10 Days / 8 Nights
How did Italy become the home of the Catholic Church? If Christianity was to grow, it had to first conquer the world’s most dominant city – Rome! The deaths of Peter and Paul in Rome reinforced its significance. Peter is considered the first Pope. The Bishop of Rome, later known as the Pope, gradually asserted pre-eminence over other bishops, symbolizing Rome’s centralized authority.
Itinerary
Departure from the USA for an overnight flight to Rome, Italy.
Arrival in Rome, transfer to hotel. Leisure time to adjust to the new time zone. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Papal Audience at Vatican City. Tour of Vatican Museums, including The Tapestry Gallery, The Raphael Rooms, and The Sistine Chapel. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Visit to Colosseum, Mamertine Prison, and Pietro in Vincoli. Visit Catacombs of St. Calixtus and Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Visit to Abbey of Monte Cassino. Panoramic tour of Naples. Visit to Pompeii ruins. Return to Rome for dinner and overnight.
Departure for Florence. Tour of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Academy of Fine Arts. Free time for exploration. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Departure for Padua. Visit to Basilica of St. Anthony. Departure for Venice. Tour of Basilica of St. Mark and other sites in Piazza San Marco. Dinner and overnight in Venice.
Leisure day in Venice. Mass at Basilica of St. Mark. Further exploration of Venice. Dinner and overnight in Venice.
Departure for Milan. Visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. Visit to Duomo di Milano. Leisure time in Milan. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Milan.
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for flight home.
Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Round-trip air: USA » Rome / Milan » USA
- 8 nights First Class or Deluxe hotel accommodation
- Continental buffet breakfast daily; 8 dinners
- Professional bilingual tour escort for the whole tour
- Local guides
- Entrance fees for all sites
- City tax
- Whisper sets
- Porterage at hotels of 1 large suitcase per person
- Deluxe fully equipped motorcoach as per program
This itinerary may be modified to the specific requirements of your group. Ask About Our Church Donation Program.