Italy Tour - July 2020
In the Footsteps of the Saints
July 15-25, 2020
Ravenna - Assisi - Siena - Rome
San Marino - Bologna - Orvieto
Italy is one of the top destinations for travelers, for its unparalleled food, rich history, architecture, art, and culture. Whether you are traveling to Italy for the first time or have been there many times, there is no shortage of places to see, churches to visit, or new friends to make. We hope that you will join us in July, as we walk “In the Footsteps of the Saints.”
Itinerary
Wednesday, July 15 - New York
Depart New York on our overnight flight to Italy. Dinner and breakfast served in flight. (D)
Thursday, July 16 - Bologna
Benvenuti in Italia—Welcome to Italy!
This morning we will arrive in Bologna (via Rome). After retrieving our luggage and moving through customs, we will travel by private motorcoach to our hotel in Bologna. Lunch on your own at a local restaurant followed by an afternoon city tour. Dinner and Night in Bologna (1). (B,D)
Friday, July 17 - Ravenna
After breakfast, we will depart Bologna for the beautiful city of Ravenna, known for its colorful mosaics and the Basilica of San Vitale. Lunch on your own and tour in Ravenna We will then return to Bologna in the early evening. Dinner and Night in Bologna (2). (B,D)
Saturday, July 18 - Modena
After breakfast, we will depart Bologna to visit the famous Ferrari Museum in Modena. Lunch on your own. We will then return to Bologna, where we can spend a free afternoon exploring the city. Dinner on your own. Night in Bologna (3). (B)
Saturday, July 19 - San Marino, Assisi
After breakfast, we depart Bologna for the Republic of San Marino with Mass at the Basilica of San Marino followed by time for lunch and time to explore this historic country completely surrounded by Italy. We will then continue our drive to Assisi. Dinner and Night in Assisi (1). (B,D)
Monday, July 20 - Assisi
Today, we will explore the spiritual city of Assisi with visits to the Basilica of St. Francis, San Damiano, the peaceful mountain Carceri Hermitage retreat built by St. Francis, and Rocca Maggiore. Lunch today is an interactive cooking demonstration featuring Umbrian specialties, followed by free time. Night in Assisi (2). (B,L)
Tuesday, July 21 - Siena
After breakfast, we will take a day trip to Siena. There will be a morning city tour, visiting sites of St. Catherine and the Piazza del Campo. Lunch on your own in Siena and a late afternoon return to Assisi, followed by dinner. Night in Assisi (3). (B,D)
Wednesday, July 22 - Orvieto, Rome
Today our first stop is Santa Maria degli Angeli to visit the Porziuncola (or small chapel) within the church, on our way to Orvieto. Lunch on your own in Orvieto followed by free time to explore the city. Our journey continues on the way to Rome, where we will have dinner together after checking into our hotel. Night in Rome (1). (B,D)
Thursday, July 23 - Rome
Our morning begins with a visit to St. Peter’s Square with the opportunity to go inside the beautiful and famous Basilica. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we visit the other 3 major basilicas in Rome—St. Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. John Lateran. Our evening rounds out with stops at the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon, followed by dinner on your own. Night in Rome (2). (B)
Friday, July 24 - Rome
Our last full day in Italy includes a tour of the Colosseum, St. Peter in Chains, Michelangelo’s Moses, and a lovely view of the Eternal City from Gianicolo Hill. Enjoy lunch on your own before an afternoon tour to see the famous historical catacombs. Special Final Dinner in Trastevere. Night in Rome (3). (B,D)
Saturday, July 25 - Rome/New York
Enjoy a free morning in Rome, before heading to Roma Fiumicino Airport for our flight to New York. Arrivederci!