Chocolate Hills: Philippines' Sweet Natural Marvel
Bohol's Chocolate Hills: Cone-shaped limestone formations.
2025 is a Holy Year and declared as a special year for forgiveness and reconciliation. A Jubilee is a special year of remission of sins, debts and universal pardon. Come, receive, and celebrate it with us while passing the “holy doors” in Rome, and see the best shrines of Italy, including Padre Pio, and The Miracle of the Holy Eucharist.
Milan has been a center of prominence since the Middle Ages. In this intriguing metropolis beneath the facade of post-WWII buildings, many surprises await you Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s highlights. See the world-famous La Scala Opera House and learn about the illustrious history of the Duomo, a marvel of medieval architecture built when Milan was considered the “new Athens.” This gothic masterpiece seats 10,000 worshipers and is crowned with 140 spires and more than 2,000 statues. Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the “parlor” of the city, to check out designer shops and stop for espresso at Zucca, a favorite cafe of Giuseppe Verdi. Transfer to the hotel . Overnight
After loading the coach, we will reach Stresa and take a boat to the Borromean islands:
All this Borromean Island is a botanical garden, the climatic protection of the mighty Alps and the tepid waters of Lago Maggiore. The cacti and palm trees here, so far north and so near the border with Switzerland, are a beautiful surprise. On the Isola Madre, take time to see the profusion of exotic trees and shrubs running down to the shore in every direction. Also on the island is a 16th-century palazzo, where the Borromeo family still lives for part of the year. The palazzo has an antique puppet theater on display, complete with string puppets, prompt books, and elaborate scenery designed by Alessandro Sanquirico, who was a stenographer at La Scala in Milan. Tiny Isola dei Pescatori, less than 100 yards wide, makes a great stop for your included lunch. The island's little lanes strung with fishing nets and dotted with shrines to the Madonna are the definition of picturesque.
Following breakfast at your hotel, board the motor coach for your transfer to Padua. Stop in Sirmione to visit Lake Garda. This Northern Italy city honors the "Patron Saint of Lost Things and Causes", St. Anthony. You will begin a sightseeing tour of the city, including a view of one of the oldest Universities in Italy, the University of Padua, as well as the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the "Patron Saint of Padua." The tour will conclude at the Basilica of St. Anthony, where you will have the opportunity to visit his tomb. Dinner and overnight.
Today, you will have early breakfast. Board your bus to depart to the magical city of Venice. After Mass enjoy a tour of the "City paved with Water!" Your walking tour includes a visit to St. Mark's Square, the largest square in the city and the site of many government buildings; the Golden Basilica of San Marco, known for the great mosaics that depict the Old and New Testament of the Bible; and the Bridge of Sigh, a bridge that will bring eternal love to those who drift below it. You will also have the chance to view the Doges' Palace (Duke's Palace), which served as the seat of the Government for the Republic of Venice for centuries. Return to Padua for dinner and overnight.
Upon arrival in Florence, you will notice immediately that it is the land for art lovers. Some of the most world-renowned artists are from Florence such as, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello, and many others. Enjoy a guided tour. The tour starts at the Church of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce, where many nobles are buried, such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. I continue walking by Piazza Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Republic Square to the Santa Maria del Fiore. This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence. It was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century. Followed by a visit to L'Accademia, the well-known art gallery. At this gallery, you will have the opportunity to view the work from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo: David. This afternoon you will have time to explore Florence on your own. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, followed by a scenic drive to the Tuscan city of Siena. This medieval city is the
birthplace of St. Catherine "Doctor of the Church", and the Apostle of Italy, St. Bernardine. Visit of the Basilica of St. Catherine (which is also known as the Basilica of St. Domenico). St. Catherine passed a large part of her life inside the walls of this Basilica. It is here you will also view the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. After, we will visit the Shrine of St. Catherine, which occupies the site of her family home. Enjoy our walking tour through the Siena including a visit to its Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). We will conclude at one of Italy's finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where you will be given free time to spend at your own leisure.
Arrive in the afternoon in Assisi and visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. This is where St. Francis spent most of life. This Basilica is made up of two structures, both of which you will visit. The first structure is the "Porziuncola", which is where St. Francis founded his order of the Friar Minor (Franciscans). The second, is the "Capella del Transito", which is the place of St. Francis' death. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well as the cave where the Saint retired to pray.
