Rome to Venice

Feb 28 Fri Departure on your own flights

Mar 1 Sat Arrival in ROME /transfer to hotel
Meet the agent hotel a sign “DAP-TUTKU” sign. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Rome. (B D)

Mar 2 Sun ROME
Guided tour of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Mamertine Prison, Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami (St. Joseph the Carpenter). Lunch on your own. Visit the Capitoline Hill and Museums in the afternoon. Continue walking to Rome’s famed Trevi Fountain, the Church of St. Ignazio, Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (Holy Mary Over Minerva). Overnight in Rome. (B D)

Mar 3 Mon ROME
This morning’s itinerary features a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. After lunch we›ll explore some of subterranean Rome – the Catacomb of St. Callixtus and we will walk a section of the on the Via Appia Antica (the Ancient Appian Way) until the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. Overnight in Rome. (B D)
Dr. Nienkirchen will deliver his first lecture entitled Rome: The Apostles, the Popes and the Protestants

Mar 4 Tue OSTIA
Guided visit of the archeological Park of the Ancient Ostia. Lunch on your own. Next in our itinerary comes Church of San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St.Paul Outside the Walls) followed by the Papal Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran). At the top of the staircase, is the Sancta Sanctorum, the private chapel of the medieval popes which contains numerous relics and is visible only through iron grates. Not far from the Basilica in the Piazza di Porta S. Giovanni, is a splendid bronze monumental tribute to Francis and his initial followers arriving in Rome. The inscription reads, ‘St. Francis of Rome, Italy, Assisi and the World.’ Overnight in Rome. (B D)

Mar 5 Wed ROME - ASSISI
This morning we will participate at the Papal Audience (own ticket arrangements) in the St. Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, we drive to Assisi with a stop in Bagnoregio, a municipality in the province of Viterbo perched atop a mountain of volcanic rock. Civita di Bagnoregio is actually two remote towns. Civita is on a hill accessible only by a long stone walkway that begins at the end of the road from neighbouring Bagnoregio. Today Civita has only 6 year-round residents and is nicknamed the ‘Dying City’. Bagnoregio was the birthplace of the philosopher, San Bonaventura, whose name (meaning ‘good fortune’) had been given to him by Francis who miraculously cured him of a dangerous illness. Bonaventura authored the popular Major Legend of St. Francis in the early 1260’s as well as scholastic theses, spiritual writings and sermons. As a deep lover of Franciscan values (who also somewhat redefined them) he married mind and heart and was one of the most articulate defenders of the Franciscan vision against its detractors. In the course of his travels he interviewed many who had firsthand knowledge of Francis. We arrive at enchanting Assisi, which hovers on the side of Mt. Subasio. Overnight in Assisi (B D)
*Depending on the private Papal audience sightseeing may change.

Mar 6 Thu ASSISI
This morning we will do a guided walk of enchanting Assisi, visiting the Basilica di Santa Chiara followed by devotion to the Basilica di San Francesco. (the guided tour of the basilica lasts approx. 1 hour). Pray with the friars at Midday at the Tomb of Saint Francis, according their schedule. Free time in Assisi. Overnight in Assisi (B D)

Mar 7 Fri ASSISI
Today starts about 4 km below Assisi, at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena. We will view Rivotorto Sanctuary, the place where Francis authored his Rule for life, followed by the church of San Damiano. Lunch included. In the afternoon, proceed for the Rocca Maggiore, a medieval castle rebuilt in 1367. Our tour now focuses on major historical churches: the Basilica di S. Rufino, the Chiesa Nuova and Santa Maria Maggiore. Overnight in Assisi (B, L, D)
Dr. Nienkirchen will deliver his second lecture entitled ‘Assisi: Walking the Way of Francis’

Mar 8 Sat ASSISI - SAN GIMIGNANO - FLORENCE
This morning we drive (2hrs 30 min) from Assisi to San Gimignano. Upon arrival, we’ll have free time for lunch. We’ll meet our guide in the afternoonand we’ll explore the city of towers. At the end of the tour, we’ll proceed with a drive to Florence. Enjoy a magnificent panorama from Michelangelo Square before check-in to hotel. Overnight in Florence (B, D)

Mar 9 Sun FLORENCE
Full day guided tour of Florence. Our first destination this morning is one of Florence’s star attractions housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia founded in 1563 CE, followed by the Chapel of Magi in Palazzo dei Magi. Proceed for the Baptistry of St. John (outside), the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (outside). There is no possibility to book the entrance to the Basilica St. Maria del Fiore. The guide gives explanation outside. Whoever wishes wait in line, is free to do it after the guided tour on their own. After lunch proceed for the Piazza della Signoria. Our last stop is the Church of Santa Croce (opening hours on Sunday 12:30-17:45) Overnight in Florence (B D)

Mar 10 Mon FLORENCE
Today we’ll visit the Church of Santa Maria Novella, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi gallery. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Florence. (B D)

Mar 11 Tue FLORENCE TO RAVENNA (183 km)
Breakfast and check-out of the hotel. Drive to Ravenna (approx. 2hrs 30 min). Leave our luggage at the hotel, and free time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour, including the Battistero Neoniano, Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Dante’s tomb. Overnight in Ravenna (B D)

Mar 12 Wed RAVENNA TO VENICE (227 km/ 3 hrs.)
Breakfast and check-out. Drive to Venice. Leave luggage at your hotel. Free time for lunch. Enjoy a guided stroll of Venice so as to soak up some of its ambiance. Admire the city at 360° from the Campanile. Experience a gondola ride enjoying the spectacular view of the channels, bridges and historical ‘palazzi’. Overnight in Venice (B D)

Mar 13 Thu VENICE
Full day guided city tour. Visit the Basilica di San Marco, including the church museum, followed by the Palazzo Ducale in the morning. Free time
for lunch. Visit the Academia Gallery and Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute in the afternoon. Overnight in Venice (B D)
Dr. Nienkirchen will deliver his final lecture entitled Venice: The Fourth Crusade and the Division Between the Christian West and the Christian East

Mar 14 Fri VENICE departure
Transfer to the Venice airport. 

• March 1-5, 4 nights in Rome 3 star or similar
• March 5-8, 3 nights in Assisi 3 star or similar
• March 8-11, 3 nights in Florence 3 star or similar
• March 11-12, 1 night in Ravenna 3 star or similar
• March 12-14, 2 nights in Venice 3 star or similar
• Daily breakfast and dinners
• Lunch on March 7th
• GT Bus 16-30 seats between cities and 2-3 vans in Rome
• Boat transfers in Venice as per program
• Gondola ride in Venice (25min)
• English speaking licensed guide for min 2-max 6 hrs per day according to program
• Whispers for 14 day;
• Entrances and reservations for sites and museums according to program (except Papal Audience)
• Local city taxes
• Entrance fees to all sightseeing as per itinerary
• English–speaking licensed tour guide throughout the itinerary, tour manager for entire trip
• English speaking assistant during transfers
• One group transfer upon arrival in Rome and one group transfer for departure from Venice. Transportation by private A/C motor-coach
• Service charges and local taxes to hotels

• Roundtrip international airfare from Calgary (or other cities) - Rome, departure from Venice Italy - Calgary (or other cities)
• All lunches and all drinks, except for lunch on March 7 in Assisi
• Tips to tour guides and drivers, waiters
• All personal expenses, Travel and Health Insurances, any other item not mentioned above
• Any item not specified under “Included items”
• Any transfer aside from the main group transfer