Day 1: Depart USA

The group will depart from a Newark Airport on an overnight flight to Rome. Meals will be served on board.

Upon arrival at the Rome Airport the group will be transferred by deluxe motorcoach to the hotel. There are no planned activities for the first day so please enjoy some time at leisure to explore Rome on your own. Enjoy dinner at the hotel your first night in the "Eternal City." Overnight in Rome. (D)

The group will attend one of the highlights of the trip, the Papal Audience (if available). After the Audience enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Vatican Museums, featuring a visit to the Sistine Chapel, followed by a tour of St. Peter's Basilica. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)

After breakfast we depart for our full day guided sightseeing tour of the "Eternal City." The highlights include the Catacombs and the Appian Way, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter in Chains, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Palazzo Venezia. We also visit three major basilicas in Rome: St. Mary Major, St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, and St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the Saint's burial place. Dinner and overnight in Rome. (B,D)

Depart early morning for the town of St. Francis, Assisi. A tour will include visits to the Basilica of St. Francis (view the exquisite artwork of Giotto), the Church of St. Clare, and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Portiuncula Chapel, which houses the site of the beginning of the Franciscan order. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B,D)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Assisi. Dinner and overnight in Assisi. (B,D)

Depart Assisi after breakfast for Florence, the city considered to be the cultural heart of Italy. En route we stop in the beautiful  town of Siena, the home of St. Catherine, one of 3 women doctors of the church. Located in the central Italian region of Tuscany, Siena is a medieval walled city that still retains much of its charm. Visit the Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral. Afternoon arrival into Florence. Orientation tour of the city including visits to the Duomo, Santa Croce Church and see the famous status of "David" by Michelangelo. Dinner and overnight in Florence. (B,D)

Morning is at leisure in Florence. Afternoon drive to Milan for orientation tour of the city. Dinner and overnight in Milan area. (B,D)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for return flights. Arrive home same day. (B)

• Accommodations: 9 Days / 7 nights Superior Tourist Class Hotels•

• Also Included: Daily Mass, Airport-hotel transfers, hotel tips & taxes, baggage handling, Touring by  Private Air Conditioned Motorcoach, Services of Professional Pilgrimage Escort.