­The­Best­of­North­Italy,­Tuscany,­Umbria­&­Lazio CusTom Pilgrimage & CulTural Tour May 13 to 30, 2020 (18 days) $4,944 cdn (land tour only) Featuring­“The­Footsteps­of­St.­Francis­of­Assisi” st. Francis of the desert Island, assisi, La Verna, Gibbio, Rieti Valley, Greccio and Fonte colombo greaT CiTies oF : Milan, Verona, Venice, Padua, Bologna, Florence, and Rome. CounTry roaDs oF : tuscany with Lucca, arezzo and cortona.

Pilgrimage /T our ChaPlain Fr. David Wathen oFm Lake Franciscan Monastery Como Venice Simione Lake Garda Washington, DC Padua (2) St. Francis of the Milan (2) Verona Desert Island Parma (1) Bologna

Carrara Montecatini (2) ca uc L Florence Pisa LaVerna Arezzo Gubbio

Cortona Assisi (4) Montefalco Orvieto Cascia (5) Rome Rieti Valley Greccio and Fonte Colombo

C A L A B R I A

MAP KEY Overnight Stays Sightseeing & Sicily Lunch Stops Bus Route Boat Crossing This is a personal itinerary custom designed by Arrival in Milan Liz Romeo Shachtay exclusively for Fr. David Wathen OFM Departure from Rome and tour participants (©2019­). Spring in Italy Please Note May 13 – May 30, 2020 USA Group Members: When arranging your flight, please take note of the group arrival in Milan on May 14 at 6:40 PM. It will help if you arrive before the group and wait for our arrival and also as close as possible after our arrival and we will wait for you. Regarding the group departure from Rome, we have 2 departures: 6:30 AM and 10:20 AM.

May 13 – Wednesday: Vancouver – Amsterdam/Calgary–Amsterdam We depart Vancouver at 5:45 PM, KLM Flight #682 arriving in Amsterdam at 12:10 PM on Thursday, May 14. Depart Calgary at 3:10 PM, KLM Flight #678 arriving in Amsterdam at 8:05 AM on Thursday, May 14.

May 14 – Thursday: Milan We depart Amsterdam at 5:00 PM on KLM flight #1633 arriving in Milan at 6:40 PM. We have set foot in Italy for the beginning of a spiritual and cultural journey of a lifetime. From Milan, to the Italian “Lakes District,” to the “Canals of Venice,” Country Roads of Tuscany, Umbria and “the Eternal City,” we will explore beautiful cities, villages, and hill towns. Italy is rich in art, culture, architecture, history, music, and people with a “great passion for life.” This adventure will connect us to the “real soul” of Italy and the Italian culture. It is an exciting program carefully composed with extensive sightseeing and excursions at a “value price.” It is a leisure journey with stays of 2, 4, and 5 nights in the same hotel. After meeting our tour guide and bus driver, we are on our way to Milan. Dinner and overnight in Milan (D).

May 15 – Friday: Milan – Lake Como Milan is the commercial capital of Northern Italy and the world capital of Design and Fashion. We visit the magnificent Duomo which represents the “Heart of Milan.” Its Gothic Vaults are the highest in the world. It has the world’s largest collection of marble statues. We visit the oldest shopping mall in the world, the glass-domed “Galleria, Vittorio Emanuele II” which extends from the Duomo to Piazza Della Scala. La Scala is the world’s premiere opera house. Within a short walk we view the imposing Sforzesco Castle. In the afternoon, we travel to Lake Como set in the Alps with villages all along the shoreline. This is a half-day excursion with a private boat. We first stop at Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como. On our excursion we see George Clooney’s Villa located in the village of Laglio, Villa Balbainello, and Comacina Island. We return to Milan for dinner and overnight (BB-D).

May16 – Saturday: Milan – Simione (Lake di Garda) – Verona – Padua This morning we depart from Milan and drive to Simione, a small medieval city on the shores of Lake di Garda, the largest lake in Italy. We visit the charming village of Simione with a maze of Roman ruins. We continue to Verona immortalized by Shakespeare as the home of Romeo and Juliet. We visit Juliet’s balcony and view a Roman Amphitheatre where gladiators once fought. We continue to Padua, home of Italy’s second oldest university (1221) and Saint Anthony’s Shrine. Galileo lectured in Padua’s 13th century university. Dante, Petrarch, and Tasso studied here. We visit the Basilica of St. Anthony which is a mixture of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architecture. Here we find relics of the Saint and a huge collection of art treasures. Here we also find 3 frescoes by Tiziano, and Donatello’s masterpiece (Gatta Melata.) Dinner and overnight in Padua (BB-D).

May 17 – Sunday: Padua – Venice - St. Francis of the Desert Island – Padua We transfer to Tronchetto Terminal and travel on a private boat 2 hours each way to “The Island of Saint Francis of the Desert.” In 1220, St. Francis of Assisi was returning from a trip to the Middle East and upon arriving on a small island owned by a Venetian Nobleman, he was greeted with songs of a multitude of birds. The island was donated to Friars Minor to build a convent. We return to Venice, the city where everything and everyone floats. This lovely Lagoon-City on the Adriatic Coast is like a giant maze with tiny alleys and hidden piazzas linked by narrow foot bridges over 400 large and small canals. It is with good reason that Venetians call their city “La Serenissima” (the most serene). Venice awakes each morning with a refreshing absence of speeding cars, and roaring mopeds. We arrive in St. Mark’s Square and visit St. Mark’s Basilica, a masterpiece of Venetian – Byzantine architecture built in 830 to shelter the tomb of St. Mark. We view the marble Ducal Palace, and the famous “Bridge of Sighs”. On foot is the best way to explore Venice. Perhaps you might take on optional “Gondola Ride” across the “Grand Canal” OR walk on the Rialto Bridge and visit the market. To experience the real Venice head towards the side streets to “Strada Nova” and you’ll see how Venice’s citizens live and shop. Here you find Venice’s best supermarket “Billa.” Dinner and overnight in Padua (BB-D)

May 18 – Monday: Padua – Bologna – Parma This morning we depart Padua and travel to Bologna, one of the most developed cities in Italy. Bologna is known for its beauty, wealth, cuisine, and streets lined with beautiful arcades. A good place to walk in the rain! It is home to one of the oldest universities in the western world (1088), historically notable for its teaching of canon and civil law. It is also Italy’s gastronomic capital. For lunch try “Pasta Bolognese.” We stop in the medieval center and see Piazza Maggiore, which is still the same as it was during the Renaissance. We see Piazza Nettuno and climb if you wish the medieval tower of “Torre Degli Asinelli,” for a great view of Bologna. We visit one of the oldest libraries in the world with rare books, manuscripts, and coat of arms. An Italian expert, on manuscripts discovered the oldest known complete Torah Scroll. We also see the Anatomy Theater, used for staging the experiments conducted by the faculty of medicine. We continue to Parma and have a guided tour of the factory that produces Parmiggiano Reggiano. At the end of the tour we taste 3 types of Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar with bread sticks. Time available in Parma to explore and shop on your own. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Parma (BB-D).

May 19 – Tuesday: Parma – Langhirano – Carrara – Lucca – Montecatini We depart from Parma and stop in Langhirano. Here we visit a factory that produces Prosciutto di Parma and we taste this delicacy. We continue to Carrara and visit a Marble Quarry and watch a demonstration as marble becomes art before our eyes. Michelangelo travelled to Carrara to choose the highest quality marble for The Pieta. Our next stop in Tuscany is Lucca, the land of the Mysterious Etruscans. Historic Lucca is a peaceful and picturesque fortress town protected by its 16th century city walls. Its residents rely mostly on bicycles to get about town. Giacomo Puccini, famous composer of La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, and Tosca was born here. Here we can enjoy a cup of coffee at a sidewalk café and participate in the life of a Tuscan Town. Continue to Montecatini nested between the walls of Lucca and the city of Florence. Dinner and overnight in Montecatini (BB-D).

May 20 – Wednesday: Montecatini – Pisa – Florence – Montecatini After breakfast we depart for Pisa, famous for its 180 feet high Leaning Tower. We stroll in Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square) with the largest Baptistery in Italy. We drive through the gentle hills of Tuscany to Florence. This is the city of Dante, Boccaccio, Botticelli, and da Vinci. It was a Florentine by the name of Amerigo Vespucci after whom a continent was named. From Piazzale Michelangelo we enjoy a panoramic view of this elegant city. On a walking tour of Florence with our local guide we see the city highlights: Piazza Santa Croce and the inside of the church, Piazza Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza Del Duomo and its Cathedral, Giotto’s Campanile, and the magnificent East Door of the Baptistery, known as “The Gate of Paradise” (Ghiberti’s masterpiece). Time to shop for Florentine gold and leather goods. Dinner and overnight in Montecatini. (BB-D).

May 21 – Thursday: Montecatini – Arezzo – Cortona – Assisi After breakfast we depart from Montecatini to Arezzo, an authentic Medieval Town and one of the wealthiest cities in Italy. We continue to Cortona, one of the oldest continuously inhabited hill towns founded by the Etruscans. It is a lovely quaint and noble historic town with cyclopean walls and the setting of Frances Mayes’ movie “Under the Tuscan Sun.” We continue to Eremo Francescano “Le Celle” (Monastery of Celle), located 600 metres above sea level. This is the first monastery built by St. Francis of Assisi around 1211. Here he dictated in 1226 His Testament a few months before his death. We visit his cell and see some objects used by St. Francis. We continue to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis and St. Claire. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (BB–D).

May 22 – Friday: Assisi We are in of Assisi, the spiritual Heart of Italy and the Cradle of Franciscan Spirituality. Francis created “The Order of Friars Minor” in 1208, and in 1212 “The Order of the Poor Clares.”The Third Order of Franciscans” was found later… We visit the Basilica of St. Francis with the upper church decorated with Giotto’s Frescoes depicting scenes from his life. The lower church houses the Monumental Tomb of the Saint with frescoes by Cimaboe and Lorenzetti. We also visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels with the Porziuncula and the Cappella Del Transito where St. Francis died. We continue to the Basilica of St. Claire where she is buried in the 13th century crypt. Next visit is San Damian Church where Francis heard the voice of God asking him to “Rebuild my Church.” Here, Francis wrote his famous “Canticle of the Creatures” praising the Earth and the Animals. We travel to Mount Subasio located 4km above Assisi. Here we find Eremo Delle Carceri. This is a hermitage complex located 2,595ft above sea level. St. Francis frequently stayed here to pray. Dinner and overnight in Assisi (BB-D).

May 23 – Saturday: Assisi – Gubbio – La Verna – Assisi This morning we travel to Gubbio, a small and lovely Medieval Town perched along the steep slopes of Monte Ingino. We enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere of Gubbio and admire the biggest Christmas tree in the world (Guinness 1991).St. Francis tamed the Wolf of Gubbio and the wolf became a docile resident. We continue to La Verna located in the Apennine mountain range of Tuscany. The entire mountain of La Verna was given to St. Francis by a rich count named Orlando in 1213. Francis received his Stigmata in 1224 in his beloved Hermitage in La Verna. He bore the wounds of Christ’s passion until his death in 1226. Today, the hermitage contains numerous treasures of spirituality, art, culture, and history. We participate in the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) at 3:00 PM. Free time for private prayer and contemplation. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (BB –D)

