ITINERARY
DAY 1 | MAY 1 | DEPART UNITED STATES
Depart USA from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
DAY 2 | MAY 2 | ARRIVE IN ROME, WELCOME COCKTAIL RECEPTION
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Airport in the morning and transfer to Hotel Michelangelo via coach bus. Enjoy a free afternoon to rest, relax and explore. Your guide can suggest lunch and sightseeing locations within walking distance from the hotel. An evening cocktail reception will welcome you to the Eternal City. (CR)
DAY 3 | MAY 3 | ST PETER’S BASILICA
Depart for an early morning Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, followed by a tour of the church and crypt. There will be time available for shopping and an optional climb to the top of the dome. The afternoon will include an exclusive tour of the Necropolis (Scavi) underneath the Basilica, where the tomb of St. Peter is located. Conclude with dinner and Holy Hour as a group to pray for the soon-to-be-ordained. (B, D)
DAY 4 | MAY 4 | PRIESTLY ORDINATIONS
Depart by bus for St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, for the priestly ordination of 39 deacons of the Legionaries of Christ. Be a part of this special moment taking place in the lives of these new priests. Following Mass, there will be a celebratory lunch. Enjoy a leisure afternoon visiting the sites, including the Holy Steps climbed by Christ in Jerusalem, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross where some of Christianity's most important relics are housed. (B, L)
DAY 5 | MAY 5 | FIRST MASSES, ANGELUS WITH THE POPE
Attend the first Masses of the newly ordained priests, followed by Angelus with Pope Francis at noon. Enjoy lunch together with some of the newly ordained. Enjoy the afternoon on your own exploring some of the many sights, or try one of the favorite Italian past-times…people-watching while sipping wine at an outdoor café. (B, L)
DAY 6 | MAY 6 | VATICAN MUSEUMS, ANCIENT ROME TOUR
Begin the morning with a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you will view some of the most inspiring works of art, including Michelangelo's magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment. Depart via bus for a fascinating and in-depth tour of the Coliseum and Roman Forum with Dr. Elizabeth Lev. (B)
DAY 7 | MAY 7 | ASSISI
Depart early morning for Assisi. Mass will be celebrated at the Tomb of Saint Francis followed by tours of the Basilica, the crucifix of San Damiano and Saint Clare’s Basilica. Enjoy some time on your own in the afternoon to walk around the city and visit some of the many quaint shops. Return to Rome in the late afternoon. (B)
DAY 8 | MAY 8 | PAPAL AUDIENCE, FAREWELL DINNER
Attend the Papal Audience (pending the Pope’s final schedule). Enjoy early afternoon at leisure for lunch on your own and sightseeing. A farewell dinner will be held in the evening. (B, D)
DAY 9 | MAY 9 | DEPART ROME
Pack and depart in the morning for Leonardo da Vinci Airport for the return flight to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. (B)
CR - Cocktail Reception B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner