st. paul's christmas catalogue

Pilgrimage with the Saints of Italy

Church of Saint Paul the Apostle

October 5,2012 - October 16, 2012

Pilgrims Terry Atherley

John Mahon

Barbara Brennan Ford

Pam Chirico

Frank Chirico

Kathy Day

Totlin Banton

Gloria Felipe

Jimmy Gerosimo

Richard Holt

Norah Holt

Mary Ann Lanzeta

Rosie Martinez

David Martinez

Margaret Moran

Bill O'Connor

Kathy Zirnhelt - Hospitality Host

Wee Tai Hom - Hospitality Host

Fr. Thomas Holahan - Spiritual Guide

Fr. Ronald Franco - Spiritual Guide

Werner Raye - Local Guide

Pope Benedict has declared October 11, 2012 - November 24, 2013 as the Year of Faith to "rediscover the journey of faith

so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ." Come and renew your

journey of faith.

Events

Frenzy into Folly

Thursday, September 20th, from 7-9 pm

Openings presents “Frenzy Into Folly,” their largest group exhibition to date featuring the work of 38 artists in the historic

Church of St. Paul the Apostle.

Great Catholic Fiction

Illuminations: A Novel of Hidegard von Bingen

Discussion Sept 25th 7PM

Sharat skillfully weaves historical fact with psychological insight and vivid imagination a redemptive novel. The book brings

to life one of the most extraordinary women of the Middle Ages: Hildegard von Bingen, Benedictine abbess, visionary and

polymath. Hildegard von Bingen and St. John of Avila will be named doctors of the church by Pope Benedict XVI on

October 7th, 2012

Opening Mass

Thursday, October 11th - 7 pm

Opening Mass includes the singing of The Creed as a sign of our faith.

Italy Pilgrimage

Pilgrims will be leaving October 5th and be returning on October 16th. We will be traveling to Rome, Assisi, Florence,

Bergamo, Padua, and Venice and will be staying at monasteries and religious houses. The trip will be guided by Frs. Thomas

Holahan and Ronald Franco, CSP.

Paulist Productions

Thursday, October 18th - 7 pm

"An Evening with Paulist Productions". With Fr. Eric Andrews, CSP, learn about movie and television productions and

exciting new projects from our own Paulist Hollywood production company.

An Evening with an Eyewitness of the Second Vatican Council

Thursday, November 8th - 7 pm

Join us for an evening with Fr. Thomas Stransky, CSP, a periti (a theological consultant) at the Vatican Council, 1962-1965.

Contents

List of Pilgrims

Daily Itinerary

Travel Tips

Appendix

10/5/2012 Day 1 Depart U.S.A.Your Flight departs this evening

Delta Airlines Flight 246 U

From JFK Airport

Depart 8:05 PM

Arrive Rome 10:35 AP, Oct 6th

10/6/2012 Day 2 Arrive in Rome ItalyTodays Inclusions Dinner

Accomodations: Suore Catechistedi Santa AnnaPiazza della Madonna dei Monti,3

39 06 485778

www.suoredisantanna.org

Travel Guide will meet us upon arrival and arrange transfer to convent

Settle in and find yourself some lunch

2:30 PM We will meet in the convent lobby at 2:30 to leave for our walking tour.

Highlights of today's walkBascilica San Clemente

Coliseum

Roman Forums

Mussolini's Via dei Fori Imperiali passing the following sites:

Temple of Venus and Rome

Basiilica of Maxentius

House of the Vestal Virgins

Church of Sts Cosmas and Damian (Templie of Jupitor Sator)

Mamertine Prison (where Sts. Peter and Paul were emprisioned

Capitoline Hill for sweeping views of ancient Rome

Piazza del Campidoglio (constructed to Michaelangelo's specifications)

Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli

Icon of Mary venerated during the great plague of 1348

Statue of the Holy Childe (people are still Writing notes to him)

Recently restored Chapel by Pinturicchio

Victor Emmanuel Monument (rooftop café for view of the Trajan Markets and ancient Rome)

Optional explorations; self tour on Piazza Venezia

Il Gesu Church

Sant Andrea della Valle

Return to Convent for Dinner

7PM Dinner

Still more energy?

Suggested stroll

The picturesque Salita del Grillo to reach the Quirinale (Rome's White House) also included in day 2's Rome at Night

http://www.suoredisantanna.org/

10/6/2012 Day 3 Welcome to Rome and the VaticanTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Lunch

Papal Mass: The convocation of the Synod of Bishops

Villa Borghese Museum Entry

Reception at the Paulist House in Rome, Rome at Night Tour


39 06 485778


7:00-7:30AM Breakfast at the Convent

7:30 AM Leave Convent Lobby to take Metro to Vatican (Metro fee not included)

8:00AM Arrive at Vatican

Some Vatican Highlights

Piazza San Pietro colonnade designed by Bernini

To Right of Entry the Pieta

To the left the final resting place of Blessed Pope John XXII

Center the Bernini Bronze Baldacchino

Behind the Baldacchino is the sumnburst revealing the Holy Spirit

Beneath the canopy of the dome are four large reliquaries

Veronica's Veil

Fragment of the True Cross

The Skull of St. Andrew (St. Peter's brother)

The lance of St. Longinus- The Roman Centurion who

drew blood from Christ's side

10:00 AM Mass of the Opening of the Synod of Bishops

ST. John of Avila and Hildegard de Bingen will be declared

Doctors of the Church

12:30PM Lunch together at Marcello's

2:00 PM Metro to Villa Borghese (Metro Fee is not included)

3:00 PM Borghese Highlights

Borghese Gardens are Rome's Central Park

Villa Borghese was the Home of Cardinal Scipione Borghese

Pope Paul V was the uncle of Cardinal Borghese

In later years the Borgheses married into Napoleon's family

many art pieces moved to the Louvre

The Gallery Sculptures were originally laid out by Borghese

The collection includes works by

Bernini

Coravaggios

4:30 PM Take public bus to Santa Maria degli Angeli

Santa Maria degli Angeli Highlights

Most used for religious ceremonies promoted by

the Italian State

Designed by Michaelangelo

The Meridian Line to check on accuracy of the

Gregorian Calendar

Time Permiting Santa Maria Della Vittoria

Santa Maria della Vittoria highlights

Statue of St. Theresa in Ectasy by Bernini

The Church of Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna Highlights

Home of the American Catholic Church in Rome

6-8PM Reception at the Rome residence of the Paulist Fathers

8PM

Our private coach bus will begin our tour after the reception

Highlights of the Rome at Night Tour

Piazza della Repubblica

Porta Pia

Piazza Barberini

Via Nationale Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

St. John Lateran

Bascilica of Santa Croce

Porta Maggiore

Porta San Sebastiano entrance for the Appian Way

Baths of Caracalla

Circus Maximus

Colosseum

Piazza Navona

Castle Sant Angelo

Via della Conciliazione

The Vatican

Janiculum Hill

Fonta dell Acqua Paola

Church of San Bartolomeo

10PM Drop off at the Convent

10/8/2012 Day 4 The Sistine ChapelTodays Inclusions Breakfast

Vatican Museum entrance


39 06 485778


7:00-8:00 AM Breakfast at the Convent

8:00 AM Leave Convent to walk to Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

8:30 AM Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore Highlights

One of Five Papal Basilicas

Unique Nave Mosaics (5th Century)

Metro ride to Saitn John Laternan (metro fee not included)

9:00 AM Mass at Saint John Lateran, Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome (Pope)

Highlights at St. John Lateran and surroundings

Baptistry

The Lateran Palace

Sacred Steps

11:00 AM Take metro to Vatican museum (metro fee not included)

Lunch on the run (not included)

12:30 or 12:45 Timed entrance to the Vatican Museum

Highlights at the Museum

Rafael Rooms

Octagon Court

Sistine Chapel

3:00 PM Metro to Piazza del Popolo

15:15 Walking tour of Historic Rome Highlights

Piazza del Popolo

Santa Maria del Popolo

Caravaggio's frescos of Saints Peter and Paul

Via Margutta (the street of the artists)

Piazza de Spagna

Via Condotti (Rome's 5th Avenue)

Trevi Fountain

Santa Ignazio

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (body of ST. Catherine of Sienna)

Pantheon

Coffee Break at Sant Eustachio II Caffe where Fr. Hecker had coffee

San Luigi dei Francesi (home to the French)

Sant Agostino (body of St. Monica)

Piazza Navona

Fountain of Four Rivers

Dinner on your own

http://www.suoredisantanna.org/

10/9/2012 Day 5 Last Day in Rome on to AssisiTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Dinner

Bus transport for day tour

First Class Train seats to Assisi

Transport in Assisi to Convent

Accomodations: Casa Accoglienza, Monastero San Giuseppe Via S. Apollinare 1 06081 Assisi PG

39 075 812853

www.msgiuseppe.it/

8:00 AM Board Bus for day tour Outside the Walls

Highlights of Todays tour

Tre Fontane (Site where St. Paul was beheaded)

Benedictine Monastery

Bascilica of St. Paul Outside the Wall

Papal Basilica

Burial Place of St. Paul

10AM Mass

Drive down the Appian Way

built in the 4th Century BC

Pass the tomb of Cecilia Metella

Circus of Maxentius

Stop at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Sam Sebastiano Fuori le Mara

Quo Vadis Church of Santa Maria in Palmis

Train to Assisi

Arrival Assisi

http://www.msgiuseppe.it/

10/10/2012 Day 6 The prayer of St. FrancisTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Dinner


39 075 812853

www.msgiuseppe.it/

7:00 - 8:00 PM Breakfast at the Monastery

9:00 AM Mass at the Papal Basilica of St. Franiis of Assisi

Following mass Tour of the Basilica

Highlights of the Basilica of St. Francis

Upper Church

Lower Church

Chapel of Relics

The Crypt with the tomg of St. Francis

Walk through medival city to the Bascilica of St. Claire

Highlights of the Basilica of St. Claire

See the cross that spoke to St. Francis when he was praying

Afternoon is free

Optional tours The convent of Saint Claire: San Damiano

Note: Requires walking down a steep hill

Other Suggestions Hike up to Eremo delle Carceri

Small hemitage in a steep forest gorge

Cathedral of San Ruffino

Rocca Maggiore

Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli the Porziuncola chapel

SHOP!

