Pray and Walk Through Italy with the Saints

Transcription

1 Pray and Walk Through Italy with the Saints Rome, Ostio Anitca, Assisi, Greccio, Spoleto, Orvieto and The Umbrian Hill Towns September 14 t h ro u g h 23, 2014 Led by Archbishop Robert Duncan a n d Nara Duncan

2 Dear Friends, I remember the first time I visited Assisi. I came away determined to come back and spend some serious time in wandering around. I found it to be a place that tickled my imagination- a place where I could actually imagine Francis and Clare and follow them as they went about their ministries in that place. I nicknamed the lower part of the town Clare s end of town because that was where the tourists mostly didn t come and you got a sense, even during the day, what the place must have looked like in medieval Italy. I ve traveled to many places since then and have yet to discover a place to equal it. The Archbishop will retire as Archbishop in June of 2014 and will then commence a three month sabbatical. We have decided that a perfect way to end that sabbatical would be to take a group of people to Assisi and revisit that stage setting which would become the place where Francis actions would usher in a reformation of the Church. As we would land in Rome, why not include visits to the four major Basilicas of Rome and see the port where Peter and Paul would have arrived in Rome to meet their end. To that end, we will travel to Italy from Sept 14th to the 23rd and architecture of the places where we are. I plan to get a really good book on the frescoes in the lower Basilica at Assisi and sit there for a few hours to read and look and revel in the amazing art of Giotto something I have wanted to do since that first visit. I know that Himself will want to walk some of Francis trails and will do so with any who care to join him. I shall gently stroll though Assisi and the Basilicas of Rome with any who care to join me. We will have many ordered and guided visits around Assisi to some of Francis and Clare sites so don t think this will be all relaxed and agenda-less. We will have a guide but the Archbishop will chime in as he is wont to do and we will have some teaching on St. Francis and how he ushered in change to the church. While there will be walking, I don t see this as a particularly difficult tour physically. This will a very special trip and would love to have you all aboard. Remember how much fun it is to travel with friends who think, feel and worship the same way you do. Think Italy in September! Do come along! Bob and Nara ITINERARY Sunday, September 14 Depart for Rome Monday, September 15 Arrival The Forum and The Coliseum: Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival you will take a taxi to our small charming hotel, for rest, The Arch and I envision a tour that would include lots of exploration, lots of beautiful places, (perhaps a few you haven t seen before), good eating- this is Italy after all, good fellowship always when traveling with us! We envision slow visits to some of these places in order that one might really sink into the art

3 dinner and overnight. We have planned a guided tour to the Ancient Rome including the Forum and Coliseum at 1:00PM on September 15th. Please plan to arrive in Rome by 10:00AM. For those who wish to participate on the afternoon tour we will depart our hotel at 1:00PM and arrive back by 5:00PM. We officially begin our tour with a reception and dinner during which we will discuss our coming journey. (D) The Villa S. Pio. Tuesday, September 16 - Rome After breakfast, we will begin our magnificent tour of Rome. Today we will highlight the four Basilicas of Rome. We will see San Giovanni in Laterna; considered by many to be the most beautiful church in Rome decorated with frescoes and paintings, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city. Then out to San Paolo contra Mura or St. Paul outside the Walls, where many archeological and biblical scholars believe St. Paul is buried. We will finish with the greatest Basilica of all, St. Peter s, followed by a visit to the Vatican Museum, and the the glorious Sistine Chapel. (B,D) The Villa S. Pio Wednesday, September 17 Ostia Antica Piazza Navona and The Pantheon: In many ways Ostia Antica is far better preserved than Pompeii. This is the port of ancient Rome, Peter and Paul both passed though here. With Ostia you get more of a feel for how this great port city worked, being able to wander though small alleys and markets. It is not hard to conjure up images of pedestrians centuries ago. After we return to Rome, we will take a walking tour to the marvelous Piazza Navona. This wonderful square is filled with fountains, churches, and the sights of the Renaissance. Next we walk to the Pantheon, an architectural wonder of Rome and a Christian Church. This evening you are free for dinner to visit a charming taverna on the Piazza Navona or stroll the lanes of the neighborhood of around our hotel and experience an intimate local restaurant and sample the cooking of Rome. (B) Thursday, September 18 - Assisi Today we depart Rome for Assisi. The first sight of Assisi, perched halfway up the slopes of Mount Subasio, will be extraordinary! Assisi

