Italy

Rome - The Eternal City

Rome

Introduction

From as early as the third century pilgrims were making their way across Europe to Rome in order to pray at the tombs of the Apostles and martyrs, Peter and Paul. Down through the centuries Christians have continued to journey here because of the unique place that these saints occupy as founders of the Church. Times may have changed much of the city but we are part of the Church that was established here and still have much to gain in reflecting on our faith  as we visit the ancient sites and churches that witnessed the beginnings and growth of Christianity.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE - MONDAY

London - Rome

We fly from London or a regional airport to Rome on a scheduled flight. Transfer to our hotel near to the Vatican, for a four-night stay. Before dinner in a local restaurant (included tonight), we walk to St Peter's Square for our first view of the Vatican.

DAY TWO - TUESDAY

St Pauls Without the Walls - Catacombs - St Peter's

This morning we visit the Basilica of St Paul Without the Walls, built over the site of the Saint's martyrdom, then go on to one of the catacombs, the burial places for the early Christians. In the afternoon we return to St Peter's for a tour of the basilica including the Pieta and the crypt, which contains the tombs of several popes, including Pope John Paul II. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.

DAY THREE - WEDNESDAY

Papal Audience - St John Lateran - Scala Santa - Santa Croce

This Morning we take our seats in St Peter's Square for the weekly General Papal Audience (if His Holiness is in Rome at the time). After lunch, included today, our coach and guide take us to two of the churches that all pilgrims to Rome must see. We visit the Cathedral of Rome, St John Lateran, and afterwards cross the road to see the scala Santa - the steps brought back from Jerusalem by Empress Helena in the 4th Century and said to be those ascended by Christ on his way to Calvary. We continue to Santa Croce, which contains a fragment of the True Cross, again brought back by Empress Helena. Dinner is at our own expense tonight.

DAY FOUR - THURSDAY

At Leisure in Rome

Today is free for your own explorations. This would be an ideal opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums, which contain a fascinating collection of the Vatican's treasure (entrance costs €12). The highlight of the museums os Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

DAY FIVE - FRIDAY

Rome - London (or regional airports)

After breakfast we transfer to Rome's Ciampino airport for our flight back to London or regional airports.

Travel Dates and Cost:

15th September 2008 - 19th September 2008
1st December 2008 - 5th December 2008
5 days
£529
£499

Book now

Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £90 per person on booking (plus insurance if required). The final payment is due two months before the departure date.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

UK and Italy airport taxes and return flights on a scheduled airline: Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Glasgow, Liverpool, East Midlands, Bristol or Newcastle - Rome. Four nights accomodation on a shared basis in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities at a comfortable three star hotel near to the Vatican. Meal plan: 4 continental breakfasts, 1 lunch and 3 dinners. Two half-day tours by coach, other touing on foot as per the itinerary. Services of a Pax Travel tour escort throughout. Entrance to the catacombs and all churches.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance, currently at £21.00 per person unless insured elsewhere. Single room supplement at £72 for the four nights (limited number of single rooms available). All food and drink on board the flights, meals not included in the itinerary, drinks and souvenirs.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Ecumenical