7:00 PM Dinner at the Monastery


10/11/2012 Day 7 Assisi to FlorenceTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Dinner

Transport to Train Station

First Class Train Ticket to Florence

Florence Museum pass

Public Transportation

Accomodations: Villa AGAPEVia della Torre del Gallo 8

50125 Florence, Italy

39-055 220044

7:00 - 8:00 AM Breakfast at the Monastery

8:00 AM Take our private Transport to Porziuncola

Highlights of Porziuncola

Chapel which St. Francis rebuilt as his"first task"

Here is where St. Francis started and ended his mission.

9:40 AM Train to Florence

11:50PM Arrive Florence

Taxi to convent (not included)

Villa Agape is the former residence of the Duchess Anna D'Orleans in

the hills about the city.

Pictures of Villa Agape can be found at:

http:www.booking.com/hotel/it/villa-agape.en.html

We will set a time for the afternoon excursion once we arrive at the Villa

Take Public bus to the historic center of Florence for a visit to the Uffizi

Gallery and Palazzo della Signoria, Florence's historic town hall

Tour and Prayer at the Duomo and its Baptistry

Highlights of the Duomo

The Doors by artist Ghiberti are an exact replica of his

"Doors of Paradise"

6PM Enjoy a stunning view of Florence at sunset as we meet for cocktails at the

Grand Hotel Baglioni rooftop (not included)

Plazza Unita italiana 6 Santa Maria Novella

(across from the train station)

7:30 PM Return to the Villa for Dinner

10/12/2012 Day 8 FlorenceTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Dinner

Public Transport

Florence Museum pass


39 075 812853

www.msgiuseppe.it/

The Wonderful thing about this day in Florence is that you can choose what

you want to do, the pass is good for one entry to 50 different museums, and

public transportation so create your own adventure. Florence is a city of

fascinating museums, the pontevecchio (the golden bridge as in jewelry)

outdoor markets, great leather, wonderful art…….take a day to get lost,

because you will, and if you want to, do it with friends. The course below

is a suggestion based on the pass and Fr. Tom's knowledge of the city. Just

be back in time for dinner so we can hear everyone's great adventure.

(If you arent back, we will send out the search teams or call)

7:00 - 8:00 PM Mass and Breakfast at the convent

9:00 AM Public Transport to the city

Medici Chapel

Cenacle of Sant" Apollonia

Convent of San Marco - Frescos of Fra Angelico

Accademia- Michaelangelo's David

Medici Riccardi Palace

Santa Maria novella

San Miniato al Monte

Pitti Palace

Bobli Gardens

Or just enjoy a day at the Villa!

8PM Dinner at the Villa

Pack up tonight as our bus leaves at 8AM for a long ride in the Italian countryside

7:00 PM Dinner at the Monastery


10/13/2012 Day 9 Florence to PaduaTodays Inclusions Breakfast, Dinner

Coach Bus

Accomodations: Casa del PelligrinoVia Melchiorre Cersarotti, 21

Padua, Italy

00390498239711

www.casadelpellegrino.com

This will be a long day of bus touring but the interesting countryside and

stops will make it worthwhile. Our first two stops will be to tour places

where Blessed Pope JohnXXIII was born and called to priesthood.

As we arrive in Padua across from the Bascilica of St. Anthony, we will be found

and protected for our visits to Padua and Venice

8:00 AM On the Bus!

11:30 AM Arrival Sotto Il Monte the birthplace of Pope John XXIII

Highlights

Birthplace of Angelo Roncalli (later Pope John XXIII)

St. Mary's parish church where he was baptized

1:00PM Travel on to Bergamo about 20 minutes

Highlights

Home to the seminary he attended

Santa Maria Maggiore

Duomo

Grab and go lunch

130 on our way to Padua

Along the way

Rest stop at Lake Garda's Sirmione

Pass through Verona, famous terrace of Romeo and Juliet

5:00 PM Arrive Padua and Casa del Pegellinero

7PM Dinner at the Guest House

8PM 15 minute walk to visit Scrovegni Chapel and the world renowned frescos by Giotto

http://www.casadelpellegrino.com/

10/14/2012 Day 10 VeniceTodays Inclusions Breakfast

regional train to Venice

Entry ticket to museums of San Marco


Padua, Italy

00390498239711


7:15 AM Mass at the Bascilica of St. Anthony

(we will visit the shrine on Monday when we can spend more time)

8:00 AM Breakfast

845 AM Walk through Padua to the train station

9:30 AM Take the Regionale Train to Santa Luca Station in Venice

10:00 AM Arrive Venice for the day

Highlights

Water bus to Piazza San Marco (7 Euro fare not included)

Bascilica San Marco

Piazza San Maro and its famous pigeons!

Optional tours

Museo Correr collections of prominent Venetian families

The Archeological Museum

The Sansovino's Library

OR Enjoy the shopping, lounging with a cup of coffee,

or feeding the pigeons

4:00PM Doge's Palace 1000 Years of history and Intrigue

6PM We walk toward the Rialto Bridge

Walk Highlights

San Moise Church

Santa Maria del Giglio

Street Markets

Dinner at Strada Nuova Restaurant

10:17 PM Train to Padua


10/15/2012 Day 11 PaduaTodays Inclusions Breakfast

regional train to Venice (if desired)


Padua, Italy

00390498239711


8:00 AM Breakfast


10:00 AM Tour of the Bascilica and visit to the tomb of St. Anthony

Remainder of Day to explore the city of Padua or return to Venice

7PM Final dinner together in Padua


10/16/2012 Day 12 Travel to USATodays Inclusions Breakfast

transfer to Venice Airport

Flight to USA

Accomodations: YOUR OWN SWEET BED

8:00 AM Breakfast


10:00 AM Bus leaves for international airport in Venice

12:20 PM AF flight 1427 G to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

2:10PM arrive Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

4:35PM AF 010 G to JFK NYC

6:45 PM Arrive JFK NYC

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1. Travel Documents Passport Your passport should meet these requirements for this itinerary

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages.

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable. If you need to renew your passport or get extra pages Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport, renewing your existing passport, or for additional pages. You can renew your passport by mail if it is not damaged, you obtained it within the last fifteen years, and it’s in the name you want on your new passport. Many local post offices carry forms for renewing by mail or obtaining extra pages. Allow several weeks for processing your passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport. TIP: When updating your passport, it is worthwhile to check the prices on all the different services that might apply to you. For example, it might be less expensive to get a new passport than to have pages added, depending on the number of pages you need.

Visas Required Non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. passport holders: If you are not a U.S. citizen or if you possess a passport from a country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about possible visa requirements. For your convenience, we recommend the services of PVS International, whose contact information follows. For embassy phone numbers, see previous. PVS International Passport & Visa Services 1700 N Moore Street Rosslyn Center, Suite 310 Arlington, VA 22209 Telephone: 1-800-556-9990 Website: www.pvsinternational.org

Emergency Photocopies The smartest and easiest security precaution you can take is to carry photocopies of the personal information pages of your passport, your air ticket, your traveler’s check serial numbers (if you're carrying these checks), and your credit cards. Add phone and fax numbers for reporting lost credit cards, for your travel protection plan company if you have purchased one

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and for your medical emergency network. Store the copies separate from the originals. This can save you immeasurable time, money, and bother if your documents are lost or stolen during your trip. If you don’t wish to bring additional copies with you, consider scanning or entering the information you might need into your computer and emailing it to yourself. That way as long as you have access to email, you can access the information you need. (Keep in mind that you may not have immediate access to email at all times during your adventure, especially in developing countries). Another option is to give a copy of this information to a trusted friend or relative back at home as a backup that they can email or fax to you if you need it.

Your Flight Itineraries You will receive a flight itinerary. Please examine it carefully to ensure that your first and last names appear exactly as they do on your passport. (We do not need middle names).

