This morning proceed for a visit to the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the former residence of all the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377 where five ecumenical councils have been held and which contains the remains of 4 saints. We will see the Catacombs of Marcellinus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. Mass. Visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls which has the remains of St. Paul under its main altar and which has many relics on display, including the chains that once bound the apostle while a prisoner in Rome. Proceed to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
This morning proceed to St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, built after she had appeared to Pope Liberius in 358 requesting that a church be built in her honor. The shrine contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. Proceed to visit Trevi Fountain, the fountain fills the whole width of the palace façade which acts as backdrop and gives the impression of a triumphal arch. This afternoon will visit the Pantheon, an ancient building perfectly preserved, founded by Agrippa in 27 BC and rebuilt by Hadrian, was a temple which was converted into a church in the 7C.
DAY 05:
SANTA CROCE / SAN CLEMENTE / FORUM / COLOSSEUM
The Colosseum in Rome
This morning proceed to Santa Croce, Basilica of the Holy Cross. Then proceed to San Clemente, this church is one of oldest Roman basilicas, was built in 4C and dedicated to Saint Clement. It was ruined in 1084 but rebuilt on the same site in 1108. This afternoon will we visit to the Colosseum, once the scene of bloody gladiatorial combats. Continue to visit the Roman Forum, the religious, political, and commercial center of ancient Rome, reflects twelve centuries of history which created the Roman civilization.
This morning visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Then continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where St. Peter was martyred. The largest religious temple in the world, St. Peter’s has housed 264 popes. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, St. Peter’s is the grandest of the world’s churches. View historical treasures such as a piece of the True Cross, the lance that pierced Christ’s side, and numerous papal tombs. View the Pieta, and four mighty piers supporting the magnificent dome. Mass at St. Peter's. This afternoon visit to the Scavi (special permission required).
DAY 07:
DAY TRIP TO SUBIACO
Today’s excursion is to St. Benedict’s Monastery at Subiaco. We will have Mass in Subiaco. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 08:
ROME / ORVIETO / ASSISI
Depart Rome to Orvieto. Tour of Duomo of Orvieto. Continue to Assisi for dinner and overnight.
DAY 09:
ASSISI
Basilica of St. Francis
Visit the hilltop home of St. Francis and St. Clare. During the city tour we will visit the Basilica of St. Francis, the Church of St. Clare and St. Mary of the Angels Basilica, site of the Porziuncola, the thornless rose bush. Mass at St. Mary of the Angels. Overnight in Assisi.
DAY 10:
ASSISI / FLORENCE
Depart Assisi to Florence, the Renaissance city. See the Ponte Vecchio, Giotto's Bell Tower - this 14th century Campanile rises to a height of 292 feet, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, with its great representation of Tuscan Gothic Architecture. The giant dome, designed by Bunelleschi, is decorated by an immense fresco. Balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 11:
FLORENCE
This morning visit the Uffuzi Museum. Visit the Academy of Fine Arts to see Mechaelangelo’s “David” and other Renaissance Masterpieces. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 12:
FLORENCE / NEW YORK
Morning departure to the airport for your return flight to New York.
