THE SAINTS OF ITALY. Led by Father Emil Blaser OP. Rome Assisi Venice Padua Florence Cascia Norcia Siena Milan September 2015

Transcription

1 THE SAINTS OF ITALY Rome Assisi Venice Padua Florence Cascia Norcia Siena Milan 6-17 September 2015 Led by Father Emil Blaser OP Arranged by

2 Sunday, September 6 We depart from OR Tambo International in Johannesburg to catch our nightflight and begin our pilgrimage in the footsteps of the Saints of Italy. Monday, September 7 Upon arrival, we take a tour of Rome, seeing famous sights such as the Piazza Venezia with the monument of King Victor Emanuel II, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Aventine Hill, Porta San Paolo etc. Overnight: Rome Tuesday, September 8 The day of three major basilicas. St Mary Major Basilica is dedicated to the greatest of all the saints: Our Lady. Pope Francis has a special devotion to the statue of Mary Salus Populi Romani in the basilica. In St John Lateran Basilica, which is the pope s cathedral as Bishop of Rome, there are many papal tombs, including that of Leo XIII. In the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls we visit the tomb of St Paul the Apostle and the Chapel of Relics which has numerous relics of great saints, including the reputed prison chains of St Paul. We proceed via the Appian Way to visit the Catacombs where early Christians held their forbidden services to escape persecution. Depending on which catacombs we visit, we can pay homage either to St Cecilia or to St Sebastian. Overnight: Rome Wednesday, September 9 Today we see the pope at the general audience in St Peter s Square. It is an unforgettable experience to see Pope Francis close-up. We have some free time before we visit St Peter s Basilica, which was built on the site where St Peter was martyred. The basilica is full of tombs of saintly popes, including St John Paul II, St John XXIII and St Pius X. We then proceed to Assisi. Overnight: Assisi Thursday, September 10 After Breakfast, we drive to Cascia for to visit the Basilica of St Rita of Cascia, which includes the incorrupt body of the popular patron saint of mothers, and of marital problems and domestic abuse cases. In the minor basilica we see the famous Eucharistic Miracle of Cascia. Afterward, we proceed to the Convent of St Rita to see her relics, such as her habit, wedding ring and the crucifix from which she received her forehead stigmata. We then continue to Norcia, the birthplace of St Benedict, founder of the Benedictine Order, and his twin sister, St Scholastica. We visit St Benedict Basilica, the main square with the city hall, and the gorgeous Renaissance Cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea. For lunch there we must try the excellent local specialties like smoked ham, salami and sausages. Overnight: Assisi Friday, September 11 Today we explore Assisi, the town of St Francis of Assisi and his companion St Clare. The 13th-century Basilica of St Francis contains the sacred relics of Francis and Giotto s beautiful frescoes of his life. St Clare Basilica, also from the 13th century, houses the relics of St Clare, original robes that belonged to her, as well as the miraculous crucifix that spoke to Francis. The Colosseum Tomb of St Paul Pope Francis at a General Audience Sanctuary of St Rita of Cascia The Church of St Benedict in Norcia

3 Basilica of St Francis in Assisi The Piazza del Campo in Siena The Duomo of Florence St Mark s Basilica in Venice St Anthony s Basilica in Padua In the afternoon, we visit the Eremo delle Carceri: in the caves on the slope of Mount Subasio just outside the walls of Assisi, St Francis and his followers established their first home at the Carceri Hermitage. He often returned here during his life to pray. At San Damiano Convent St Francis first received his miraculous calling in 1205 and St Clare died there in 1253, it is an important stop on the pilgrimage to the Franciscan holy city. The Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli (at Mary of the Angels), just outside Assisi, is the place of St Francis' death. Inside the grand Baroque basilica is the Porziuncola, the tiny church in the meadows which St Francis was called to renovate. Overnight: Assisi. Saturday, September 12 After breakfast we depart for Siena. Located in the central region of Tuscany, this is the birthplace of St Catherine of Siena ( ), who with St Francis is the patron saint of Italy. On the guided city tour of the medieval town we visit the famous Piazza del Campo, known for the Palio horse race in medieval costume, the cathedral famous for its frescos and floor pavement decorated with mosaics based on the Old and New Testament, the church of St Francis that house the Eucharistic miracle of Siena and the church of San Domenico that preserve part of the remains of St Catherine. After lunch we continue to Florence, where we will take a panoramic tour of the city. Overnight: Florence. Sunday, September 13 In Florence we explore the Basilica of Santa Croce (Holy Cross Basilica), the largest and most beautiful of all Italian Franciscan churches and the burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo. The famous Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is the cathedral of Florence with its great representation of Tuscan Gothic architecture. It includes the resting place of the 13th-century artist Giotto, whose great murals we saw in Assisi. We have free time for lunch before proceeding to Padua. Overnight: Padua Monday, September 14 Imagine that: After Florence we see Venice, the city where everything and everyone floats! This lovely lagoon-city on the Adriatic coast is like a giant maze with tiny alleys and hidden piazzas linked by narrow foot bridges over 400 large and small canals. It is with good reason that Venetians call their city La Serenissima (the most serene). We arrive by boat in St Mark s Square to visit St Mark s Basilica, a masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture built in 830 to shelter the tomb of St Mark the Evangelist. We view the marble Ducal Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Venice is best explored on foot, and we have the afternoon at our leisure to do so. You might take an optional Gondola ride across the Grand Canal or walk on the Rialto Bridge and visit the market. To experience the real Venice head towards the side streets to Strada Nova to see how Venice s citizens live and shop. Overnight: Padua. Tuesday, September 15 Today we explore Padua with one of the world s most beloved saints: St Anthony of Padua whose tomb is in the impressive basilica complex which also houses famous works of art. After lunch we continue to Sotto il Monte San Giovanni XXII, the place where Pope St John XXIII was born and grew up, near Berg-

4 amo. It is a place of pilgrimage and popular devotion. In the late afternoon we arrive in Milan for a short panoramic tour. Overnight: Milan or surrounds. Wednesday, September 16 On our last day we visit the cathedral of Milan, built between 1386 and 1577 and the fifth largest cathedral in the world. It includes the famous statue of the flayed St Bartholomew, the relics of St Charles Borromeo and one of the nails reputedly from the Crucifixion of Christ. In the crypt we can see the baptismal font in which St Ambrose, the 4th-century bishop of Milan, baptised St Augustine, the great saint of Africa. After lunch and time for last-minute shopping we are transferred to Milan s airport to make our way home. The birthplace of St John XXIII Thursday, September 17 We arrive in Johannesburg in the morning, tired but fortified by our holy journey which brought us in contact with so many great saints. Milan Cathedral The Saints of Italy pilgrimage will be led by Father Emil Blaser OP, director of South Africa s only Catholic radio station. The Dominican priest knows Rome and Italy very well. He plans to relay recordings from this pilgrimage to the listeners of Radio Veritas. He has been presenting religious programming on radio and television since Fr Emil and Fowler Tours have collaborated on three successful pilgrimages within the past year: in October 2013 to Jordan and the Holy Land; in April-May 2014 to Rome for the Canonisation of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II, and in September 2014 to the Holy Land and Rome. Radio Veritas: The Southern Cross: Est. Price: R 36,754 (sharing, ex-jhb; subject to currency, airport tax fluctuations) Includes: All flights ex-johannesburg (incl. airport taxes), accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels (sharing) with breakfast and dinner, travel insurance, transfers, travelling on air-conditioned luxury buses, English-speaking guides and tour escort, porterage, entrance fees. Excludes: Visas, tips & hotel taxes (mandatory), lunches, personal expenses, travel to and from O.R. Tambo Airport/Jhb. A deposit of R3,600 secures your place on this unforgettable pilgrimage. Name of Account: Fowler Tours Bank: Standard Bank Acc no: (current account) Branch code: Beneficiary Reference: Saints of Italy plus your name Please no cash deposits For booking form or for more information, please contact Gail at or or info@fowlertours.co.za or fax

5 RESERVATION FORM (one form per person, photocopies of form are permitted): Enclosed is my NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of R3,600 per person to secure my booking on the pilgrimage specified below. Payment is to be made to: Account Name: Fowler Tours Bank: Standard Bank Account no: Branch code: Name of trip: Saints of Italy Pilgrimage Duration: 6-17 September 2015 Cost: Estimated: R36,754 (subject to fluctuations) How did you hear about this pilgrimage? Fowler Tours SA Southern Cross Radio Veritas Other 1.) RESERVATION FORM Title: Name (as it appears on your Passport) Address: Code: Date of Birth: ID Number: Home Phone ( ) Cell: ( ) Passport Number: Expiry Date: Medical Conditions: Preferred first and surname for Name Badge: Please go to next page

