ADVENT IN ROME & WITH OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ASSISI
VATICAN CITY | ROME BASILICAS | ADVENT MARKETS
\[ DECEMBER 3 - 9, 2018
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ASSISI: DECEMBER 9 - 10, 2018
41780 W Six Mile Road, Suite 1oo, Northville, MI 48168 P: 866.466.1420 | F: 313.565.3621 | ctscentral.net COLOSSEUM ST. PETER’S BASILICA AN ADVENT MARKET IN ROME VATICAN CITY
* \[
Day 1: Monday, December 3 | Depart USA Depart on independent flights from the USA.
Day 2: Tuesday, December 4 | Rome Arrive at the Rome international airport before 11:00 AM. Transfer via taxi to your hotel, near the Vatican, to check in and meet your professional Italian tour manager. Enjoy time to relax and freshen up before celebrating a Welcome Mass at a local church and special dinner. Overnight in Rome.
Day 3: Wednesday, December 5 | Papal Audience | Vatican Museums | St. Peter’s Basilica Early departure to attend the Papal Audience (pending the Pope’s final schedule). After the Audience, tour the Vatican Museums and visit the Sistine Chapel to view some of the most inspiring works of art, including Michelangelo’s magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment. End the tour at St Peter’s Basilica and see Michelangelo’s Pieta, the tomb of St John Paul II, the Chair of St Peter and more. Celebrate Mass, then enjoy remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Rome.
Day 4: Thursday, December 6 | Rome Walking Tour | Ancient Rome Depart early for St. Peter’s Basilica for a special private Mass (pending final confirmation). Return to the hotel for breakfast before a walking tour of the historical center of Palazzo Colonna, the palace of Martin V who returned the papacy to Rome. See Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Continue on to visit the Pantheon, followed by Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. Celebrate Mass and see the resting place of the body of St. Catherine of Siena in the high altar. Lunch on own before touring Ancient Rome, including the Coliseum and Roman Forum. Enjoy the evening at leisure. You may wish to enjoy the season and view the four best Christmas trees of Rome. They can be found at the Coliseum, in Piazza Venezia, at the top of the Spanish Steps, and of course, in St Peter’s Square. Dinner on own and overnight in Rome.
Day 5: Friday, December 7 | Rome Basilicas | Advent Markets This morning take a guided visit of the major basilicas of Rome, including St Mary Major, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and St John in Lateran, which is the Cathedral of Rome. Celebrate Mass at one of the Basilicas. Enjoy lunch on own and time to explore the fantastic Advent Markets. Although Rome doesn’t have the same concept as other countries (such as Germany) when it comes to Christmas markets, Rome nevertheless puts on a great show. The most notable markets are Campo de’ Fiori and the world famous Piazza Navona. Dinner on own and overnight in Rome.
Day 6: Saturday, December 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Christmas Concert Full day at your leisure. You can dedicate the whole day tasting Italian food. Italian food is delicious at any time, but this is especially true around Christmas in Rome with seasonal delicacies available. During this time of year, you will see stacks of boxed cakes called Panettone. Available only at Christmas, this ‘sweet bread’ simply melts in your mouth, and Italians love it! Finally, warm up with a hot chocolate or creamy capuccino. Afternoon prayer at the foot of the Marian statue at the Spanish Steps. Celebrate an Advent vigil Mass, followed by a private Christmas Concert at dei Macellai. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Rome.
Day 7: Sunday, December 9 | Depart for Home \[ Optional extension: Assisi
Day 7: Sunday, December 9 | Rome | Assisi | Rome After an early breakfast, head north through the Roman countryside with vineyards and villas. Arrive in Assisi, the hometown of St. Francis. On arrival visit the St. Clare Church to see the cross that spoke to St. Francis and led him to a life of piety. Then, take a guided tour to see San Ruffino Church where St. Francis and St. Clare were both baptized. End the tour with a visit to the Basilica of St. Francis, and celebrate Mass. See the life-sized nativity in Assisi. St. Francis, himself, was the founder of this Christmas tradition. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Rome for overnight.
Day 8: Monday, December 10 | Depart for Home Transfer via taxi to the airport for independent return flights home. \[ = Continental Breakfast | = Lunch | = Dinner
*Itinerary is subject to change