Rome to Venice: Following Christian Footsteps in Italy

Feb 27 Sat Arrival in Rome /transfer to hotel 

Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Welcome dinner. Overnight in Rome. (B,D)

Feb 28 Sun Rome

Guided tour of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Mamertine Prison. In the afternoon, visit the Capitoline Hill and Museums. Proceed to walk by Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain (entrance €2 paid on spot, not included), continue to the Pantheon, visit inside. Overnight in Rome. (B,D)

Mar 1 Mon Rome

This morning’s itinerary features a visit to the Vatican Museums including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, followed by St. Peter’s Basilica. After lunch, we’ll explore some of subterranean Rome – the Catacomb of St. Callixtus. We will walk a section of the Ancient Appian Way until the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella (outside). Overnight in Rome. (B,D)

Mar 2 Tue Ostia

This morning we have a guided visit of the archeological Park of the Ancient Ostia. Enjoy lunch on your own. Next, we visit the 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) and Holy stairs ended by the Sancta Sanctorum, the private chapel of the medieval popes which contains numerous relics and is visible only through iron gratings. Overnight in Rome. (B,D)

Mar 3 Wed ROME - ASSISI

This morning we will participate at the Papal Audience in the St. Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, we drive to Assisi. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and its small and highly significant chapel in Franciscan history - Porziuncula, presented by friar. It is the place where Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order and where he lived and prayed for many years. After that, we’ll visit Rivotorto Sanctuary, the place where Francis authored his Rule for life. Proceed for Assisi for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Mar 4 Thu ASSISI

This morning we will have a guided visit of the St. Francis Basilica, decorated with beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries. In the first chapel of the lower church are remarkable scenes from the life of St. Francis by Giotto and Simone Martini. We will also see the Santa Chiara Church and Temple of Minerva (outside). In the afternoon visit the Hermitage of the Carceri closely linked to Saint Francis, who came here to pray in solitude. Surrounded by forest, the site is simple and quiet, with small stone chapels, narrow paths, and caves used by the early Franciscans. Short presentation of the monastery by monk. The last destination of the day is the Church of San Damiano. Overnight in Assisi (B, D) Lecture in hotel “Following the Way of Francis”

Mar 5 Fri 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 afternoon and explore the city of towers. At the end of the tour, we’ll continue driving to Florence (approx 1 hour). Stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, to admire a panoramic view of the Cradle of Renaissance. Dinner & Overnight in Florence (B, D)

Mar 6 Sat 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 Medici Riccardi. 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. Those who wish to stand inline, will be free after the guided tour and can visit 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. Dinner and overnight in Florence (B, D).

Mar 7 Sun FLORENCE

Today we’ll visit the Uffizi gallery, followed by the Ponte Vecchio. Afternoon is free. Dinner and overnight in Florence. (B, D)

Mar 8 Mon Florence to Ravenna (183 km)

Breakfast and check-out. Drive to Ravenna (approx 2hrs 30 min). Leave our luggage at the hotel, and free time for lunch. In the afternoon, half-day guided tour, including the Battistero Neoniano, Basilica of San Vitale, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Dante’s tomb. Dinner and overnight in Ravenna (B, D)

Mar 9 Tue Ravenna to Venice (227 km/ 3 hrs.)

Breakfast and check-out. Drive to Venice (about 3 hrs). Leave luggage at your hotel. Free time for lunch. Half day guided visit of Venice. Visit the St. Mark’s square, Basilica of St Mark (excl. the Pala D’Oro and museum), followed by the Palazzo Ducale. The guided visit ends at the Bridge of Sighs. Dinner and overnight in Venice (B,D)

Mar 10 Wed VENICE

Half day guided tour of the Accademia Gallery and Basilica Santa Maria Della Salute. Afternoon is free for individual exploration. Optional: Admire the city at 360° from the Campanile. Optional: Experience a gondola ride enjoying the spectacular view of the channels, bridges and historical ‘palazzi’. Dinner and overnight in Venice (B, D)

Mar 11 Thu VENICE

Full day (up to 6 hours) private guided tour by boat of three islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Overnight in Venice (B, D)

Mar 12 Fri Venice departure

Transfer to the Venice airport for departure.

*1 main group transfer upon arrival and 1 main group transfer upon departure, all other transfer at extra cost

• Feb 27-Mar 3, 4 nights in Rome, Hotel Madison***S or similar;
• Mar 3-5, 2 nights in Assisi, BW Grand Hotel Assisi**** or similar;
• Mar 5-8, 3 nights in Florence, Dimora Sant’Anna*** or similar;
• Mar 9-10, 1 night in Ravenna, Hotel Centrale Byron*** or similar;
• Mar 10-13, 3 nights in Venice, Hotel Des Artistes*** or Foresteria Levi***
• r similar;
• Stop over for 20 min in Piazzale Michelangelo
• Meeting room for lecture in Assisi (up to 2 hours)
• Daily breakfasts;
• Daily dinners;
• Tour Bus with 16-30 seats between cities and 2-3 vans in Rome;
• Boat transfers in Venice as per program;
• English speaking Tour escort;
• English speaking licensed guide for min 2-max 6 hrs per day according program;
• Whispers for 13 days;
• Entrances and reservations for sites and museums according to the program.
• Local city taxes.

*International flights arriving FEB 27 to ROME (FCO airport), and departing VENICE March 12 (VCE)

• Lunches
• Drinks at dinners;
• Gondola ride in Venice (25min).
• Optional visits mentioned on the program.
• Tips to guides, drivers, waiters;
• Medical insurance;
• Any item not specified under “Included items”