MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours

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MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
MAKE IT MEMORABLE

ISRAEL   GERMANY    ITALY   GREECE
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
Create and deliver one-of-a-kind
   experiences that become
       lifelong memories
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ABOUT US   Amiel Tours was founded in 1976 as a family-owned company. It
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           of-a-kind moments that resonate for a lifetime.

           Amiel Global is a full-service B2B company.

           The aim of Amiel Global is to create wonderful and unforgettable
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MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
GERMANY
Tracing Luther
 8 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival in Germany, visit of Berlin       Day 2: Wittenberg, Eisleben

Arrive at Berlin airport, welcome to Germany!    After an early breakfast, depart for
                                                 Lutherstadt Wittenberg. Wittenberg is one of
Meet your tour guide and bus and start
                                                 the most important cities of Luther as he is
touring Berlin, the capital of the reunified
                                                 said to have nailed his 95 theses on the door
Germany. The tour includes all the important
                                                 of the Castle Church. Visit the Luther House,
highlights like the Brandenburg Gate, the
                                                 the town hall, the old city and the Town and
Reichstag (seat of the Parliament) and its
                                                 Parish Church St. Marien, the oldest building
cupola, the Nikolai Quarter, the impressive
                                                 in Wittenberg. After a quick lunch proceed
boulevard “Unter den Linden”, the Museum
                                                 to Eisleben to visit both houses where Luther
Island,   the     Gendarmen-Market,      the
                                                 was born in 1483 and died in 1546.
Alexanderplatz and Check-Point Charlie.
                                                 Dinner and overnight in Eisleben.
Check in a the hotel and some time at leisure.

Welcome dinner.

Overnight in Berlin.
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
Day 5: Nuremberg, Augsburg

                                                                                                    Drive to Nuremberg. According to Luther,       Augsburg was also the site of the Imperial
                                                                                                    Nuremberg was “the eye and the ear of          Diet in 1530 at which Protestants argued their
                                                                                                    Germany”: in those days there were 21          commitment to their confession. In the town
                                                                                                    printing houses of news. Take a walk through   hall, the Peace of Augsburg was signed in
                                                                                                    the Old Town including Albrecht-Dürer-         1555, ending the religious wars in Germany
                                                                                                    House and the churches St. Lorenz and St.      between the Catholics and the Protestants at
                                                                                                    Sebald. Continue to Augsburg. It was here      least for some time.
                                                                                                    in 1518 at St. Anna’s Church that Luther met
                                                                                                                                                   Dinner and overnight in Augsburg.
                                                                                                    the papal legate, Cardinal Cajetan, who
                                                                                                    demanded that Luther submit to the pope.

Day 3: Eisleben, Erfurt                           Day 4: Eisenach, Coburg

The tour of Eisleben includes a visit to the      Explore Eisenach, including the Luther-
Church of St. Peter and Paul, St. Andrew’s        House, and St. Georg’s Church, where
Church, St. Anne’s Church and the Old Town        J.S. Bach was baptized, and St. Elisabeth
with its charming historical houses. Continue     was married. Next station of the day is
to Erfurt and start with a walking tour           Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated
through the Old City. Discover the Merchants’     the New Testament from Greek into German.
Bridge (Krämerbrücke), the longest series         Nowadays one can visit the cell where he
of inhabited buildings on any bridge in           lived and worked. Continue to Coburg. The
Europe, the Fish Market, the Town Hall, the       Veste Coburg is one of the largest and best-
Merchant’s Church, the Luther Memorial            preserved medieval castle complexes of
and the Anger (central square of the city).       Germany. During the Augsburg Confession
Visit also St. Mary’s Cathedral. Erfurt played    (1530) Luther took refuge and lived there for
an important role in Luther’s life as it was      six months. After exploring the fortress, visit
there that he decided to become a monk. We        also the Historical City.
will visit the Augustinian Monastery with its
dome and stained-glass window choir. The          Dinner and overnight in Coburg.
tour will also take us to the cell where Luther
lived during his stay in the monastery. In the
evening drive to Eisenach.

Dinner and overnight in Eisenach.
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
Day 6: Dachau, Munich                                                                            Day 8: Depart

Visit to Dachau Concentration Camp.             the Marienplatz with the town hall and           After check out transfer to Munich airport
Here we will visit the museum with its          its “Glockenspiel” (carillon) along with the     and fly back home.
reconstructed barracks and crematorium          “Frauen-kirche” (Church of Our Lady) with its
where the Holocaust is documented. From         distinctive onion dome towers. Finish the day
here we make our way to Munich. After           with a nice stroll through Viktualienmarkt.
arriving there, enjoy a walking tour through
the historic Old City of Munich. It consists    Dinner and overnight in Munich.
of famous buildings and squares, including

Day 7: Neuschwanstein, Munich

Explore Germany’s most visited castle:          became world famous. The majestic facade
Neuschwanstein, perched high up on a            conceals an unbelievable splendor inside:
mountain in the Alps. The shimmering            very exquisite furniture, luxurious decors and
white towers of the castle almost touching      masterly artistry. In the afternoon transfer
the clouds are instantly recognizable to        back to Munich for a farewell dinner at the
many. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was       famous Hofbräuhaus.
inspired by Neuschwanstein. To visit it is to
step inside a fairy tale. “Mad“ King Ludwig     Dinner and overnight in Munich.
II realized this architectural dream and it
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
AUSTRIA &
GERMANY
 8 DAYS

Day 1: Arrival in Austria, visit of Vienna

Arrive at Vienna airport! Welcome to Austria!

Meet your tour guide and depending on the
time of arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of
the city. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Vienna.
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
Day 2: Vienna

Explore the beautiful city of Vienna with its   the famous Spanish Riding School are               Day 5: Salzburg, Herrenchiemsee, Munich            Day 6: Munich
endless number of attractions. Along the        not only architectural highlights but also
famous Ringstrasse you will see the State       interesting for their history. In the afternoon,   After breakfast, take a short drive to Prien       Explore the highlights of Munich, the
Opera House, Hofburg, Art and Natural           we will visit the magnificent showrooms of         on the banks of Lake Chiemsee. After a boat        Bavarian Capital. See the historic city
History Museum, Parliament, City Hall and       Schönbrunn Palace, Empress Sisi’s former           trip we reach the calm island Herreninsel          center’s most famous churches, monuments
National Theatre. Stop at Stephansdom           summer residence. Dinner tonight is served         for a visit of one of Germany’s loveliest royal    and squares, including the Old Town Hall, St
(St. Stephen’s Cathedral) and the Sacher        at a typical “Heurigen”-restaurant with some       attractions, the magnificent Herrenchiemsee        Peter’s Church, Viktualienmarkt, Odeonsplatz
Café, famous for its Sacher Torte (chocolate    wine included.                                     Palace. Built in the 19th century by King          and the Munich Residenz. The tour continues
gateau).    The      colorfully   decorated                                                        Ludwig II, this royal landmark sits among          to the Palace of Nymphenburg, the former
                                                Overnight in Vienna.
Hundertwasser House, the Hofburg and
                                                                                                   picturesque Bavarian scenery of majestic           summer residence of the Bavarian elector
                                                                                                   lakes and mountains. With elegant gardens,         princes and kings with its beautiful and
                                                                                                   walkways and ornate interiors of gold, glass       spacious gardens. You will visit the palace
                                                                                                   and porcelain, this palace reflects pure           and its magnificent interiors such as the
                                                                                                   opulence. Some even say that many of its           Baroque Steinerne Saal, the Gallery of
                                                                                                   features, like the vast Hall of Mirrors, surpass   Beauties (“Schönheitengalerie”) and a look
                                                                                                   that of the Palace of Versailles. After the tour   at the chamber where King Ludwig II was
                                                                                                   in the castle, enjoy and explore the gardens,      born. Afternoon free time.
                                                                                                   the park, and the big fountains. Return boat
                                                                                                                                                      Overnight in Munich.
                                                                                                   trip to Prien, from where we continue to
                                                                                                   Munich, the capital of Bavaria.

                                                                                                   Dinner and overnight in Munich.

Day 3: Vienna, Salzburg                         Day 4: Salzburg

Travel alongside the Danube through the         Visit Mozart’s Birth House and Mozart’s
famous “Wienerwald”. Situated high above        Residence. The house in which the great
the river is the monastery of Melk. It is       composer was born in 1756 is now one
part of the UNESCO world heritage and a
                                                of the most frequently visited museums
landmark of the region. Continue following
                                                in the world. At Mozart’s Residence the
the Danube and shortly before the city
                                                biographies of the family members and the
of Linz leave the Danube in the direction
of Salzburg. Pass some famous lakes of          authentic impressions of everyday family life
the region, such as: Mondsee, Attersee,         are displayed. Later we will get an overview
Wallersee and Wolfgangsee. Arrive at the        of the most popular sights and some of the
city of Salzburg, the hometown of Wolfgang      original filming locations of the film and
Amadeus Mozart.                                 musical “The Sounds of Music”. See the
                                                Carillon, Salzburg Cathedral, Franciscan
Dinner and overnight in Salzburg.
                                                Church, Mozart Square, Hofstallgasse,
                                                Hohensalzburg Fortress, St. Peter’s Abbey,
                                                and Mirabell Palace and Gardens in baroque
                                                style.

                                                Dinner and overnight in Salzburg.
MAKE IT MEMORABLE ISRAEL GERMANY ITALY GREECE - Amiel Tours
Day 7: Munich, Neuschwanstein,                    Day 8: Travel Day
Oberammergau
                                                  After check out, transfer to Munich airport
                                                                                                GERMANY
                                                                                                Fairytale castles
Visit Germany’s most visited castle:              and fly back home.
Neuschwanstein, perched high up on a
mountain in the Alps. The shimmering
white towers of the castle almost touching        Specials:
the clouds are instantly recognizable to          • Dinner at a “Heurigen”-restaurant in
many. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was           Vienna                                       7 DAYS
inspired by Neuschwanstein. To visit it is to     • “The sound of music”-tour in Salzburg
step inside a fairy tale. “Mad“ King Ludwig       • Boat tour on Lake Chiemsee from Prien to    Day 1: Frankfurt - Würzburg
II realized this architectural dream and it       • Herreninsel and back to Prien               Arrive at Frankfurt Airport.
became world famous. The majestic facade          • Carriage on Herreninsel to the palace and   Welcome to Germany!
conceals an unbelievable splendor inside:           backwards
very exquisite furniture, luxurious decors and                                                  Meet and greet by your English-speaking       orientation city tour followed by a welcome
                                                                                                guide. Depending on the arrival time, you     dinner at a local restaurant.
masterly artistry. In the afternoon continue to
                                                                                                will go on a sightseeing tour in Frankfurt.
a small, picturesque village in the Alps which                                                                                                Overnight in Würzburg.
                                                                                                Transfer to the hotel in Würzburg. Enjoy an
is known all over the world. Oberammergau,
the “Passion Play Village with Heart” is about
1 hour drive from Neuschwanstein. Explore
the lovely village, the museum, the parish
church and visit a woodcarving workshop.
Farewell-dinner will take place in a nice local
restaurant.

Overnight in Oberammergau
Day 2: Würzburg, Coburg, Bayreuth

The former episcopal’s palace Würzburg            artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo are world
is among the oldest buildings and most            famous. In the afternoon, travel to Coburg
beautiful of Germany. During a guided             for a visit of the Veste, the fortress where
walking tour, you will pass many of the sights    Martin Luther took refuge and lived during
that make up the city’s history: the Falkenhaus   the Peace of Augsburg. The tour includes a
with its rococo facade, the Gothic Chapel         visit and an explanation of the Ducal Palace
of St. Mary, the Market Square, the historic      (“Fürstenbau”) with guests’ living room,
Town Hall, Neumünster church and the Alte         Luther Chapel und private living rooms of
Mainbrücke (Old Bridge across the river           Duke Carl Eduard von Sachsen-Coburg und
Main) with a marvelous view of the Fortress       Gotha, the Old German Art Collection (late
Marienberg. Visit Residenz, a UNESCO World        medieval paintings and sculptures, including
Heritage Site. The palace was designed by         the “Gandersheimer Evangeliar”), the
Balthasar Neumann and built from 1720             Hunting Room, the Banqueting Hall (“Große
through 1744. It is considered one of the most    Hofstube”) (Court Weapons) and Luther’s
important palaces in Europe. The ceiling          Rooms. Drive to Bayreuth.
frescoes above the grand staircase and in
                                                  Overnight in Bayreuth
the impressive Imperial Hall by the Venetian

                                                                                                 Day 3: Bayreuth, Franconian Switzerland

                                                                                                 Bayreuth has a rich cultural and historical         shows the features of Bayreuth Rococo in
                                                                                                 heritage. Take a city tour to include the           an exemplary way. The particularly notable
                                                                                                 historic center of town, the UNESCO World           rooms of the Margravine’s city residence are
                                                                                                 Heritage Margravial Opera House and Villa           the Garden and Palm Room, Wilhelmine’s
                                                                                                 Wahnfried with the graves of Cosima and             Music Salon and the famous Cabinet of
                                                                                                 Richard Wagner. To round off the tour, climb        Fragmented Mirrors. Drive through the
                                                                                                 the Castle Tower (16th century): from which         typical Franconian Switzerland passing the
                                                                                                 we can enjoy panoramic views of the Festival        village of Tüchersfeld, where timber-framed-
                                                                                                 Theatre and across to the Fichtelgebirge            houses seem to be glued onto the rocks.
                                                                                                 Mountains. The New Castle was the                   Continue through the romantic highland
                                                                                                 residence of the Margraves of Bayreuth.             scenery with chalky, white Jurassic rock cliffs
                                                                                                 Margrave Friedrich and the Prussian Princess        and deep ravines. In the evening, arrive in
                                                                                                 Wilhelmine, sister of Friedrich the Great,          Munich
                                                                                                 were the most outstanding personages of
                                                                                                                                                     Dinner and overnight in Munich.
                                                                                                 Bayreuth in the 18th century. The New Castle
                                                                                                 built by the French architect St. Pierre in 1753,
Day 4: Munich                                                                                        Day 6: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof,
                                                                                                     Oberammergau, Munich
Explore the highlights of Munich, the            spacious gardens. You will visit the palace
Bavarian Capital. See the historic city          and its magnificent interiors such as the           Continue to Germany’s most visited castle:      completed. The Palace, although much
center’s most famous churches, monuments         Baroque Steinerne Saal, the Gallery of              Neuschwanstein, perched high up on a            smaller than Neuschwanstein, also displays
and squares, including the Old Town Hall, St     Beauties (“Schönheitengalerie”) and a look          mountain in the Alps. The shimmering            a unique Neo-Rococo splendor and reflects
Peter’s Church, Viktualienmarkt, Odeonsplatz     at the chamber where King Ludwig II was             white towers of the castle almost touching      King Ludwig’s fascination with the French
and the Munich Residenz. The tour continues      born. Afternoon free time.                          the clouds are instantly recognizable to        Ancient Régime. After the visit, continue to
to the Palace of Nymphenburg, the former                                                             many. Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle was       the “Passion Play village with heart” in the
                                                 Overnight stay in Munich.
summer residence of the Bavarian elector                                                             inspired by Neuschwanstein. To visit it is to   Alps, Oberammergau. You can explore
princes and kings with its beautiful and                                                             step inside a fairy tale. „Mad“ King Ludwig     the lovely village, the museum, the parish
                                                                                                     II realized this architectural dream and it     church and visit a woodcarving workshop.
                                                                                                     became world famous. The majestic facade        Late in the afternoon arrive to our hotel in
                                                                                                     conceals an unbelievable splendor inside:       Munich. Our farewell-dinner will be served
                                                                                                     exquisite furniture, luxurious decors and       in a typical Bavarian restaurant with music
                                                                                                     masterly artistry. The journey will continue    and a “Mass” (1 liter) beer.
                                                                                                     to beautiful Linderhof Palace, which is
                                                                                                                                                     Overnight stay in Munich.
                                                                                                     another of King Ludwig’s II Royal Bavarian
                                                                                                     Castles. This is the only one he lived to see

Day 5: Herrenchiemsee

Driver from Munich to Prien on the bank          With elegant gardens, walkways and ornate
of Lake Chiemsee. Take a boat trip to the        interiors of gold, glass and porcelain, this
calm island Herreninsel for a visit of one of    palace reflects pure opulence. Some even
Germany’s loveliest royal attractions, the       say that many of its features, like the vast
magnificent Herrenchiemsee Palace. Built in      Hall of Mirrors, surpass those of the Palace of
the 19th century by King Ludwig II, this royal   Versailles. Return by boat to Prien, overnight
landmark sits among picturesque Bavarian         stay and dinner at a local hotel in the vicinity.
scenery of majestic lakes and mountains.
FAITH, ART AND CITIES
                                                                                             PILGRIMAGE TOUR
                                                                                             from Rome to Milan
                                                                                              9 DAYS

                                                                                             Day 1: Rome

                                                                                             Welcome to Italy!

                                                                                             Upon arrival in Rome, you will be met by our    Dei Fori Imperiali Roman Forum and capitol
                                                                                             representative and transferred to your hotel.   Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, Circus
                                                                                             En route you will have a panoramic city tour    Maximus, Aventin Hill, and Porta S. Paolo.
                                                                                             along Piazza Della Repubblica with Najads
                                                                                             Fountain, Via Nazionale, Piazza Venezia, Via    Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 7: Departure                               Specials:
                                               • Boat tour on Lake Chiemsee from Prien to
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some
                                                 Herreninsel and back to Prien
free time in downtown Munich. After check
                                               • Carriage on Herreninsel to the palace and
out transfer to Munich airport and take your
                                                 backwards
flight back home.
                                               • Farewell-dinner in a typical Bavarian
                                                 restaurant with music and a “Mass”
                                                 (1 liter) beer
Day 2: Papal Audience And Vatican (Must                                                              Day 4: Assis, Siena And Florence
Be On Wednesday)
                                                                                                     After Breakfast, we will begin exploring the
After breakfast, drive to St. Peter’s Square     Construction of St. Peter’s began in 1506 and       town of St Francis of Assis. Assis is a small      Campo. This shell shaped square is the
for the Holy Father’s General Audience           was completed in 1626. St. Peter is buried          Umbrian town in central Italy best known as        dramatic setting for the annual Palio
and Blessing. Proceed to visit the Vatican       here along with many other popes.                   the birthplace of St. Francis Of Assisi — patron   bareback horserace. The piazza`s focal point
Museums, as well as the Sistine Chapel.                                                              saint of Italy, founder of the Franciscan order,   is the Palazzo Pubblico, the public palace,
Continue to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica built     Dinner and overnight in Rome.                       and one of the most popular Catholic saints        which dates back to 1250. Continue uphill to
on the site where St. Peter was martyred.                                                            in history. Assis’s main attraction is the 13th-   visit the monumental Cathedral dedicated to
                                                                                                     century Basilica of St. Francis, which contains    the Virgin Mary and the Shrine and House of
                                                                                                     the sacred relics of Francis and beautiful         St. Catherine, which has become a popular
                                                                                                     frescoes of his life. We will visit St Claire      place of pilgrimage. The house of the saint,
                                                                                                     Basilica, which is a 13th-century church that      which was proclaimed Doctor of the Church,
                                                                                                     houses the relics of St. Claire friend and         was converted into a sanctuary in 1464 and
                                                                                                     protege of St. Francis of Assisi as well as the    today contains a number of documents and
                                                                                                     miraculous crucifix that spoke to Francis;         paintings related to her.
                                                                                                     and other major monuments of the city.
                                                                                                                                                        Continue to    Florence   for Dinner and
                                                                                                     Next, discover the medieval town of Siena,         Overnight.
                                                                                                     which invites us to stroll through its Gothic
                                                                                                     streets. Admire the famous Piazza del

Day 3: Rome – Assisi

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour through    Bernini. After this fascinating stroll, free time
the streets and alleys of the city center to     for lunch and drive to Assisi (around 4 hours).
visit the most famous squares, fountains and
palaces of the Baroque art. From the Spanish     Arrival and Mass at Santa Maria degli Angeli
Steps to the spectacular Trevi Fountain, on to   Basilica and the Porziuncola.
the amazing architecture of the Pantheon,        Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
and the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona,
with the Fountain of the Four Rivers by
Day 5: Florence

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is            and Baptistry with the famous bronze doors,
dedicated to Florence which is famous for its     Giotto’s Belfry, Piazza della Signoria, with
history: a center of medieval European trade      the great Loggia and the Ponte Vecchio. Free
and finance and one of the wealthiest cities      time for lunch. Afterwards, explore on your
of the time, it is considered the birthplace of   own the charming streets and markets of
the Renaissance, and has been called “the         Florence or visit the Museum of the Academy
Athens of the Middle Ages”. As Florence is a      with the statue of David by Michelangelo
small and walkable city, we can see so much       or the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art
simply by walking through the city. The tour      galleries.
includes a visit of the magnificent downtown
                                                  Dinner and Overnight Florence.
including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del
Fiore, with Brunelleschi’s splendid Duomo

                                                                                                 Day 6: Bologna And Padova

                                                                                                 After Breakfast, we leave the elegant city of    Degli Asinelli”. Visit one of the oldest libraries
                                                                                                 Florence and travel through Tuscany region       in the world with rare books and manuscripts
                                                                                                 to Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna        and coat of arms. See also the Anatomy
                                                                                                 and one of the most developed cities in Italy.   Theater, used for staging the experiments
                                                                                                 Bologna is known for its beauty, wealth,         conducted by the faculty of medicine. We
                                                                                                 cuisine, and streets lined with beautiful        then travel through the Veneto Region to
                                                                                                 arcades. It is home to one of the oldest         Padova. Galileo lectured in Padova’s 13th
                                                                                                 universities in the western world (1088),        century university; Dante, Petrarch, and
                                                                                                 historically notable for its teaching of canon   Tasso studied here. We visit the Basilica of
                                                                                                 and civil law. It is also Italy’s gastronomic    St. Anthony, which is a mixture of Gothic,
                                                                                                 capital. For lunch try “Pasta Bolognese.”        Romanesque and Byzantine architecture
                                                                                                 Stop in the medieval center and see Piazza       with the tomb and relics of the saint.
                                                                                                 Maggiore, which is still the same as it was
                                                                                                 during the Renaissance. Walk through Piazza      Dinner and overnight in Padova
                                                                                                 Nettuno and the medieval tower of “Torre
Day 8: Verona And Milan

                                                                                                  After Breakfast, drive to Verona, the famous   there; we will enjoy a relaxing walk through
                                                                                                  city where William Shakespeare set Romeo       Verona squares and monuments: Piazza
                                                                                                  and Juliet, one of his most romantic works.    delle Erbe (the old Roman center and now
                                                                                                  Many tourists all over the world visit this    Market Square), Piazza dei Signori (the
                                                                                                  beautiful city to see the home of Juliet and   political center in middle age Verona), and
                                                                                                  her grave, and to visit other important        finally Piazza Bra. After lunch, continue to
                                                                                                  monuments, such as the Arena, a Roman          Milan.
                                                                                                  amphitheater, which is internationally known
                                                                                                  for the largescale opera performances held     Dinner and overnight at Milan.

Day 7: Venice

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to           a masterpiece of Venetian – Byzantine
Venice. Arrive at Tronchetto Terminal and         architecture built in 830 to shelter the tomb
embark on the boat to reach the city center.      of St. Mark. View the marble Ducal Palace,
Venice, the city where everything and             and the famous “Bridge of Sighs”. On foot is
everyone floats. This lovely Lagoon-city on       the best way to explore Venice. Perhaps you
the Adriatic coast is like a giant maze with      might take on optional “Gondola Ride” across
tiny alleys and hidden piazzas linked by          the “Grand Canal” OR walk on the Rialto
narrow foot bridges over 400 large and            Bridge and visit the market. To experience
small canals. It is with good reason that         the real Venice head towards the side streets
Venetians call their city “La Serenissima” (the   to “Strada Nova” and you’ll see how Venice’s
most serene). Venice awakes each morning          citizens live and shop.
with a refreshing absence of speeding cars,
and roaring mopeds. Arrive by boat in St.         Dinner and overnight in Padova
Mark’s Square, visit St. Mark’s Basilica,
SPLENDORS OF ITALY
                                                                                                  From Rome to Milan
                                                                                                   8 DAYS

                                                                                                  Day 1: Rome                                     Day 2: Rome

                                                                                                  Welcome to Italy!                               Begin our discovery of the eternal City
                                                                                                                                                  starting from Ancient Rome. Our first stop
                                                                                                  Meet and greet by your English-speaking
                                                                                                                                                  will be the Colosseum, visit the arena and
                                                                                                  guide. Depending on the arrival time, you
                                                                                                                                                  walk across the Roman Forum, pass by
                                                                                                  will go on a sightseeing tour in Rome, with
                                                                                                                                                  Arches of Constantine and Titus and finish
                                                                                                  a specific focus on Baroque Rome including:
                                                                                                                                                  by the Capitol Hill. We will learn the history,
                                                                                                  Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
                                                                                                                                                  culture, architecture of this great civilization
                                                                                                  and Piazza Navona. We will admire and
                                                                                                                                                  that set the foundation for Western culture.
                                                                                                  learn about the architectural masterpieces
                                                                                                  that made Rome famous throughout the            Free time for lunch and to explore the city
Day 9: Milan
                                                                                                  centuries after the fall of the Roman Empire.   on our own before taking the bus back to
After breakfast and according to flight home    square; the Galleria “Vittorio Emanuele II”,      Transfer to the hotel and check in.             the hotel.
departure, we will have the opportunity         one of the firsts examples of art nouveau
                                                                                                  Dinner and overnight in Rome.                   Dinner and overnight in Rome.
to visit Milan, the second-most populous        architecture in Italy, and then reach the
city in Italy, which serves as the capital of   “navigli”, which captured the curiosity of a
Lombardy region. Milan is world famous for      genius like Leonardo da Vinci, who gave to
being a center of art, music and education      this city one of his most beautiful works: “The
since antiquity and as a center of fashion      last supper”, painted in the dining hall of
and economy in modern times. We shall see       Santa Maria delle Grazie.
the Cathedral, masterpiece of the Gothic
architecture, which stands in the homonym       Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

                                                Special add-ons options:
                                                • Cooking Class (Gelato, Pasta, Pizza)
                                                • Wine Tasting...
                                                • Farm visit (local cheeses, oil, limoncello.)
                                                • Montecassino and WW2 tours
                                                • Gladiator School
                                                • Olive harvest (in season)
                                                • Mosaic class
Day 3: Florence                               Day 4: Pisa – Venezia Mestre

Depart Rome and travel north towards          Depart Florence and travel north crossing
Florence across Lazio and Umbria regions.     the Emilia-Romagna region. On our way to
Arrive directly in Florence at a local        Venezia Mestre we will stop in Pisa, famous
restaurant for lunch (not included). From     all over the world for its Leaning Tower. We
there, take a walking tour of Florence’s      will have time to stop for Lunch (meal not
masterpieces: Piazza della Signoria with      included) and free time in Piazza dei Miracoli
its Neptune Fountain and Palazzo Vecchio,     to admire the Tower up close. Continue to
the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral which     Venezia Mestre.
houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietá and
                                              Dinner and overnight in Venezia Mestre           Day 5: Venice                                    Day 7: Milan
the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s famous Gates
of Paradise.                                                                                   Drive to “Tronchetto bus Area” where a           Half day tour of the city visiting the main
                                                                                               Vaporetto (waterbus) will take us to the         highlights including the Victor Emanuel
Dinner and overnight in Florence
                                                                                               center of Venice, Piazza S. Marco.               Gallery, the Duomo (no entrance), the
                                                                                                                                                Sforzesco Castle, la Scala Opera House (no
                                                                                               As soon as we board the boat, we will            entrance).
                                                                                               start to understand why Venice is a such a
                                                                                               unique city, made of 118 islands separated       Time at leisure for lunch and last-minute
                                                                                               by more than 150 canals. Once arrived in         shopping or just strolling around Milan.
                                                                                               Piazza S. Marco start our tour of the most
                                                                                               important highlights including: the square       Finally, we will meet up with our bus and get
                                                                                               with the famous Bell Tower and Clock Tower,      back to the hotel.
                                                                                               the Basilica with its treasure of marble and     Dinner and overnight in Milan
                                                                                               gold-background mosaics, finally we will
                                                                                               admire the Doge’s Palace (no entrance)
                                                                                               and the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Free time      Day 8: Milan – Departure Day
                                                                                               for lunch and shopping, a stroll along the
                                                                                               bridges and canals or even a gondola ride        After check out, transfer to Milan airport
                                                                                               along the Grand Canal. Later, we will take a     and fly back home.
                                                                                               Vaporetto back to Tronchetto to meet the bus
                                                                                               and make our way back to the hotel.

                                                                                               Dinner and overnight in Venezia Mestre

                                                                                               Day 6: Verona – Milan

                                                                                               Depart Venezia and drive towards Milan.
                                                                                                                                                Special add-ons options:
                                                                                               Make a stop in Verona, home to the Roman
                                                                                               arena and stage for Shakespeare’s Romeo          • Cooking Class (Gelato, Pasta, Pizza)
                                                                                               and Juliet. Free time in Verona for lunch        • Wine Tasting...
                                                                                               (meal not included). The traveling continues     • Farm visit (local cheeses, oil, limoncello.
                                                                                               with a stop at Lake Garda to stretch our legs    • Montecassino and WW2 tours
                                                                                               and take a few pictures. Finally, we will make   • Gladiator School
                                                                                               or way to the hotel in Milan for check in.       • Olive harvest (in season)
                                                                                               Dinner and overnight in Milan                    • Mosaic class
WORLD MEETING
OF FAMILIES 2021
Rome
   JUNE 23-27, 2021

Official event program to be published by
the Vatican

Please see below offers for pre and post tours

Pre Event:
from Milan/Venice to Rome
Some of the days of visits to Rome could be
integrated with the program of the event but
this we may do it only when the program will
be official

Day 1: Milan Arrival                             or Day 1: Venice Arrival

Arrive at Milan Airport. Welcome to Italy!       Arrive at Venice Airport. Welcome to Italy!

Our representatives will meet you and escort     Our representatives will meet you and escort
you to your bus and guide.                       you to your bus and guide.

Take a panoramic tour of Milan (according        Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel in
with the arrival flight time). After the tour,   Venice Mestre. Rest of the day free.
transfer to your hotel.
                                                 Dinner and overnight in Venice Mestre
Dinner and overnight in Venice Mestre
Day 3: Pisa

                                                                                                 Drive to Pisa. Here, we can admire Piazza        would still be one of the most remarkable
                                                                                                 dei Miracoli, with the Baptistery, the Dome      bell towers in Europe and one of several
                                                                                                 and the famous Leaning Tower. This               renowned buildings in the center of Pisa.
                                                                                                 180-foot-tall round tower is over 10 degrees
                                                                                                                                                  Transfer to Florence, check        in   and
                                                                                                 out of perpendicular. Originally designed
                                                                                                                                                  accommodation at the hotel.
                                                                                                 to stand straight, it began to lean during its
                                                                                                 construction in 1173 and corrective efforts      Dinner and overnight in Florence
                                                                                                 failed. Even without its tilt, the building

Day 2: Venice                                                                                    Day 4: Florence

Venice fascinating city boasts waterways          of marble and gold-background mosaics.         Today we will explore city of Florence. During   features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradis,
and boats instead of roads and cars,              From the Piazza, you can see the famous        the day, enjoy the beautiful gardens and a       and the Academy where you can view some
encompassing 118 islands separated by             Bell Tower and the Clock Tower, as well as     leisurely stroll through the open-air markets.   of Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished
more than 150 canals.                             the charming pink and white Doges’ Palace.     Every street, square and winding alley of        work, including the awe-inspiring David.
                                                                                                 Florence is a showcase for Romanesque,
Depart from Mestre to “Tronchetto bus Area”       After seeing the romantic Bridge of Sighs,                                                      Dinner and overnight Florence
                                                                                                 Gothic and Renaissance grandeur. Among
in order to catch your boat to Piazza San         enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore on   Florence’s masterpieces, you’ll see the Piazza
Marco. We will admire the Piazza, bordered        your own. At accorded time, transfer back by   della Signoria with its Neptune Fountain and
on three sides by palatial arcades in two         boat to Tronchetto bus area and then return    Vecchio Palace, the Santa Maria del Fiore
tiers and faced on the other by the Basilica of   to the hotel.                                  Cathedral which houses Michelangelo’s
St. Mark, one of the world’s most magnificent                                                    unfinished Pietá, the Baptistry which
churches. Tour the Basilica with its treasure     Dinner and overnight: Venice Mestre
Day 5: Assisi / Rome                                                                             Day 6: Rome                                      Day 7: Rome

After breakfast, depart to Assisi, the charming   church contains his tomb and many great        Today we will explore Ancient Rome. Visit the    Visit the Vatican City, home to one of the
medieval town once home to Saint Francis.         works of art. In the afternoon we will have    Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and climb the        greatest museums in the world. And, of
Just two years after his death, the large         time to explore Santa Maria degli Angeli and   arches to enjoy full view of the biggest arena   course, tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the
Basilica was begun in honor of this local         Porziuncola. Continue to Rome, check in and    of the ancient world; proceed to Arches of       Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescoes,
saint, immediately after his canonization         accommodation at the hotel.                    Constantine and Titus - with the famous          now restored to their full, colorful glory.
in 1228. At one time, the land on which the                                                      Menorah relief, the Vestalian Temple- home       After lunch, take a walking tour through the
church stands was an execution ground for         Dinner and overnight: Rome                     of Roman Senat, Temple of Venus-Roma,            Baroque Rome: Trevi Fountain, Pantheon
condemned criminals. In his humility, Saint                                                      Tomb of Julius Caesar and the Capitol Hill.      and Piazza Navona.
Francis asked to be buried there, and it                                                         In the afternoon, we will continue with a
became known as the Hill of Paradise. The                                                        tour of one of the Roman Catacombs, the          Dinner and overnight in Rome
                                                                                                 long underground cemeteries which the
                                                                                                 early Christians used as a place of hiding to
                                                                                                 escape persecution.

                                                                                                 Dinner and overnight in Rome

                                                                                                 Day 8: Rome                                      Day 9: Rome Our Event Of World Family Day
                                                                                                                                                  Will Start!
                                                                                                 Today we tour the major Basilicas of Rome,
                                                                                                 including a visit to the Basilica of Santa
                                                                                                 Maria Maggiore, Saint John Lateran and the
                                                                                                 Holy Steps.

                                                                                                 Afternoon at leisure to explore Rome on
                                                                                                 your own, enjoy some local cuisine and walk
                                                                                                 along the streets.

                                                                                                 Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Post Event:                                                                                         Day 3: Rome

Rome, Assisi, Loreto &                                                                              Visit to the Pantheon, the Roman forum, the
Medjugorje                                                                                          Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum, as
                                                                                                    well as the Rome of the Renaissance: the
Some of the days of visits to Rome could be                                                         Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna (or Spanish
integrated with the program of the event but                                                        Steps), Navona Square.
this we may do it only when the program will
be official                                                                                         Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 1: Rome                                        Day 2: Rome

Drive along the ancient Appian Way to              Vatican day! visit St Peter’s Basilica with
the Catacombs, the long underground                its many religious and artistic treasures,
cemeteries which the early Christians used         including the tombs of Saints John XXIII and
as a place of hiding to escape persecution.        John Paul II. Tour of the Vatican Museum,
After the tour, celebrate the Mass in a chapel     which houses the Sistine Chapel and some
outside the catacombs.                             of the most important art collections in the
                                                   world.
In the Afternoon, visit St. Paul Outside the
Walls Basilica, the burial place of St. Paul the   Visit the basilicas of St John Lateran, the
Apostle. The chapel of relics has numerous         pope’s cathedral as Bishop of Rome, and St
relics, the most notable of which are a set        Mary Major, one of the oldest churches in
chains said to be the prison chains of St. Paul,   the world, having originally been built in the
used in the last days before his execution.        fifth century.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.                      Dinner and overnight in Rome.

                                                                                                    Day 4: Rome Papal Audience / Assisi
                                                                                                    Must Be On Wednesday

                                                                                                    Today we see the pope at the general                 popular Catholic saints in history. Assisi’s
                                                                                                    audience in St Peter’s Square. It is an              main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica of
                                                                                                    unforgettable experience to see Pope                 St. Francis, which contains the sacred relics of
                                                                                                    Francis close-up (subject to the Holy Father         Francis and beautiful frescoes of his life. Visit
                                                                                                    being in Rome). After lunch and some free            St Claire Basilica , which is a 13th-century
                                                                                                    time, continue to Assisi. At the arrival, visit of   church that houses the relics of St. Claire,
                                                                                                    the town of St Francis of Assisi.                    friend and protégé of St. Francis of Assisi, as
                                                                                                                                                         well as the miraculous crucifix that spoke to
                                                                                                    Assisi is a small Umbrian town in central Italy      Francis; and other major monuments of the
                                                                                                    best known as the birthplace of St. Francis          city.
                                                                                                    of Assisi — patron saint of Italy, founder of
                                                                                                    the Franciscan order, and one of the most            Dinner and Overnight in Assisi.
Day 6: Split/Medjugorje

                                                                                               Arrival at Split. After breakfast,
                                                                                               disembarkation and continuation to
                                                                                               Medjugorje.

                                                                                               Arrival, time at disposal for private devotions.

                                                                                               Dinner and Overnight in Medjugorje.

Day 5: Assisi/Loreto/Ferry Ancona -> Split

Visit to Eremo delle Carceri: in the caves on    Departure to Loreto Shrine. The Holy House
the slope of Monte Subasio just outside the      of Loreto is one of the most revered Marian
walls of Assisi, St. Francis and his followers   shrines in the world. Since medieval times,
established their first home at the Eremo        the Holy House has been believed to be the
delle Carceri (Carceri Hermitage). He often      very home from Nazareth in which the Virgin
returned here during his life to pray and        Mary lived, conceived and raised the young
contemplate. Continue to San Damiano             Jesus.
Convent where St. Francis first received his
miraculous calling in 1205 and where St.         A large basilica has been built around the    Day 7: Medjugorje
Clare died in 1253, an important stop on the     small shrine, and the sacred site attracts
                                                 as many as 4 million Catholic pilgrims and    Visit of Hill of Crnica (the Hill of the           religious community in Medjugorje and
pilgrimage to the Franciscan holy city. Visit
                                                 visitors each year.                           Apparitions), Mount Krisevac (Hill of the          more. Daily morning and evening Mass,
also the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli,
                                                                                               Cross, with Stations of the Cross), 18:40          Rosary, Adoration and Healing Service. Free
much venerated as the place of St. Francis’      Continue to Ancona Port to embark on the      Apparitions, Talks by the Visionaries and          time to prayerfully explore Medjugorje.
death. Inside the grand Baroque basilica are     ferry to Split.                               by Franciscan priests with opportunity to
two small, humble structures: the Capella                                                                                                         Dinner and overnight at Medjugorje.
                                                 Dinner and overnight in on board.             ask questions, meet the Oasis of Peace, a
del Transito and the Porziuncola.
WORLD YOUTH DAY
                                             Lisbon 2022
                                              9 DAYS

                                             Program - pending announcement of
                                             official event dates

                                             Day 1 Sun: Depart Your Country for Europe       Day 4 Wed: Morning catechesis, WYD Youth
                                                                                             Festival events
                                             Day 2 Mon: Arrive in Lisbon or a nearby city,
                                             transfer to lodging, prepare for WYD with       Day 5 Thu: Morning catechesis, Welcoming
                                             your JMJ youth WYD Guide                        Ceremonies for our Holy Father

                                             Day 3 Tue: Lisbon Walking Tour, WYD             Day 6 Fri: Morning catechesis, WYD Youth
                                             Opening Ceremonies                              Festival events, and Via Crucis

Day 8: Medjugorje / Dubrovnik, Departure     Day 7 Sat: Pilgrimage walk, evening prayer      Day 9 Mon: Depart for home or a post-WYD
                                             vigil with our Holy Father                      extension
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the
airport of Dubrovnik for your departure      Day 8 Sun: Morning Mass with the Pope,
return flight.                               pilgrimage walk back to lodging
Pilgrimage Extension Option:
Extension tour in Rome
4 nights stay
                                                                                                      FOOTSTEPS OF
Day 1 in Rome: Arrival in Rome – according       Day 3 in Rome: Daily excursion from Rome
                                                                                                      ST.PAUL & 3 DAY CRUISE
                                                                                                      Greece and Turkey
to the arrival time, optional panoramic tour     to Assisi. Visit the city of St. Francis, with the
by bus or foot where not possible (without       Basilicas of Santa Chiara and St. Francis.
entrances) of the city.                          After lunch (not included) continue with
                                                 the visit of Santa Maria degli Angeli and
Transfer to the hotel, check in and overnight    Porziuncola. At the end of the tour, transfer
Day 2 in Rome: visit the Vatican City, the       back to the hotel in Rome.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St.                                                               10 DAYS
                                                 Day 4 in Rome: Tour of Ancient Rome, with
Peter Basilica.                                  Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Free time for lunch                                                                                   The trip of a lifetime!                            Day 1: Wednesday - Athens, Greece
                                                 Free time for lunch
Continue to an afternoon walking tour                                                                 After visiting the inspiring sites in Athens and   welcome to Greece!
                                                 Afternoon free for shopping or personal
through the Baroque Rome (Trevi Fountain,                                                             Corinth, embark on your cruise sailing to the
                                                 activities (or HD tour of the major basilicas                                                           Arrive at Athens Airport where you will be
Piazza Navona and Pantheon)                                                                           “Jerusalem of Aegean” - Patmos Island - and
                                                 of Rome – Santa Maria Maggiore and S.                                                                   met by our representative and transfer to the
                                                                                                      visit the first Christian Church of Ephesus in
                                                 Giovanni in Laterano)                                                                                   hotel. Travel in time, exploring a city with a
                                                                                                      Turkey. Continue your journey to the northern
                                                                                                                                                         history of more than 5,000 years!
                                                                                                      Greece to follow the steps of Apostle Paul.
                                                                                                                                                         Overnight and dinner in Athens.

Day 5 in Rome: Check out from the hotel,
transfer to the airport in order to catch your
return flight home.
Day 3: Friday - Cruise To Mykonos

                                                                                                   After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to        sculpture church of Paraportiani or along
                                                                                                   Piraeus port for embarkation on the Greek        the waterfront of “Little Venice” to the famous
                                                                                                   Islands cruise. Sail at 11a.m. and enjoy lunch   windmills. Enjoy dinner on board and at
                                                                                                   on board. The first port of call is Mykonos,     11p.m.
                                                                                                   for some free time for exploring the town.
                                                                                                   Stroll on own through the whitewashed,           Sail for Kusadasi, Turkey.
                                                                                                   flower-decked alleyways, climbing to the

Day 2: Thursday – Athens & Corinth

This morning, we depart for a morning tour
out of Athens. On the way, stop at the historic
                                                  Parthenon Temple, Erectheion and Temple
Corinth Canal. It was Corinth (Acts 18:1-
                                                  of Athena Nike. Then walk to nearby Mars’
18) where Apostle Paul lived and worked,
                                                  Hill (Areopagus) (Acts 17:22) where Apostle
established a thriving church, subsequently
                                                  Paul spoke to the Athenians about the one
sending two of his epistles now part of the
                                                  and only God. Our tour will finish with a
New Testament. After visiting the sites
                                                  panoramic bus tour to see the city highlights.
associated with Apostle Paul’s ministry,
return to Athens for an afternoon city tour.      Overnight and dinner in Athens.
Climb up to Acropolis Hill to see the famous
Day 4: Saturday - Kusadasi (Turkey) -                                                              Day 6: Monday - Athens - Meteora              Day 7: Tuesday - Berea - Thessalonica
Patmos (Greece)                                                                                    Monasteries - Kalambaka
                                                                                                                                                 Continue our journey to Thessalonica. On our
Arrive at Kusadasi port in Turkey. This is the     afternoon and enjoy a tour to the Monastery     Disembark after breakfast on board. Meet      way stop in Berea (Acts 17:10-15) to see the
starting point for the tour to Ancient Ephesus     of St. John where he was exiled and wrote       the local guide and continue by bus for       mosaic monument commemorating Apostle
(Acts 18:19-21). Apostle Paul preached to          the Book of Revelation. Visit the Grotto of     a journey to Central & Northern Greece.       Paul’s preaching. Later in the afternoon,
the Ephesians, lived and worked here for           the Revelation (Cave of Apocalypse) before      Stop in the town of Kalambaka and enjoy       check-in at the hotel in Thessalonica. Enjoy
several years. Tour the spectacular ruins          embarking on the cruise ship.                   a spectacular drive up to visit two Meteora   the evening at leisure. Take a walk by
in the city which was founded in the 10th                                                          Monasteries which are built on the top of     the seaside promenade and explore the
century B.C. After the visit, return to the port   Sail to Heraklion, Crete and enjoy dinner on    colossal symmetrical gray and reddish         beautiful city center.
for re-embarkation at lunch time and sail          board.                                          boulders. They are perched precariously
                                                                                                   high above the ground and they were first     Dinner and Overnight in Thessalonica
to Patmos. Arrive in Patmos (Rev 1:9) in the
                                                                                                   built in the 14th century by monks seeking
                                                                                                   isolation and salvation.

                                                                                                   Dinner and Overnight in Kalambaka.

Day 5: Sunday - Crete & Santorini

At 7 a.m. arrive at Heraklion, Crete (Acts 27:7-   Ride the cable car up to the white-washed
13). Option to join an excursion to the Minoan     town of Thera, perched high on the rim of the
Palace of Knossos, home of King Minos and          ancient volcano.
the legendary Minotaur (half-bull and half-
man). After a few hours, sail for Santorini, the   Set sail back to the port of Piraeus around
island with the most magnificent landscape!        9:00p.m.
Day 8: Wednesday - Philippi - Kavala

Explore Thessalonica – the Old City Walls,      the Agora, 5th and 6th century Basilica and
the White Tower, Galerius Arch and the          the Theater. Continue to Kavala, the ancient
Rotunda. Depart to Philippi, the site where     port of Neapolis (Acts 16:11) for a panoramic
Apostle Paul established a strong church.       tour before returning to Thessalonica for
To this congregation he sent his letter (Acts   overnight.  
16:9-33). See the river where Lydia is said
                                                Dinner and Overnight in Thessalonica
to have been baptized, the ruins of a prison
where Apostle Paul and Sylas had been kept,

                                                                                                Day 9: Thursday- Thessalonica – Athens         Day 10: Friday - Athens Departure

                                                                                                Drive back to Athens passing by Tempi Valley   Transfer to the Athens airport to catch your
                                                                                                and Katerini where we gaze upon the Mount      return flight home.
                                                                                                Olympus.

                                                                                                Overnight and Farewell dinner in Athens.
GREECE -
CHRISTIAN TOUR
From Thessaloniki
to Athens
 8 DAYS

Day 1 - Thessaloniki

welcome to Greece!

Arrive at Makedonia airport in Thessaloniki     center in Roman times as well as the
where you will be met by our representative     second largest and wealthiest during the
and transfer to the hotel.                      Byzantine era. In 50 A.D. St Paul visited the
                                                city and wrote two epistles to the ancient
Thessaloniki was built about 315 B.C. by King   Thessalonians. At present Thessaloniki is
Cassander, brother-in-law of Alexander the      Greece’s second largest city.
Great, who named the city after his wife
Thessaloniki. It was a major commercial         Overnight and dinner in Thessaloniki.
Day 3: Thessaloniki – Veria – Vergina –
                                                                                                 Kalambaka

                                                                                                 Start the day by exploring Thessaloniki,        and preached the Gospel to the Veroeans in
                                                                                                 including the White Tower, the Arch of          49 AD. Next stop is Vergina or ancient Aegae,
                                                                                                 Galerius, the Rotonda, the oldest of            which was the first capital of the kingdom
                                                                                                 Thessaloniki’s churches, Aristotelous Square,   of Macedon. Although the capital was later
                                                                                                 the fortress and Ramparts overlooking           transferred to Pella, Aegae remained the city
                                                                                                 the city and its gulf. Visit the Byzantine      where sacred rituals and ceremonies would
                                                                                                 churches of St Sophia and St. Dimitrios, an     take place. Visit the very impressive site of
                                                                                                 early convert to Christianity martyred by       the Royal Tomb of King Philip II, the father of
                                                                                                 the Romans. Continue to the town of Verias      Alexander the Great.
                                                                                                 dubbed “Little Jerusalem” for the many
                                                                                                                                                 Overnight and dinner in Kalambaka.
                                                                                                 churches that are built across it. Visit the
                                                                                                 Bema of St Paul where the Apostle stood

Day 2: Kavala – Philippi – Thessaloniki

Travel East along the Lakes Koronia and         Anthony defeated Brutus and Cassius, last
Volvi into Kavala. Kavala ancient Neapolis,     defenders of the Roman Republic in 42 B.C.
was the main port of Philippi and where         St Paul first arrived at Philippi around 50
St. Paul accompanied by Silas, Luke and         A.D. It was one of the first European cities
Timothy, first set foot in Europe and sowed     to accept Christianity. Here he delivered his
the seeds of Christianity. Aside from the       first sermon and baptized the first Christian
great panoramas of Kavala, the city has a       convert, Lydia, on European soil. We will view
Byzantine castle, aqueduct, and museum          the baptismal site and visit a crypt dating
containing finds from Ancient Amphipolis        from the Roman period that is thought to
and Philippi. Follow the Via Egnatia, remnant   have served as a prison for Paul. We will
of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman         also see the famous Acropolis, the Market
and Greek tombstones and ruts of ancient        Place, Basilica, and the Theatre. Return to
chariot wheels. Philippi, as its name implies   Thessaloniki.
was established by Philip II of Macedonia
in 358 B.C. It was here that Octavian and       Overnight and dinner in Thessaloniki.
Day 4: Meteora – Itea                                                                            Day 6: Athens

Visit the Byzantine Meteora monasteries.        and offer an insight into the mystic world of    Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the     the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Walk to
Amongst striking scenery, perched on sheer-     the monks still residing there. Drive south to   oldest cities in the world spanning a history    Areopagus or Mars Hill, the site where trials
sided gray rock pinnacles of varied and         the picturesque coastal village of Itea a few    of 3,400 years. Home of the great minds,         were heard before the Council of Elders and
spectacular shapes and appearing to be          kilometers away from Delphi.                     philosophers and teachers of ancient times       where St Paul delivered his speech to the
suspended in mid-air, stand the ageless 14th                                                     such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, Athens    Athenians. Visit the ancient Agora where
                                                Overnight and dinner in Itea.
century monasteries of Meteora.         The                                                      is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle    Athenians gathered not only for commercial
monasteries contain beautiful Byzantine art                                                      of Western Civilization. A bus tour will guide   purposes but also for political and religious
                                                                                                 us through the highlights of Athens; House       ones. Our visit is not complete without a tour
                                                                                                 of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,      of the New Acropolis museum, which houses
                                                                                                 Presidential Palace, Panathenaic Stadium,        the findings of the Acropolis of Athens.
                                                                                                 Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, to
                                                                                                                                                  Overnight and dinner in Athens.
                                                                                                 lead us to the world renowned Acropolis.

                                                                                                  Walk through the architectural wonders of
                                                                                                 the Golden Age of Pericles; the Propylaia,

                                                                                                 Day 7: Corinth – Athens

                                                                                                 Drive through the coastal road to the Corinth    51–52. Here he wrote the First and Second
                                                                                                 Canal, which separates Peloponnese               Epistles to the Corinthians. We shall visit
                                                                                                 from the Greek mainland and connects             the site of the Bema of St. Paul, where he
                                                                                                 the two Seas, the Ionian and the Aegean.         preached. Return to Athens.  
                                                                                                 Continue to Ancient Corinth, one of the most
                                                                                                                                                  Free afternoon to explore, relax and
Day 5: Delphi – Athens                                                                           important trading cities of ancient Greece
                                                                                                                                                  shop in the neighbourhoods of Plaka and
                                                                                                 dating back to the 6th century B.C. Visiting
                                                                                                                                                  Monastiraki in central Athens.
Explore the archaeological site and museum      wars. Explore the sanctuary by walking up        the archaeological site we will come across
of Delphi, which was known as the center        the Sacred Way to see the Treasuries, the        the Temple of Apollo, the agora, the sacred      Overnight and dinner in Athens.
or the navel of the earth for it was believed   Theater and the Temple of Apollo. Visit the      spring and the Peirene Fountain. The apostle
that when Zeus released two eagles from         museum of Delphi and marvel at the unique        Paul resided in Corinth for 18 months in A.D.
opposite sides of the world they would          collection of artifacts, including the bronze
meet in Delphi. It reached its height in        “Charioteer” one of the best preserved
power in the 4th century as the sanctuary       ancient works of metallurgy. Drive to Athens.                                                     Day 8: Departure
to the god Apollo. Pilgrims would gather
here to seek advice from the great oracle,      Overnight and dinner in Athens.                                                                   Transfer to the Athens airport to catch your
Pythia, on various matters including waging                                                                                                       return flight home.
PORTUGAL, SPAIN
AND FRANCE
From Fatima to Paris
10 DAYS

Day 1: Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal!

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the        Arrive to Lisbon and transfer to your
world, and the second-oldest European            hotel. Explore the Belem district, including
capital city (after Athens), predating other     Belem Tower, the Discovery Monument,
modern European capitals by centuries.           and Jeronimos Monastery. Walk through
Julius Caesar made it a municipium called        Commerce Square; pass by Lisbon Cathedral,
Felicitas Julia, adding to the name Olissipo.    and finish the tour with a visit to Parque das
Ruled by a series of Germanic tribes from the    Nacoers, a modern part of the city built to
5th century, it was captured by the Moors in     honor Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India.
the 8th century. In 1,147, the Crusaders under
                                                 Dinner and overnight in Lisbon
Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and
since then it has been the political, economic
and cultural center of Portugal.
Day 3: Fatima, Santiago De Compostela

                                                                                                    Breakfast in hotel and check out. Head       elaborately carved stone facades open onto
                                                                                                    to Santiago de Compostela, the capital       grand plazas within the medieval walls of
                                                                                                    of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It’s    the old town.
                                                                                                    known as the culmination of the Camino de
                                                                                                                                                 Tonight, you will attend the Pilgrims mass in
                                                                                                    Santiago pilgrimage route, and the burial
                                                                                                                                                 the Basilica at 19:30h.
                                                                                                    site of the apostle St. James. His remains
                                                                                                    lie within the Cathedral de Santiago de      Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
                                                                                                    Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose

Day 2: Lisbon and Fatima

After Breakfast check out and drive to            Basilica also features fifteen altars that are
Fatima, some 120km north of Lisbon.               dedicated to the fifteen mysteries of the
                                                  Rosary. Upon arriving at this Basilica, you
Today will surely be a memorable experience
                                                  will be able to feel, through the Love of Our
as you pray and meditate upon one of Our
                                                  Lord and Lady, the many graces that were
Blessed Mother’s apparition sites. Our Lady
                                                  received here.
appeared to three shepherd children; Lucia
(age 10), Jacinta (age 7), and Francisco (age     Visit to the Hamlet of Aljustrel, the home of
9). These apparitions occurred monthly from       the three shepherd children; and Valinhos,
May until October of 1917. Historically, as the   the site of Our Lady’s August 1917 apparition.
entire world was in true turmoil, Our Lady’s
                                                  Next, your tour culminates as you and
most prominent message during this time
                                                  your fellow pilgrims experience Christ’s
was to pray for world peace. The destruction
                                                  unconditional love by participating in the
of the world at that point in history was also
                                                  Stations of the Cross along the Via Sacre.
mentioned by Our Lady in her messages of
                                                  The “Sacred Way” marks the path taken by
Fatima, and more specifically, in her second
                                                  the shepherd children of Fatima to their first
secret to the children.
                                                  apparition with Our Lady. It is composed of
Our profoundly reflective day begins with         fourteen small chapels in commemoration of
Mass at the Little Chapel of the Apparitions.     the Passion of Our Lord. The fifteenth station,
This simple, yet modern, chapel is the site       the Resurrection, can be found below in the
of where the Virgin Mary first appeared on        Chapel of Calvary, dedicated to St. Stephen
May 13, 1917.                                     of Hungary.

Continue to the stunning neoclassical             Your night will conclude with private
church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima.       devotions, and a candlelight procession,
This Sacred space contains the tombs              requested by Our Lady (1917). Participate in
of Francisco and Jacinta, as well as, a           the evening program of the Shrine.
Monument that commemorates the Sacred
                                                  Enjoy dinner and overnight in Fatima.
Heart of Jesus. Due to Our Lady’s consistency
in her messages to pray the Rosary, this
Day 5: Lourdes

                                                                                            Check out and depart to Lourdes, a small        performing acts of penance for sinners.
                                                                                            town that is nestled within the Pyrenees        Throughout your time in Lourdes, you will
                                                                                            Mountains. Here is another site of Our Lady’s   have the opportunity to attend Mass at
                                                                                            apparitions. Our Lady first appeared to         the Grotto of where Our Lady appeared to
                                                                                            Bernadette in 1858, and announced herself       Bernadette; watch a video presentation that
                                                                                            as “The Immaculate Conception”, near            explains, in detail, the story of Lourdes; drink
                                                                                            the Grotto of Massabielle. At the first two     water from the miraculous spring that has
                                                                                            apparitions, little Bernadette prayed the       healed many; and submerge yourself in the
                                                                                            Rosary with Our Lady and left without any       healing baths.
                                                                                            exchange of words. During the following
                                                                                                                                            Dinner and overnight in Lourdes.
                                                                                            apparitions, Our Lady emphasized God’s
                                                                                            love for us, penance and the necessity of

Day 4: Santiago De Compostela – Burgos

After breakfast, celebration of the Holy Mass   Inside is the Chapel of Condestable,
in the Cathedral de Santiago before the         decorated with figures of saints, and the
departure to Burgos. Burgos, a provincial       tomb of El Cid, the 11th-century military
capital in Spain’s autonomous community         commander.
of Castile and León, is marked by its intact
medieval architecture. Its most recognizable    Dinner and overnight in Burgos.
landmark is the French Gothic Cathedral.
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