ITINERARY

Tuesday, January 14 – Day 1
NEWARK / ROME

This evening, we depart from Newark 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.

Wednesday, January 15 – Day 2
ROME/ FLORENCE

Upon arrival in Rome, we will board our motorcoach for our ride to Florence. This afternoon, we set out to the Piazza dell Signoria, dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio and its embattlement crowned tower. Across from the Palace, we will visit the Logga dei Lanzi with the statues of the Perseus by Cellini, Giambologna’s the rape of the sabines and Hercules. We proceed to the basilica of Santa Croce, where we will celebrate Mass. Among the most famous, here lie Galileo, Rossini Michelangelo and Macchiaveli. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Florence.

Thursday, January 16 – Day 3
FLORENCE

This morning, we will see the highlights of Florence, the jewel of the Renaissance. We start with the Duomo, of the city with its cupola by Brunelleschi, completed in 1240, its campanile by Giotto and Baptistry with incomparable bronze doors by Ghiberti. We will celebrate Mass at the Duomo. Next we will visit the Medici Chapel in the church of San Lorenzo, to see the tombs designed and executed by Michelangelo. This afternoon will be free for your own adventure or relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Friday, January 17 – Day 4
FLORENCE / SIENA /ASSISI

Today we journey through the Italian countryside arriving in the magnificent city of Siena, which invites us to stroll through its Gothic streets. We celebrate Mass at the Dominican Church, which commemorates St. Catherine. We then continue south through the Perugian countryside to Assisi. Our first stop will be in the lower town for a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and the Portiuncula, Francis’ Church of the Little Portion. We will then proceed to the hilltop village of Assisi, the home of Saint Francis for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, January 18 – Day 5
ASSISI

This morning, 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. Next we proceed on to the Basilica of St. Francesco with Mass at St. Francis’ Tomb. This afternoon, we can enjoy this picturesque hillside village at our leisure and have dinner on our own. Overnight at our hotel in Assisi.

Sunday, January 19 – Day 6
ASSISI / ROME

This morning, we depart Assisi and travel south to Rome, where we will tour the sites including the Roman Forum passing the Arch of Constantine and the Coliseum.. This afternoon, we see the major churches including the Church of St. Peter in Chains to view Michelangelo’s possibly most celebrated sculpture, the ‘Moses.” 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.

Monday, January 20 – Day 7
ROME

This morning following Mass at St. Peters, we will visit the Vatican, where 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. including The Pieta. This afternoon will be free for your own adventure or relaxation. Tonight you will on your own. Overnight at our hotel in Rome

Tuesday, January 21 – Day 8
ROME

This morning, we will visit the Pantheon and the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Then we move on to the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major. Later this morning, we will stop at the Generalate of Sr. Jeannine’s religious order in Rome, where we will celebrate Mass. This afternoon will be free for rest, shopping or personal adventure. The evening dinner will be on your own once again.

Wednesday, January 22 – Day 9
ROME

We will make our way to St. Peter’s for an audience with Pope John Paul II, if he is in residence. This afternoon, we will walk to the Generalate of Father Bob’s religious order and celebrate Mass. The rest of this afternoon will be free for rest, shopping or personal adventure. The culinary delights of Rome will open to you tonight as dinner is on your own.

Thursday, January 23 – Day 10
ROME / NEWARK

Today we make our way home with memories of a lifetime.