8-Day Getaway

     December 30, 2007 - January 6, 2008

Day 1: Depart USA for Rome
We depart this afternoon to begin our exciting journey to Rome. We will enjoy various meals and movies in flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Rome
Upon our arrival in Rome a Pilgrim Tours representative will meet our group and assist in our transfer to the hotel. We will have the remainder of the day free for our leisure until we meet for a special welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Vatican City, Coliseum, Forum, Mamertine Prison
Today we visit the Vatican City. Our tour director will take us to visit the Vatican Museums, ending with the wonderful Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's famous frescos. We continue to St Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and residence of the Pope. This afternoon, we pass over the hill and down on into the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70.. We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. We end our sightseeing at the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years.

Day 4: Pompeii, Naples, return to Rome
We head south today to the famous Roman remains at Pompeii. It was here that Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. We will spend our time today with a local guide, discovering and learning about this opulent town that was buried in ash. Pompeii was founded initially by the Oscans, but soon after was influenced by Cumae, a nearby Greek colony. In the year 80 BC the town fell under Roman domination and became a favorite holiday retreat of rich Romans. Then disaster struck with the eruption of the volcano, and in the space of two days all its inhabitants were buried under a layer of lava. When visiting this site today it is possible to see the extensive and varied ruins and imagine life as it was 2,000 years ago. The major sights include the Antiquarium, Forum, Stabian Baths, Villa of the Mysteries and much more. The afternoon is free to explore in Naples. Afterward, return to Rome.

Day 5: Rome Tour + Optional Dinner Theater
After breakfast our day will be free to explore Rome or you may choose a full day tour of this famous city. For those that choose the full day tour, your day will include a guided tour of the San Callisto Catacombs along with a visit to both Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Di Spagna.  We visit and the Scala Santa, the famous Catholic prayer steps where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. Our day tour of Rome will conclude with an entrance to the Pantheon. We will return to our hotel for the remainder of the day at leisure.  Take advantage of a special optional dinner opera this evening at the Tanagra Restaurant. The Tanagra Restaurant is located, in the center of Rome, in an elegant and delightful setting on the banks of the river Tiber, (only a few minutes from Vatican City). We will have the opportunity to taste the Italian traditional cooking while listening to some of the most famous opera arias interpreted by Tanagra’s professional singers from the Rome Opera House.

Day 6: Free Day or Excursion to Florence
After breakfast our day will be free to again explore Rome on your own or take an excursion to Florence. Our Florence excursion will include a private transfer to Florence. Upon our arrival in Florence we will enjoy a guided tour to include a four hour tour of the city highlights as well as an entrance to the Academy Museum. We will return to Rome for our overnight.

Day 7: Free Day
After breakfast our day will be free to again explore Rome on our own.  Be sure to do some last minute shopping early this afternoon before we meet as a group for our final farewell dinner.

A hotel inspection tour will be arranged if there is interest.

Day 8: Depart Rome for New York
After breakfast we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to New York.