Enjoy an early breakfast, followed by touring the hometown of St. Francis. St. Francis is the "Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment." Additionally, he is responsible for founding the Franciscan Order, and an inspiration to all by preferring to live in simplicity and humility, while
giving up all other worldly possessions. As we visit the birthplace of St. Francis, you will become captivated as the atmosphere has not changed since St. Francis began his ministry, in the early 13th century. We will start our tour at the St. Francis Basilica, visit his tomb of St. Francis, and could view a series of frescoes depicting his life, along with a few of the saint's possessions. From there, we will continue walking tour through this picturesque town, including the birthplace of St. Francis, and ending with a tour of the Church that honors St. Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. Enjoy some free time on your own - you may take this time for additional prayer, shop in the many gift shops or enjoy a nice lunch.
Then we will head to Lanciano. The Church of St. Longinus is the site of the Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of the Miracle, there was a Basilian monk who struggled with the belief in the real presence of The Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. During the time of Mass, the monk, with doubt in his voice, said the "Words of Consecration" and the bread turned into living flesh, and the wine transformed into live blood. Accommodation in San Giovanni Rotondo hotel for dinner and overnight.
San Giovanni Rotondo (View Incorrupt Body of St. Padre Pio) - Monte Sant' Angel. This morning, after breakfast, we will visit the Old Church. After Mass we will tour the sanctuary, it is here you will view the crucifix, in front of which St. Pio received the stigmata. Visit the confessional from where St. Pio spent an innumerable number of hours listening to confessions. Next, we will board the bus and travel along the beautiful Gargano Peninsula to the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, a shrine consecrated by St. Michael. At this grotto, St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his diocese would not be annihilated as he feared. Following the visit to the grotto, enjoy free time. On the way back to San Giovanni Rotondo view breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding countryside.
visit the town of Alberobello, famous for the fantastical homes known as trulli decorating the streets. The narrow-cobbled lanes wind alongside more than 1,500 of the captivating whitewashed homes crafted out of local limestone.
The conical shape stands beneath the beehive-like rooftop, providing a storybook ambiance to the structure. Palm trees provide pockets of shade as jasmine flowers blossom in private gardens. The oldest of the homes date back to the 14th century, shaped to insulate the interior from the summer heat and catch the rainwater during the wet season. Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Guided tour of MATERA, known best for the network of caves carved into the gorge walls set beneath the medieval streets of town.
The city is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited settlements in the world, dating back more than 15,000 years. The cobbled medieval streets adorn the top of the hill overlooking the edges of the gorge down to the ravine. The cathedral bell tower crowns the heart of the upper neighborhood.
Your guide leads you to the caves, which were inhabited by locals as recently as the late 1960s. The gray stone of town matches the rugged facade of the cliffs. The steep staircase plunges into the surreal ambiance beneath the streets.
The original caves contain facades resembling traditional homes amongst a maze of narrow alleyways and staircases. The aroma of granite and limestone emanate from the gorge walls amongst the tufts of grass. Sasso Caveoso offers a selection of uninhabited caves depicting life in the city as recently as five decades ago, from the doors and windows to the cool interior protecting inhabitants from the heat. Many of the historic caves have been renovated, filled with luxury hotels and restaurants accessible by the narrow lanes connecting the deeper caves to one another.
After breakfast load the coach and drive for an excursion to Pompei. Pompei is a place so steeped in history and surrounded by intrigue that it needs no further description. It was once a bustling city center in the heart of southern Italy, set beneath the shadow of a massive but seemingly benevolent peak they called Vesuvius, but everyone now knows its name because of the catastrophic events of 79 AD when the city was covered by the explosions of mighty Vesuvius. Ignored for centuries, abandoned for millennia, it wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that the buried remnants of Pompeii were rediscovered, perfectly preserved in the fiery furnace of ash and searing air. There are people in their homes, seemingly asleep, as if unaware of what was going on around them; there are the immaculately preserved mosaics that fill the homes of wealthier citizens and line the public spaces. You will see it all and learn all about the history of this fascinating area. Visit the Shrine of the Rosary of Pompei “La Madonna Del Rosario”, one of the most visited
Catholic Shrines. The painting of "Our Lady of the Rosary" with its bronze gilt frame is presented to the pilgrims on the high altar. The venerated painting depicts the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus presenting the Rosary to Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. Inside the shrine there are also two very important relics belonging to the Passion of Christ; a thorn from the Crown of Thorns and a small piece of the Holy Cross. Continue to Sorrento. Drive to Sorrento with its stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, its picturesque narrow streets, parks, villa, and orange, lemon and olive groves. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax before dinner and overnight.