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2. Health Is This Trip Right For You? We’ve worked closely with our local Trip Leaders and regional associates to identify the aspects of this trip that you should be aware of, from physical requirements to cultural factors. Please carefully review the information below prior to departing on this trip. We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers. Physical requirements This adventure is suitable for travelers who live an active lifestyle, enjoy good health and mobility, and are comfortable participating in 6-8 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. You should be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of each day. Pacing 7 locations in 10 days. We’ll rise early on some mornings to travel to the next city. Transportation We drive overland in an air-conditioned bus or train and take some excursions on regional trains. Within cities, we either walk or take public transportation. (Inner city travel will be paid for by each traveler unless indicated otherwise). Accommodations Group size & leadership 20 travelers and 1 resident Trip Leader.

Visit Your Doctor Before you leave on your trip, there are at least three health-related things you should do. We’ll outline each one in more detail later in this handbook, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 2: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 3: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-2).

Medical Checkup

Advice on what medicines (if any) to bring. Remember to get a copy of any prescriptions—written as a generic drug name—so you can replace your medications if they are lost during the trip.

Your fitness for this trip. This is a must if you have any medical conditions or physical limitations. Make certain to review any medical condition you have, particularly cardiac or\ respiratory disease or diabetes, and discuss the details of the trip itinerary as it pertains to your health and with the trip guides.

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Please notify us in writing about any medical condition that may require special attention. If your report is normal, you don’t need to send it to us. If you send us a medical report, we don’t use it to determine if you should take this trip, or if you are likely to enjoy it. Those decisions are up to you and your doctor.

Medications Prescription medication suggestions Of course, you’ll need to bring an ample supply of any prescription medications you happen to be taking. Over-the-counter medication suggestions Whenever you travel, there are a few basic items you should take with you as a “travel health kit”. The list is fairly standard: something for upset stomach, something for diarrhea/constipation, something for headache or general pain, bandages, and any medicines you take regularly. You’ll find a helpful checklist in the “Packing” chapter of this handbook. Just know that not every country has approved every medication—most major brands are OK, but some medications we take for granted are not allowed in other countries. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department offers advice on restricted medications on their web page at http://travel.state.gov/travel (look under the “Criminal Penalties” and “Special Circumstances” sections of each country you’ll be visiting. If you don’t see anything mentioned, then major U.S. brands should be fine.) Traveling with medications To avoid loss and to have them handy, pack medications in your carry-on bag. For quicker security screening at the airport—and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas—keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. To be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications, you should also bring copies of the prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name.

Dental and/or Eye Exam A loose filling or developing cavity would be difficult to remedy while you are traveling in a remote area. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a dental exam before your trip. For those travelers who wear glasses, an eye exam may be a good idea as well. TIP: If you wear glasses, it’s a good idea to bring a “backup” pair just in case. If you wear contact lenses, bring extra solution—it can be expensive or difficult to find in other countries.

Jet Lag Precautions You will feel better on the first days of your trip if, shortly before you leave home, you start to adjust to the different time zone of your destination. Since you will cross several time zones to reach your destination, you may lose many hours of regular sleep. On arrival, your body then will have to suddenly adjust to new sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms are fatigue—often compounded by insomnia and general restlessness—irritability, and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag; but you can minimize it. Here's how:

http://travel.state.gov/travel

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Start your trip well-rested. Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your

destination time zone when you get on the plane. Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during–your flight. Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying.

Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane, and make an effort to get up and walk about the cabin a few times to keep your blood circulation normal.

After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day. Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Staying Healthy on Your Trip Safe Water Tap water in Italy is usually safe to drink. Bottled water or treated drinking water is readily available and inexpensive. Inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly. Bottled drinks and hot drinks that have been boiled are safe to drink. You may wish to carry a water bottle in your daypack to help stay hydrated, and a handkerchief to wipe the tops of bottled drinks before and after opening.

General Health Tips Wash your hands frequently: before meals, before snacks, when brushing your teeth, after visiting the bathroom. Carry your own handkerchief to dry your hands thoroughly each time. You won’t always find running water, so bring moist towelettes (in a box, not individually wrapped) or anti-bacterial "waterfree" hand cleanser. Basic Illness Prevention It's common for people traveling in contained spaces to be more susceptible to easily transmitted viral and bacterial illnesses such as flu, stomach and respiratory bugs, and colds. The single most effective way to prevent this is frequent hand-washing. We ask all travelers to be extra diligent in their normal hand-washing hygiene, and to drink plenty of fluids for proper hydration. Simple steps like these will help ensure that everyone enjoys the comfortable, carefree vacation they looked forward to.

Don’t Push Too Hard One of the most important parts of staying healthy on an active trip is to not push yourself too hard if you feel tired. Respect your own limits. Your trip schedule offers some degree of flexibility. If your energy level is low on a certain day, you can sit out a walking. Be particularly conservative when you first arrive because of jet lag. Your Trip Leader can tell you about the distance, time, and terrain of our walking excursions in advance, and can usually suggest rewarding alternative activities.

Drink Plenty of Liquids

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When you travel, you can easily become dehydrated without knowing it. If your fluid balance is low, you are more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Air travel will dry you out, so drink liquids and avoid alcohol on your flight. During the trip, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Instead, drink by the clock: drink one to two quarts of water or juice each day, in addition to drinks at meals. If you find yourself tired or unwell, and don’t know why, it may be that you simply need to drink more. Note that tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages are diuretics, and do not help maintain hydration.

Sun and Heat Exposure Be sure to wear your hat, and use plenty of sunscreen. Be aware of the signs of heat exposure. Be especially concerned if you feel hot, but are not perspiring. Let your Trip Leader know if you are not feeling well. Most importantly (and this is at the risk of tedious repetition), you must drink plenty of liquids when temperatures are high.

If You Have Stomach Trouble Despite your best efforts, you may get diarrhea at some point. It is usually limited in duration, and will often go away without medication. Immediately and consistently, drink more liquids to make up for the fluids you are losing. The best initial treatment is to use an over-the-counter remedy. This may be all you need to do. You can, and probably should, eat when you get hungry, but avoid dairy products and fried foods for a while. If your symptoms persist for more than 12 to 24 hours, you may decide to take a course of a prescription antibiotic. Most antibiotics are taken twice a day, for about three days. Once you start the course, it’s important to continue for the full duration of treatment. Don’t stop if your symptoms subside sooner. Anti-motility agents, like Imodium and Lomotil, treat the symptom rather than the cause. You may want to take Imodium before a long bus ride or a city tour. You can take it along with an antibiotic. But because these medications interfere with your body’s natural attempts to rid itself of the infection, many specialists recommend that you not take them when you are in a place with convenient access to a bathroom. Specifically, don’t take Imodium, Lomotil, or a similar medication if you have a fever, or if you have bloody diarrhea.

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3. Money Matters How to Carry Your Money Generally speaking, you’ll want to bring a mixture of different payment methods—some cash for Exchange and a couple of cards—so that you’ll be prepared for any situation. In this section, we offer some tips on each type of payment method.

Cash or Traveler’s Checks? Cash has an advantage over traveler’s checks. Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted than traveler's checks, and sometimes commands a better exchange rate. So we know that bringing cash is a good idea—does that mean U.S. dollars or local currency? There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip, but it is a good idea to have small amounts for the first weekend. You can change money when you arrive at banks and money exchange offices. In some places you do not even need to exchange money at all—you can use U.S. dollars. Torn, dirty, taped, or overly worn U.S. bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment; bring bills in very good condition. TIP: In Italy, money can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, some post offices, and some hotels. Traveler’s checks are not recommended. We urge you not to rely on traveler's checks for your personal expenses. They can be difficult to exchange and are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants. It’s more practical to view any traveler’s checks you might bring as a last resort for an emergency.

ATMs In Italy, PLUS, Cirrus, and other international ATM networks are widely available in cities and towns. Always notify your bank before you leave home that you are going abroad so that they may remove any blocks on your account and also ask them about the number of withdrawals you may make abroad. For cash withdrawals, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.) TIP: Many banks charge a fee ranging from $1 to $5 for every time you use an ATM in a foreign city. Others will charge you a percentage of what you withdraw. Check with your bank on what fees they charge before you leave the country. That way you can decide if it is better for you to take out one or two large sums, or make smaller but more frequent withdrawals. Your Trip Leader can advise you on ATM locations, but when to exchange money is left to your discretion.

