Italian Faith Journey
10 Day 9 Nights Rome - Assisi - Florence - Venice
DAY 1– DEPART FROM THE U.S.
Depart from the U.S., beginning your unforgettable Pilgrimage to Italy!
DAY 2 – ROME
Benvenuti a Roma! You will be warmly greeted by your Nobile Travel Tours Partner and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the “Eternal City.” Welcome dinner at a local restaurant, featuring the best of Roman Cuisine.
DAY 3 – ROME
This morning, we are off to spend the day at the Holy See, Vatican City. Attend the Papal Audience (based upon the Holy Father’s Schedule). Free time for lunch on your own. This afternoon our expert guide will show us the Basilica of St. Peter as well as the spectacular Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. Tonight, dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 4 – ROME
Today we will enjoy a full day guided tour of Rome. We make our way to the catacombs, the underground burial site of the early Christians. After our visit, we will step back in time to visit “Ancient Rome,” including the Forum and the Coliseum. It’s real name was the Flavian Amphitheater after the emperors who built it in the first century after Christ. Coliseum refers to the “colossal” statue of Nero that at one time stood at the entrance.
Afternoon visits to three major basilicas in Rome, St Mary Major, St John Lateran and St Paul Outside the Walls. This evening you will enjoy a special dinner at a trattoria, Roman style.
DAY 5 – ROME / ASSISI
Depart Rome for scenic transfer to Assisi, the town of beloved St. Francis. Today we visit this medieval town, infused with mystical spirit. We begin with Mass at the Tomb of St. Francis. Later, we enjoy a tour of the Basilica of St. Francis, led by one of the Franciscan monks. We continue with a walking tour of the city, visiting the major sites associated with St. Francis and Clare, including the Chiesa Nuova, built over the home of Francis’ family and the Church of San Rufino, with the baptismal font of the saint, and the Basilica of St. Clare. This evening we will enjoy dinner in Assisi.
DAY 6 – ASSISI / SIENA / TUSCANY
Morning departure for Siena, located in the central Italian region of Tuscany. Siena is a medieval walled city that still retains much of its charm. Visit the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. Afternoon arrival into Florence Area. Welcome to your Tuscan Villa with a wine tasting and appetizers.
DAY 7 – FLORENCE
Walking guided tour of the city including visits to the Duomo, Santa Croce Church and the famous statue of “David” by Michelangelo. Dinner and overnight at a Tuscan Villa.
DAY 8 – TUSCANY
Morning at leisure in Tuscany. Afternoon optional cooking featuring traditional Tuscan cuisine.
DAY 9 – FLORENCE / PADUA / VENICE
Today we depart for a visit to Padua enroute to Venice. We will visit the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), with its priceless frescoes by Giotto. The next stop is The Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua (known simply as Il Santo), which dates back to the 1200’s. Early evening arrival into the magical city Venice!
DAY 10 – VENICE
Wake in the famous “floating city.” Today, enjoy a city walking tour, including St. Mark’s Square, the Bridge of Sighs and a visit to the Dodges Palace. Off to the island of Murano to view a time honored tradition, glass blowing. Return to Venice for a festive farewell dinner featuring northern cuisine.
DAY 11 – VENICE-U.S.A.
Arrivederci! Depending on your flight time we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the USA, arriving the same day.
