Rome and Assisi
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A Holy Trinity Pilgrimage in the “Year of Mercy” ITALY Rome and Assisi July 9 - 16, 2016 $ 3,799 per person from Washington D.C. (IAD) Spiritual Director: Fr. John Peck Group Coordinator: Rose Mary Padberg www.pilgrimages.com/holytrinitydc Assisi, Italy SAMPLE DAY BY DAY ITINERARY Day 1, Sat, Jul 09: Depart IAD aqueduct that supplied thermal baths. Following the Trevi Fountain, your Depart Washington DC for your overnight flight to Rome. Dinner and tour continues to the beautiful, Piazza Novona. This square was built on the breakfast will be served on board. former Stadium of Domitian that held many festivals and sporting events (86 A.D). At the center of this square, stands the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Day 2, Sun, Jul 10: Rome Airport – Rome (Fountain of the Four Rivers). There are four figures constructed on this Welcome to Rome! Also known as, “The Eternal City.” Upon arrival at Rome fountain that represent four rivers: the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Airport, you will collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue Plata. Next, your group will enjoy free time for lunch, followed by a visit to to the Arrival’s Hall where you will be greeted by a tour guide and/or driver. the oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Make your way to the Bus where your group will transfer to your hotel. Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Following check-in, your group will make their way to celebrate Mass, Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the followed by a Welcome Dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to Bishop of Rome. Next, your group will cross the street to visit the Holy walk to St. Peter’s Square for the Rosary (optional). Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was Day 3, Mon, Jul 11: Rome: Ancient Rome brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, your group Following breakfast, your group will depart and go back in time to explore the will climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ’s agonizing Passion. landmarks of the Roman Empire, also known as “Ancient / Imperial Rome”. To conclude your day, your group will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Some of the stops will include: Michelangelo’s Renaissance Palace built on Major and celebrate Mass. This Basilica contains a relic from the manger of the ruins of the Acropolis which dates back to the 16th century. Today, it the Infant Jesus. Following Mass, your group will return to your hotel for serves as the seat of the city government. Capitol Square is marked by several dinner and overnight notable works of art including two colossal statues of Castor and Pollux that stand guard on the magnificent staircase leading into the palace. You will also Day 6, Thu, Jul 14: Rome - Assisi visit the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum, which at the time, were the center After an early breakfast, you will head north through the Roman countryside of the Roman Empire’s political, military and social world. These days, the of vineyards and villas (approximately two and a half hours). Throughout this ruins of the Forum consist of the Temple of Julius Caesar, Basilica Emilia, the bus ride, your tour escort will share very interesting information regarding Arch of Titus and the Holy Road. We will then begin the short journey down the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. You will arrive in Assisi, the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road will lead to the the hometown of St. Francis. You will check-in to your hotel for dinner and an Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the overnight. Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at hotel. Day 7, Fri, Jul 15: Assisi (The Life of a Saint, that inspired a Holy Father) This morning, your group will enjoy breakfast followed by a full day of touring Day 4, Tue, Jul 12: Rome: Vatican Museum – Appian Way - Basilica of St. the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the “Patron Saint of Animals and Paul Outside the Walls - Catacombs the Environment.” Additionally, he is responsible for founding the Franciscan This morning, your group will enjoy breakfast at your hotel and depart for Order and, the inspiration for our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He chose his Mass. Your group will celebrate Mass at the largest Christendom Church, St. name in admiration of the Saint of Nature, and Servant to the Poor. Known Peter’s Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first for being a humble man himself, Pope Francis spent most of his life denying Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Also it was Our Holy Father, Pope the luxuries of life. He preferred to live in simplicity and humility, while giving Francis who was the first Pontiff to visit the necropolis since extensive up all other worldly possessions, just as St. Francis did. As your group visits archaeological excavations were conducted at the ancient site decades ago. the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere At this Basilica, your group will have the opportunity to view Michelangelo’s has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th- Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ century. During the tour, your group will have the opportunity to visit the after His crucifixion, death, and removal off the cross before being placed in tomb of St. Francis at his Basilica. At the Basilica of St. Francis, you will have the tomb. Following, your group will proceed to one of the many Vatican the opportunity to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, as well as, view Museums. At the world-renowned museum, you will see the most impressive a few of the saint’s possessions. Additionally, your group will visit the Church of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, your group will of San Damiano. At this modest, yet beautiful Holy Church, you will have the have the opportunity to observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine opportunity to kneel before the crucifix where Jesus asked St. Francis, “to Chapel, and Michelangelo’s Masterpiece, the restored mural of the Last rebuild His church.” As the tour continues, your group will visit St. Mary of Judgment. The final stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of St. John Paul the Angels Basilica. This Basilica is where St. Francis spent most of life, and is II. Afterward, your group will enjoy free time for lunch on your own, or to made up of two structures; both of which you will visit. The Porziuncola is purchase souvenirs from Vatican City. You will then begin the short journey where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans), and the down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road will lead Capella del Transito, which is the place of St. Francis’ death. During this visit, to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, your group will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. The day St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave to where the Saint retired concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally to pray. After visiting this beautiful Basilica, your group will enjoy some free founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial time on your own. Feel free to take this time for additional prayer, or shop in place of Saint Paul the Apostle. Your group will then make their way to dinner the Gift Shop. The last stop on your tour will be to the Church that honors St. at a local restaurant, and an overnight at your hotel. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and Day 5, Wed, Jul 13: Rome: Rome: Papal Audience – Trevi Fountain / Piazza humility. Lastly, your group will transfer back to the hotel, where you will Navona – Basilica of St. John the Lateran and St. Mary Major – Holy Steps have some free time to walk, shop, or pray. Return to the Hotel for dinner Following breakfast at your hotel, your first sightseeing day in Rome begins! and overnight. The tour begins with the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square! This Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the Day 8, Sat, Jul 16: Return Home papal schedule). Following the Papal Audience, your group will make their After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, your group will leave Assisi by way to the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain). In the times of Ancient Rome, motor coach and transfer to the Rome Fiumicino airport (approximately two this fountain served as the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo, the main and a half hours) for return flights home. To book or for information, contact: Chris tel: (800) 206 8687 email: [email protected] INCLUSIONS & RESERVATION APPLICATION YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: † Round-trip airfare from Washington D.C.