6 Reservation form - Page 2 Emergency Contact Person Name: Cell number: Relationship: 2.) PASSPORT (required to travel) Photocopy of passport inside page showing name and photo is enclosed / clear scan attached I am applying for a passport and understand that I must supply a copy to Fowler Tours at least three months before the departure date.. N.B.: Passports must be valid SIX months following the return date of the trip. 3.) PAYMENT TERMS & SCHEDULE: Deposit R3,600 to book. The deposit is non-refundable. A final invoice, reflecting the final price, will be issued 60 days prior to departure. Final Payment must be made within five days of invoicing. BANK DETAILS AS ABOVE. N.B.: Bank charges for cash deposits will be charged to you. 4.) TERMS AND CONDITIONS: I have received, read and agree to the TERMS & CONDITIONS and the Liability clause below, pricing terms, and payment terms outlined on this side of the form. I understand that the cancellation terms and penalties cannot be waived for any reason. If I decline to purchase travel insurance, I understand that there is no monetary recourse for any flight cancellations or delays by the airlines and I agree to the cancellation terms and penalties. Signature (required to confirm reservation): Liability: Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross, Radio Veritas or their owners (hereafter referred to as The Organisers ) do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilise the The Organisers names, guides, sightseeing companies, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, Fowler Tours is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity. In addition, The Organisers are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any person or entity they do not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under their control. Without limitations The Organisers are not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond their control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, whether or not it uses the The Organisers name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. Similarly, The Organisers are not responsible for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default of any third party, attacks by animals, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control. Should the advertised spiritual director be unable to participate in this event, every effort will be made to secure a substitute. Regardless of the participation of the advertised spiritual director the pilgrimage tour will proceed as scheduled on the dates listed. By signing this form to participate in this pilgrimage tour, you agree that the terms of the cancellation penalty will be binding upon you regardless of whether the advertised spiritual director is able to participate. The Organisers will not be responsible for any loss incurred by traveller, including lost days of the scheduled tour, due to a cancelled flight or other means and modes of transportation. For full terms & conditions see

7 TERMS & CONDITIONS THE PILGRIMAGE PRICE INCLUDES: Roundtrip airfare from Johannesburg return; final amount subject to change Airport taxes Full accommodation as stated in the itinerary Breakfast and dinner Travel insurance (surcharge applies for travelers aged 70+) Roundtrip airport transfers in destinations and luxury coach for all touring Services of a certified local tour director and local guides Services of local tour operator Masses All entrance fees as per itinerary THE PILGRIMAGE PRICE EXCLUDES: Mandatory tips, hotel taxes, visa costs, travel to and from Johannesburg, private expenses excluded PRICING TERMS: As per booking form PAYMENT TERMS: In order to meet deposit schedules with suppliers for this tour, Fowler Tours charges a non-refundable deposit. Full invoice is issued 60 days before departure; payment of which is due within FIVE DAYS. CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds of deposits, except at the discretion of Fowler Tours. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Fowler Tours will arrange for travel insurance. Surcharges apply travellers over the age of 69, who may arrange for their own travel insurance. PASSPORT: A valid passport is required of all passengers. Please apply for your passport immediately as passports are taking a long time to process. Make sure to have it in your possession at all times while on tour. It must be valid for 6 months following the return date of the trip or boarding may be denied or entry into the destination may be forbidden. Please provide Fowler Tours with a copy or clear scan of the inside page of your passport (showing your name and photo) at the time of reservation. Fax copies not acceptable. GROUP AIR: Due to the airlines reduced capacity and restrictive group reservation terms, group air reservations are often difficult to coordinate. The number of connections, length of layovers, and all conditions surrounding air travel cannot be guaranteed and may change before departure. Seat Requests: Please note that group seats are assigned at the discretion of the airline, although every effort will be made to fulfill requests. SPECIFIC SEAT ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE GUARANTEED. Seat numbers will not be advised until check-in at the airport. DOMESTIC TRAVEL TO JOHANNESBURG: You are responsible for your own arrangements to and from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. ITINERARY: The Itinerary is tentative and represents what we are planning for you, however it is subject to confirmations from many organisations. Because of changes in local schedules, we may need to alter specified events, dates and/or venues to better fit the overall plan. TIPS: Gratuities for your guides and driver, and hotel taxes are excluded. These are mandatory. You will be advised of the total cost of these before departure, and all monies will be collected by the tour leader who will then distribute them to the various recipients. ROOMS: Tour prices are per person sharing. Single rooms at an extra rate are limited and are available first come-first served until the supply is exhausted. LUGGAGE: Baggage is at owner s risk throughout the tour. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Travellers must be medically and physically fit for this tour. This tour requires significant walking, as motor coaches are not permitted to pick up and drop off in front of major attractions. The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Any special limiting medical conditions or equipment must be advised in writing, for evaluation of feasibility, at the time of making your reservation. PHOTOGRAPHY: Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas may take photographs or film or sound recordings of its trips and trip participants, and participant grants Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas express permission to do so and for Fowler Tours, The Southern Cross and Radio Veritas to use such for promotional or commercial use. UNUSED SERVICES: There is no right to a refund for any unused services. Cancellation Policy by request or see