12Days
Specific Tour
30 people
English
DAY 1: Departure
Depart USA on an overnight flight to Italy.
DAY 2: Arrival / Padova, City of St Antony
Early morning arrival at Venice‘s airport. We will meet our tour manager after the baggage claim area, continue to Padova where we will explore the Basilica of St. Anthony and celebrate Mass then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight (D)
DAY 3: Venice, La Serenissima
We enjoy the entire day in Venice. An incredible site awaits us as we approach this romantic city by private. In the morning, we visit the Basilica of St Mark, including the incredible PALA D’ORO, and walk through the city to see the most famous bridges: Rialto and Bridge of Sighs. Break for lunch. The afternoon is at our leisure for optional tours (Murano and Burano islands to visit the glass factory) or Gondola ride. Return to the dock by boat and transfer to the hotel, for dinner and overnight (B. D)
DAY 4: Venice / Pisa / Florence
Depart Venice after breakfast, to Pisa (approx. 4 hrs. drive) – Meet the guide to visit the monuments: Duomo and Baptistery. Time at leisure for lunch and for an optional visit to the Leaning Tower (313 steps to climb to reach the top) – Continue to Florence, check in at the hotel, dinner and overnight (BD)
DAY 5: Florence The Cadre of Renaissance
After breakfast in the hotel this morning, we meet our local guide, and we will soon discover why Florence is the undisputed cradle of the Renaissance era. Here one almost breathes art and culture in its charming medieval streets, in craftsmen’s workshops, Renaissance palaces, and the world-renowned museums, all found within the downtown area of Florence. The memories of the Medici family are united with the splendor of the works of illustrious artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli the day’s piece de resistance is unquestionably the pinnacle of our bus tour: we’ll enter The Academia Gallery, the location of Michelangelo’s incredible marble statue of David! We’ll visit the busy San Lorenzo Market in the heart of the city! The swarm of colors and delicious smells is truly a kitchen gourmet’s muse with its plethora of artisan breads in all shapes and sizes, tables overflowing with fruits and vegetables fresh from the farms and surrounded by an immense variety of cheeses and cured meats. Gourmands and wine connoisseurs alike lap up the morning inside this fabulous market, followed by a Florentine wine & cheese tasting extravaganza. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Florence on your own. A site not to be missed is the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge covered since medieval times with goldsmiths’ shops featuring a Florentine specialty—handcrafted gold jewelry, with other unique creations. We meet up again at an authentic Florentine wine bar. This exclusive food-lovers’ excursion allows you to be guided by a distinguished sommelier as he matches four traditional wines with a luscious tasting of an assortment of locally sourced artisan cheeses accompanied by the many other authentic Italian food pairings that are traditionally served with wines—such as fresh figs, truffle honey, aromatic strawberry preserves, aged balsamic vinegars from Modena, and fresh breads. In the afternoon continue with the walking tour, to see Baptistry of St. John, (Outside) the religious historic jewel of the city with Michelangelo’s Gates of Paradise, so called because of their exquisite beauty; it is believed that the creation of these art pieces marked the beginning of the period to be known as the Renaissance. We see the Piazza Della Signoria, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower and then return to our hotel for dinner and overnight (BD.)
DAY 6: Florence / Rome
After breakfast, we check out and drive to Rome, where we will have a free afternoon. Check in at the hotel, dinner and overnight (BD)
DAY 7: Rome / Major Basilicas
This morning we will join the pilgrims that come from all over the world and sit in St. Peter’s square (or in the Paolo VI Hall) to attend the Papal Audience and blessing. – After break for lunch, we continue our guided tour by visiting two of the other major basilicas of Rome. We begin our tour with the Basilica of St John in Lateran which houses a fragment of the table on which Jesus consumed his last supper, from there we cross the street to the Holy Stairs so named because they are the steps which lead to the praetorium of the Roman Procurator Ponzio Pilato, finally we reach the Basilica of St Mary Major. The crypt is built to resemble the cave of nativity in Bethlehem and there is a reliquary containing part of the Holy Crib in which our Lord Jesus Christ once lay. – We celebrate Mass and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight (BD)
DAY 8: Vatican Museums / Trevi Fountain
We will begin the day with a visit at one of the most important museums in the world. Legally its own country, Vatican City is the head and administrative center of the Catholic Church. One of the most extensive museum collections in the world, the museum is also home to the Sistine Chapel, where the legendary Michelangelo created one of his most famous masterpieces on the ceiling. After the museums we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic Basilica ever built. Its soaring dome was engineered by Michelangelo and the artist’s famous Pieta sculpture and countless other artistic wonders make St. Peter’s church one of the most awe–inspiring buildings in the world. – After break for lunch, we will reach the city center. Celebrate Mass at a selected church. Enjoy a walking tour starting from Navona Square, we walk to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Balance of the day is at our leisure. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight (BD)
DAY 9 Rome – Barcelona
After Breakfast and check out we depart for Rome airport for our flight to Spain. Arrive in Barcelona and enjoy some free time and lunch on our own, enjoying the ambience of this town. Check in for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 10 – Barcelona
This morning, your day will begin with breakfast and a sightseeing tour of Barcelona! Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Port of Barcelona, Montjuic, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Catalunya. The Port was created 2,000 years ago on the coastal area in order to protect and provide access for ships and goods. Currently, it is home to numerous walking areas, businesses, cultural and sporting events. Plaza de España is right outside the center of town and was formerly known for its old bull-fighting ring. Presently, the Plaza is renowned for containing the Museum of Catalan art, situated on the side of Montjuic. Plaza de Catalunya is located in central Barcelona, and is known for its fountains and statues. Your day of touring will continue with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter that contains remains from an ancient Roman village, including the Cathedral of Barcelona. We will continue to the Eixample quarter to visit Antoni Gaudi’s stunning, unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica, La Sagrada Familia. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner followed by an overnight.
DAY 11 – Barcelona
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the sacred beauty of the city. Our first destination will take us to the Bunkers del Carmel, often regarded as the most breathtaking viewpoint in Barcelona. This site, once an anti-aircraft battery during the Spanish Civil War, offers a vantage point where you can take in the full splendor of the city with 360-degree views. After soaking in the awe-inspiring vistas, we will continue our journey to the summit of Tibidabo. At 512 meters above sea level, the views from here are unparalleled. Upon arrival, you’ll also encounter the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a magnificent place of worship that has graced the skyline of Barcelona. The Church’s towering presence has long been a symbol of divine protection over the city. You will also find Spain’s oldest amusement park here, adding a touch of joy to this sacred experience. After approximately three hours of exploring some of Barcelona’s most majestic and faith-filled sights, we will conclude our tour by returning you to your hotel, allowing you time to reflect on the beauty and history of this remarkable city.
DAY 12 – Departure from Barcelona Airport
Transfer to Barcelona International Airport.
