Rome & Florence Pilgrimage
Group Leader: Judy Motter
November 21 - 29, 2019
JM112119
Your trip includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) or Chicago (ORD)
- *
- Airport taxes & fuel surcharges
- 7 nights Accommodations at 4 star hotels: (or similar)
- ~ 4 nights: Nov 22 - 26: Hotel Le Meridian Visconti, Rome
- ~ 3 nights: Nov 26 - 29, Starhotels Michelangelo, Florence
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Breakfast and 2 dinners with wine
- Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
- Professional guides in Rome for 2 Full Days & in Sienna for Half Day
- Full Day Florence and Half Day Bologna
- Cooking Class and/or Lamborghini Museum-Factory visit (half group for each visit – 1 per person)
- Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
- Mass as per groups request
Not included
- Lunches, Dinners and Beverages unless mentioned, tips to guide & driver, individual transfers
Itinerary
Nov 21, Thu, Depart for Rome
Make your way to New York (JFK) or Chicago (ORD), where you will board your overnight flight(s). Your meals will be served on board.
Nov 22, Fri, Arrival in Rome
Welcome to Rome, also known as, "The Eternal City." Upon arrival at Rome 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 your hotel. 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 in the hotel lobby for a "Meet and Greet" with your fellow pilgrims and depart 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).
Nov 23, Sat, Rome: St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums
This morning you will enjoy an early breakfast before making your way to 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. Continue to proceed to the Vatican Museums. At the world-renowned museum, you will see the most impressive of edifices, galleries, and awe-inspiring relics. Additionally, you will observe the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and Michelangelo's Masterpiece, the restored mural of the Last Judgment. The final stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II. Dinner on your own.
Nov 24, Sun, Ancient Rome Half Day Tour
On this walking tour of Ancient Rome, you’ll explore the amphitheater’s first and second levels with a guide, who entertains you with tales of gruesome gladiator battles. Then visit the Roman Forum to see its ancient ruins like the Temple of Julius Caesar. Learn all about the gladiators and the emperors who decided their fates Walk around the first and second tiers of the Colosseum, hearing its history from your guide Explore the Roman Forum, seeing the House of the Vestal Virgins and walking along Via Sacre. Dinner on your own.
Nov 25, Mon, Rome Downtown Walking Tour – the Catacombs and Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Enjoy a walking tour with your guide who will escort you through some of the most popular sights and streets in Rome! Continue on your short journey down the Appian Way, the earliest road of Ancient Rome. This road leads to the Domino Quo Vadis Chapel, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Drusus, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus. 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. Return to Rome for overnight. Dinner on your own.
Nov 26, Tue, Rome - Sienna - Florence
Enjoy the landscape of this beautiful Tuscan region of Italy as you travel to 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, visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy your walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). 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 on your own as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs.
Nov 27, Wed, Full Day Touring of Florence – Includes the Academia and Uffizi Gallery
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. Next, 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. Visits to the Academia and Uffizi are included today ! Dinner on your own.
Nov 28, Thu, Florence - Bologna – Florence
Travel to Bologna and enjoy a short walking tour of this beautiful city known as the gourmet’s city. Those who wish to visit Lamborghini’s Museum and Factory will be transferred for the visit. Those who wish to enjoy a cooking class will do so! Return to Florence for overnight. Dinner on your own.
Nov 29, Fri, Return Home
Prepare for your departure from Florence to the airport in Florence for your return flights home!
Why buy "With Airfare" from 206 Tours
- 1000’s of flights are being cancelled. 206 Tours will assist getting you to your destination.
- Your transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival, even if your flights are rescheduled.
- In the event your tour is not operating we will refund you all your money back or provide a full credit
- Your seats will be assigned according to your request (most online fares do not include seat assignment appox. $300)
- If you need to travel few days prior or stay few days later, make a stop-over, we will arrange it for you.
If you do not buy Airfare from 206 Tours
- With many flight cancellations and overbookings, we feel that you should know:
If your flight is cancelled - 206 Tours will not be able to assist you. - In order to guarantee your arrival and departure transfer, we need your detailed flight arrival / departure by 45 days prior, Any changes within 45 -3 days prior, additional transfer cost may apply.
- For changes in arrival / departure within 3 days of departure, we will not be able to rebook your transfer and you will need to make your own way to / from hotel or airport at your own cost
- Often times low online fares, do not include seat assignments ($300 approx.). It will be a challenge to get a good seat assigned at the airport.
- If you book your own airfare, travel insurance provided by 206 Tours will not reimburse expenses caused by your flight changes.