4 is virtually untouched by modern architecture, with the soft pink of its medieval buildings shimmering against the greenery of the mountain. After lunch, we will begin our sojourn through Assisi. We will explore the hidden gems of Assisi as well as the significant sites so important to our Franciscan Journey. There will be an opportunity to attend Mattins or Vespers for those who wish to experience a contemporary religious community. We will explore the church and convent of San Damiano, where it all began in Assisi. San Damiano is the place where St. Francis received his miraculous calling in 1205 and where St. Clare died in We will have a short 15 minute walk through 300 year old olive groves and arrive at one of the most spiritual places in Italy. In San Damiano it is easy to feel close to God in this place that St. Francis rebuilt. (B,D) Friday, September 19 - Greccio and Spoleto Today we will journey south from Assisi to a visit Greccio, the place where Francis introduced the manger the Presepio Italian for crib - scene of Christ s nativity- to the European imagination. Francis, recalling a visit he had made years before to Bethlehem, resolved to create the manger he had seen there. The ideal spot was a cave in nearby Greccio. Word went out to the people of the town. For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardships Jesus suffered even as an infant, a savior who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus. (B,D) Saturday, September 20 - Umbria s Medieval Hill Towns Spello, Montefalco, and Foligno These medieval hilltowns offer a blend of art, history, food, wine, landscape, and crafts that makes them worth a week of anyone s time. Spello is Assisi s little sister and has the same medieval lanes and pink tinged walls. It was the pearl of the Middle Ages, with its fascinating town plan- lanes and narrow streets, doorways and squares and old palazzi. Montefalco, higher number of important sites in Francis life. Our route will take us through some of the wonderful hilltowns in Umbria including Spoleto where Francis had a life changing dream. We will then

5 than its neighbor Spello, is sometimes called the Balcony of Umbria, as the views appear to encompass all of Umbria. The church of San Francesco in Montefalco contains a fresco of the life of St. Francis as he was known to have preached to the birds near this town. (B,D) legacy lies under the city itself. Starting in Etruscan times, and continuing right through the Middle Ages, the locals carved more than a thousand cellars, passages and wells into the cliff walls, creating a refuge to be used during times Sunday, September 21 - Hidden Assisi We will attend a service in the Basilica this morning and then embark on our walking tour of Assisi. If you love to explore, learn, discover of strife. We will have an opportunity to take a tour of this underground city. We then continue to the Rome Hilton Airport Hotel to facilitate easy departures on the 23rd. (B,D) and appreciate nature s wonders, then today we will explore one of the most inspiring places on earth. Leaving the crowds around the Basilica, we discover a quieter, more peaceful Assisi. We start with a gentle stroll through Assisi s beautiful older neighborhoods with breathtaking views. There is a quieter world of monasteries and religious communities within the city walls. Some may assume these cloistered communities to be entirely inaccessible; but that s usually not the case. Throughout our time here in Assisi, we will have the opportunity to worship with some of these communities. (B,D) Monday, September 22 Depart Assisi Orvieto Rome This morning we depart Assisi and stop in Orvieto on our way to Rome. Orvieto stands on the summit of a 150-metre-high tufa cliff emerging, much like an island, from the surrounding plains. Orvieto is of Etruscan origin with the more ancient traces dating back to 9th century BC. The Etruscans most remarkable Tuesday, September 23 Return home. OPTIONAL TUSCAN VILLA EXPERIENCE Siena, Florence and Orvieto September 22 through 25, 2014 Limited to 24 participants. Monday, September 22 Depart Assisi for Siena This morning we will depart Assisi for Siena. Siena has one of the loveliest Duomos in all of Italy and is the home of the famous horse race The Palio. Siena the beloved is a mystical, gentle, passionate, and generous art centre. We are welcomed by its motto: Cor magis tibi Sena pandit (Siena opens its heart to you). We will stroll the gothic streets lined with palaces and stately mansions, visit the Duomo, the Town Hall, the Piazza del Campo,

6 the Picture Gallery, and St. Dominic s Church, the 15th century Gothic church where St. Catherine had her trances. We end our day at the beautiful Villa Campestri, in the heart fine religious art and the Uffizi for a taste of its marvelous collection. We will visit Santa Croce which is considered the principal Franciscan Church in Florence, Santa Croce has sixteen chapels, many with frescoes by Giotto and his followers. It also contains the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo and Brunelleschi s Pazzi Chapel. We end our day back at the Villa for dinner and overnight. (B,D) Wednesday, September 24 - Depart The Villa Campestri, Orvieto Rome This morning we depart Assisi and stop in Orvieto on our way to Rome. Orvieto stands on the summit of a 150-metre-high tufa cliff emerging, much like an island, from the of the Mugello Valley. The Villa Campestri is located 15 miles from Florence, and is a splendid Renaissance Villa built around an ancient 13th century fort. It is surrounded by ancient olive groves which produce olive oil of exceptional quality. Art, History and Relaxation are the three dimensions that make a stay at this Resort unforgettable. (B,D) Tuesday, September 23 - Full day Florence No visit to Italy is complete without a visit to Florence. Today we will see David at the Academia, visit Santa Maria Novella for its surrounding plains. Orvieto is of Etruscan origin with the more ancient traces dating back to 9th century BC. The Etruscans most remarkable legacy, lies under the city itself. Starting in Etruscan times, and continuing right through the Middle Ages, the locals carved more than a thousand cellars, passages and wells into the cliff walls, creating a refuge to be used during times of strife. We will have an opportunity to take a tour of this underground city. We continue to the Rome Hilton Airport Hotel to facilitate easy departures on the 25th. (B,D) Thursday, September 25 Return home.

