Italy Pilgrimage 2018
We are excited to announce that the postponed 2018 pilgrimage to Italy is being rescheduled with 206 Tours, a fervently Catholic tour company. If you have not been to Rome before, please especially consider coming to visit the Eternal City, to visit the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, and to explore the Catacombs of the early Christians. If you have already been on one of the LaSalle pilgrimages, this will also be a great tour for you as this year’s itinerary will include many cities and holy sites that we haven’t visited before. We will begin in Venice, and travel by coach through the Italian countryside to Rome, stopping to visit Padua, Florence, and Siena. The dates we are looking at now are after Easter, when Italy is warming up, but before the tourist season: April 9th18th. The inclusive price will be the same as before (and hopefully less if we gather enough pilgrims!) at $3,700. Please stay tuned for more details and an organizational meeting to be scheduled soon. If you have any questions, please call or email Father Carlson.
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Trip Details
Pilgrimage to Italy – Venice, Padua, Florence, Siena and Rome
April 09-18, 2018: 10 Days; From Chicago, ORD
$3,699 per person in double accommodation, $699 single accommodation supplement
Day 01, Mon, Apr 09: Depart from Chicago to Italy
Depart for your overnight flights. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 02, Tue, Apr 10: Arrive Venice and continue to Padua
Upon arrival at Venice airport, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. You will make your way to the bus and transfer to Padua. This Northern Italy city honors the "Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes", St. Anthony. You will begin a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the "Patron Saint of Padua." The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Continue to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 03, Wed, Apr 11: Padua – Venice - Padua
Today, you will have early breakfast. Board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass enjoy a tour of the "City paved with Water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.
Day 04, Thu, Apr 12: Padua – Florence
Following breakfast we depart Padua for Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world renowned artists are from Florence such as, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. Remainder of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the streets of Florence at leisure. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.
Day 05, Fri, Apr 13: Florence
In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Continue to walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th century. Followed by a visit to L'Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. This afternoon you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 06, Sat, Apr 14: Florence – Siena – Rome
Following breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine "Doctor of the Church", and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square to have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. Continue to Rome, also known as, "The Eternal City”. Following check-in, you will have free time to unpack and relax, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon, your group will meet for Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter's Square as a group, for the Rosary (optional).
Day 07, Sun, Apr 15: Papal Blessing, Catacombs, St Paul’s Outside the Walls
After a nice breakfast at your hotel, the tour begins with the Papal Blessing in St. Peter's Square! The Papal Blessing is celebrated each Sunday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule)In Rome. Following Blessing we will make our way to one of the Catacombs, housing the tombs of many Christians including many of the early popes. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial places of Saint Paul the Apostle. We then celebrate the Mass before we make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome, or return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 08, Mon, Apr 16: Rome: Basilica of St. Peter
Following breakfast we will visit the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Also, it was Our Holy Father, Pope Francis who was the first Pontiff to visit the necropolis since extensive archaeological excavations were conducted at the ancient site decades ago. It is here that you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal off the cross before being placed in the tomb. Enjoy the lunch and continue with walking tour of downtown of Rome.
Day 09, Tue, Apr 17: Rome: Major Basilicas
This morning you will visit the oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate's palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. To conclude your day, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10, Wed, Apr 18: Return Home
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport for return flights home.
Inclusions:
~ 2 nights: : Hotel Cellai, Florence
~ 4 nights: : Hotel Della Conciliazione, Rome
Not Included: Lunches, Beverages, Tips to your guide & driver, individual transfers.
Available at optional: Travel Insurance optional (www.206tours.com/insurance), Cancellation Protection Plan @ $299 (www.206tours.com/cancellationprotection).
April 09-18, 2018: 10 Days; From Chicago, ORD
$3,699 per person in double accommodation, $699 single accommodation supplement
Day 01, Mon, Apr 09: Depart from Chicago to Italy
Depart for your overnight flights. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 02, Tue, Apr 10: Arrive Venice and continue to Padua
Upon arrival at Venice airport, collect your luggage in the baggage claim area, and continue to the arrival's hall, where you will be greeted by a tour escort and/or driver. You will make your way to the bus and transfer to Padua. This Northern Italy city honors the "Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes", St. Anthony. You will begin a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the "Patron Saint of Padua." The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Continue to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 03, Wed, Apr 11: Padua – Venice - Padua
Today, you will have early breakfast. Board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass enjoy a tour of the "City paved with Water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.
Day 04, Thu, Apr 12: Padua – Florence
Following breakfast we depart Padua for Florence. Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world renowned artists are from Florence such as, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. Remainder of the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the streets of Florence at leisure. In the evening gather for dinner, followed by an overnight.
Day 05, Fri, Apr 13: Florence
In Florence, your day begins with breakfast, followed by a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Continue to walk by Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th century. Followed by a visit to L'Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. This afternoon you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 06, Sat, Apr 14: Florence – Siena – Rome
Following breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the birthplace of St. Catherine "Doctor of the Church", and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square to have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. Continue to Rome, also known as, "The Eternal City”. Following check-in, you will have free time to unpack and relax, or explore Rome on your own. Your tour escort may suggest places to visit. Later in the afternoon, your group will meet for Mass. Following Mass, you will attend a welcome dinner. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to walk to St. Peter's Square as a group, for the Rosary (optional).
Day 07, Sun, Apr 15: Papal Blessing, Catacombs, St Paul’s Outside the Walls
After a nice breakfast at your hotel, the tour begins with the Papal Blessing in St. Peter's Square! The Papal Blessing is celebrated each Sunday by His Holiness, Pope Francis (pending the papal schedule)In Rome. Following Blessing we will make our way to one of the Catacombs, housing the tombs of many Christians including many of the early popes. The day concludes with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial places of Saint Paul the Apostle. We then celebrate the Mass before we make our way to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, feel free to explore the streets of Rome, or return to the hotel for overnight.
Day 08, Mon, Apr 16: Rome: Basilica of St. Peter
Following breakfast we will visit the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Also, it was Our Holy Father, Pope Francis who was the first Pontiff to visit the necropolis since extensive archaeological excavations were conducted at the ancient site decades ago. It is here that you will view Michelangelo's Pieta. This stunning marble sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Christ after His crucifixion, death, and removal off the cross before being placed in the tomb. Enjoy the lunch and continue with walking tour of downtown of Rome.
Day 09, Tue, Apr 17: Rome: Major Basilicas
This morning you will visit the oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate's palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. To conclude your day, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 10, Wed, Apr 18: Return Home
After an early breakfast and heartfelt farewells, transfer to Rome Fiumicino airport for return flights home.
Inclusions:
- Round-trip air from Chicago, ORD
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Surcharges
- 8 nights at centrally located first class Hotels as follows: (or similar)
~ 2 nights: : Hotel Cellai, Florence
~ 4 nights: : Hotel Della Conciliazione, Rome
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Breakfast and Dinner daily
- Wine with dinners
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Wireless headsets where needed
- Assistance of a professional local Catholic guide(s)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass daily & Spiritual activities
- Flight bag & Portfolio of all travel documents
Not Included: Lunches, Beverages, Tips to your guide & driver, individual transfers.
Available at optional: Travel Insurance optional (www.206tours.com/insurance), Cancellation Protection Plan @ $299 (www.206tours.com/cancellationprotection).