SUNDAY, JUNE 21 – Day 1: DEPART U.S.A.
Depart this evening on an overnight flight to Rome from Newark or Philadelphia. Dinner and breakfast are served on the plane.
MONDAY, JUNE 22 – Day 2: ARRIVAL IN MILAN
Upon arrival in Milan’s Malpensa Airport, we are met by our professional English speaking tour manager and transferred to the city center for a guided walking tour including Santa Maria delle Grazie, where we may see the “Last Supper” Fresco by Leonardo da Vinci, (TBC). The magnificent Duomo is our next stop. The third largest church in the world after Saint Peter’s in Rome and the Cathedral of Seville, the Cathedral contains 3,500 statues, including 96 gargoyles. The Cathedral is crowned by the statue of the Virgin Mary, best known as the “Madonnina”, covered in gold. Following a light lunch on your own, we explore Montenapoleone Street, the fashion area of the city and see La Scala Opera House (outside view). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Milan area (D.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 23 – Day 3: WORLD FAIR – EXPO 2015
Milan is hosting EXPO 2015, the largest worldwide event ever organized on the theme of food. The EXPO – World’s Fair is organized every five years to bring the world together around a theme of global importance. The theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” will offer us a jouney around the world, through cultures and innovation of over 140 participating countries. 60 pavilions will highlight interactive and thematic settings dedicated to culture and culinary traditions. We visit the U.S. and the Italian pavilions and have a chance to sample truck food from all parts of America and the best of Italian food and wine. Overnight Milan area. Dinner is on your own tonight. (B.)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 – Day 4: SHROUD OF TURIN
After breakfast, we travel to Turin see Duomo di San Giovanni and the Holy Shroud. We celebrate Mass in the Cathedral. The Archdiocese of Turin, custodian of the Shroud of Turin, has announced that the shroud, venerated by many as the burial cloth of Christ, will be on public display April 19 – June 24, 2015. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit Turin as well. The public display will coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint John Bosco, the founder of the Salesians. “The Greatest Love.” We also see the tomb of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. A Turin native, fun-loving, avid athlete, devout Catholic, and benefactor of the poor called the “Saint for Youth of the Third Millennium”, he was beatified by John Paul II in 1990. So revered is the Blessed Frassati, his relics were carried to World Youth Day in Spain in 2011 and again to World Youth day in Brazil in 2013. We see Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of Turin, Piazza Castello, and visit Basilica di Superga, dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Not to be missed in Turin is the “Bicirin”, a warm drink combining layers of coffee, chocolate, and cream. Tonight dinner is on your own at Eatily, a food emporium where one can see the slow food movement at its best. The Slow Food movement began in Turin as a reaction to fast food and got its start in protest to the opening of a McDonald’s near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Here we discover the best food and wine from all over Italy. Overnight in the Turin area. (B.)
THURSDAY, JUNE 25 – Day 5: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF DON BOSCO – MODENA
Today we visit places associated with Saint John Bosco. The Basilica of Maria Ausiliatrice (Our Lady Help of Christians) is where we see the tombs of Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello. We visit the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, where Don Bosco started his second Oratory in the city. Even today the Oratory is the refuge for the poorest young people in Turin. We drive to “Colle Don Bosco” (1 hour drive) where on August 16, 1815, Saint John Bosco was born. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica dedicated to Saint Bosco and explore the sites associated with his life. We then drive to Modena where we settle into our hotel. Tonight, dinner is at Trattoria La Busa where we taste the best of homemade Modena cuisine: “Tortellini” (homemade pasta filled with meat), “Carrello del bolliti” (stew meats), and other local specialties. Overnight in Modena. (B. Special Dinner)
FRIDAY, JUNE 26 – Day 6: TASTES OF MODENA – TUSCANY
Following Mass we explore Modena, best known for its cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Balsamic vinegar. This morning, we visit a local farm to see cheese masters at work repeating the ancient gestures of processing milk in a very special way to make the famous cheese. After lunch, we discover the secret of Balsamic vinegar, which is one of Modena’s most authentic products, steeped in local tradition. Next stop is the region of Tuscany, where we settle into a comfortable villa hotel and enjoy dinner in a magnificent setting. Overnight Tuscany. (B.L.D.)
SATURDAY, JUNE 27 – Day 7: VINEYARDS OF TUSCANY – SIENA
Tuscany is perhaps the most famous of all the Italian regions. This fact has no doubt been perpetuated by the romance of the endless rolling hills and cypress-lined country roads. The region is also home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vernaccia di san Gimignana, and Montepulciano are among the most famous. Enjoy a wine-making class and tasting in ancient historical cellars. Mass is celebrated today in Siena, where we see the relics of Saint Catherine. Tonight is dedicated to Tuscan food, as we are introduced to some of the best dishes the region has to offer. Father Leo cooks for us along with the local Italian chef. Overnight in a villa in Tuscany. (B.L. Special dinner)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28 – Day 8: ORVIETO – ROME
We arrive in Orvieto this morning to celebrate Mass at the beautiful Basilica of Orvieto and see the Miracle of the Eucharist of Bolsena. Following some leisure time we enjoy lunch along with a taste of one of the most famous Italian white wines. Orvieto Superiore D.O.C. Continue to Rome and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, which we explore before settling into the hotel. Dinner is at the hotel. (B.L.D.)
MONDAY, JUNE 29 – Day 9: CHRISTIAN & ANCIENT ROME
This morning we celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, containing many relics including a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. Visit the Holy Stairs and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the former residence of the popes. Our walking tour takes us to the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and Piazza Navone. Dinner is on your own tonight. Overnight in Rome. (B.)
TUESDAY, JUNE 30 – Day 10: DAY AT LEISURE IN ROME
Today enjoy the Eternal City at your pace. You may choose to visit the Vatican Museum, take a full-day excursion to Pompeii and Naples, or soak up the great atmosphere in Rome and shop for religious goods which will be blessed tomorrow. Dinner on your own. (Optional tour to Pompeii and Naples with lunch is $149.00). Overnight in Rome. (B.)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 – Day 11: PAPAL AUDIENCE
This morning attend the weekly Papal Audience, one of the highlights of our trip as we are blessed by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Following the audience and blessing of the gifts, enjoy lunch on your own. Father Leo is an expert on Roman restaurants and he can recommend several of his favorite places for lunch. We gather again in the afternoon for a guided visit of the grandest church in Christendom, Saint Peter’s Basilica, built on the site where Saint Peter was martyred. Return to the hotel to relax before departing to a local restaurant for our farewell dinner. (B. Special dinner)
THURSDAY, JULY 2 – Day 12: RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport for the flight back to U.S. (B.)
YOUR COMPREHENSIVE RATE INCLUDES:
- Roundtrip airfare Newark or Philadelphia to Rome (Airport tax and fuel surcharge of $669.00 included & subject to change at the time of final invoice based on airline rates)
- Accommodations in four-star hotels
- Open buffet breakfast daily
- Dinners per itinerary
- Coffee, tea, and water are served at all meals
- Private air conditioned bus
- English speaking tour director
- Daily Mass arrangements
- Local hotel taxes
- Baggage handling for one suitcase per person only included at the hotels
- Parking fees for buses
- Select International Tours Travel Portfolio
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: Personal expenses, airline baggage fees, medical and travel insurance, meals not specified, beverages with meals, tips and gratuities for guide, driver and wait staff, church donation, any items not mentioned in inclusions. Shipping/handling fee: $15.00 per person.
Recommend an additional $180.00 per person for tips & church donations.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
COST: $4,975.00 per person
Deposits and final payment: A deposit of $750.00 per person should accompany the registration form along with your optional insurance payment and copies of your passport picture page by January 23, 2015. Final payment is due April 25, 2015. Please mail your payment to : Select International Tours, 85 Park Ave., Flemington, NJ 08822, Attn: Susan Prendergast.
Airline seating and special requests: The seats are assigned by the airlines. We do not reserve specific seats with the airline. You may change your seat at the airport prior to departure. All special fees and requests due to medical or dietary restrictions must be requested in writing. Mileage program information can be added directly by the passenger at airport prior to departure. Business class seats are available upon request as are add-ons from your hometown airport.
Not included: Tips (suggested $180.00 per person additional), beverages unless noted, Mass collection & church donations, extra baggage, travel insurance which is highly recommended for the protection of your trip investment, items not noted in “Your Tour Includes”.
Single supplement: A few single rooms are available for an additional $795.00 per person. Prices are based on two people per room. Should your roommate cancel you are subject to the single supplement charge.
Land Only Option: $3,595.00 per person
Baggage: Each participant is allowed to check (1) suitcase weighing no more than 50 lbs., and one small carry-on bag on the plane. Airline baggage fees are not included. Please check the specific baggage fees on the airline website.
Tour Cancellation Policy: Up to 90 days prior to departure a reservation fee of $500.00 is withheld. Within 60 days of departure all payments are non-refundable regardless of reason for cancellations. All cancellations must be in writing. Unused portions of the trip are not refundable. we strongly urge you to purchase Trip Cancellation/Travel Insurance at an additional $322.00 per person for Basic Coverage, or Cancel for Any Reason policy, which we recommend at $483.00 per person. Additional details and policy information can be found on our website at: www.selectinternationaltours.com
Prices are subject to change based on the number of passengers traveling (minimum 30) and exchange rate at the time of final payment. Exchange rate used for pricing purposes at the time of trip quote was 1.40 USD to Euro. Final price will be calculated at time of final payment.
Responsibility: Select International Tours, tour leaders, and or any travel agency and supplier in connection with this travel program are not responsible for any illness, injury, or loss to person or property, any delay, or extra costs incurred due to the delay or cancellations caused by weather or events beyond anyone’s control. Details of the program are subject to change based on events beyond the tour company’s control. All other terms and conditions are as per our website, www.selectinternationaltours.com. Travel documents will be sent to the group organizer approximately 3 weeks before departure date, pending all payments are received on time.
Shipping & Handling: $15.00 per person – not included in package price will be added to each invoice.
Call Select International toll free at 800-842-4842
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