Day 2: ROME. Upon arrival in Rome, we will be met by our tour guide and escorted to our hotel. The afternoon will be spent with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museum and Library, as well as the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 3: ROME. After breakfast depart for Papal audience (if available). A half day tour of Rome will include a visit to the Catacombs, the Appian way, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter in Chains, Coliseum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximum and Piazza Venezia. We will also visit three of the four major basilicas in Rome (the other being St. Peter's Basilica). These basilicas include St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, and St. John outside the walls. Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 4: ROME - NAPLES - POMPEII - SORRENTO. Morning departure from Rome to Naples. After a city tour of Naples, including a visit to the church of St. Januarium, and a stop for lunch, proceed to Pompeii and a visit to the excavations. We will also stop at the Shrine of our Lady of the Rosary. Continue to Sorrento for a breathtaking view of the Bay of Naples. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.

Day 5: SORRENTO - CAPRI - SORRENTO. Morning departure from Sorrento to Capri for a full day excursion of the lush little isle that has entranced the world. Transfer by minibus from Sorrento coach terminal to the pier and meet with English speaking guide. Jetfoil ride from Sorrento to Capri. A minibus tour of the island is planned plus entrance fees to Blue Grotto by rowing boats (weather conditions permitting). In the afternoon, jetfoil ride from Capri to Sorrento. Transfer by minibus from Sorrento pier to the coach terminal. Dinner and overnight in Sorrento.

Day 6: SORRENTO - ORVIETO - ASSISI. Early morning departure for Assisi. On the way stop at Orvieto for a free visit of the town: the Duomo, the Torre Civica del Pozzo di San Patrizia. Proceed to Assisi. Arrival in Assisi before lunch. Visit the Tomb of St. Francis and the Portiuncola where the great Franciscan family has its origins. We will also see the relics of St. Clare, as well as her incorrupt body. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Assisi.

Day 7: ASSISI - SIENA - ASSISI. Today we will travel to lovely Siena, the birthplace of St. Catherine. Siena is located in the central Italian region of Tuscany and is a medieval walled city that to this day retains much of its charm. Included in this tour will be visits to the Piazza del Campo, the center of the city, the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall famous for its gothic architecture), and the Cathedral. Return to Assisi for dinner and overnight

Day 8: ASSISI - FLORENCE. We will depart Assisi for Florence, the "City of Art", where we will see the Baptistery with it's "Gates Worthy of Heaven" (Michelangelo) and the famous cathedral. Also included will be visits to Santa Croce and the "David". Dinner and overnight in Florence.

Day 9: FLORENCE. Today is free day to explore beautiful Florence on your own. Take some time for personal sightseeing in one of the many churches and museums as well as shops. Dinner and overnight in Florence.

Day 10: FLORENCE - PADUA. Breakfast in hotel and departure for Padua. Crossing through the regions of Tuscany and emilia Romagna and arriving in Padua, you can still view from the motorway including the seven chapels of the sanctuary of Monselice. Late afternoon arrival in Padua for a visit of the Basilica and Tomb of St. Anthony. Dinner and overnight in Padua.

Day 11: PADUA - VENICE. Depart Padua for Venice. After hotel check-in, the group will depart on a half-day sightseeing tour of beautiful Venice. Included will be a visit to the Basilica of St. Mark, Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. The remainder of the day will be at leisure with time for an optional gondola ride. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Day 12: VENICE - USA. Depart for Venice airport for our flight back to the United States. The end of a most enjoyable tour.