Tuesday, August 9
Day 1 - DEPART -
Depart US via best connections for our overnight flight with dinner arriving the next day. We will be served complimentary beverages, in-flight movies, dinner and breakfast aloft.
Wednesday, August 10
Day 2 - ROME
We arrive in Rome this morning where time permitting, we will tour her sites, passing the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We conclude our day at one of the Catacombs, burial place of early Christians. We celebrate Mass here and view the 2nd and 3rd century fresco paintings. Continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Thursday, August 11
Day 3-ROME
This morning, we begin our day at St. Peter’s where we will celebrate Mass. Afterwards, we will see the treasures of the Vatican Museum. We will marvel at recently restored frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the wonders of St. Peter’s. This afternoon, we will tour the sites: we will visit the Coliseum, St Peter in Chains and view Michelangelo's Moses and the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome. First built in the fourth century, the Basilica was the site of five ecumenical councils between the 12th and 16th centuries. The Popes resided in the Palace from the time of Constantine until 1304 when they moved to Avignon. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Friday, August 12
Day 4– ROME
This morning we visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, second in size only to St. Peters. We make our way to St. Mary Major. This is the first church dedicated to the Blessed Mother, first built in the fifth century following the Council of Ephesus. After lunch we visit the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Saturday, August 13
Day 5 - ROME/ASSISI/ROME
This morning we depart for our day trip to Assisi. Our first stop will be in the lower town for a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, and the Portiuncula, Francis' Church of the Little Portion. After our visit to the Basilica of St. Mary, we begin our walking tour of the village. Included, will be a visit to the Church of St. Clare to view the crucifix that spoke to St. Francis. If possible, we will celebrate Mass at St. Clare’s. We pass by the famous Temple of Minerva in the Piazza del Comune. We continue on to the Basilica of St. Francesco. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
Sunday, August 14
Day 6 – ROME/MADRID
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Madrid arriving later this today. Dinner on your own and overnight at our hotel.
Monday, August 15
FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
Day 7 – MADRID
Following our hot buffet breakfast this morning we are free to explore on our own using the wonderful Madrid public transportation system, today and throughout the week This afternoon, we attend World Youth Day Opening ceremonies at ________. Return to our hotel for overnight. Meals during WYD are provided by the WYD Committee.
Tuesday, August 16 -Tuesday, August 23
Day 8-15 – REGULAR WYD ITINERARY |