Rome • Assisi • Venice • Padua •Florence • Cascia • Norcia • Siena • Milan

6 - 17 September 2015

Led by Father Emil Blaser OP

www.fowlertours.co.za

THE SAINTS OF ITALY

Arranged by

Sunday, September 6We depart from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to catchour nightflight and begin our pilgrimage in the footsteps of theSaints of Italy.

Monday, September 7Upon arrival, we take a tour of Rome, seeing famous sights such asthe Piazza Venezia with the monument of King Victor Emanuel II,the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill,Porta San Paolo etc. Overnight: Rome

Tuesday, September 8The day of three major basilicas. St Mary Major Basilica is dedi-cated to the greatest of all the saints: Our Lady. Pope Francis has aspecial devotion to the statue of Mary Salus Populi Romani in thebasilica. In St John Lateran Basilica, which is the pope’s cathedralas Bishop of Rome, there are many papal tombs, including that ofLeo XIII. In the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls we visit thetomb of St Paul the Apostle and the Chapel of Relics which hasnumerous relics of great saints, including the reputed prisonchains of St Paul.We proceed via the Appian Way to visit the Catacombs where earlyChristians held their forbidden services to escape persecution. Depending on which catacombs we visit, we can pay homage eitherto St Cecilia or to St Sebastian. Overnight: Rome

Wednesday, September 9Today we see the pope at the general audience in St Peter’s Square.It is an unforgettable experience to see Pope Francis close-up. Wehave some free time before we visit St Peter’s Basilica, which wasbuilt on the site where St Peter was martyred. The basilica is full oftombs of saintly popes, including St John Paul II, St John XXIII and St Pius X. We then proceed to Assisi. Overnight: Assisi

Thursday, September 10After Breakfast, we drive to Cascia for to visit the Basilica of St Ritaof Cascia, which includes the incorrupt body of the popular patronsaint of mothers, and of marital problems and domestic abusecases. In the minor basilica we see the famous Eucharistic Miracleof Cascia. Afterward, we proceed to the Convent of St Rita to seeher relics, such as her habit, wedding ring and the crucifix fromwhich she received her forehead stigmata.We then continue to Norcia, the birthplace of St Benedict, founderof the Benedictine Order, and his twin sister, St Scholastica. Wevisit St Benedict Basilica, the main square with the city hall, andthe gorgeous Renaissance Cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea. Forlunch there we must try the excellent local specialties like smokedham, salami and sausages. Overnight: Assisi

Friday, September 11Today we explore Assisi, the town of St Francis of Assisi and hiscompanion St Clare. The 13th-century Basilica of St Francis con-tains the sacred relics of Francis and Giotto’s beautiful frescoes ofhis life. St Clare Basilica, also from the 13th century, houses therelics of St Clare, original robes that belonged to her, as well as themiraculous crucifix that spoke to Francis.

The Colosseum

Tomb of St Paul

Pope Francis at a General Audience

The Church of St Benedict in Norcia

Sanctuary of St Rita of Cascia

St Mark’s Basilica in Venice

St Anthony’s Basilica in Padua

In the afternoon, we visit the Eremo delle Carceri: in the caves onthe slope of Mount Subasio just outside the walls of Assisi, St Francis and his followers established their first home at the CarceriHermitage. He often returned here during his life to pray. At SanDamiano Convent St Francis first received his miraculous calling in1205 and St Clare died there in 1253, it is an important stop on thepilgrimage to the Franciscan holy city. The Basilica di Santa Mariadegli Angeli (at Mary of the Angels), just outside Assisi, is the placeof St Francis' death. Inside the grand Baroque basilica is the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the meadows which St Francis wascalled to renovate. Overnight: Assisi.

Saturday, September 12After breakfast we depart for Siena. Located in the central regionof Tuscany, this is the birthplace of St Catherine of Siena (1347-80),who with St Francis is the patron saint of Italy. On the guided citytour of the medieval town we visit the famous Piazza del Campo,known for the Palio horse race in medieval costume, the cathedralfamous for its frescos and floor pavement decorated with mosaicsbased on the Old and New Testament, the church of St Francis thathouse the Eucharistic miracle of Siena and the church of SanDomenico that preserve part of the remains of St Catherine. After lunch we continue to Florence, where we will take apanoramic tour of the city. Overnight: Florence.

Sunday, September 13In Florence we explore the Basilica of Santa Croce (Holy CrossBasilica), the largest and most beautiful of all Italian Franciscanchurches and the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo. The famous Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence with its great representation of Tuscan Gothicarchitecture. It includes the resting place of the 13th-century artistGiotto, whose great murals we saw in Assisi. We have free time forlunch before proceeding to Padua. Overnight: Padua

Monday, September 14Imagine that: After Florence we see Venice, the city where every-thing and everyone floats! This lovely lagoon-city on the Adriaticcoast is like a giant maze with tiny alleys and hidden piazzas linkedby narrow foot bridges over 400 large and small canals. It is withgood reason that Venetians call their city “La Serenissima” (themost serene). We arrive by boat in St Mark’s Square to visit StMark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecturebuilt in 830 to shelter the tomb of St Mark the Evangelist. We viewthe marble Ducal Palace, and the famous “Bridge of Sighs”. Veniceis best explored on foot, and we have the afternoon at our leisureto do so. You might take an optional Gondola ride across the GrandCanal or walk on the Rialto Bridge and visit the market. To experi-ence the real Venice head towards the side streets to “StradaNova” to see how Venice’s citizens live and shop. Overnight: Padua.

