Italy Pilgrimage
Fr Richard & St Gabriel Parish
October 14 - 24, 2024
Price - $5,195*
Space is limited!
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Day 1, October 14, 2024 (Monday): Charlotte>Rome
Depart USA on overnight flight to Rome, Italy
Day 2, October 15, 2024 (Tuesday): Rome
Upon arrival in Rome we will be greeted by our tour escort and bus driver. We will check-in at our hotel before setting off to celebrate Holy Mass at the Major Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. This one of four Major Basilicas in Rome we will visit during our pilgrimage. After Holy Mass we will have time to relax before our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 3, October 16, 2024 (Wednesday): Rome
Papal Audience -The Audience with the Pope consists of small teachings and at the end of the Audience, the Pope will pray the Our Father and impart his Apostolic Blessing upon the crowd which also extends to loved ones that are sick and suffering. Lunch at a local restaurant. The Vatican Museums - The Vatican Museums contain masterpieces of painting, sculpture and other works of art collected by the popes through the centuries. St Peter’s Basilica - St. Peter's is one of the holiest sites in Christendom, standing on the traditional site where Peter was crucified and buried. We return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B|L|D)
Day 4, October 17, 2024 (Thursday): Rome
This morning starts with a tour of the famous Catacombs of St Sebastian. We then celebrate Holy Mass at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis where tradition tells us St. Peter, fleeing from the city to avoid martyrdom, meets Jesus to whom he addresses the following words “Domine quo vadis (Lord, where are you going)?” And the Lord replied “Venio Romam iterum crucifigi (I am coming to Rome to be crucified again)”. Peter, aware of the rebuke, turns back to face his destiny and Jesus disappears but, in disappearing, he leaves the impressions of his footprints on the road. After Holy Mass we will have lunch at a local restaurant before a City Tour including views of The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. The remainder of the day free to enjoy Rome. (B|L)
Day 5, October 18, 2024 (Friday): Rome – Florence - Tuscany
After an early breakfast, we travel to The Renaissance City of Florence. Upon arrival we'll check into our hotel before you enjoy lunch and the rest of the afternoon on your own to explore Florence. For those interested, there will be an optional wine tasting and dinner at Castello Vicchiomaggio in the Tuscan countryside. . Overnight in Florence. (B)
Day 6, October 19, 2024 (Saturday): Florence
After breakfast we will enjoy a full day tour of Florence including the Galleria dell’Accademia which houses the Michelangelo's "David," Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo (The Florence Cathedral), Piazza della Repubblica, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. Lunch at a local restaurant and remainder of the day free. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B|L|D)
DAY 7: October 20, 2024 (Sunday): San Gimignano, Siena & Assisi
Today we visit the small walled medieval hill town of San Gimignano, known as the Town of Fine Towers, where we will celebrate Holy Mass. A walking tour and then lunch on your own before departure for Siena, the home of St Catherine and the beautiful Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Guided tour before departing for Assisi. Dinner and overnight at The Grand Hotel Assisi. (B|D)
DAY 8: October 21, 2024 (Monday): Assisi
Half day guided tour of Assisi including the Papal Basilica of St Francis and the Basilica of St Clare. Holy Mass in Assisi or Santa Maria degli Angeli. Lunch and afternoon free to enjoy Assisi before we motor coach back to Rome. Dinner and overnight at The Hotel Mediterraneo. (B|D)
DAY 9: October 22, 2024 (Tuesday): Rome
Today we will visit the St Peter in Chains Minor Basilica to venerate the chains in which Peter was bound and view the lesser known masterpiece of Michelangelo, "Moses." From there it's a half day guided tour with views of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit St John Lateran Basilica and Cathedral, The Holy Steps and St Mary Major Basilica where will celebrate Holy Mass Back to the hotel and a free night to explore Rome. (B|L)
DAY 10: October 23, 2024 (Wednesday): Castel Gandolfo & Montecassino
This morning we visit the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. Now a museum, it had served for centuries as a summer residence and vacation retreat for the Pope. This afternoon we travel south to the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino, one of the most famous abbeys in the world. Lunch in a local restaurant in Cassino before Holy Mass at Montecassino Abbey. Return to Rome for our Farewell Dinner. (B|L|D)
DAY 11:October 24, 2024 (Thursday): Rome>Charlotte
After breakfast, transfer to Rome airport for our flight back home after a life changing pilgrimage through Italy. B
* double occupancy (single supplement $950)
Itinerary subject to change
What’s Included
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Round trip air from Charlotte to Rome
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Porter service at hotels
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Centrally located first class hotels
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Daily breakfast
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6 dinners (including Welcome and Farewell dinners at local restaurants) and 5 lunches (several in great local restaurants)
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Optional Wine Tasting and Dinner in the Chianti region of Tuscany
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9 days sightseeing as per program with Catholic Tour Manager, 4 half-day guided tours and 3 full day guided tours.
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Luxury motor coach
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All entrance fees: The Vatican Museums, Catacombs of St Sebastian, Galleria dell’Accademia, Siena Cathedral, Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, and Montecassino.
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Personal whisper sets throughout pilgrimage
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Daily Holy Mass w/ Fr Richard