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Credit Cards (and Debit Cards) In Italy, many businesses accept credit cards, but some businesses are still “cash only.” The businesses that do accept cards will almost always charge a fee for this service. So although a credit card or two will be useful in some situations, you won’t be able to rely on credit card alone, and you won’t get the best price if you pay by card. For this reason, we suggest that travelers bring a cash reserve for their expenses during the extension. Credit (and debit) card use is common in Italy—but not as common as in the U.S.—and not all of Italy uses the same type of cards as the U.S. (See the following paragraphs for details.) IMPORTANT NOTE : Europe is phasing in a new type of credit card, called a “chip-and-PIN” system. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you check with your bank or credit card company to see if your credit cards have PINs on file for them. Don’t be surprised if they don’t have anything on file—the “chip-and-PIN” system has not been released in the U.S. yet, so many U.S. credit cards don’t have PINs at all. If your credit card company is unable to provide a PIN number, no worries. In some shops you will still be able to sign a slip, and in shops that require a PIN, you can always try a different form of payment, like a debit card or cash. (U.S. debit cards usually have a PIN, so they are a good alternative.) Since there is no way to predict in advance what each shop will do, we recommend that you bring more than one type of payment when you go shopping. For example, a mix of a couple different credit cards, a debit or ATM card, and some cash is ideal—you’ll be prepared for anything. And remember to memorize your PINs as numbers because the keypads in Iraly rarely have alphabetic characters. Credit card use in general: Even if you do not plan on using it, having a credit or debit card as a “backup” is helpful in an emergency. Though major American credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and debit cards with a credit card logo are accepted abroad, not every shop will take every card. So it is best to ask if your type of card is accepted before deciding on your purchase, and having a couple different cards can be useful. The Discover card is now accepted in some countries outside the U.S. However, it is not widely adopted, and other cards will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. TIP: Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company or bank that you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card— most 1-800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to your bank or the financial section of your newspaper. A reliable online currency converter can be found at www.xc.com/ucc/

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In Italy The currency in Italy is the Euro. U.S. dollars can sometimes be used in Italy. Some businesses in Italy will accept U.S. dollars (or euros). This is more common in places/business that cater to tourists. Accepting U.S. dollars is legal, but since it is not the official currency of Italy, the businesses that accept dollars can do so on their own terms. This means that they may set their own exchange rate and might not be able to make change for large U.S. bills.

Tipping Of course, whether you tip and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. All tips below are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency (this is usually preferred) or in U.S. dollars. Please do not use personal or traveler's check for tips.

Franciscan Spirit Tour Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal "thank you" to your Trip Leader at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual service. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 per person per day, usually given at the end of the trip.

Drivers: $3-$4 per person, per day

Local guides: $3-$4 per person, per day

Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-2 per room, per night

Waiters: It is common practice in Italy to tip wait staff about 10% of the bill. Your Trip Leader

will tip waiters for included meals.

Taxi Drivers: If you are taking a taxi on your own, tipping is not common practice, but often people will round up the fare and let the driver keep the change. We recommend you carry small-denomination banknotes, totaling about $75-$100 U.S., per person, to facilitate tipping to those people who perform small services for you during your trip. You may carry this money in local currency or in U.S. dollars.

Shopping It is our goal to identify and provide you with shopping opportunities that highlight unique, locally-produced products with good value from reliable vendors. For this reason there may be scheduled visits to local shops during the trip. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. We cannot be responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases. Souvenirs Italy offers many fine craft items at good prices. Traditional souvenirs include beautiful art, scarves, gold jewelry, and products made of silk and leather. Your purchase decisions are very personal. If you plan a major purchase, we strongly recommend that you research the prices and quality available at home before your trip. Just one visit to an import shop or dealer will put you way ahead when you go shopping. This is the only way to know if you are getting a good price. You must use your best judgment when deciding whether an item is worth the price being asked.

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Bargaining Most shops have fixed prices. In other places, merchants enjoy negotiating prices. If this is your first experience at bargaining, don’t worry—you’ll quickly find your own style. Your opening offer should be well under the asking price. The only rule is that, if you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. And remember, whatever price you pay is okay, as long as the item is worth that price to you.

U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges Exemption Amounts Articles totaling $800, at fair retail value where they were acquired, may be imported free of charge if you bring them with you. A flat rate of duty—usually a percentage—will be applied to the next $1,000 worth (fair retail value) of merchandise. The U.S. Customs Inspector determines the value of your items when you enter, and is not bound by your bill of sale. In almost every case, however, a genuine bill of sale will be honored. Fees on Items Shipped Home Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. There will also be charges for shipping. Although some shops abroad may offer to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the customs facility closest to you and payment of the export duties (the fee to remove an item from its country of origin) not door-to-door shipping or import duties (the fee the U.S. government charges to bring an item into the U.S.). All additional duties or shipping charges would be the responsibility of the purchaser—you. Therefore unless the item is small enough to mail or to be sent by a global parcel service (like FedEx) please be prepared to pay for shipping or pick-up from the nearest customs facility and to pay for the customs duties. This is why the U.S. Customs & Border Protection service states: “The most cost-effective thing to do is to take your purchases with you if at all possible.” Illegal Items It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. For more information on what you may or may not bring back into the United States, you can obtain the publication “Know Before You Go” from the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection at 1-877-227-5511 or from their website www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel.

If You Have a Problem with a Purchase The best way to address a problem with a purchase is to not have one in the first place! So don’t forget to examine merchandise before paying for it, check contracts or agreements before signing, and review your receipt before leaving the shop. For major purchases, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about the return policy—local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up. But what if you do discover an issue with an item later on? In that case, your best recourse is to contact the vendor directly. For this reason we recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Expect that any

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resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. due to delays in communication, the complexities of international shipping/customs duties, and even cultural differences in how business is conducted.

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4. Climate: A Word about the Weather Thanks to the great longitudinal extension of the peninsula and the mostly mountainous internal conformation, the climate of Italy is highly diverse. In most of the inland northern and central regions, the climate ranges from humid subtropical to humid continental and oceanic. In particular, the climate of the Po valley geographical region is mostly continental, with harsh winters and hot summers. The coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and most of the South generally fit the Mediterranean climate stereotype. Conditions on peninsular coastal areas can be very different from the interior's higher ground and valleys, particularly during the winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. The coastal regions have mild winters and warm and generally dry summers, although lowland valleys can be quite hot in summer.

Climate Graph The following graph reflects the average climate as opposed to weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. As your departure approaches you may wish to monitor current weather conditions online. Here is the official data from the weather observation stations closest to our destinations:

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5. Packing Just What You Need

Your Luggage & Locks Luggage Suggestions Checked luggage: One duffle bag or suitcase. Due to space limitations on our motor coaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper Carry-on bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during driving excursions and walking trips. Inner bags: Use plastic shopping bags, nylon stuff sacks, small zipper duffels, or special mesh bags to separate clothing and gear inside your suitcase, and for dirty laundry. Isolate liquid toiletries in heavy duty Ziploc bags. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture. TIP: Consider bringing a second, empty, lockable bag folded into your main suitcase, with a luggage tag and small lock. Use this to carry souvenirs home. Also, when traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Locks For flights that originate in the U.S: To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, either do not lock your bags when checking in for flights that originate in the U.S. or use TSA-approved locks. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the responsibility for screening every piece of checked luggage at commercial airports throughout the U.S. According to the TSA, baggage-handling agents may require access to the contents of your luggage and will break locks as required. There are some locks available from retailers that are “accepted and recognized” by TSA. TSA screeners have tools for opening and re-locking bags using those locks, thus avoiding damage to the lock or bag if a physical inspection is required. For flights originating outside the U.S.: Outside of the U.S., we strongly recommend you lock your luggage as a preventative measure against theft. In some countries, you are required to lock your luggage for flights; in others, the screening process may entail opening or breaking the lock. Your Trip Leader will advise you during the trip as to what is correct for that country.

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LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS By knowing the luggage limits for your adventure, you can start to plan for your trip—what type of luggage to get, how much clothing to bring, etc. Therefore, we offer the following information now to help you prepare.

Number of Pieces

Type of Luggage Weight Restrictions

Special Size Restrictions?

Main Trip Only One checked bag and one carry-on per person

Duffle bag or soft-sided suitcase. Please do not bring a hard-sided (clamshell) suitcase.

Checked luggage: 33 lbs total Carry-on: 17 lbs total

Standard airline size: checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+width+depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches

Remarks and Suggestions The “Dirty Harry” luggage rule: The limits in the chart above are based on the airlines’ published restrictions. The enforcement of luggage limits is a matter of airline corporate policy. It may not be consistent in all situations and may include random spot checks, especially for carry-on luggage. Airline penalties and fines, however, will probably be immediate when and if enforcement occurs. Before you choose to go above the airline’s published restrictions, you should first ask: Do I feel lucky? (And if the answer is yes, then you should accept that you might be charged a fee by the airlines.) You should also check with the airlines on luggage fees—many airlines charge to check luggage, sometimes even on international flights. Others will charge a fee if you bring a second carry-on item, like a purse or a laptop. These fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. If you are making a connecting flight, you should also confirm if your luggage can be checked through to your final destination. For more information about air travel, see the “Air Travel” section of your Important Information booklet.

Packing Your Carry-On Bag Use your daypack as your carry-on bag for your flights. We strongly urge you to pack in your carry-on case at least one full change of clothes, your camera gear, all medications, changes of socks and underwear, your important travel documents, and other irreplaceable items, in case your checked bags are delayed. Store camera gear and important papers in plastic bags to protect them from dirt and moisture. Restrictions on what can be included in your carry-on luggage change frequently. To avoid inadvertently packing any restricted items in your carry-on luggage, we strongly suggest that you consult the Transportation Security Administration website, at www.tsa.gov, which keeps a current list of restricted items and helpful tips. From the main website click on For Travelers (top of page). TIP: You can remember the rules for liquids in carry-on luggage by using the numbers “311”: Liquids or gels need to be in 3 ounce (or smaller) containers, the containers need to be in a 1-quart sized bag, and each traveler is allowed 1 bag. The bag should be a transparent re-

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sealable plastic one, like a Ziploc bag. Exemptions might be made for medications, baby milk or food, and special dietary requirements, subject to verification.