10 Day Pilgrimage:
Rome - Florence - Assisi - Orvieto - Castel Gandolfo - Montecassino
Day 1 Detroit > Rome
Overnight flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 Rome
Meet the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi staff for transfer to Rome. Attend Holy Mass, (church dependent on location of hotel). After checking into our 4 star hotel, enjoy a panoramic tour of the Eternal City on an open top bus. Dinner and overnight in Rome. L | D
Day 3 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 will impart his Apostolic Blessing upon the crowd which also extends to loved ones that are sick and suffering. 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, the first pope, was crucified and buried. Holy Mass - Santa Maria alle Fornaci church or near the hotel (TBD). Dinner and overnight in Rome B | L | D
Day 4 Florence
This morning, we travel to Florence for a half day guided tour including the Cathedral of Florence - Santa Maria del Fiore. Holy Mass, and then lunch and afternoon at leisure. B
Day 5 San Gimignano and Siena
This morning we visit the small walled medieval hill town of San Gimignano, known as the Town of Fine Towers. Holy Mass and lunch at a local farmhouse. This afternoon we travel to Siena, the home of St Catherine and the beautiful Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Guided tour before departing for overnight in Assisi. B | L | D
Day 6 Assisi and Orvieto
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. Orvieto for a half day guided tour of this beautiful hilltop town with its magnificent gothic cathedral. Site of the 13th century eucharistic miracle. Motor coach back to Rome. B | L | D
Day 7 Rome
Imperial Rome and Papal Basilicas
Morning guided tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum (outside only) and the Mamertine Prison (tradition tells us both St. Paul and St. Peter were imprisoned here, Peter before his crucifixion). Holy Mass at Mamertine Prison / Chiesa dei Falegnami Afternoon guided tour of St Mary Major and St John Lateran Basilicas. St John Lateran being the oldest consecrated church in western Christendom and the official basilica of the Bishop of Rome (Pope Francis). B | L | D
Day 8 Rome Baroque Rome
Guided tour of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Holy Mass at San Giovanni della Pigna Church. Lunch and afternoon at leisure. B
Day 9 Castel Gandolfo and Montecassino
Half day guided tour of 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 Abbey of Montecassino, one of the most famous abbeys in the world. Return to Rome. B | L | D
Day 10 Rome > Detroit
After breakfast, transfer to Rome airport for our flight back home after a life changing spiritual journey through Italy. B
13 Days Pilgrimage
Rome - Assisi - Florence - Amalfi - San Giovanni Rotondo
Day 1 Detroit > Rome
Overnight flight to Rome. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 Rome
Upon arrival in Rome, you will meet your tour escort and transfer by private motor coach to the city center enjoying a panoramic tour on the way. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel (D)
Day 3 Rome - Orvieto - Assisi
This morning, we join the Papal Audience in St Peter’s square. Then, drive to Ovieto for a guided tour and stop in the Cathedral, where in 1263 a Eucharistic Miracle took place. Continue to Assisi for dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B;D)
Day 4 Assisi - Siena
After breakfast, celebrate private Mass at Basilica of St Francis. We tour the town of St. Francis and The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Portiuncula Chapel, which houses the site of the Franciscan order. In the afternoon, we drive to Siena. Check in your hotel for dinner and overnight (B | D)
Day 5 Siena - Florence
After breakfast, celebrate private Mass at the Cathedral in Siena. Guided tour of the city, birthplace of St. Catherine. You will see Piazza Del Campo, the Cathedral and Basilica of St. Francis. Free time for lunch on your own. Drive to Florence for dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B | D)
Day 6 Florence
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Florence. You’ll see the Piazza della Signoria with its Neptune Fountain and Vecchi Palace, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral which houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietá, the Baptistry which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise. Afternoon is at leisure. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight(B | D)
Day 7 Florence – Montecassino – Naples
Depart Florence to Monte Cassino, to visit the monastery founded by St. Benedict in the 6th century which sits on an impressive hill overlooking the town of Cassino. Continue to Naples for dinner and overnight at the Hotel. (B | D)
Day 8 Naples - Pompeii
After breakfast, we celebrate Mass at the Cathedral in Naples. Continue to Pompeii where you will visit the spectacular ruins which were covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The city remained buried and undiscovered for almost 1500 years until excavation began in 1748. These excavations continue today and provide insight into life during the Roman Empire. Visit the awesome Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight (B | D)
Day 9 Pompeii - Amalfi - Salerno
The Amalfi Coast is considered to be one of Italy’s finest! Snap a photo of the famous village of Positano which has graced a thousand postcards and charmed at least three generations of travelers. Visit the town of Amalfi, a must for every visitor! We will stop at Casa della Madonnina for a Reception and show of Limoncello making process. Drive to Salerno. Check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B | D)
Day 10 Salerno - San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Salerno and visit the Cathedral. Then, drive to San Giovanni Rotondo. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B | D)
Day 11 San Giovanni Rotondo - St Michael Grotto
Today we visit shrine of Padre Pio and drive to St Michael Grotto to visit it. Return to S Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and overnight at the Hotel (B | D)
Day 12 San Giovanni Rotondo - Lanciano - Rome
After breakfast we drive to Lanciano, where there was a Eucharistic Miracle of Jesus that took place. Continue on to Rome. Free time upon arrival. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B | D)
Day 13 Rome > Detroit
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Eternal City and depart Rome Airport for home the end of a most memorable pilgrimage. (B)
Roman Holidays
8 Day 7 Nights in Rome
DAY 1 DEPART USA
Boarding your overnight flight, you’re off to the Eternal City for the adventure of a lifetime!
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN ROME - AFTERNOON AT LEISURE - DINNER IN HOTEL
Benvenuti in Italia! We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the Rome airport to our hotel at scheduled times. Your Nobile Travel Tours representative will be at the airport to greet you. Tonight, we enjoy our first dinner in Rome in our beautiful hotel as we get acquainted with new friends.
DAY 3 ROME - SIGHTSEEING - AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
Ciao Caesar! We board our bus for panoramic tour of Imperial Rome including the Roman Forum, Largo Argentina, the Jewish Ghetto and the Circus Maximus. Then we’ll enter the Colosseum, reliving the brutal entertainment of the gladiators and the lions, refereed by the Emperor himself. Next, we visit Campo dei Fiori, one of the jewels of Rome. Centuries ago, Campo dei Fiori, which literally means “field of flowers,” was just a flowery meadow. Executions used to be held publicly in Campo de’ Fiori. Here, in 1600, the Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno was burnt alive for heresy. He proposed that the stars were just distant suns and that the universe is in fact infinite and could have no celestial body at its “center”. His statue now stands at the center of this square. Today, Campo dei Fiori is a bustling piazza that draws hundreds of locals and visitors. By day, it hosts an open-air food market from Monday through Saturday. And by night it is known for its nightlife when the many bars and restaurants fill with crowds until the morning hours. This afternoon, Rome is all yours! Shop, fountain hop, explore to your heart’s content. Or take one of our optional excursions offered to you by your tour leader.
DAY 4 ROME - VATICAN MUSEUM & SISTINE CHAPEL - ST. PETER’S BASILICA - AFTERNOON AT LEISURE - DINNER OUT
This morning we visit Vatican City, headquarters for more than a billion Catholics worldwide. We begin at the Vatican Museum, which houses a massive collection of sculptures, paintings and tapestries. Our visit culminates in the Sistine Chapel, the room where the pope is elected. We enter in total silence, not wanting to disturb Michelangelo’s famed frescoes, depicting stories from the Bible and the End of Times. We’ll also visit St. Peter’s Basilica. We’ll see Michelangelo’s Pietà, sculpted when he was just 24, and Bernini’s seven-story bronze canopy soaring high above the main altar. (Please note that the visit of St. Peter’s Basilica is subject to availability based on the events planned by the Pope.) Tonight, we head over to one of the oldest areas of Rome – Trastevere. This lively area is just what one imagines Italy to be like, with tiny cobblestone streets and music-filled trattorias on every corner. After exploring the area, you’ll get a taste of real Italian cuisine and fine wines in a family-style restaurant.
DAY 5 ROME - HADRIANS VILLA, TIVOLI - LUNCH
Today, we leave Rome and head to Tivoli to explore the historic town and visit Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este, two UNESCO World Heritage spots. We begin with Villa d’Este and its incredible gardens and Bernini-designed fountains. This Renaissance-era palace, built in the 16th century, was home to Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, who at the time was also the governor of Tivoli. Next we visit Villa Adriana, also known as Hadrian’s Villa, which was originally constructed as a private summer residence between AD 118 and 134. Hadrian’s Villa was a vast open-air museum that even today continues to display the lavishness and enormous power of Ancient Rome. You will see the temples, the theaters and thermal baths; learn about what daily life was like here 1,800 years ago. All this walking will make us hungry. We enjoy a fabulous Roman lunch along with some fine wines. We return to Rome where you will enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and dinner on your own. Tonight, treat yourself to one of Rome’s fine restaurants for a fabulous dinner. May we suggest a few Roman specialties… Bucatini all’Amatriciana; Roasted lamb with garlic and rosemary; Veal Saltimbocca …Buona appetite !!
DAY 6 COOKING CLASS & LUNCH
Today is your chance to enjoy a hands-on cooking class in Rome. You will learn the secrets of traditional dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Of course once the meal is ready, you’ll get to enjoy it with local wines. This afternoon, Rome is all yours! Simply relax or take one of our optional excursions offered to you by your tour leader. Tonight, treat yourself to one of Rome’s fine restaurants for dinner! Wherever you decide to eat, be sure to try some more of Rome’s specialties: supplì, a fried riceball filled with ragù and mozzarella; Carciofi alla Romana, artichokes cooked alla Romana style - braised, stuffed with herbs and sprinkled with lemon (only in the spring and fall); Spaghetti alla Carbonara, made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, bacon (guanciale or pancetta), and black pepper.
DAY 7 DAY OF LEISURE
This day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Do some sightseeing on your own – Rome has SO much to see. There is a piece of history around every corner. Or you can shop on the famous Via Condotti, visit a museum or just relax. You will also have the opportunity to take one of a few exciting optional excursions your tour leader will offer you, such as a day trip to Sorrento or a day trip to Castel Gandolfo (the Pope’s summer Residence) followed by a wine tasting and lunch in a nearby winery.
DAY 8 FLIGHT HOME - ROME - USA
This morning you board your flight home. You’ll exchange emails with your new friends and make plans for the future. How about we all meet again on a Nobile Travel Tour to Holy Land!
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