Pilgrimages to Italy

A sample experience from our Pilgrimages to Italy and beyond:

VENICE. Today begins with a sightseeing tour of Venice. Included is St. Mark's Square with the Byzantine Basilica San Marco and the Palace of the Doges. We may take an optional Gondola ride at the Bridge of Sighs. This afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at our hotel.

VENICE - FLORENCE. Drive across serene Tuscan countryside to Florence, the city considered to be the cultural heart of Italy and former stronghold of the Medici family. Overnight at our hotel.

FLORENCE. Today we begin our beautiful trip by visiting the Piazza della Signoria, where the Neptune Fountain stands. Then we visit Giotto's Bell Tower, the baptistery with its "Gates of Paradise" doors, and the Academia that houses the Michelangelo's original statue of David. We will also see the Santa Croce Church, the famous church where Dante, Michelangelo, Leonard da Vinci and many others are buried. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy activities on our own.

FLORENCE - ASSISI. We travel to Assisi through the mystic province of Umbria and its capital city of Assisi, town of St. Francis. Overnight at our hotel.

ASSISI - ROME. Our morning walking tour includes Santa Maria degli Angeli with the "thornless rose bush", the Basilica of St. Francis and the Church of St. Clare, which to this day houses her incorrupt body. This morning, we drive through the Autostrada del Sole across the Roman countryside to Rome.  Overnight at our hotel.

ROME. After breakfast, we visit The Vatican City including the Vatican Museum and Gallery, Raphael's Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, the Catacombs and St. Peter's Basilica. We may attend an Audience with our Holy Father if available. During the afternoon tour highlights include City Hall, the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, St. Peter in chains, Appian Way, Palazzo Venezia, Arch of Constantine, and Circus Maximus. Dinner and overnight in Rome.