Day 1 Friday
Manchester - Rome
Leave Hawkstone and travel together by minibus to the airport. On arrival at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, we will be met by our guide and transferred to a three-star hotel in central Rome, where we will stay for 6 nights. Dinner on arrival and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 Saturday
The Vatican City
We begin our day in the Eternal City by visiting the Vatican Museum for a tour including the Sistine Chapel where we can appreciate the recently restored frescoes by the greatest Renaissance painter, Michelangelo. Afterwards, we walk towards Saint Peter's Square and break for lunch at a nearby restaurant. After lunch we drive to San Alfonso Basilica for a visit and Mass. We then stop at the Church of San Gregorio Magno, the site from where Saint Augustine was sent to convert England to Christianity. Return to the hotel for dinner and night stay.
Day 3 Sunday
Pantheon and baroque Rome
Today we spend the day walking through the streets and piazzas of Rome. Visit the Piazza Navona with its magnificent fountains by Bernini. Nearby visit the Pantheon built in the reign of Augustus and converted into a church in the 7th century where the side chapel contains the tombs of Italian kings. Continue to the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza di Spagna. Late afternoon we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 Monday
The Colosseum
We begin our day by driving to the Colosseum, a masterpiece of classical architecture and the largest amphitheatre in the world. Break for lunch before diving to Saint Pietro church for Mass. Saint Pietro church is one of the largest churches in the world.
Day 5 Tuesday
The Apian Way, The Catacombs
This morning we drive along the Appian Way to the Catacombs of San Callistus, one of the burial places of the early martyrs. Here we will celebrate Mass followed by a guided visit of the catacombs. After lunch we continue to the Basilica of Saint Paul built over the grave of the Saint, who was martyred in Rome by the emperor Nero. We also visit the basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore, the first basilica in the West dedicated the mother of God, and San Giovanni in Laterrano, the cathedral church of Rome. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 Wednesday
Papal Audience
After breakfast we drive to the Vatican City and walk to the Saint Peter's Square to participate in the Wednesday audience with the Pope. Afterwards we will visit Saint Peter's basilica, the largest church in Christendom, built over the grave of Saint Peter. Peter was martyred here during the reign of Nero in 64 AD. Within the church are great works of art including those by Michelangelo and Bernini. Continue to the Church of San Clemente for Mass and visit before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 Thursday
Rome to Assisi
Early morning departure for Assisi, the mystic hill-top town of Saint Francis, surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis with its early Renaissance masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. Proceed to visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara (Saint Clare). We will then have Mass in the Sacro Convento - Elia Chapel. We then go to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 Friday
Assisi - Rome airport
After breakfast, we leave Assisi and go direct to Fiumicino Airport for the return flight back home. On arrival we will be met and transferred to the Hall. Those who wish may spend the remainder of the break time at Hawkstone. Others may wish to travel.