Tuesday, September 15Today we explore Padua with one of the world’s most belovedsaints: St Anthony of Padua whose tomb is in the impressive basilica complex which also houses famous works of art.After lunch we continue to Sotto il Monte San Giovanni XXII, theplace where Pope St John XXIII was born and grew up, near Berg-

The Duomo of Florence

The Piazza del Campo in Siena

Basilica of St Francis in Assisi

Milan Cathedral

amo. It is a place of pilgrimage and popular devotion. In the lateafternoon we arrive in Milan for a short panoramic tour.Overnight: Milan or surrounds.

Wednesday, September 16On our last day we visit the cathedral of Milan, built between1386 and 1577 and the fifth largest cathedral in the world. It includes the famous statue of the flayed St Bartholomew, therelics of St Charles Borromeo and one of the nails reputedly fromthe Crucifixion of Christ. In the crypt we can see the baptismalfont in which St Ambrose, the 4th-century bishop of Milan, baptised St Augustine, the great saint of Africa. After lunch and time for last-minute shopping we are transferredto Milan’s airport to make our way home.

Thursday, September 17We arrive in Johannesburg in the morning, tired but fortified byour holy journey which brought us in contact with so many greatsaints.

Est. Price: R 36,754 (sharing, ex-Jhb; subject to currency, airport tax fluctuations)

Includes: All flights ex-Johannesburg (incl. airport taxes), accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels (sharing) with breakfast anddinner, travel insurance, transfers, travelling on air-conditioned luxury buses, English-speaking guides and tour escort, porter-age, entrance fees.Excludes: Visas, tips & hotel taxes (mandatory), lunches, personal expenses, travel to and from O.R. Tambo Airport/Jhb.

A deposit of R3,600 secures your place on this unforgettable pilgrimage.

Name of Account: Fowler ToursBank: Standard BankAcc no: 07 307 535 3 (current account)Branch code: 026509

Beneficiary Reference: Saints of Italy plus your name

Please no cash deposits

For booking form or for more information, please contact Gail at076 352-3809 or 021 551-3923 or

info@fowlertours.co.za or fax 086 672-9225

www.fowlertours.co.za

The birthplace of St John XXIII

The Saints of Italy pilgrimage will be led by Father Emil Blaser OP, director of SouthAfrica’s only Catholic radio station. The Dominican priest knows Rome and Italy verywell. He plans to relay recordings from this pilgrimage to the listeners of Radio Veri-tas. He has been presenting religious programming on radio and television since 1976.Fr Emil and Fowler Tours have collaborated on three successful pilgrimages within thepast year: in October 2013 to Jordan and the Holy Land; in April-May 2014 to Romefor the Canonisation of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II, and in September 2014 tothe Holy Land and Rome.

Radio Veritas: www.radioveritas.co.za • The Southern Cross: www.scross.co.za

Please go to next page

RESERVATION FORM(one form per person, photocopies of form are permitted):

Enclosed is my NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of R3,600 per person to secure my booking on the pilgrimagespecified below. Payment is to be made to:

Account Name: Fowler Tours Bank: Standard BankAccount no: 07 307 5353Branch code: 026509Name of trip: Saints of Italy PilgrimageDuration: 6 - 17 September 2015Cost: Estimated: R36,754 (subject to fluctuations)

How did you hear about this pilgrimage? Fowler Tours SA Southern Cross Radio Veritas Other

1.) RESERVATION FORM

Title: ___ Name (as it appears on your Passport)_______________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________ Code:___ ____________

Date of Birth:___________________ ID Number:______________________________________________

Home Phone (____) ___________________ Cell: (___) __________________

Email: _________________________________________________________

Passport Number:______________________________________________ Expiry Date:______________

Medical Conditions: ____________________________________________________________________

Preferred first and surname for Name Badge:_________________________________________________

Reservation form - Page 2

Emergency Contact Person

Name:_______________________________________________________

Cell number: _______________________________ Email: ___________________________________

Relationship: _____________________________________________________

2.) PASSPORT (required to travel)

Photocopy of passport inside page showing name and photo is enclosed / clear scan attached

I am applying for a passport and understand that I must supply a copy to Fowler Tours at least three months

before the departure date..

N.B.: Passports must be valid SIX months following the return date of the trip.

3.) PAYMENT TERMS & SCHEDULE:Deposit R3,600 to book. The deposit is non-refundable. A final invoice, reflecting the final price, will be issued 60 days prior to departure. Final Payment must be made within five days of invoicing. BANK DETAILS AS ABOVE. N.B.: Bank charges for cash deposits will be charged to you.

4.) TERMS AND CONDITIONS:I have received, read and agree to the TERMS & CONDITIONS and the Liability clause below, pricing terms, and payment terms outlined on this side of the form. I understand that the cancellation terms and penalties cannot be waived for any reason. If I decline to purchase travel insurance, I understand that there is no monetary recourse for any flight cancellations or delays by the airlines and I agree to the cancellation terms and penalties.

Signature (required to confirm reservation): _______________________________________________________

Liability: Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross, Radio Veritas or their owners (hereafter referred to as “The Organisers”) do not own or operate any en-tity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground oper-ators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilise the The Organisers’ names, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, foodor drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Fowler Tours is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of anyperson or entity. In addition, The Organisers are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity they do notown or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under their control. Without limitations The Organisers are not liable for any di-rect, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occa-sioned by reason of any act or omission beyond their control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contractor violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, whether or not ituses the The Organisers’ name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Simi-larly, The Organisers are not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommo-dation, default of any third party, attacks by animals, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties,sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, orthe threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control. Should theadvertised spiritual director be unable to participate in this event, every effort will be made to secure a substitute. Regardless of the participation ofthe advertised spiritual director the pilgrimage tour will proceed as scheduled on the dates listed. By signing this form to participate in this pilgrimagetour, you agree that the terms of the cancellation penalty will be binding upon you regardless of whether the advertised spiritual director is able toparticipate. The Organisers will not be responsible for any loss incurred by traveller, including lost days of the scheduled tour, due to a cancelledflight or other means and modes of transportation.

For full terms & conditions see http://fowlertourssa.co.za/terms-and-conditions/

TERMS & CONDITIONS

THE PILGRIMAGE PRICE INCLUDES:• Roundtrip airfare from Johannesburg return; final amount subject to change• Airport taxes• Full accommodation as stated in the itinerary • Breakfast and dinner• Travel insurance (surcharge applies for travelers aged 70+)• Roundtrip airport transfers in destinations and luxury coach for all touring • Services of a certified local tour director and local guides• Services of local tour operator• Masses • All entrance fees as per itinerary

THE PILGRIMAGE PRICE EXCLUDES:Mandatory tips, hotel taxes, visa costs, travel to and from Johannesburg, private expenses excluded

PRICING TERMS: As per booking form

PAYMENT TERMS: In order to meet deposit schedules with suppliers for this tour, Fowler Tours charges a non-refundable deposit.Full invoice is issued 60 days before departure; payment of which is due within FIVE DAYS.

CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds of deposits, except at the discretion of FowlerTours.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Fowler Tours will arrange for travel insurance. Surcharges apply travellers over the age of 69, who mayarrange for their own travel insurance.

PASSPORT: A valid passport is required of all passengers. Please apply for your passport immediately as passports are taking along time to process. Make sure to have it in your possession at all times while on tour. It must be valid for 6 months following thereturn date of the trip or boarding may be denied or entry into the destination may be forbidden. Please provide Fowler Tours with acopy or clear scan of the inside page of your passport (showing your name and photo) at the time of reservation. Fax copies not ac-ceptable.

GROUP AIR: Due to the airlines’ reduced capacity and restrictive group reservation terms, group air reservations are often difficultto coordinate. The number of connections, length of layovers, and all conditions surrounding air travel cannot be guaranteed andmay change before departure. Seat Requests: Please note that group seats are assigned “at the discretion of the airline”, althoughevery effort will be made to fulfill requests. SPECIFIC SEAT ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED. Seatnumbers will not be advised until check-in at the airport.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL TO JOHANNESBURG: You are responsible for your own arrangements to and from Johannesburg ORTambo Airport.

ITINERARY: The Itinerary is tentative and represents what we are planning for you, however it is subject to confirmations frommany organisations. Because of changes in local schedules, we may need to alter specified events, dates and/or venues to better fitthe overall plan.

TIPS: Gratuities for your guides and driver, and hotel taxes are excluded. These are mandatory. You will be advised of the total costof these before departure, and all monies will be collected by the tour leader who will then distribute them to the various recipients.

ROOMS: Tour prices are per person sharing. Single rooms at an extra rate are limited and are available first come-first served untilthe supply is exhausted.

LUGGAGE: Baggage is at owner’s risk throughout the tour.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Travellers must be medically and physically fit for this tour. This tour requires significant walking, asmotor coaches are not permitted to pick up and drop off in front of major attractions. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Any spe-cial limiting medical conditions or equipment must be advised in writing, for evaluation of feasibility, at the time of making your reser-vation.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas may take photographs or film or sound recordings of itstrips and trip participants, and participant grants Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas express permission to do soand for Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas to use such for promotional or commercial use.

UNUSED SERVICES: There is no right to a refund for any unused services.

Cancellation Policy by request or see http://fowlertourssa.co.za/terms-and-conditions/