Clothing Suggestions Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, our list suggests several layers of clothing. Most of your clothing can be made of cotton or cotton-synthetic blends. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, bring socks and underwear, and even shirts and pants, made of silk, synthetics, or a cotton-synthetic blend that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel. Outerwear: Rainfall can occur anytime of year, so don’t forget a waterproof jacket, poncho, or folding umbrella. Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy hiking boots or other supportive shoes that offer good traction. Shoes with good traction are a must.

Style Hints and Dress Codes Dress on our trip is functional and casual. You may want to consider one “dressier” outfit for the Vatican visit. Throughout Italy, locals tend to be modest in dress, typically covering their shoulders and knees. How modestly you should dress is mainly a question of location—in the big cities like Rome, westernized dress is more acceptable.

Traveler’s Checklists Did you know that the top two comments travelers have about packing are “I wish I had brought less” and “I wish I had thought to double-check the weather”? In an effort to help you bring less, we offer these lists, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in this handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. And finally, remember the Golden Rule of Packing Light—whatever you think you need at first—take half the clothes and twice the money.

Recommended Clothing Checklist

Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-

blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts.

Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. Avoid tight-fitting jeans; they

can be uncomfortable, restrict movement, and are not considered appropriate. Also, avoid jeans with holes.

Travel skirt: It is perfectly acceptable for women travelers to wear trousers or jeans on this

trip. But for women travelers who like to wear skirts, please know that knee-length or longer is best.

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Shoes and socks: Shoes should be comfortable with good arch support and good traction.

Some types of shoes that would be good choices are sturdy walking shoes, running shoes, or trekking shoes.

Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood

Light cotton or wool sweater for cooler days. This can be useful as motor coach air

conditioning can be cold.

Seasonal Clothing Checklist From late fall through early spring:

Warm clothing: Gloves are in order because temperatures can dip into the 40s and 30s,

even on the coast. See the climate graph on the previous pages and pack accordingly.

Other Essential Items

Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant,

etc. Our hotels/ship will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but if you are sensitive to fragrances or new products, you may wish to bring your preferred brands. Most hotels do not provide a washcloth, so you may wish to pack one.

Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses

Sunglasses

Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger

Insect repellent with DEET (30%-35% strength)

Travel money bag or money belt

Light folding umbrella

Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm

Pocket-size tissues

Moist towelettes (not individual packets) and/or anti-bacterial "water-free" hand cleanser

Electrical transformer & plug adapters: see "A Word About Electricity" for details.

Medicines

Your own prescription medicines

Cold remedies: Sudafed, Dristan, etc.

Ibuprofen or aspirin

Laxatives, such as Senokot or Ex-Lax

Pepto-Bismol or Mylanta

Benadryl or other antihistamine

Anti-diarrhea tablets: like Imodium

Band-Aids, several sizes

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Moleskin foot pads

Neosporin or bacitracin

Prescription antibiotic for diarrhea

Optional: A prescription pain medication (for rare emergency purposes)

Optional Gear (These are items that other travelers have suggested might be useful—not requirements. The extra spaces at the end are for you to add whatever you don’t want to forget.)

Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm

Hanging toiletry bag (with hook to hang on doorknob and pockets to organize items)

Basic sewing kit

Hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite and plastic hang-up clothespins

Travel journal/note pad and pens

Reading materials

Home address book

Phrase book

Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

____________________________________________

And Don’t Forget

Passport

Emergency photocopies of your passport, air itinerary, and prescriptions. Also a list of your

credit card numbers and phone number to reach the credit card company or bank, so that you can report a missing card in case of loss or theft

Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger

Travel money belt or neck wallet

What not to pack Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Also avoid packing glass bottles; use plastic containers instead. Leave at home checkbooks and any credit cards not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose.

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Tips on Photo Gear For many people capturing the highlights of their travel experiences in photographs or movies and sharing them with friends later is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the journey. You can remember and savor your memories for years to come. Digital cameras and camcorders are excellent travel companions—and many do dual duty by recording movies and still images. Fist sized camcorders will capture HD movies and high quality still photos; cameras smaller than a deck of cards are great for snapshots and will capture casual movie clips. With an ample supply of high-capacity memory cards you can capture your whole trip with a small, lightweight package. Be sure to bring enough batteries. Recharging batteries is sometimes impossible, due to a lack of outlets, electrical shortages or outages—and some cameras drain batteries very quickly. Whether you need standard (2A or 3A) or proprietary batteries, it’s handy to have spares. Be sure your charger will work with the local electrical system, and bring enough memory cards—they may be hard to find and will are often pricier than in the U.S. Whatever the storage format (often Secure Digital) memory cards are small and thin and you probably can’t have too much storage. Compact cameras are impractical for distant subjects (such as African wildlife or architectural details on Europe’s taller buildings). Some models have a zoom lens of up to 120mm, which is good for middle distances. For distant subjects a megazoom (with a zoom lens of at least 300mm) or a single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with up to a 300mm telephoto lens are good choices. With a DSLR you can carry multiple lenses, though as your gear gets more complex you may reach luggage weight and size constraints. Large lenses that need a tripod, or double reflex cameras are impractical for casual travel photography. A single mid-range telephoto lens coupled with a small, fast prime lens (for low light/no flash situations) may be the best system for an effective but compact kit. Or, consider mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC) that combine small bodies and lenses and offer high quality for both still and HD movie images. If you use a SLR or MILC camera, protect the lenses with a UV filter and remember to bring lens caps, covers, paper and a waterproof bag (a heavy duty Ziploc-style bag is good) to protect your camera. Remember to pack the flash if it’s detachable. Be sure your camera has a flash that can be turned off, and learn how to turn it off. (At some sites and in many museums, flashes are not permitted; flashes can also frighten wary wildlife.) In some countries you may be charged for photography at specific sites; and in some cultures and individuals are less receptive to photography than others. It’s always best to respect local customs. Disposable cameras are also an option. They are inexpensive and capable of perfectly acceptable photos in light that is not too dim or bright. A panoramic disposable can add a particularly interesting perspective when compared to standard photo formats—and may suggest inventive ways of seeing your subjects. X-rays do not damage the data of digital cameras (in any media format), and so poses no problems for travelers using digital cameras. TIP: Many travelers, excited about their trip, buy a brand new camera…only to forget that it takes a couple of attempts to get used to a new piece of equipment. Take a few photos around the neighborhood, practice turning the flash on and off, and so forth before you leave—it can save you a lot of hassle on the trip and it will make your photos look better.

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A Word about Electricity Electricity in Italy, as in the rest of Europe, comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts AC at 60 Hz. Not only the voltages and frequencies, but the sockets themselves are different. This means you might need both a transformer (changes the electric current, makes it a lower voltage like in the U.S.) and adaptors (changes the shape of the plug). The downside of transformers is that they tend to burn out, so you might consider bringing only dual-voltage appliances that work on both 110 and 220 voltage. Most modern cameras and small appliances will run on both voltages – check your owner’s guide. A third option is to use battery-charged appliances—then you don’t need a transformer or plug adapter, just an ample supply of batteries. Because electric plugs are not standardized in this region, you may wish to purchase a travel kit with more than plug adapter. Travel adapter kits can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware store. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring one, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

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6. Learn About Your Destinations Before your trip, we encourage you to start learning about the regions of the world you will soon be exploring. The ancient and contemporary cultures of these areas are rich and complex. Even a small amount of background reading can help you make sense of the kaleidoscope of facts and impressions that will come your way. Having some knowledge in advance can complement and enrich what you can learn from your expert Trip Leader.

Italy at a Glance Facts & Figures Area: 116,347 square miles Capital: Rome Languages: Italian is the official language. Geography: Italy is located in southern Europe and comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the land between the peninsula and the Alps, and some islands including Sicily and Sardinia. Corsica, although belonging to the Italian geographical region, has been a part of France since 1769. Population: 60,626,442 Ethnic Groups: Italian 92.47%, Romanian 1.98%, other minorities 5.55% Religions: Christian 91.6%, Islam 1.9% Time Zone: Central European Summer Time. Is 6 hours ahead of New York.

Safety & Security Common Sense and Awareness As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people. Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don't leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them. Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation in a crowded area, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers. If concerned, then yell.

Communications Even picking up the phone or getting a paper can be a new experience in a foreign country. To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your final documents package. One copy is for you to bring, and one to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

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Phone numbers abroad may not have the same number of digits as US numbers; even numbers within a country can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone. When calling from the US, you may need to drop the first digit of the area code. When calling the US from abroad, generally you dial 00 for international exchange, then the US country code +1, and then the number with area code.

