11 DAYS ITALY PILGRIMAGE

 NOVEMBER 8-18, 2006

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 - WED, NOV 8 – NEW YORK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Depart New York today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight to Venice, arriving the following day. En route enjoy dinner followed by a full length movie.

DAY 2 - THU, NOV 9 – ARRIVE VENICE

Your exciting pilgrimage begins as you arrive Venice today. Built on 118 small islands lying some four kilometers from the mainland, Venetian highways are made of water and the islands are linked by numerous and picturesque bridges. Upon arrival in Venice, transfer to your hotel. (D)

DAY 3 - FRI, NOV 10 – VENICE

Enjoy your morning walking tour of Venice Island beginning at Piazza San Marco. Highlights include the Palace of the Doges, the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this captivating city on your own. (B,D)

DAY 4 - SAT, NOV 11 – VENICE/PADUA/FLORENCE

Today drive to Padua where you will visit the Basilica of St. Anthony. Continue on through the serene Tuscan countryside to Florence, the cradle of Renaissance Art and former stronghold of the Medici family. The city itself is truly unsurpassed in art treasures and the glory of its history. Continue to your hotel for overnight. (B,D)

DAY 5 - SUN, NOV 12 – FLORENCE/PISA/FLORENCE

Highlights of this morning’s tour include the Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain stands, the Church of Santa Croce, the Baptistry with it’s “Gates of Paradise” doors, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. To top it all, visit the Academia which houses Michelangelo’s original statue of David. This afternoon drive to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower. Or you may choose a free afternoon in Florence to shop along the famous Ponte Vecchio and explore other Florentine delights. (B,D)

DAY 6 - MON, NOV 13 – FLORENCE/ASSISI

Head south today to the mystic province of Umbria and its capital city of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Your walking tour includes the Basilica of St. Francis, still surrounded today by ancient walls, the Church of St. Clair and Santa Maria degli Angeli with its “thornless rose bush”. (B,D)

DAY 7 - TUE, NOV 14 – ASSISI/ROME

Today’s journey takes you to the eternal City of Rome. Located in the center of the Region of Lazio, Rome is a reflection of every era. The wonders of Rome surround you. . .a world of art, history and culture that has been attracting visitors since the beginning of Western civilization. (B,D)

DAY 8 - WED, NOV 15 – ROME – PAPAL AUDIENCE

This morning, attend an Audience with Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Afterwards, tour the remnants of “Ancient” Rome. Visit the Catacombs, view the Colosseum that once held 50,000 spectators and see the romantic Trevi Fountain. Balance of the day is at leisure. (B,D)

DAY 9 - THU, NOV 16 – ROME

Your sightseeing tour this morning takes you to Vatican City including visits to the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s recently restored frescoes including the famous Last Judgement and The Creation of Man. End your morning tour at the Basilica of St. Peter.  If time allows we will visit the tomb of the Pope John Paul II.  This afternoon visit the Basilicas of St. Mary Major, St. John in Lateran and St. Paul’s Basilica outside the Walls. (B)

DAY 10 - FRI, NOV 17 – ROME

Enjoy a full day at leisure in fascinating Rome. You may venture to some of the city’s 400 Churches, shop along the Via Veneto, people watch around the famous Spanish Steps, or relax and dine at a trattoria. . .the day is entirely yours to explore on your own. (B)

DAY 11 - SAT, NOV 18 – ROME/NEW YORK

All too soon your pilgrimage is over as you board your flight back to New York, arriving the same day. (B)

 B=Continental Breakfast                 D=Table d’hote dinner

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