Itinerary

1. 

   TRAVEL TO ROME

   Fly from London Heathrow to Rome Fiumicino. On arrival we will be met by our tour manager and transfer to our accommodation. Six-night stay at the Casa per Ferie Santa Lucia Filippini. Dinner in a local restaurant. Optional evening walk to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

2. 

   ST PAUL: THE MAMERTIME PRISON AND CLASSICAL ROME

   This morning we visit the Coliseum and the Roman Forum to appreciate the grandeur and immense scale of ancient Rome. Continue to the Titus Arch and the Palatine Hill and visit the Mamertine Prison, an ancient prison featuring a dungeon where prisoners were lowered and held for short periods before their executions. It is believed that Paul and Peter were both incarcerated there prior their execution.  Lunch is at own cost and the rest of the afternoon is free. Dinner in a local restaurant. An evening meeting will be held in our accommodation.

3. 

   THE CATACOMBS AND ST PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS

   We travel along the Appian Way, the route Peter and Paul would have taken entering Rome, to visit the Catacombs of St Callixtus and celebrate Communion together. We continue to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls built over where Paul is believed to be buried. Time permitting, we drive to the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane (Three Fountains Abbey) where it is believed the martyrdom of St Paul occurred in 67 AD. Today lunch at own cost and dinner in a local restaurant.

4. 

   ST PETER THE BASILICA AND THE VATICAN

   This morning we transfer by coach to Basilica of St Peter and have a guided tour including the Michelangelo’s Pieta, the artwork of Bernini and the tombs of several popes, including St John Paul II. Today we also visit the Vatican Necropolis to discover the most significant historical and archeological evidence of St Peter’s Basilica and is the place where the Apostle Peter is believed to be buried. Lunch at own cost. This afternoon is free to wander at your leisure and visit other places of interest. You may wish to take the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (entry ticket not included – visit the official Vatican Museums website to book in advance your timed entry: www.museivaticani.va). An evening meeting will be held in our accommodation.

5. 

   ST MARY MAJOR, ST JOHN LATERAN AND THE CELIO ROMAN HOUSES

   This morning we transfer by coach to two of the Major Basilicas: St Mary Major, the burial place of Pope Francis, and the Cathedral of Rome – St John Lateran. We cross the road here to see the Scala Santa – the steps brought back by Empress Helena from Jerusalem in the fourth century and said to be those ascended by Christ on his way to Pilate. Lunch at own cost. Afternoon visit to the Celio Roman Houses, located under the Basilica of Saints John and Paul, which is one of the most beautiful places in underground Rome. This is a series of 20 frescoed houses where the Early Church met and which were the burial sites for early Christian martyrs.

6. 

   OSTIA

   After breakfast, we join our coach and transfer  to the city that became Rome’s main seaport during the Roman Empire, Ostia Antica. We visit the archeological area which still houses the remains of the city’s most ancient  buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. We then continue towards the sea and spend some free time in Lido di Ostia (plus the opportunity to spend some time on the beach) before we return to Rome for dinner in a local restaurant.

7. 

   TO ASSISI

   This morning is free to wander at your leisure and visit other places of interest or simply embracing the greatness of Italian cuisine by attending one of the many cooking classes available in Rome (to browse and explore the different options Rome with Chef offers a wide choice of classes). Lunch is at own cost. Early afternoon departure for Assisi. We call at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli where we visit the Porziuncola, St Francis’ original tiny chapel, which marks the site where St Francis died. We then continue to the old town of Assisi where our accommodation is located. Two night stay at the Casa del Terziario. An evening meeting will be held in our accommodation.

8. 

   ASSISI

   After breakfast, we have a guided tour of the twin Basilica of St Francis led by one of the friars. We then continue with our guide to the main square and the Basilica of St Clare which now houses the Crucifix  where Francis received his call, and the Tomb of St Clare.  Lunch at own cost and the rest of the days at leisure.

9. 

   HOME

   We depart for Rome Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to London Heathrow.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates