Experience Rome with Dr. Edward Sri

ITINERARY

Day 1: Sunday, June 21 - