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ITALY CHRISTIAN TOUR
FOR
PRE-ORGANIZED GROUPS
Day 1:
Arrival.
At your arrival at Rome Airport you will be transferred to your Hotel in
the centre of Rome. In the evening Coach city tour of Rome by Night.
Day 2:
Vaticam museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Basilica, Scala Santa and
Church of Priscilla.
After breakfast you will begin a full day sightseeing with a
professional English speaking Guide. First
visit Vatican City where you will see the Basilica af 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, th 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 Judgement 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. Our last stop today
will be the Church of Prisca, where it’s said that below the Church
are buried Priscilla, Aquilla and a number of other martyred saints. It
has perfect acoustics for a hymn of the faith and scripture reading of
Paul’s tribute to his long-time friends of the ministry. Additional
sights include the Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and
the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake. Return to our
Hotel for Dinner and overnight.
Day 3:
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 wich
commemorated the scack of jerusalem by Titus in AD 70. We will step
inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was
imprisoned . Next, we will visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people
and animals perished during gladiatoral 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. 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 bouried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.
Re-entry to our Hotel for dinner and Overnight stay.
Day 4:
Assisi, Montecatini.
After breakfast travel by coach through scenic Umbria to thw 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 in the heart of Tuscany.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 5:
Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo’s David & Free time.
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoyng 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 wiew of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityescape.
This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more
galleries of strollingon the famous Ponte Vecchio, the old bridgewhich
spans the Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best
in the worldand bargains on excellentquality goods are abundant. It may
be the time to purchase some special gifts. Return to our Hotel for
dinner and overnight.
Day 6:
Pisa & Venice.
After breakfast we leave for Pisa where you will visit with a guide the
Baptistry, Duomo and famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
This afternoon, we travel northward through colorful Tuscan countryside,
past Bologna and on to romantic Venice where we overnight just outside
the city for twonights in Venice Mestre. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7:
Venice.
After breakfast, we’ll begin sightseeing on a leisurely guided walking
tour of Venice. We’ll visit the city’s ,pst famous landmarks such as
the Basilica of San Marco, St. Mark’s Square, the bridge of Sights and
the Doge’s Palace. The remainder of the day is on our own to stroll
through a labyrinth of criss-cross canals, arched bridges, palaces,
charming waterside restaurants and little quiet piazzas. For those who
wish, your tour host may arrange a private glassblowing presentation at
the famous Murano glass makers. Shoppers will enjoy the vast array of
beautiful pieces of glass available in the city’s many fine stores.
During your free time, you may also choose to board a gondola for a
relaxing cruise on the canals. Return to our Hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 8:
Departure:
After breakfast transfer to Venice Airport or to Milan Malpensa Airport. |
