Pictures from the Italy

A Journey in the Evolution of the Church: 
Ancient, Byzantine, Medieval and Renaissance

A Pilgrimage to Italy

Led by:

Ms Megan Norris
Christ Church
Detroit, MI

June 19 – 29, 2009

Trip map

DAY 1, Friday, June 19, 2009 - Depart the United States on a wide-body jet for a trans-Atlantic flight to Rome.  Dinner on board the aircraft. D

DAY 2: Saturday, June 20, 2009 - We meet our tour manager and driver at the airport in Rome and visit Ostia Antica where Paul landed during his first visit to Italy.  There will be a brief orientation tour as we continue to travel into Rome.  Dinner and overnight Rome. B

DAY 3: Sunday, June 21, 2009 - After breakfast, we attend the 10:30 a.m. Anglican service at St. Paul’s within the Walls.  Then we will take a sightseeing tour which will introduce us to the splendor of Rome.  We start at the Colosseum and see the Forum, the Palatine and the Capitoline Hills.  We continue on to the Arch of Constantine, the Circus Maximus and the Castle San’ Angelo.  We will enjoy some free time in the afternoon to pursue our own interests.  Dinner and overnight Rome B

DAY 4: Monday, June 22, 2009 - An early morning visit to the Catacombs where we will have a private Eucharist (you must have your own priest and it is pending confirmation).  Next we visit the Vatican, the smallest city/state in the world.  We will see Michelangelo’s famous Pieta’ and then we will visit the Vatican Museum where we will see Michelangelo’s famous fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.  Dinner and overnight Rome. BLD

DAY 5: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - Today we travel to Assisi where we will see Francis’ birth place, the Church of San Ruffino where he was baptized, the Carceri, the little Hermitage where Francis was often drawn for prayer and solitude, San Damiano, where Clare lived and where Francis received his vision to “rebuild the church”, and the church of Santa Chiara.  We will also visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli which is built over the Porziuncola, the little chapel St. Francis, restored.  It is here in the Transito Chapel where Francis died on October 3, 1226.  Dinner and overnight Assisi. BLD

DAY 6: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - Today we travel to Pisa and see the Leaning Tower, the Duomo and the Baptistery.  Afterwards, we continue on to Lucca, the first town in Tuscany to accept Christianity.  We will explore on foot and see the Duomo, the church of San Michele and the church of San Frediano as well as other sites.  We continue on to Florence for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 7: Thursday, June 25, 2009 - We begin today with a walking tour of Florence and we will see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its magnificent dome, Bell Tower and Baptistery.  The Baptistery has golden doors designed by Ghiberti representing scenes from the Life and Passion of Christ.  We visit the Museum of the Duomo to see Donatello’s sculpture of Magdalene and then visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.  We visit Santa Maria Novella to see the Masaccio Fresco of the Trinity.  Dinner and overnight Florence. BD

DAY 8: Friday, June 26, 2009 - We travel to Ravenna, a quiet looking town that was once an imperial city.  Ravenna was once known as the Byzantium of the West.  The mosaics which adorn the ecclesiastical buildings are considered to be the finest in Europe.  We continue on to Padua, where we will explore its’ medieval center.  We visit the Cappella degli Scrovegni where Giotto decorated its interior with magnificent frescoes depicting the lives of Mary and Christ.  Later we will explore the huge basilica Sant’ Antonio.  The basilica has a distinct oriental look and its sumptuous interior is decorated with marble and bronze reliefs.  We continue to the island of Venice for dinner and overnight. BD

DAY 9: Saturday, June 27, 2009 - We will take a morning walking tour of Venice with entrance to the Basilica di San Marco one of Europe’s most beautiful churches.  We visit the Palazzo Ducale also known as the Doges Palace.  This fantasia of pink-and-white marble is a majestic expression of the prosperity of power attained by Venice during its Renaissance period.  There will be free time this afternoon to explore on your own. BL

DAY 10: Sunday, June 28, 2009 - A full day on the beach on the island of Lido with a picnic lunch, swimming, sunning and relaxation.  Dinner and overnight Venice. BL

DAY 11: Monday, June 29, 2009 - A very early wake up call and transfer to the Venice airport for our return flight to the United States. BL

Price: $3,599.00* .  Price is based on double occupancy without airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air from Detroit, MI.  Air transportation available from other cities.

* Price includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance. Price is subject to change until accommodations are confirmed.

Final payment due March 20, 2009

** The price is not guaranteed and may change due to the fluctuation of the Euro and the US dollar.  We make every effort to avoid any increase and will only do so if the value of the dollar falls against the Euro.  Your pricing was based on the exchange rate of $1.31912 to the Euro. **

Cancellation Penalties
◊ October 21, 2008 – March 20, 2009 - $200.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ March 21, 2009 – May 19, 2009 - $300.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ After May 20, 2009: NO REFUND

$200.00 per person deposit due with registration and copy of passport.

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, S Snack

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.