Cell Phones If you want to use a cell phone while traveling overseas, be sure to check whether your own phone will work outside the U.S. or if you’re better off renting an international phone. The websites www.travelcell.com and www.globalcellularrental.com have good information on rentals. You may also want to consider buying an inexpensive local phone for your stay. To use your own phone, it’s best to investigate the options and fees your plan offers for international use. Consult your service provider (www.verizon.com, www.t-mobile.com, etc.) for details. U.S. service is dominated by the CDMA technology standard, while most of the world uses the incompatible GSM standard. Some U.S. providers do offer GSM, but in either case you may incur high international roaming fees. With GSM, however, you can often choose to have your phone “unlocked” and then add a local SIM card for lower fees. If you can access the Internet as you travel, you can take advantage of email or a Skype Internet telephone (VOIP) account for the best value.

Phone Calling Cards When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, consider using a prepaid calling card, because the only additional charge you’ll normally incur (besides the prepaid long distance charges) is a local fee of a few cents and possibly a connection fee if you are using your card at your hotel. It is best to check with the hotel's reception desk prior to making phone calls to avoid unexpected charges. Calling cards purchased locally are typically less expensive than those purchased in the U.S. and are more likely to work with the local phone system. Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet and Email Most convents in Italy have Internet services available, some for free, some for an hourly charge. Many hotels will provide complimentary WiFi service in a common area, like the lobby or reception, but not in the guest rooms. Internet cafes are also available at different points throughout our adventure. So you can either bring your own device during the trip and use WiFi where it is available, or leave it at home and rely on places that provide computers, like hotels with a business center or Internet cafes. Responsible Travel We do our best to have a minimum negative impact on local cultures and the natural environment in every country where we operate trips. In our many years of travel, our travelers and staff have learned techniques that encourage rewarding cultural exchange. Our goal is to

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leave no trace on the natural environment, or to leave places better than we find them. Here’s what we ask of you as part of this effort:

Conserving the Natural Environment Minimize the disposable items you bring on the trip. Leave boxes, wrappings from new clothes, and other unneeded items at home.

Dispose of your trash properly. Instead of disposing of trash at roadside rest areas or restaurants, keep a small trash bag in your day bag and empty it in your hotel each night.

Ask whether plastic drinking water bottles can be recycled. Most days, it’s better to keep your empty bottles with you until you reach your hotel.

Stay on established trails to avoid damaging plants.

Don’t pick any vegetation, or remove any item of biological interest.

Don’t take flash pictures inside churches or museums.

Try not to brush your shoulder or bag against ancient walls or columns.

Where other foreign visitors have littered film boxes or candy wrappers, consider picking them up. Local people will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Parish Pilgrimage to Italy

Celebrating Pope John XXIII and the Year of Faith

Friday, Oct 5 – We leave JFK on an evening, non-stop flight to the Eternal City, arriving in Rome the

following morning.

Saturday, Oct 6 – We are met by Werner, our courier for the entire trip; he is a long-time resident of

Assisi. Transfer to Casa Sant’Anna (Piazza Madonna dei Monti, 3), a convent run by the Sisters of

Saint Anne. We are near the Parco del Colle Oppio, home to the ruins of Nero’s “Golden House” as well

as the Baths of Trajan. You may want to enjoy lunch in nearby Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, where the

chains used to hold Saint Peter at the Mamertine Prison are housed in a 5th century a minor basilica

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-pietro-in-vincoli); Michelangelo’s single grand statue

Moses, made for the never-completed tomb of Pope Julius II is near the sanctuary (hours: 8am-12:30pm

and 3pm-6pm). We proceed to the Basilica of San Clemente (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/rome-san-clemente), a 12th century church noted for its mosaics and fascinating

lower levels that include an earlier church, pagan temple to Mithras and a gurgling stream! We leave the

church and begin touring the area of the Coliseum and Roman Forums, first passing Ludus Magnus

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludus_Magnus), a training ground for gladiators. The Coliseum

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum), named after a long-destroyed colossal statue of Nero as the god

Helios, is the largest and most complete remnant of ancient Rome and, along with the she-wolf, the letters

SPQR (“The Senate and the People of Rome”), is an instantly recognized symbol for the City. We now

walk Mussolini’s Via dei Fori Imperiali to view key buildings of the Roman Forums

(http://www.maquettes-historiques.net/P6.html): sixteen of fifty-foot marble pillars mark the site of

Emperor Hadrian’s Temple of Venus and Rome, the largest temple of ancient Rome; the vaults of the

Basilica of Maxentius, completed in 312 by Constantine, come next; further on, a glance to the left

reveals the House of the Vestal Virgins, constructed after a disastrous fire at the time of Nero (64AD),

but built on foundations that date back to the 6th century BC

(http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/173_House_of_the_Vestal_Virgins.html); in the distance lies the Palatine

Hill (http://www.rome-tour.co.uk/palatine_hill.htm), traditional residence of Rome’s emperors and the

birthplace of Romulus and Remus the twin brothers who founded Rome; next we come to the 6th century

Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian, a glass wall

allows one to view the interior of the Temple of Jupiter Sator, the 3rd

century building into which the

church was built; Julius Caesar built the third Senate House in 44 BC, its brick-faced concrete precluded

destruction by fire (look for its bronze doors when we visit the Basilica of St John Lateran); the

Mamertine Prison, which may date back to the 7th century BC, is the traditional place where Saints Peter

and Paul where emprisoned – we pass it as we ascend the Capitoline Hill; a sweeping view of the entire

site) (http://www.maquettes-historiques.net/P6.html) (http://dlib.etc.ucla.edu/projects/Forum)

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-roman-forum), from the columns of the Temple of

Saturn (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-temple-of-saturn.htm) in the foreground to Arch

of Titus (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-arch-of-titus) which begins the Via Sacra

(http://www.360cities.net/image/forum-romanum-via-sacra-rome#-344.87,14.11,70.0), the road all the

Caesars trod to deposit the spoils of their conquests in the vaults of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-pietro-in-vincoli

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-clemente

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-clemente

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludus_Magnus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

http://www.maquettes-historiques.net/P6.html

http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/173_House_of_the_Vestal_Virgins.html

http://www.rome-tour.co.uk/palatine_hill.htm

http://www.maquettes-historiques.net/P6.html

http://dlib.etc.ucla.edu/projects/Forum

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-roman-forum

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-temple-of-saturn.htm

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-arch-of-titus

http://www.360cities.net/image/forum-romanum-via-sacra-rome#-344.87,14.11,70.0

Maximus (https://sites.google.com/site/templesofrome/home/temple-of-jupiter-optimus-maximus) built

near where you are standing now and dedicated at the very beginning of the Republic of Rome (509 BC).

We now walk, with the Forum behind us, into the town square of Rome, Piazza del Campidoglio,

constructed to Michaelangelo’s specifications between 1536 and 1546. A side staircase allows us to enter

the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (http://www.initaly.com/regions/latium/church/aracoeli.htm),

built on the ruins of the Temple of Juno Moneta (the home of the Roman mint and the source of our word

“money”). Among the treasures here is the icon of Mary venerated during the great plague of 1348, the

statue of the Holy Child (people are still writing notes to him!) and a recently restored side chapel by

Pinturicchio. For those who wish to continue exploring, Il Gesù (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/rome-il-gesu) and Sant’Andrea della Valle (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/rome-sant-andrea-della-valle) lie below us, by way of Piazza Venezia. However, a

restorative caffè macchiato might be in order. In which case, we can ascend a side entrance to the Victor

Emmanuel Monument for a visit to its rooftop café which enjoys commanding views of the Trajan

Markets (http://en.mercatiditraiano.it/) and the Coliseum. We then can retrace our steps to Casa

Sant’Anna for supper. You may wish to take a “passeggiata” after the meal, strolling the picturesque

Salita del Grillo to reach the Quirinale (http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzadelquirinale.htm),

Rome’s White House, for a postcard view of Rome at night.

Monday, Oct 8 – After an early breakfast, we take a brief walk up the Via Cavour to the Basilica of

Santa Maria Maggiore (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-maria-maggiore), one of

the five papal basilicas in Rome. We pay special attention to the unique nave mosaics, dating from the 5th

century church. A quick Metro ride puts us in front of another papal basilica, Saint John Lateran

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-giovanni-laterano). Most of what can been seen dates

from 17th century renovations. We take the Metro to the Vatican Museums (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/rome-vatican-museums) for an escorted tour. Highlights include the Rafael Rooms,

the Octagon Court (sculptures) and, of course, the Sistine Chapel. Another Metro ride across the city puts

us in position of a walking tour across historic Rome. We begin at Piazza del Popolo

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_del_Popolo), stopping in Santa Maria del Popolo

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-maria-del-popolo) to admire Caravaggio’s frescos

of Saints Peter and Paul, and continue down Via Margutta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Margutta),

the street of artists, to Piazza de Spagna (http://www.romainteractive.com/pzspagna.htm) and Rome’s

Fifth Avenue, Via Condotti. We cross Via del Tritone and come to the Trevi Fountain

(http://www.trevifountain.net/iconography.htm). Following Via delle Muratte, we cross Via del Corso

and Sant’Ignazio, the Jesuit church. Around the corner is the back entrance to the Dominican church of

Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_sopra_Minerva) (nearby

Galileo was tried for heresy); the body of St. Catherine of Siena lies beneath the high altar in a glass

casket. From the main entrance of this church, we can see the massive supporting walls of the Pantheon

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-pantheon). It may be time for a coffee break at

Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, an historic coffeehouse. We proceed to San Luigi dei Francesi, the national

church of the French and home to famous Caravaggios. Around the corner is Sant’Agostino

(http://romanchurches.wikia.com/wiki/Sant'Agostino) where the body of St Monica, mother of Saint

Augustine, lies behind the high altar nearby is our last Caravaggio. Exiting the church, we soon find

ourselves in the magnificent Piazza Navona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona), the creation of

Pope Innocent X in celebration of his accession to the papal throne. Here Bernini’s Fountain of the Four

https://sites.google.com/site/templesofrome/home/temple-of-jupiter-optimus-maximus

http://www.initaly.com/regions/latium/church/aracoeli.htm

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-il-gesu

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-il-gesu

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-sant-andrea-della-valle

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-sant-andrea-della-valle

http://en.mercatiditraiano.it/

http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzadelquirinale.htm

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-maria-maggiore

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-giovanni-laterano

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-vatican-museums

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-vatican-museums

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_del_Popolo

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-santa-maria-del-popolo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_Margutta

http://www.romainteractive.com/pzspagna.htm

http://www.trevifountain.net/iconography.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_sopra_Minerva

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-pantheon

http://romanchurches.wikia.com/wiki/Sant'Agostino

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona

Rivers dominates. The piazza follows the contours of Emperor Domitian’s athletic stadium. Time

permitting, we can pay a visit to the funeral chapel of Innocent X

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant%27Agnese_in_Agone). It is situated over the site of the martyrdom of

St. Agnes. Dinner tonight is on your own. You might try one of the establishments in nearby Via dei

Coronari, such as Ristorante Tre Archi or walk to Campo dei Fiori and try Ditirambo or Pier Luigi (off

Via di Monserrato). If the weather is right, a walk to Piazza Venezia and past the imperial forums will

bring you to Casa Anna for a well-deserved rest.

Tuesday, Oct 9 – After breakfast we load our private bus and drive just outside the walls of Rome to Tre

Fontane (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tre_Fontane_Abbey), where St. Paul was beheaded. A Benedictine

monastery was built here in the 7th century. (Try the monastery’s chocolate bars or espresso in the shop!)

Two miles closer to Rome lies the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/rome-san-paolo-fuori-le-mura), the fourth papal basilica of our tour and the burial

place of Saint Paul. Aside from 13th century mosaics, the church preserves its original look, from the 4

th

century. In 1823 a fire gutted the building, but countries around the world saw to its meticulous

restoration. After Mass in one of the side chapels, we board our bus for a drive down the famous Appian

Way (http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/default.asp), built by Appius Claudius Caecus for the

transportation of troops in the 4th century BC. It served as the model for the empire’s extensive highway

system. Traffic permitting, we will pass the Tomb of Cecilia Metella

(http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/tomb-of-caecilia-metella/), a massive structure even

after most of its exterior marble walls were carted away. Next to it is lies the Circus of Maxentius

(http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/circus-of-maxentius/) a stadium complex built for

funerary games to honor Valerius Romulus the son and heir apparent to Emperor Maxentius. We stop at

the Catacombs of St Callixtus (http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/catacombe.php), a major Christian

burial ground between the 2nd

to the 4th century. You may wish to take the guided tour or just enjoy the

extensive above-ground fields where shepherds still pass through with their flocks. Walks are also

possible to visit San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Sebastiano_fuori_le_mura) or the Church of Santa Maria in Palmis

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Domine_Quo_Vadis), better known as the “Quo Vadis” church

where a vision of Christ asked the fleeing St. Peter, “Where are you going?” (The church is built at a

crossroads on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Rediculus, the Roman “God of the Return”; the “de

Palmis” in the church’s title refers to the ex voto offerings found their: marble replicas of footprints.) we

leave the grounds of St. Callixtus, savoring our last look at the dome of St. Peter’s in the distance as we

make our way to the train station for our first-class seats on the 4pm Assisi-bound express. Two hours

later we will be met by our private bus at the station and soon arrive at the Benedictine Monastery of

San Giuseppe (http://www.msgiuseppe.it/MSGIUSEPPE/Benvenuti.html), our home for the next two

nights. After dinner, the peaceful streets of the town imagining life here 800 years ago, when Francis and

Clare walked these same streets.

Wednesday, Oct 10 – Soon after breakfast we walk to the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

(http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-san-francesco), built immediately after the saint’s

canonization was declared in 1228. Following Mass, we tour the Upper Church, Lower Church, the

Chapel of the Relics and the Crypt which houses the tomb of St. Francis, rediscovered in 1818. Down the

hill lies the Basilica of St Claire (http://www.assisionline.com/assisi__167.html). The Cappella del

Crocifisso contains the miraculous crucifix that spoke to St. Francis when he was praying at the

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sant%27Agnese_in_Agone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tre_Fontane_Abbey

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-paolo-fuori-le-mura

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-paolo-fuori-le-mura

http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/default.asp

http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/tomb-of-caecilia-metella/

http://www.worldsiteguides.com/europe/italy/rome/circus-of-maxentius/

http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/catacombe.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Sebastiano_fuori_le_mura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Domine_Quo_Vadis

http://www.msgiuseppe.it/MSGIUSEPPE/Benvenuti.html

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/assisi-san-francesco

http://www.assisionline.com/assisi__167.html

Monastery of San Damiano. Feel free to explore this beautiful town on your own this afternoon. Hike up

to Eremo delle Carceri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eremo_delle_Carceri), the small hermitage in a

steep forest gorge four kilometers above Assisi; visit the Cathedral of San Rufino

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisi_Cathedral), where Claire arranged to escape her family and become a

Franciscan; go up to the restored hilltop fortress of Rocca Maggiore

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8f7_6ZzffM) or take the city bus to revisit the Basilica of Santa

Maria degli Angeli and the Porziuncola chapel. Those who wish can meet at a designated spot to take the

rather steep walk down to San Damiano, the convent where St. Claire lived and died. Her sisters still

occupy the convent to this day (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/assisi/A21165.html). All should

plan to return to the Monastery of San Giuseppe for our evening meal.

Thursday, Oct 11 – Following an early breakfast we and go by private b us to visit Porziuncola

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porziuncola), the embellished chapel which St. Francis rebuilt as his first

task of following the words he heard from the crucifix of San Damiano, “Rebuild my church.” The spot

became the spiritual home to the first band of friar. St. Francis asked to be taken here to die; this spot, just

fifteen years from the church is memorialized on the site. After this visit to the place where Francis began

and ended his mission of gospel fidelity, we leave Assisi by train for Florence. The group arrives just

before noon and we go by taxi to our quarters, Villa Agape (http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/villa-

agape.en.html), the former residence of the Duchess Anna D’Orleans, in the hills above the city. Once

settled, we return into the historic center for a visit to the Convent of San Marco

(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_san_marco.html) which was built for the

Dominican friars in 1437 by Cosimo il Vecchio de’Medici and extensively frescoed by one of the monks,

Fra Angelico. After our visit to this tranquil oasis, we can make our way through the artistic monuments

of Florence passing Brunelleschi’s Hospital of the Innocents

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ospedale_degli_Innocenti), an elegant, early Renaissance building. While

here we can visit the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_della_Santissima_Annunziata_di_Firenze), the mother Church of

the Servite Order. Lunettes by Pontormo and Andrea del Sarto can be seen in the clositers. Following the

Via del Castellaccio, we soon come to Brunelleschi’s famous cathedral dome

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Cathedral), a triumph of 15th century engineering and the envy of

those building the new St Peter’s in Rome. In front of the cathedral lies another masterpiece the Baptistry

of Florence (http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Baptistery_of_florence.html) which Ghiberti

embellished. We admire and exact replica of his “Doors of Paradise,” the Baptistery’s east-facing door.

Leaving this complex by Via del Calzaiuoli we arrive at the political heart of Florence, the Piazza della

Signoria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Signoria). Here are arrayed the Palazzo Vecchio

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Signoria), built by Arnolfo di Cambio, the first architect of the

cathedral, in 1299; The Uffizi of the Medici (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uffizi), Vasari’s inspired

“regularized streetscape,” which would be repeated time and again across Europe; the charming Loggia

dei Lanzi, which anticipates Renaissance design; and an exact replica of Michelangelo’s David

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo)), the original was moved to the Accademia Gallery

from this spot in 1873. Via della Ninna takes us to Via dei Leoni, where we soon have access to the Arno

and the famous Ponte Vecchio, known also as “The Golden Bridge” because of its many goldsmiths.

After a shopping excursion on the bridge itself, we make our way to the public bus that will take us back

to Villa Agape. If time permits, we may want to exit the bus at San Miniato al Monte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eremo_delle_Carceri

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisi_Cathedral

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8f7_6ZzffM

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/assisi/A21165.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porziuncola

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/villa-agape.en.html

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/villa-agape.en.html

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_san_marco.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ospedale_degli_Innocenti

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_della_Santissima_Annunziata_di_Firenze

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Cathedral

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Baptistery_of_florence.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Signoria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_della_Signoria

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uffizi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_(Michelangelo))

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_San_Miniato_al_Monte), which is on our route. A twelve

minute walk then brings us home to Villa Agape.

Friday, Oct 12 – After Mass at the chapel of Villa Agape, we have breakfast and head into town for a

visit to the Medici Chapel (Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini 6)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici_Chapel. in the Basilica of San Lorenzo complex (http://www.sacred-

destinations.com/italy/florence-san-lorenzo). We then follow Via de’Ginori a few blocks to the Cenacle

of Sant’Apollonia (Via XXVII Aprile)

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/santa_apollonia_.html, considered to hold some of the first

Renaissance frescos of the city. Just down Via degli Arazzieri lies the Convent of San Marco (San

Marco 3) (http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_san_marco.html) which was built for

the Dominican friars in 1437 by Cosimo il Vecchio de’Medici and extensively frescoed by one of the

monks, Fra Angelico. Two blocks away going down Via Ricasoli brings us to the Accademia (Via

Ricasoli 58/60) (http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/David_by_michelangelo.html), home to

Michaelangelo’s “David” and other important artworks. If we go down Via Cavour, the next block over,

we can visit the elegant Medici Riccardi Palace (http://www.palazzo-medici.it/eng/home.htm)

(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/chapel_of_the_magi.html) At this point, those who wish can

make their way to the Duomo area and take Via dei Cerretani and Via dei Panzani to Santa Maria

Novella (http://www.chiesasantamarianovella.it/en) and then walk or take the bus to Ponte Vecchio

known also as “The Golden Bridge” because of its many goldsmiths. After a shopping excursion on the

bridge itself, we can walk to our bus stop to travel back to the hills above Florence. we may want to exit

the bus at San Miniato al Monte http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/san_miniato.html which is

on our route. A twelve minute walk then brings us home to Villa Agape. [Alternatively, after the Medici

Riccardi Palace, others may wish to visit the Pitti Palace

(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Pitti_palace.html) and its Boboli Garden

(http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/boboli_garden.html) which lie on the other side of the Arno.

Take the D bus from the train station for the palace and garden, then walk to Porta Romana and take #38

to Villa Agape.

Saturday, Oct 13 – After one last view of Florence from the terraces of Villa Agape, we board our

private bus for Lombardy and the birthplace of Pope John XXIII, Sotto il Monte (“under the Mountain”)

(http://www.papagiovanni.com/english/index.htm). We arrive before lunch, seeing the room in the

farmhouse where Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born on November 25, 1881. We will also see St.

Mary’s, his parish church. In 1892, when he was 11, the future pope travelled the 16 kilometers to

Bergamo, a regional capital and home to the diocesan seminary. In this charming hill town, we will take

in the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Monteverdi was maestro di cappella

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamo). Across the piazza lies the Duomo (cathedral) which dates from

the 9th century and was redesigned by Carlo Fontana in the 17

th century

(http://cattedraledibergamo.it/virtual-tour). Time permitting, we can walk to Piazza Vecchia and then

down Via Bartolomeo Colleoni to Via Salvecchio and the seminary Angelo Roncalli attended; it opened

in 1567, just three years after the Council of Trent. Its sponsor was St. Charles Borromeo, then the

Archbishop of Milan. He would later become the subject of scholarly study and a spiritual exemplar for

the Father Roncalli. Along the way we, can put together a quick lunch to be eaten on the bus or at our rest

stop, Lake Garda’s Sirmione and its 13th century Scaliger Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirmione).

We arrive in Padua in time for dinner at our lodgings, Casa del Pellegrino

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_San_Miniato_al_Monte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medici_Chapel

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/florence-san-lorenzo

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/florence-san-lorenzo

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/santa_apollonia_.html

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/museum_of_san_marco.html

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/David_by_michelangelo.html

http://www.palazzo-medici.it/eng/home.htm

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/chapel_of_the_magi.html

http://www.chiesasantamarianovella.it/en

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/san_miniato.html

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/Pitti_palace.html

http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/boboli_garden.html

http://www.papagiovanni.com/english/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamo

http://cattedraledibergamo.it/virtual-tour

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirmione

(http://www.casadelpellegrino.com/), situated across the street from the Pontifical Basilica of Saint

Anthony of Padua (http://www.basilicadelsanto.org/ing/home.asp). We should have no trouble finding it

as the saint is a stalwart guide to all who have lost or misplaced items! After dinner, we take a fifteen

minute walk down Via San Francesco, turning at Via Zabarela to visit Scrovegni Chapel and the world-

renowned frescos by Giotto

(http://www.artble.com/artists/giotto_di_bondone/paintings/scrovegni_chapel_frescoes)

(http://www.giottoagliscrovegni.it/eng/home.html). We take a different route back to our rooms -- down

Corso Giuseppe Garabaldi to Via Santa Lucia passing Piazza dei Signori

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_sudani/5231792239/). We then follow Via Fiume to Piazza dei Frutti

to admire Palazzo della Ragione (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_della_Ragione,_Padua). From

there, we follow Via San Francesco back to Casa del Pellegrino and a sound night’s sleep.

Sunday, Oct 14 – We rise early to attend morning Mass at the Basilica of St Anthony (6:30AM) and then

have breakfast. Time permitting, we walk through Padua to the train station, taking the 9:30AM regionale

to Santa Lucia Station located on one of the historic islands of Venice. The Grand Canal

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canal_(Venice)) stretches out before us as we proceed straight to the

vaporetto (waterbus) ticket booth to purchase (and validate!) our seven euro ticket for a cruise down this

waterway on Route #1 to Piazza San Marco (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco). If the line

is not too long, we can make a visit to the Basilica of San Marco

(http://www.jssgallery.org/Essay/Venice/San_Marco/Basilica_San_Marco/Basilica_San_Marco.htm) at

this time. We then take in the bustling Piazza San Marco

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco) itself, as we dodge the pigeons in an effort to visit three

extraordinary civic museums: Museo Correr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Correr) which

preserves the collections of prominent Venetian families; the Archeological Museum, comprised of

locally discovered Greek and Roman objects and the public rooms of Sansovino’s Library

(http://blog.arounder.com/aroundertouch/libreria-marciana-venezia-world-exclusive-virtual-tour/). In fact,

we are visiting the buildings that form the colonnaded perimeter of Piazza San Marco, which took its final

form in the early 19th century. In the late afternoon, we will enter the Doge’s Palace to explore its 1000

years of history and intrigue

(http://www.italyguides.it/us/venice_italy/doge_s_palace/doge_s_palace.htm)

(http://www.aviewoncities.com/venice/palazzoducale.htm). We leave Piazza San Marco in the direction

of the Rialto Bridge, passing the ornate San Moise Church

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/sanmarco.htm#sanmoise) (Salita San Moise). Not far and across a

small canal, we come to Santa Maria del Giglio (Zobenigo) (Sestiere S. Marco 3895)

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/sanmarco.htm#santamariadelgig). Following Calle Fenice, we arrive

at Campo Sant’Angelo and soon pass Santo Stefano

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/sanmarco.htm#santostef), which had to be re-consecrated six times

because of repeated bloodshed within its walls. We are now at the foot of a great open piazza that signals

the Rialto Bridge (http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/rialto_bridge.htm) is just ahead. Crossing

over the Grand Canal to the other side puts us in what was once a vast knot of storehouses and markets,

but we must make our way to dinner, a twenty minute walk to a restaurant on Strada Nuova, where we

have reservations. We retrace our steps to Campo Sant’Angelo and walk up Calle Mandola which takes

us nearly to Calle Oro and the Church of San Salvador

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/sanmarco.htm#sansal) (San Marco 4835). Although the street


http://www.basilicadelsanto.org/ing/home.asp

http://www.artble.com/artists/giotto_di_bondone/paintings/scrovegni_chapel_frescoes

http://www.giottoagliscrovegni.it/eng/home.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ana_sudani/5231792239/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_della_Ragione,_Padua

changes its name four times, it makes a straight path nearly to Strata Nova. At the end of this stretch we

come upon Calle Dolfin where we find San Giovanni Crisostomo

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/cannaregio.htm#sangiovgrist) (Campo San Giovanni Crisostomo,

Venezia, 5835) which has a mature work by Giovanni Bellini in one of its side chapels. Just over another

canal lies Santi Apostoli (http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/cannaregio.htm#santiapost), famous for its

early Renaissance chapel. And just a block or two beyond this church is our restaurant. After a restorative

meal, we walk to the train station, passing the churches of Saint Fosca

(http://www.churchesofvenice.co.uk/cannaregio.htm#santafosc) (Cannaregio 2233/A) and Santa Maria di

Nazareth (Scalzi) (http://www.invenicetoday.com/art-tour/churches/cannaregio/scalzi.htm) (Fondamenta

Scalzi Cannaregio 30100), arriving in good time to catch the 10:17pm regionale to Padua and home.

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