Welcome to Rome, the Eternal City. You will be met at the airport and then transferred by private coach to the hotel. After settling in, we will set off on an orientation walk through the Centro Storico — the historical center — order to be introduced to the famous monuments and piazzas that make Rome the most magnificent of Italian cities. Almost 3,000 years of history have transpired in this magical city, and it waits to receive you with all the vibrancy and beauty that is so unique to Rome. Ancient Romans referred to Rome as Caput Mundi — the head of the world. As the center of the Roman Republic and then the Empire, Rome witnessed 1,000 years of one of the greatest civilizations in the world before becoming the seat of what is now the Catholic Church. Evidence of the glory of ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance can be seen throughout the historical center, and these and many other treasures are ours to explore before a welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful trip. Overnight in Rome. (D)

Our morning begins with a visit to one of the most important museums in the world. Legally its own country, Vatican City is the head and administrative center of the Catholic Church. One of the most extensive museum collections in the world, the museum is also home to the Sistine Chapel, where the legendary Michelangelo created one of his most famous masterpieces on the ceiling. After the museums we will visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic Church ever built. It’s soaring dome engineered by Michelangelo, the artist’s famous Pieta sculpture and countless other artistic wonders make St. Peter’s church one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the world. Following lunch we will head over to the Basilica of San Clemente, a church whose multiple subterranean levels attest to 2,000 years of the neighborhood’s history. We will wrap up our day with a tour of a site that features some subterranean ancient Roman homes with a very special and sacred history. Overnight in Rome. (B)

Today we will begin with visits to some of the city’s most beautiful and interesting churches, including the 1,800-year old Pantheon. We’ll also experience the atmospheric Sant’Ignazio di Loyola with it’s famous trompe l’oeil ceiling as well as Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only gothic church in Rome and the seat of the Dominican order where the famous trial of Galileo took place — and where a very special, little-known Michelangelo sculpture resides. Our afternoon will entail an exploration of the famous Colosseum — the largest ancient amphitheater in the world and the site of countless gladiator games — as well as the Roman forum, the administrative capital of the Empire and the site of some of the most famous speeches in history by the likes of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony and Cicero. As we leave the forum we will pay a visit to the site of the Mamertine prison, where according to tradition St. Peter was incarcerated before his execution in 64 A.D. Overnight in Rome. (B)

This morning, those that would like to participate will have the opportunity to attend the Papal audience in magnificent St. Peters’ Square, designed by the legendary 17th-century sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. A rare, very special tour of the ancient necropolis beneath the Basilica of St. Peter’s — the site of St. Peter’s tomb - will follow the audience. In the afternoon, we’ll journey a short distance outside the city center to visit one of the most unique catacomb complexes in the city: The Catacombs of St. Priscilla, which feature the earliest known depiction of the Virgin Mary. Overnight in Rome. (B)

This morning we will have to bid “arrivederci” to Roma as we depart by private coach for San Giovanni Rotondo in the Puglia region of southern Italy. San Giovanni Rotondo is best known for being the location of the tomb of Padre Pio, one of the most beloved saints of Christians today. Before paying a visit to this second most popular pilgrimage site in the Christian world, however, we’ll take some time go a short distance to see Monte Sant’Angelo, the site of the Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel, where according to tradition the angel appeared in the 5th century. Overnight in San Giovanni Rotondo. (B)

Today we will leave the beautiful Puglia region of southern Italy and head north to Loreto, where the famous Basilica della Santa Casa is located. According to tradition, this important pilgrimage site is the house where Jesus’ mother Mary spent her childhood. The structure is said to have been transported by angels to Loreto’s when its original site in Nazareth was threatened by the Turks in the late 13th century, and it is believed to be the site of several miracles. After Loreto we will continue on to Assisi, one of Italy’s most charming hill towns located in the beautiful region of Umbria. (B)

On our final full day will see us exploring the lovely town of Assisi, home to the beautifully restored Basilica of St. Francis. One of the most famous saints in history, St. Francis of Assisi was the founder of the Franciscan order in the beginning of the 13th century. Today, the 13th-century church constructed in his honor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring this famous church, we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon visiting some of the other special churches and monuments in the town. The afternoon is free for some additional exploring, shopping or cafe-hopping on your own. Tonight is our final farewell dinner at one of Assisi’s lovely restaurants. Overnight in Assisi. (B,D)

Arrivederci Italia! You will be transferred by private coach to the airport in Rome, where you will depart for the U.S., arriving the same day. Come back soon!

Sarah Yeomans

Sarah Yeomans is an archaeologist, Director of Educational Programs at the Biblical Archaeology Society and a faculty member at West Virginia University. She spent six years living, teaching and researching in Italy, and is a certified archaeological speleologist with the city of Rome.

INCLUDED TOUR FEATURES:

• Round-trip airfare between New York and Istanbul
• 3 nights at 4 star Hotel Princess in Rome www.hotelprincess.com or simirlar
• 2 nights at 4 star Hotel Gran Paradiso in San Giovannni Rotondo www.hotelgranparadiso.it or similar
• 2 nights at 3 star Ora Hotel Cenacolo in Assisi www.orahotelsgroup.eu or similar
• Daily breakfasts at hotels
• Welcome dinner at outdoor restaurant (1/2l water and 1/4l wine)
• Farewell at outdoor restaurant (1/2l water and 1/4l wine)
• All escorted transfers
• Entrance fees to sites and museums: as per itinerary
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Service charges & local taxes
• Transportation by private, air-conditioned bus
• Luggage portage at hotels
• General Papal Audience reservation;
• 4 hd English speaking guide: Rome (3hrs), Loreto (2½hrs), Monte Sant’Angelo (1hrs), S.Giovanni Rotondo (1½ hrs).
• 2 fd English speaking guide: Rome (6hrs) , Assisi (6hrs).
• English speaking assistant in FCO at arrival

NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches and 5 Dinners
• City tax in Rome of Euro 3,00 pp per night paid in cash directly to hotel.
• All personal expenses, such as alcohol and souvenirs, and any other items or services that are not listed above
• All personal expenses
• Services not listed under “The above packages include...”

For Registration please contact:
Anne at 202-364-3300 ext. 202

Biblical Archaeology Society Travel/Study Programs
4710 41st Street NW
Washington, DC 20016-1700
USA

Toll free: 1-800-221-4644 ext.208
Fax: 1-202-364-2636
email: travelstudy@bib-arch.org