Wed, Oct 20

PAPAL AUDIENCE & VATICAN TOUR

Witness, this morning, the Pope’s splendid entrance, accompanied by the Swiss guards, as you experience an emotional and unforgettable day with His Holiness. The audience is either held in the Papal Audience Hall, or St. Peter's Square. The Pope will address the audience in several languages and will conclude with an apostolic blessing.  Then enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, which is one of the most splendid museums in all the world.  Begin your visit with the Corte della Pigna where you expert guide will introduce you to the history and beauty of the Sistine Chapel. Continue your tour to see the hall featuring Greco-Roman sculptures, the Hall of Tapestries, featuring magnificent 16th century Flemish tapestries executed from Raphael’s designs; and the Maps Gallery, a 120-foot long gallery, hung with interesting ancient maps.  The completion of the tour occurs in the Sistine Chapel, the Pope’s official private chapel where election conclaves are held.  In order to respect its reverence, the Vatican has requested silence during your visit.  Be sure to view Michelangelo’s ‘Creation” and the famous ‘Last Judgment’ before leaving the Chapel.  Upon exiting the chapel, you’ll find yourselves at the most western end of St. Peter's Square, one of the most beautiful and famous in the world, surrounded by Bernini's imposing colonnade that seems to "embrace" it with its 284 columns. In the background, the massive structure of the Basilica with its gigantic facade, the largest church in Christendom. After your tour spend the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure for independent activities and dining.

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL VITTORIO VENETO, ROME

Thu, Oct 21

MONTE CASSINO & POMPEI

Leaving Rome travel southeast through the scenic Italian countryside to the town of Cassino, of Roman origin, rebuilt since its destruction in World War II and home of the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the cradle of the Benedictine order, founded by St. Benedict in 529.  It was here that intellectual study and manual labor were combined with the virtues of chastity, obedience and poverty.  In the Abbey see the displays of medieval monastic art and other artifacts and the Basilica’s richly stucco and mosaic decorations. Pilgrims still come to pray before the relics of St. Benedict and his sister, St. Scholastica.  After your tour, drive south for sightseeing of splendid and fascinating Pompeii, the ancient city where, 20 centuries ago, the volcano Vesuvio erupted.  You will be amazed as you walk through the Roman Forum, the Market Place and Home of the Vetti.  The narrow streets and luxurious villas of this sumptuous town are literally frozen in time.  After spending some time at leisure in Pompeii drive a few miles to Sorrento, a town of beautiful gardens and sunsets, sung by poets and writers.  Here Ulysses resisted the call of the sirens, plugged his crew’s ears with wax and made them lash him to the mast of his ship.  It is also the birthplace of Tasso, the author of ‘Jerusalem Delivered.’ Luxuriant plantations of orange and lemon trees are the pride of the people of Sorrento.  Check into your hotel where the evening is free for individual pursuits and dining.

OVERNIGHT:  grand parco hotel, sorrento

Fri, Oct 22

DAY TRIP TO CAPRI

Enjoy a full day excursion by taking a ferry to Capri, a small paradise encircled by a crystal clear deep blue sea. This famous and romantic island is dotted with grottos and abounds with olive trees and vineyards. The fame of the island dates back to 27 AD when Emperor Tiberius spent ten years in retirement there.  Your local guide will relate the stories of magnificence, profligacy and horrors during his residence but will also show you the highlights of the island and what life is like nowadays.  Then enjoy some free time to explore the town of Capri on your own.  You may choose to relax and sip a coffee in the piazza or shop some of the elegant designer shops Capri has to offer.  Return to Sorrento for a free evening.

OVERNIGHT:  grand parco hotel, sorrento

Sat, Oct. 23

SORRENTO TO ROME

Depart Sorrento this morning and enjoy the scenic Italian countryside as you travel northwest to the Eternal City of Rome.  Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and check in once again.  The balance of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore the city on your own.  Nowhere more than in Rome can one get a sense of the continuity of Italian civilization.  In the streets or on the piazza, in the gardens and churches, or in front of the palaces, the visitor will understand why Rome has always considered itself a capital, eternally renewing herself and finding strength in her rich past. In the evening you are free to choose from the many restaurants and cafés that Rome has to offer.

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL VITTORIO VENETO, ROME

Sun, Oct. 24

EXCURSION TO LANCIANO

This morning journey northeast to the coast of the Mediterranean to visit the town of Lanciano, another site of the Eucharistic miracle. The body and blood of Christ are displayed in a monstrance in the cathedral near the main square.  Lanciano, built on three hills, is situated 12 km from the coast. The oldest church in town is that of S. Biagio. Until the 17^th century, the life of Lanciano revolved around commercial traffic and the sea. A twice-yearly fair attracted merchants from Holland, Germany, Turkey, Albania and Greece.  After some leisure time for independent activities board the coach and return to Rome.

In the evening join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and music at a local restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL VITTORIO VENETO, ROME

Mon, Oct. 25

 RETURN TO THE UNITED STATESPRIVATE

Sadly, today your Italian vacation has come to its final day.  Transfer to Rome Airport in good time to check in for your flight.  You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then board your aircraft and fly back to the United States.