Transatlantic flights via scheduled IATA carriers.
Transfers from airports to hotels and vice versa.
Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach transportation.
Accommodation in first class and tourist class hotels, based on twin bedded rooms with private bath.
Meals include continental breakfast and dinner were noted.
Sightseeing as outlined in the tour itinerary.
Professional services of a Unitours Tour Manager throughout.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
PHILADELPHIA/MILAN - This evening, we depart from Philadelphia International Airport for overnight flight to Rome aboard a wide-bodied jet. We will be served complementary beverages, in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft.
(D)
Day 2:
MILAN/TORINO - This morning we arrive in Rome and transfer to our short flight to Milan and tour her highlights including her famed Cathedral and have a time of shopping in the wonderful piazza nearby. Afterwards we continue to Torino and our hotel for dinner and overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
TORINO/FLORENCE Early this morning, we will visit the famous Shroud of Turin, where it is on display for a short time during this Holy Year. Afterwards, we will board our motorcoach for our ride to Florence, and to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 4:
FLORENCE - This morning, we will see the highlights of Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. We start with Mass at the Church of St. Stefano. We first visit the Duomo, the heart of the city with its cupola by Brunelleschi, completed in 1240, its campanile by Giotto and Baptistry with incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti. Next we will visit the Medici Chapel in the church of San Lorenzo, to see the tombs designed and executed by Michelangelo. This afternoon is yours for shopping, personal adventure, or optional excursions. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
FLORENCE/SIENA/ASSISI - This morning, we again set out in Florence to the Piazza dell Signoria, dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio and its embattlement crowned tower. Across from the Palace, we will visit the Loggia dei Lanzi with the statues of the Perseus by Cellini, Giambologna's the rape of the sabines and Hercules. We then proceed to Fiesole, the village founded by the Etruscans for a panoramic view of the city. We will return to Florence for Mass and a visit to the basilica of Santa Croce. Among the most famous, here lie Galileo, Rossini, Michelangelo and Macchiavelli. This afternoon we journey through the Italian countryside arriving in the magnificent city of Siena, which invites us to stroll through its Gothic streets. We visit the Dominican Church commemorating St. Catherine. We next continue south through the Perugian countryside to Assisi. We will then proceed to the hilltop village of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis for dinner and overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 6:
ASSISI - This morning, following Mass here in Assisi, we begin our walking tour of the village with a visit to the Church of St. Clare and view the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. We move on to the Basilica of St. Francesco and visit St. Francis' Tomb. This afternoon, we can enjoy this picturesque hillside village on our own. Dinner and overnight at out hotel.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
ASSISI/ROME - This morning, we depart Assisi and visit the lower town and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and the Portiuncula, Francis' Church of the Little Portion. Afterwards we travel south to Rome, where this afternoon, we will tour her sites, including the Roman Fora passing the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a stop at the Fountain of Trevi. We conclude our day at one of the Catacombs, burial place of early Christians. We celebrate Mass here and view the 2nd and 3rd century fresco paintings. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
(B) (D)
Day 8:
ROME - This morning, we begin our day entering St. Peter’s through the Holy Door opened by the Holy Father for the Jubilee this past Christmas Eve. We will celebrate Mass here, our first of the four major Basilicas of Rome. Afterwards, we will see the treasures of the Vatican Museum. We will marvel at Michelangelo's recently restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the wonders of St. Peter’s. This afternoon, we will tour the sites, including the Church of St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo's possibly most celebrated sculpture, the "Moses." Next we will visit the Church of the Holy Stairs and the second of our four major Basilicas as we enter the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome. First built in the fourth century. The Basilica was the site of five ecumenical councils between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Popes resided in the Palace from the time of Constantine until 1304 when they moved to Avignon. We will enter by the far right Holy Door, last opened in 1984 and enjoy a tour of her treasures. We will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 9:
ROME – This morning, we will make our way to St. Peter's Pope John Paul II’s Sunday morning blessing if he is in residence. This afternoon we celebrate Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls. Rome’s second in size only to St. Peters it is the third of our major Basilicas and the tomb of the Apostle Paul. We will enter through the right hand Holy Door, opened for this Jubilee year. Finally, we make our way to St. Mary Major, our final patriarchal Basilica of Rome which we will visit this week. This is the first church dedicated to the Blessed Mother first built in the fifth century following the Council of Ephesus. Here we will enter the Holy Doors, which have been opened for this Jubilee Holy Year. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 10:
ROME FREE DAY - Following morning Mass at the hotel or at a nearby church, today is yours for shopping, personal adventure, or optional excursions to Pompeii, Sorrento, Naples or the Isle of Capri. Tonight we will have the opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Rome, as dinner is on our own.
(B)
Day 11:
RETURN TO U.S. - Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime
(B) (L)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Above rates are for departure from Philadelphia (other US cities available at additional cost) . Departure taxes of $64 per person are not included. Tips to Tour Manager and Guide of approximately $40 are not included. A deposit of $200 per person is required to secure reservations. Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Italy
Spiritual Odyssey
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
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