomb and the Crucifix (originally in S. Damiano) from which St Francis received his call to save the Church and finally St Francis Basilica. This impressive double church was completed in just twenty years. We will see the Lower altar with its beautiful frescoes by Cimabue and Giotto. We will also visit the crypt housing St Francis’ tomb. Possibility to celebrate Mass. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 15: ASSISI - CASCIA - LORETOAfter breakfast departure to Cascia, a little town but an important pilgrims destination all over the world as the life place of Saint Rita of Cascia, knew as the “Saint of the Impossible” and because here is preserved

the Eucharistic Miracle. Guided visit of the Sanctuary and the Basilica including Saint Rita Chapel where her relics is preserved and the Chapel dedicated to the Eucharistic Miracle, kept in a stone and crystal tabernacle, happened in Siena in the year 1339. At the end of the visit, transfer to Loreto, in Marche Region. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon guided visit of the great Marian Shrine in Loreto, one of Italy’s leading pilgrimage sites. An ancient tradition tells that the Holy House, that we’ll visit, is the same House where Our Lady Mary was born, grew up and received the angelic announcement. This tradition, based on devotion and popular belief, ascribed the transportation of the House of Nazareth to an angelic mission. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 16: LORETO - LANCIANO - SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDOAfter breakfast, departure to Lanciano to visit St. Francis church and the Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle that happened in this place in the eighth century and where the Holy Relics is preserved. Departure for the last destination of the day, San Giovanni Rotondo, the home of Blessed Padre Pio, who was made Saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Accommodation at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 17: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTE SANT’ANGELOAfter breakfast, departure for the visit of San Giovanni Rotondo, one of the most renowned pilgrimage destinations in Europe because of the extraordinary life and reputation of the Franciscan Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, who lived, worked and in 1968 died here. Possibility to celebrate mass at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Guided visit to his Sanctuary, the crucifix, in front of which St. Padre Pio received the stigmata, the crypt and Padre Pio tomb, the confessional from where St. Padre Pio spent an innumerable amount of hours listening to confessions. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon departure through the beautiful Gargano Peninsula, to reach the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, in Monte Sant’ Angelo, one of the most ancient of Christian shrines, dedicated to the Archangel Michael who appeared here in the 5th and 8th centuries. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo, dinner and overnight.

DAY 18: SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO - MONTECASSINO - ROME AND ST. PAUL’S OUTSIDE THE WALLSAfter breakfast, departure to Rome with a stop in Montecassino to visit the Benedictine Abbey, one of the most known abbeys in the world, located on the top of a mountain. In the 6th century Saint Benedict

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THE PLACES OF FAITHLisbonSaint Anthony’s Church

SantaremChurch of St. Stephen

Fatima Chapel of the Apparitions; Shrine of Fatima; the Hamlet of Aljustrel; The Sacred Way

Zaragoza Basilica del Pilar

LourdesLourdes Shrine and the places of the life of Saint Bernadette

ParisSacre Coeur Basilica, Notre Dame Cathedral; Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse,

PaduaSaint Antony Basilica

VeniceSt. Mark Basilica

FlorenceSt. Maria del Fiore Cathedral


AssisiSaint Francis Monastery; Saint Clare and the Saint Damiano Cross; St. Rufino Cathedral

CasciaSaint Rita of Cascia Sanctuary and Basilica

LoretoThe Sanctuary of the Holy House

LancianoSaint Francis Church and Chapel of Eucharistic Miracle

San Giovanni RotondoShrine Monastery of Saint Padre Pio

Monte Sant’AngeloShrine and Grotto of Michael the Archangel

MontecassinoBenedectine Abbey

RomeVatican Square and the Papal Audience; St. Peter Basilica; St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica ; St. Mary Major Basilica; St. John Lateran Basilica and the Church of the Holy Staircase; The 4 Holy doors; Catacombs of St. Callisto; Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva; St. Catherine of Siena

22 DAYS / 21 NIGHTSPor£¤l, S�v, z��, I<�

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chose this mountain to build a monastery that would host him and those monks following him on the way from Subiaco, establishing his first monastic community. The abbey has been destroyed four times, most recently in World War II, but still serves as home to the Benedictines. “Ora et labora et lege” is the motto of Saint Bendict’s Rule that the monks still follow in their daily routine. Some of them study in the library surrounded by ancient books, or make researches in the archive on breathtaking manuscripts. During the visit we will have the opportunity to meet some of them. After lunch departure to Rome, the Eternal City. Guided visit to the first of the four major basilicas in Rome: St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, to venerate the tomb of St. Paul, the “Apostle of the Gentiles”. Possibility to celebrate Mass. At the end of the visit transfer to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 19: ROME - PAPAL AUDIENCE, ST. MARY MAJOR, ST. JOHN LATERN After breakfast, the day begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter Square. The audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (according to the papal schedule). Lunch at restaurant. The afternoon is dedicated to discover the other two Rome’s major basilicas: St. Mary Major, the most important and best preserved Roman churches, devoted to Our Lady and the Basilica of St. John Lateran

, the Pope’s cathedral and the “Mother of all churches in the world”. Next we cross the street from St. John Lateran and visit the Church of the Santa Scala. Here we see the Holy Staircase of 28 marble steps (now covered in wood). Tradition states that the staircase is the same of Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group will climb the steps on its own knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. Return at hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 20: ROME - VATICAN CITY, CATACOMBS OF ST CALLISTOAfter breakfast, departure to the Vatican City. Guided visit of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica. The tour starts from the Vatican Museum: we’ll enter to the Pinecone Courtyard, we’ll cross the collection of Greek and Roman sculpture, the Galleries of Tapestries and Italy Maps to reach the Raphael Rooms and the amazing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Afterward the tour will lead you inside the highest temple of Christendom: St. Peter’s Basilica. Here we can admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Jubilee Gate, Bernini’s main altar, Saint Peter tomb, the tombs of the Popes, Michelangelo’s amazing dome and more other masterpieces. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon the visit proceeds to the Catacombs

of St. Callisto, built between 250 and 300 A.D., holding the graves of 500,000 Christians, including dozens of martyrs and 16 popes. The subterranean area consists of several areas, the most important: the Papal Crypt, “the Little Vatican,” preserving the remains of at least five martyred and beatified Popes; the Crypt of St. Cecilia, who was buried where today we see the astounding sculptural masterpiece of Stefano Maderno. At the end of the visit, come back to the Hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 21: ROME - ANCIENT AND BAROQUE ROMEAfter breakfast departure to discover the Ancient Rome: The Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious centre of Empire, The Roman Forum, the Arch of Costantine and finally the Colosseum. Lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon the guided tour proceeds to the Baroque Rome, to admire the famous squares, the baroque building and the magnificent fountains: Navona Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. Near here we’ll visit St. Maria Sopra Minerva Church with its tombs of Fra’ Angelico and St. Catherine of Siena. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

DAY 22: ROME AND DEPARTUREAfter breakfast, transfer to Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport and come back to your destination.

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