May 24 – Sunday: Assisi – Cascia – Montefalco - Assisi This morning we travel from Assisi to Cascia, a small town in the mountains of the Umbrian Valley. Saint Rita is “the Saint of the Impossible” because of her amazing answers to prayer. Her incorrupt body lies in a chapel in the Major Basilica of the Sanctuary of Cascia. We see her cell and other relics including The Crucifix from which she received the Stigmata. Below in the Minor Basilica we find a Eucharistic Miracle. A priest was called to administer communion to an ailing peasant. He placed the consecrated host between the pages of his breviary. It turned red with fresh blood. We continue to the Montefalco to learn about “St. Clare of Montefalco,” another powerful woman and a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. From Montefalco we view the Umbria landscape with lovely orchards, olive groves, and vineyards. Around Eastertime, Montefalco sponsors a week long wine festival “Red Sagrantino of Montefalco.” Best place for wine tasting. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Assisi (BB-D).

May 25 – Monday: Assisi – Orvieto – Rome This morning we leave peaceful Assisi and travel to Orvieto, perched high on a big chunk of volcanic rock called “Tufa.” Orvieto is a city with significant cultural heritage. Its monuments and museums cover millennium of history, starting with the Etruscans. On our walking tour, we see The Papal Palace, Palazzo Del Popolo, Etruscans Ruins, and the Underground City. Orvieto’s magnificent Duomo took 4 centuries to complete and here we find the reliquary of “The Linen of Bolsena.” In 1264, a skeptic priest returning from a pilgrimage to Rome stopped in Bolsena to celebrate Mass. During consecration, the wine changed into blood and spilled on the linen cloth of the altar. Pope Urban IV transferred the “Holy Linen” from Bolsena to Orvieto. We continue to Rome “The Eternal City” with one foot in the past and one foot in the present. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome (D).

May 26 – Tuesday: Rome – Rieti Valley – Greccio – Fonte Colombo – Rome This morning we travel to “the Rieti Valley.” Rieti is a charming little town in the Region of Lazio with a historical Roman Underground. We travel to the Medieval Village of Greccio with stunning views of the wide Rieti Valley, 2,182ft above sea level. We visit the Hermitage of Greccio, one of the four shrines created by San Francis in the Sacred Valley. This is the Franciscan Bethlehem and the site of the first Nativity Scene. We continue to Fonte Colombo, where Francis came 3 years before his death. Here he fasted for 40 days and wrote the First and Last Rule. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome (BB-D).

May 27 – Wednesday: Rome – Vatican City - Rome This is our first morning in Rome “the City of Martyrs and Saints.” We travel to monumental St. Peter’s Square to attend the audience with Pope Francis. Time will be available to explore and shop in the Vatican area. In the afternoon we continue to the Historic City Centre of Rome and begin a walking tour from the Colosseum including the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, and the Mamertine Prison where Peter baptized converts and continued to preach the gospel. We also see the Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia with the memorial to King Victor Emmanuel II and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome (BB-D).

May 28 – Thursday: Rome We begin the day by visiting the Vatican Museum overflowing with art treasures and admire “the Sistine Chapel,” world famous for Michelangelo’s Ceiling Paintings and “the Last Judgment.” We then visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, built over the tomb of St. Peter. This is where Peter preached, died, and is buried along with 148 of his papal successors. Upon entering the Basilica, we find Michelangelo’s Pieta and many works of art from Giotto and Bernini. In the afternoon we visit the Basilica of St. John in Lateran. This is “The Cathedral of Rome.” The first great Christian Church built next to the Lateran Palace and a gift to Emperor Constantine. Next we visit Santa Maria Maggiore, built on the spot where a 3rd century pope witnessed a miraculous midsummer snowfall. We continue on Via Appia Antica to the catacombs of San Callisto.. Several martyrs, 16 popes and many Christians are buried here. We see the crypt of the popes “The little Vatican,” the crypt of St. Cecilia and many frescos depicting the sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist and Funerals. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome (BB-D).

May 29 – Friday: Rome In the morning, we visit the Pantheon, the best preserved ancient monument, with the height of the dome equal to the diameter equal of the circular interior. We walk from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain. Here we toss a coin or two in the world’s wishing well to ensure our return to Rome. We continue to Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, where we find Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers.” Free afternoon in the city centre of Rome. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome (BB-D).

