MARCH 15 - 22, 2013
*Day 1 – Friday, March 15, 2013 Depart*
Our adventure begins as we depart on our transatlantic flight to Rome, Italy. *IF*
*Day 2 - Saturday, March 16, 2013 Assisi*
Upon arrival in Rome, we meet our coach driver and transfer to Assisi. As we get close to Assisi we stop for lunch on our own. Afterwards A local guide will join us as we explore the basilica with its wonderful frescoes
by Cimabue and Giotto. We then visit the *Basilica of St. Clare*, Francis’ friend and foundress of the Poor Clare nuns, and see the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis in San Damiano. We go to *San Damiano* to pray in the place where Francis wrote the “Canticle of the Sun.” Our day ends with Mass followed by a welcome dinner at our hotel. *D *
*Day 3 - Sunday, March 17, 2013 Assisi – Florence - Assisi*
We depart early this morning on a day trip to Florence, “the Cradle of the Renaissance” where we begin with a visit to *Accademia *with Michelangelo's incomparable "David." A *local guide joins us for a walking tour* and
explains the history of this colorful city to as as we walk. We learn of the Duomo with its famed Baptistry, Giotto's Tower, the Pitti Palace, and Ponte Vecchio. We *see the magnificent bronze doors of the Baptistery* and *explore the treasures inside the Duomo*. After some free time we board our coach. Our final stop is a photographic moment as we stop for a beautiful view of Florence on *Piazza Michelangelo*. Then we return to
Assisi where we have a late dinner at our hotel tonight around 8:00 PM. * B/D*
*Day 4 – Monday, March 18, 2013 Assisi - Rome *
This morning in Assisi we visit the *Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli* built to enclose the tiny Church of the Porziuncola, St. Francis’ first retreat and place of prayer and where he consecrated Clare as the Bride of Christ. After some time to explore, we make our way to Rome. We follow the ancient Appian Way, the traditional pilgrims’ route followed by Peter and Paul. *B/D*
*Day 5 – Tuesday, March 19, 2013 **Rome*
A local guide joins us this morning as we begin our day exploring ancient Rome, our *walking tour of the Palatine and Capitoline Hills areas*. We walk through the Roman Forum and the ruins of 2000 years ago imagining what
it must have been like as we see the tracks the chariot wheels left. We see *Constantine’s Arch*, *San Pietro in Vincoli Church with Michelangelo’s Moses*, and*Mamertine Prison* to reflect on Paul’s time spent in Rome. Are
walking tour ends with a *tour of the Colosseum*. After lunch today we head for the *Vatican*. We tour the *Vatican Museum* with its magnificent art collection and the *Sistine Chapel* with Michelangelo’s masterpiece and deeply moving interpretation of Christianity. *B/D*
*Day 6 - Wednesday, March 20, 2013 ** Rome*
After breakfast we depart for the *Vatican* and a *Papal Audience* with the Holy Father. Following our audience with the Pope, we visit the *Pantheon*. And have free time this in *Navonna Square*. Later we transfer to the catacombs along the Appian Way and visit one of the four major basilicas of Rome, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, where the Apostle was martyred and is buried. *B/D*
*Day 7 – Thursday, March 21, 2013 ** Rome*
Today is a free day to explore on our own. This evening we have a farewell dinner with pizza and pasta at restaurant Le Strega and then take an illumination tour of Rome including a stroll through the *Spanish Steps* and stop to see *Trevi Fountain* where legend has it that if you hold a coin in your right hand and throw it over your left shoulder into the fountain and never look back you will be sure to return to Rome. *B/D*
*Day 8 - Friday, March 22, 2013 Return*
Our journey draws to a close as we transfer to Leonardo da Vinci airport for our return flight home. We return home moved by the Spirit with enduring memories of early Christianity, historic sites and cities, a host of new friends. **
*Abbreviations for included meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner*
* *
*PRICE PER PERSON $ 2499.00 - **Based on 4 to a Room *
*DEPOSIT OF $ 500.00 DUE IMMEDIATELY - FINAL DUE NOV 15, 2012.*
*FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
SREALLY@STASAINTS.COM*
Our 36 Seniors on their Pilgrimage to Rome, Florence and Assisi. Here, the students are waiting to hear Fr. Andrew give Mass at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.
Our seniors with Archbishiop Naumann at St. Peter's Square
Archbishop Naumann gave Mass to our group at the North American College in Rome. Here he is greeting students after the Mass.
We toured the Colosseum!
Our group outside the Vatican
Some girls jumped for joy in Assisi!
One of the small groups of students during the Forum tour