7 T O U R C O N D I T I O N S AIR TRANSPORTATION The price of the tour is land only. Connoisseurs Tours Travelers come from many different parts of the country. Therefore we have found that most travelers prefer to have flexibility in their air transportation. We will provide a suggested air schedule that includes the group s international flights coordinated with flights from your home city to suit your particular preference. After you have placed a deposit on this tour we will contact you regarding your air schedule. PRICE OF TOUR $ per person double occupancy land only. $ for sole occupancy in hotels. PRICE OF OPTIONAL TUSCAN VILLA EXTENSION $ per person double occupancy land only. $ supplement for sole occupancy in hotels. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT DEPOSITS SHOULD BE SENT TO CONNOISSEURS TOURS IN THE AMOUNT OF $ PER PASSENGER TO RESERVE A PLACE ON THE TOUR. AN ADDITIONAL $ PER PASSENGER DEPOSIT IS DUE TO RESERVE A SPACE ON THE TUSCAN VILLA EXTENSION The balance of the payment is due June 16, Payment can be made via personal checks or any major credit card. CANCELLATIONS A $ per person cancellation fee is charged for any cancellations after the deposit has been paid. All deposits are non-refundable 180 days prior to departure, 91 days to 60 days up to the departure date 50% of the of tour price is non-refundable, 59 days up to the date of departure and later 100% of the tour price is non-refundable. Connoisseurs Tours prepays all hotels, cruise lines, transportation, meals, guides, etc. in advance. Connoisseurs Tours strongly advises passengers to purchase Trip Cancellation interruption insurance, which is available through Connoisseurs Tours. RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility of the operators, CONNOISSEURS TOURS is limited. They act only as agents for the passengers in regard to travel whether by railroad, motor coach, private car, boat, aircraft or any other conveyances, and assume no obligation for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour. Connoisseurs Tours can accept no responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to delay or changes in schedule or other causes. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of any tour or to change or withdraw the tour as circumstances demand. All rates are based on tariffs in effect at the time the tour was planned and are subject to change in the event of adjustment therein. Baggage is carried at the owner s risk and baggage insurance is recommended. Final payment by the passenger to Connoisseurs Tours shall be deemed to be consent to the above. All carriers, steamship lines, and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use by the companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. CONNOISSEURS TOURS reserves the right to substitute hotels of equal or superior quality. TRAVEL INSURANCE We highly recommend that you purchase trip protection for your trip since we know that many unforeseen events may occur in the planning process or even while on your trip. Passengers who purchase trip protection insurance qualify for trip cancellation for medical reason at any time during the planning or traveling dates. The policy will protect your investment for any out of pocket losses due to your cancellation. The Connoisseurs Tours Protection Plan will protect you against unforeseen circumstances that can result in trip cancellation and additional expenses such as costs related to medical emergencies. You are protected against the financial impact of unexpected events: Trip Cancellation, Interruption, and Delay; Baggage Loss or Damage or Delay; Emergency Sickness or Accident; Medical evacuation and Repatriation. $ per person Additional insurance to include the airfare is available through Connoisseurs Tours and must be added within 14 days of purchasing your airline tickets. Contact Connoisseurs Tours for additional information about insurance. VALIDITY October 2013 through March 2015

8 RESERVATION FORM Pray and Walk Through Italy with the Saints September 14 through 23, 2014 Name: Address: q I wish to purchase single accommodations q Please contact me about airline reservations City: State: Zip: Telephone: Rooming with: Please reserve place(s) for this tour. A deposit in the amount of $ per person is required for a reservation. Enclosed is a deposit of for people. Check Credit Card: Visa Mastercard Amex Discover Card #: Exp Date: / Security Code: Signature: Date: / / 2013 q Yes, I would like make a reservation for the optional Tuscan Villa Extension *Additional Deposit of $ per person q Yes, I would like to purchase Optional Insurance * $ per person Please mail your reservation form and deposit to: Connoisseurs Tours One Tiffany Place Savannah, GA (912) q I have read and understand the Terms and Conditions of this tour. Signature: