Sordevolo

The Passion of Sordevolo

Introduction

Jerusalem, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, all understandable choices for a pilgrimage destination, but Piedmont? My thoughts exactly as I went there to attend the first international trade fair in this region for religious and devotional itineraries.
How wrong could I be? In the same way that I had cynically approached Lisieux, Fatima and Lourdes, mea culpa of mea culpas, I had totally underestimated the potential and power of Piedmont. To start with, arriving at Oropa, a sanctuary which dates its origins back to the 4th century and its foundation by Bishop Eusebius, was like being set down in Camelot. Its scale defies the imagination; purpose built accommodation which can house 1,000 people and a complex complete with bars, restaurants, shops and a pharmacy. The particular object of devotion at Oropa is Our Lady, represented by a beautiful medieval statue of a black Madonna but this is a place that belongs to the people of the region and is also appreciated for the sublime natural beauty of its position.
Piedmont though, does not hold back and indulges the visitor not only with these incredible centres of religious interest but all presented in the most perfect of combinations of settings: mountains and lakes. The Alps, Lakes Orta and Maggiore and historic towns all happily provide the backdrops for these remarkable places. And if that is not enough, every five years the region plays host to a Passion Play, which I can say (having seen both) is as impressive as Oberammergau and as my colleague sitting next to me can testify to, is enough to move a grown man to tears.
We invite you to accompany us on a short visit to experience at first hand what Piedmont has to offer. The tour will include the Sordevolo Passion Play.
Judith Dean

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE

London - Milan - Oropa

Early morning scheduled flight from London Gatwick or Luton to Milan Malpensa Airport. Transfer by road to Oropa, arriving late morning. Afternoon at leisure to discover the Sanctuary and the Sacro Monte or alternatively enjoy one of the lovely walks that can be taken directly from the Sanctuary or take the cable car tot he top of the mountain. Dinner will be in one of the restaurants at the Sanctuary.

DAY TWO

Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore

Today we enjoy a full day excursion to the lakes of Orta and Maggiore. We first visit the charming lakeside town of Orta San Giulio and from here we will make the short crossing to the island of San Giulio and its Basilica which features in the television programme made to accompany the ‘Seeing Salvation’ exhibition at the National Gallery. San Giulio has a particular atmosphere because of the exhortation to respect the peace and quiet of the place. After lunch (at choice) we continue to Lake Maggiore and see some of the sights that have made this lake so well loved by tourists now and in the past. Dinner at choice in Oropa.

DAY THREE

Varallo & The Sordevolo Passion Play

After breakfast we travel to the town of Varallo in the Valesiana valley and ascend to the Sacro Monte above the town by cable car (or coach). There will be plenty of time to wander around the sanctuary and visit as many of the 43 chapels as you want, which contain scenes from the Old and New Testaments carved in wood from the end of the 15th century onwards. The Sanctuary was founded by a Franciscan brother who, after returning from the Holy Land, wanted everyone to be able to experience what he had seen. After lunch (included) we rejoin the coach and return to Oropa, where there will be time at leisure.
In the evening we travel the short distance to the village of Sordevolo to witness the Passion Play enacted by more than 400 of the loal residents. (The auditorium is undercover!)

 

DAY FOUR

Oropa - Turin/Milan - London

After breakfast, drive to Turin, where we visit the Cathedral of St John, which includes the Chapel of The Holy Shroud. Afterwards there will be a guided tour of Turin by coach, including a visit to the elegant Piazza San Carlo, and the Church of Santa Cristina. We will also make a pilgrimage to the church of Maria Ausilitrice, containing the tombs of SS John Bosco and Dominic Savio. There will be time for lunch at choice and browing in the city centre, before we rejoin our coach in the late afternoon to Turin or Milan Airport for our return flight to London Gatwick or Luton.
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Travel Dates and Cost:

9th September 2010 - 12th September 2010
Four Days
£599

Book now

Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £120 upon booking (plus the insurance premium if required). Balance payable two months before departure date. For bookings received after 30th March 2009, there may be a flight or currency surcharge.

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return scheduled flights on easyjet, Ryanair or BA: Gatwick/Stansted – Turin, UK and Italy airport taxes, 15 kg luggage allowance on flights, 3-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities in 3-star accommodation, Meal plan: 3 breakfast, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, All touring and transfers by air-conditioned coach in Italy as per itinerary, Guided tours by fully licensed English-speaking guides as per the itinerary, Entrance fees as per the itinerary, Pax Travel tour escort to accompany the group throughout the pilgrimage.

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance, at £23.00, single room supplement at £66 per person for 3-nights (limited availability), 2 lunches, drinks and souvenirs.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Ecumenical

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