Christmas Assisi

Christmas in Rome 2011

Rome

Introduction

Christmas time in Rome is when the city empties of tourists and the streets are full of Romans enjoying the many events and spectacles that occur at this time. Every piazza has its beautifully decorated Christmas tree and every church its crib; as only fitting, the tree and crib in St Peter’s Square outshine all the rest. Apart from the attractions that Rome offers all the year round there is the traditional Christmas Fair in Piazza Navona, and a skating rink on the Pincian Hill. In the evening there are Christmas concerts at many of the city’s churches, most of them free. At the heart of the season’s festivities are the religious ceremonies, Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and High Mass on Christmas Day followed by the special Papal Blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, to the city and the world. This blessing is only given at Christmas and Easter and as usual thousands of Romans and visitors to Rome will fill St Peter’s Square to receive it from the Pope.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - THURSDAY 22ND DECEMBER

London & other cities - Rome

Scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow, Bristol or East Midlands Airports. On arrival at Rome Airport transfer by coach to our hotel, situated near to St Peter’s Basilica. Before dinner in a local restaurant we walk to St Peter’s Square to see the Christmas tree and the crib.

DAY TWO - FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER

A Foretaste of Christmas

Our first visit this morning is to the Church of Ss. Cosmos and Damian, where there is a magnificent crib, and ending up at the Church of Ara Coeli, next to the Campidoglio where we see the Santo Bambino (Holy Child), which is placed in a special crib. After a light lunch in a local restaurant, we visit the famous Christmas market in the Piazza Navona. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.

DAY THREE - SATURDAY 24TH DECEMBER

Christmas Eve

This morning we drive to the Piazza del Popolo, to visit the exhibition of cribs at the Church of S. Maria del Popolo. Walk up to the Pincio Gardens to get the wonderful view of Rome, see the ice rink and the hot-air balloon (if you want a ride in it, this will cost you extra). A light lunch is included today in a local restaurant near to the Piazza del Popolo, and the afternoon will be at leisure for you to wander down Via del Corso and see the shops, or go down Via del Babuino to the Spanish Steps. Dinner will be in a local restaurant. Arrangements have been made to attend Midnight Mass at St Peter’s (Internal seats are not guaranteed, and you may be seated in St Peter’s Square).

DAY FOUR - SUNDAY 25TH DECEMBER

Chrstmas Day

Those who wish may attend Mass of Christmas Day at St Peter’s at which the Holy Father will preside. Afterwards we drive for a festive Christmas lunch at L’Eau Vive restaurant, run by an order of Belgian Missionary Sisters, who will serenade us with Christmas carols. To work off our lunch, we will take a gentle stroll back across the Tiber to our hotel. Dinner will be at choice.

DAY FIVE - MONDAY 26TH DECEMBER

Boxing Day

In the morning we attend Mass in the Basilica of St Mary Major. The rest of the day will be at leisure with lunch at choice. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

DAY SIX - TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER

Rome - UK

This morning we drive to the Gianicolo for a panoramic view of Rome and a coffee stop, before driving to a point near to Piazza Navona for a walking tour to include he Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, before we transfer to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport for our return flight to the UK.

Travel Dates and Cost:

22nd December 2011 - 27th December 2011
Six days
£849

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Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £120 per person on booking (plus the insurance premium if the cover we offer is required). Final payment due two months before the departure date. This price is guaranteed until three months before the departure date, after this time there may be a surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return scheduled flights: London – Rome. U.K. and Italy departure taxes. Five-nights accommodation in twin or double-bedded rooms with private facilities in Rome at a 3-star hotel near to St Peter’s. Return coach transfers from airport, and an air-conditioned coach for touring. Pax Travel tour manager to accompany the group in Italy. Meal plan: 5 Continental breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance. Single room supplement of £90 for the five nights (Limited availability of single rooms). Lunches, drinks and souvenirs. Flight supplements (quoted on request) from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and Belfast.
Small group – This will be limited to 26 participants. THIS PRICE IS GUARANTEED UNTIL THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE DEPARTURE DATE, AFTER THIS TIME THERE MAY BE A FLIGHT SURCHARGE.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

This tour will be open to members of all Christian denominations.

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