May 30 – Saturday: Rome – Vancouver/Calgary Today we bid farewell to Rome and Italy. As our pilgrimage comes to a close, we return home with fond memories of an unforgettable “Italian Holiday.” If you threw a coin or two in the Fountain of Trevi, you will return! This morning, the Calgary group boards KLM Flight #1596 from Rome to Amsterdam at 6:30AM arriving in Amsterdam at 9:00 AM. Then KLM Flight #677 departs Amsterdam at 12:25 PM and arrives in Calgary at 1:25 PM the same day. The Vancouver group boards KLM #1598 departing Rome at 10:20 AM arriving in Amsterdam at 12:55 PM. Then KLM Flight #681 departing Amsterdam at 3:25 PM and arriving in Vancouver at 3:50 PM.

“The heart of a country lies in its villages” Tour price: Insurance: CAD $ 4,944 per person in Double Room occupancy It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive CAD $ 888 Single Room Supplement travel coverage as it is your protection against accidents, baggage The price of $ 4,944 CAD is based on payment by bank draft in loss, illness, hospitalization, government advisory etc. You must Canadian funds or wire transfer from bank to bank. make sure that the insurance that you will purchase will be Accommodations are based on double occupancy in 4 stars hotels responsible to refund all your payments. Pay particular attention with private facilities. Single rooms are available at the to pre-existing medical conditions and exclusions. Notice of supplement quoted. When comparing prices, take note that this cancellation must be made in writing, you are responsible to know itinerary has extensive sightseeing and covers more entrance fees how your insurance policy protects you and your money for this than other tours. Much time and energy has been devoted to this pilgrimage. The following penalties will apply: diversified itinerary to ensure a memorable and positive experience of “Italia Bella.” Prior to and including February 12 $1,000 CAD – loss of deposit February 13 – April 12 90-31 days before departure (50%) Reservation – Payment: April 13 – May 13 30 days before & on departure day (100%) (Shown as % of tour price and taxes) Bookings are confirmed on a first come first serve basis and when registration with down payment is received. If you would like to Unused portions of the itinerary, including accommodations, join this very special pilgrimage and cultural tour, please fill in the airfare, meals and other items included in the tour are totally non- registration form and mail it with a deposit of $1,000 CDN to the refundable after departure. address on the registration form or bank-to-bank wire transfer. The final balance is due 90 days before departure. Price quoted is for Important Information/Disclosure of limitations: payment by cheque or cash. The invoice for your final payment The tour organizer (Liz Shachtay of Emerald Travel) is not will be e-mailed or mailed to you before due date of Feb 13. responsible for any conditions or developments whether expected or unexpected, connected with the pilgrimage/tour of May 13 to Pilgrimage Tour Price INCLUDES: May 30, 2020 to Italy. By utilizing the services of a travel agent . Airport transfers in Milan and Rome in luxury coach for group you agree that the organizer will not be liable for any failure, members arriving within a reasonable amount of time as the negligence of any nature, however caused by any type of accident, main group loss, injury, natural or manmade disasters or damage to you or . 16 night accommodations in 4 stars hotels in single, twin or those traveling with you in connection with any accommodations, double room with private facilities. transportation, carriers or any other services resulting directly or . 16 buffet breakfasts and 16 dinners indirectly. This will include theft, lost or destroyed suitcases, war, . Two lunches, La Verna Sanctuary and Greccio Sanctuary quarantine, health risks, terrorism, strikes, government . All sightseeing and entrance fees as per “visit” in the itinerary regulations, delay or changes of schedules by the airlines due to . New private boat for 3 hours for Lake Como inclement weather or other conditions such as breach of contract . Private boat to St. Francis Island for 4 hours by the tour suppliers. By embarking upon his/her travel, the . Parmiggiano and Prosciutto tasting traveler(s) voluntarily assume all risks involved with the described . Taxi in Assisi to visit San Damiano Convent travel in the brochure. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger . Orvieto Cable Railway Tickets certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other conditions or . English-speaking tour director from arrival in Milan to disability that would create any type of problems to the departure day in Rome functioning of the group and tour, and accepts the terms of this . Air conditioned motor coach with the services of a Government contract. It may become necessary at times to make some change licensed English speaking professional tour guides in Milan, to the itinerary or accommodation to ensure the quality of the tour. Lake Como, Padua, Venice, Bologna, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, By signing the registration form, you legally agree and consent to Arezzo, Cortona, Assisi, Gubbio, Montefalco, Orvieto, all above disclosure of limitations and will not dispute any known Greccio, Fonte Colombo, and Rome or unknown particulars associated with travel to Italy May 13 to . Mass will be celebrated every day. It is optional and your choice May 30, 2020. if you wish to attend mass ______For information and Pilgrimage Tour Price DOES NOT INCLUDE: . Lunches Reservations contact: . Passport should be valid until Nov 30 of 2020 Liz Shachtay, B.A., B.Ed. . No visa required for Canadian or American citizens travelling Custom Pilgrimages & Cultural Tours to Italy Tel: (604) 277-5303 . Gratuities for tour director and bus driver Fax: (604) 241-5587 . Medical and, or cancellation insurance E-mail: [email protected] . Items of a personal nature: laundry, phone call, beverages etc. . Excess baggage charges from the airline Emerald Travel BC Reg No. 1986 . Extra entertainment, excursions etc. not in the itinerary

Share Program: If you are traveling alone but would like to share accommodations, Liz will do all possible to put you in touch with another passenger in the same situation. If this is not possible the group member has to pay the single room supplement. Fr. David Wathen, OFM. Our pilgrimage/tour chaplain and spiritual leader, is a Friar of the Franciscan Holy Land Province. At present he resides at the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, D.C. I have known Fr. David for more than 28 years. He was the tour guide for my very first group pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Fr. David has accompanied many groups as a pilgrimage/tour chaplain to Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Mexico. His principle ministry is to encourage the faithful to go on pilgrimages to sites connected with the foundations of our faith and to sites associated with the saints who have given a heroic witness to our Christian faith, so that our faith might be strengthened and enriched. We are very fortunate to have Fr. David as a chaplain for our pilgrimage to Italy and especially for “The Footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi.” His resourceful background is an asset to our pilgrimage. Fr. David immerses joyfully in the culture, the history, and the beauty offered by different countries and its people.

Liz Romeo Shachtay was born in the South of Italy. After graduating from “Loreto Academy” in Hamilton, Ontario, Liz studied history and languages at the University of Western Ontario, and received a Bachelor of Arts from Brescia College. She subsequently received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, followed by a certificate in Health and Fitness Studies from Simon Fraser Kinesiology Department. Liz has been living in Vancouver/Richmond area for a long time and has been organizing custom designed pilgrimages and cultural tours for 33 years. Liz is a registered travel agent with IATA and has had a valid ID picture card since 1986. She has escorted more than 1,500 pilgrims to the Holy Land in the span of 33 years and more than 30 visits. Liz and her faithful followers have successfully explored Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Eastern Europe, Croatia, Medjugorje, the Baltic States, Russia, Mexico, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the British Isles, Ecuador, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, and much more... Liz has an extensive knowledge of the history, culture and religious background of the countries visited. She designs & accompanies all her tours, making sure everything goes smoothly, from the beginning of your adventure to the end. Her itineraries are unique and based on personal experiences, comprehensive research and travel expertise. Come and share her passion for uncommon encounters, and return home with a sense that you have truly experienced something unique!

For Information & Reservations Contact: Liz Shachtay, B.A., B.Ed. CUSTOM PILGRIMAGES & CULTURAL TOURS Tel: 1-604-277-5303  Email: [email protected] Emerald Travel BC Reg. No. 1986-5