Sail away by Jetfoil to one of the dreamiest spots in the world: the island of Capri. Escape to a fantasy world of sunshine, seaside views and upscale boutiques.
As you glide through the breathtaking scenery, succumb to the mesmerizing beauty of the island’s steep limestone cliffs and the luminescent blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Capri is called the “Blue Island” because of the intense azure color seen in the waters of the island’s coves and grottos.
In the town of Capri, stop at one of the elegant outdoor cafes, browse the designer boutiques along Capri’s charming main street, the island’s version of Rodeo Drive, and enjoy a gentle stroll through Capri to the charming Gardens of Augustus, which looks out onto the famous Faraglioni, rock formations that punctuate the coastline.
Today you’ll set off for a spectacular day on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most amazing scenic drives of your life will take you around breathtaking cliffs that overlook the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and drop off to the brilliant blue waters below. The dramatic scenery is awe inspiring. Explore the best sights and cities that line the Mediterranean.
After several miles of postcard-perfect views, admire the blissfully secluded town of Positano, an ancient village with an illustrious past, with the cliff-clinging houses that make it up. Clinging to a mountain along the coast, Positano is a panorama of colors with white, pink and yellow houses lining the bougainvillea-covered hillside. Continue on through Praiano where you will drive by St. Gennaro Church. Next see the town of Amalfi, at one time a major naval power: stroll amongst its lively and colorful alleyways and picturesque square visiting its gorgeous Cathedral consecrated to its patron, Saint Andrew, and artisan workshops, amongst the colors and scents of its lemon trees.
The best thing is still to come: from Ravello your eyes will reflect the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. View its interesting Cathedral devoted to Saint Pantaleone, and the Villa Rufolo, a venue for many festivals throughout the year and magnificent gardens. Sip a succulent limoncello while taking in the sapphire surf of the sea
Following breakfast, you will board your bus to enjoy the scenic route to Montecassino, passing through the Roman countryside that is known for its villas and vineyards. Montecassino, the principle monastery of the Benedictine Order, was founded by Saint Benedict around 530 A.D . During the bus ride, your tour escort will share interesting information regarding the spiritual, historical, and cultural aspects of Italy. After getting off the highway, drive up till Montecassino Abbey and breath the same 360° view from the top of the mountain that inspired St. Benedict ( patron saint of Europe 480-547 AD), renowned for his wisdom and moderation, to wrote his Rule for Monasteries at his great monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy, which in recent memory served as a major battleground in World War 2. Following the tour, there will be an opportunity to visit the gift shop.
The tour begins with attending the Papal Audience in St. Peter's Square! The Audience is celebrated each Wednesday by His Holiness. Following the Audience, there will be free time for shop, or mail a postcard from the Vatican Post Office. Your sightseeing day in Rome continue! you will visit the oldest of the four major basilicas in Rome, and the home to the relics of Peter and Paul, the Basilica of St. John the Lateran. This Basilica is where the Pope is installed as Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase.
Tradition states that this staircase is from Pontius Pilate's palace of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is also said that this Staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen in the 4th century. If time permits, you may climb the steps on your knees, in memory of Christ's agonizing Passion. Then, we will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Enjoy a walking tour along the Imperial Forums and the Capitol Hill, and admire the Colosseum from the outside, the world’s most famous sporting structure. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
St. Peter's Basilica – Baroquean Rome
Our sightseeing day in Rome starts making your way to the largest Christendom Church, St. Peter's Basilica. This Basilica was built on the site where St. Peter, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome, was martyred. Another stop on your Vatican tour is at the tomb of Saint John Paul II.
In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Baroquean Rome: stroll through picturesque cobblestone alleyways and discover the enchanting sites, such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Taste the authentic roman pizza as your DINNER: a “real” pizza chef will reveal to you the secrets of the best pizza you will ever taste.
Arrivederci, Italia!
after a heartfelt farewell....
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Bohol's Chocolate Hills: Cone-shaped limestone formations.
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