Rome, Assisi, Florence
February 25 - March 4, 2012
Beginning with a retreat in Assisi, the birthplace and hometown of Francis, one of history’s most renowned and beloved figures, this quaint and tranquil city is the perfect setting for a retreat with Matthew. The retreat will focus on the life and teachings of Francis and the modern relevance of these in our daily lives.
From Assisi we will visit Florence and discover the wonders of Giotto’s Bell Tower, Santa Maria del Flore, and Michelangelo’s David, to name just a few.
Then we will explore the magnificence of The Eternal City, Rome by day and by night is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Whether it’s having a quiet lunch with old and new friends in Piazza Navona, attending a Papal audience, eating gelato at the Trevi Fountain, standing in the Sistine Chapel gazing up at the ceiling, exploring Vatican City, or wandering through the Colosseum . . . this is an adventure not to be missed!
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - USA - Rome
Travel Day
Day 2 - Arrive Rome - Assisi
Arrive in Rome, Italy. Meet with group and board buses for transfer to hotel in Assisi. Dinner in hotel and free time.
Day 3 - Assisi
Have breakfast in hotel, and then enjoy a morning tour of Assisi.
We will explore the quaint hilltop birthplace of St. Francis that still retains something of the atmosphere of the early 1200s, the period when St. Francis began his ministry. Contained within the huge 13th-century Basilica are many of the saint's possessions and a series of frescoes depicting his life. You may kneel before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St. Francis, asking him to rebuild His church. It was in St. Mary of the Angels Basilica where St. Francis spent most of his life. Here we visit the Chapel, Portiuncola, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retired for prayer. We will stroll the medieval streets of the compact little town. After stopping at an outdoor cafe with a view of an ancient Roman temple, we go to the Church of St. Clare to see the saint's incorrupt body. The foundress of the Order of Poor Clares followed the teachings of St Francis by living a life of poverty and humility.
Afternoon conferences/workshops led by Matthew Kelly.
Day 4 - Assisi
Retreat day; conferences/workshops led by Matthew Kelly.
Day 5 – Assisi - Florence
Have breakfast in hotel, and then depart for a day trip to Florence.
Upon arrival we will enjoy a guided tour of Florence which includes magnificent Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, The Baptistry's heavy bronze "Gate of Paradise" the Academy of Fine Arts containing many treasures, the Ponte Vecchio, The Duomo, whose magnificent dome was created by Brunelleschi. Enjoy lunch and free time.
Return trip to Assisi.
Day 6 – Assisi - Rome
Have breakfast in hotel and mass, then board buses and depart for Rome. Enjoy free afternoon for exploration.
Day 7 - Rome
Have breakfast in hotel, then depart for the Vatican.
We will attend the Papal Blessing (if available). After receiving our blessing we continue on for a sightseeing tour of a lifetime! The tour includes three major Basilicas: St. Mary Major, one of the oldest shrines dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, a shrine that contains a relic from the manger of the infant Jesus. The Basilica of the St. John in Lateran, is the former residence of the popes prior to their return to Rome in 1377. St. Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the remains of St. Paul under its main altar. We will also see the ancient Baths of Caracalla, Arch of Drusus, Chapel "O'Domine Quo Vadis?" the remains of imperial tombs, Tomb of Celilia Metella, and the catacombs of St Callixtus where the early Christians hid themselves to escape persecution. See Cathedral of Rome and the Holy Stairs, Quirinale Square, Trevi Fountain (don't forget to throw in the coin), Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8 - Rome
Have breakfast in hotel, then on to Vatican City!
Visit the Vatican Museums, a group of most impressive edifices with hundreds of galleries filled with art treasures. See awe-inspiring relics and works of art donated throughout centuries as tributes of faith. We'll cover The Tapestry Gallery, The Raphael Rooms and the most overwhelming Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's Masterpiece, restored mural of the Last Judgment. Later, enter the largest church in Christendom St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St Peter was martyred. Unsurpassed in beauty, a monument to the long history of the Catholic Church, to which pilgrims come from around the world, St Peter's is the grandest of the world's churches. Marvel Pieta and Bernini's amazing bronze canopy. If possible we will schedule Scavi Tours for this afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 9 - Rome - USA
Depart from Rome for our return flight to the USA.
Filled with cherished memories, we fondly say, Arrivederci Roma!