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10 Day
Italy Christian Tour
May 6-15, September 9-18, 2010
Day 1: Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2: Arrive Rome
We arrive at the Rome airport where meet our tour manager. Those
arriving this morning will enjoy a stop at the ruins of Ostia Antica, which provides
an idea of life in classical times. You will also see the Ostian Gate,
today called the Gate of St. Paul, before arriving at the hotel for
check in and some relaxation time before dinner.
Day 3: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, Scala
Santa
After breakfast you will begin a full day of site seeing. First visit
Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine
Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn.
After some free time for lunch, you will visit the 4th century Basilica
of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the traditional site of Paul’s tomb, and
the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice
of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot's
Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of
Constantine. The practice today is to climb the steps on your knees,
stopping to pray on each step. Additional sights include the
Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble
monument called the Wedding Cake.
Day
4: Forum, Mamertine Prison,
Coliseum, Catacombs
We begin our walking tour at 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. The Roman church would
say that Peter was imprisoned here as well, but there is no imperial
evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, we visit 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. We conclude our day at the Catacombs where thousands
of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.
Day 5: Frescoes, Assisi, Montecatini
After breakfast you will say “Arrivederci Roma” and board your coach and
travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of
Assisi. After lunch on your own, you will enjoy a guided tour of this
beautiful, medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco,
decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. This
afternoon, we travel on to the spa village of Montecatini Terme, our
place of lodging for the next two nights in the heart of Tuscany.
Day 6: Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo’s David
& Free Time
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of
Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will
include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the
Accademia Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made
on the hillside overlook across the river from Florence where we will
enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape. This
afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries
or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the
Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the
world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be
the time to purchase those special Christmas gifts.
Day 7: Pisa & Verona
We begin our day with a tour of Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry,
Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, followed
by free time for lunch. This afternoon, we travel northward through
colorful Tuscan countryside, past Bologna and on to romantic Verona,
medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, for dinner and
overnight.
Day 8: Day trip to Venice
Start morning sightseeing in style as your guide takes you by private
boat along the Giudecca canal to meet your resident expert. Highlights
of your walking tour are St. Mark’s Square and the Byzantine splendor of
St. Mark’s Basilica, lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.
Afterwards enjoy Venice at your own pace, or join an optional gondola
ride. Tonight is your chance to sample the city’s fine restaurants with
dinner on your own, before returning to Verona.
Day 9: Verona,
Innsbruck
This morning we depart and head north, towards the towering alps. Take a
picture of the ski-jump at Cortina, Italy’s skiing and mountaineering
center beneath the jagged limestone towers of the Dolomites, enroute to
Brenner Pass, the spectacular road across the mighty barrier of the
Tyrolean Alps. We arrive in Innsbruck, capital of Austiran Tyrol. We are
free this afternoon for shopping through the quaint medieval lanes and
enjoying dinner at our hotel.
Day 10:
Home
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
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Price Per Person
(double occupancy):
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Departure Dates |
Approximate
Air Cost |
Land
Package |
| May |
Call For Prices |
$1774.00 |
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September |
Call For Prices |
$1874.00 |
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Limited Space - Reserve Today:
Pilgrim Tours 800.322.0788
Printable Reservation Form
Insurance Information
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Single Supplement -
Price Includes:
Superior tourist class accommodations, breakfast daily, 6
dinners, luggage handling in hotels
(1 piece per person), expert guide throughout, entrances and
transportation as appear on itinerary, modern
transportation.
Not Included:
Gratuities, airfare,
meals not listed, optional travel
insurance.
Special rates for airfare will be available 10-11 months
prior to departure.
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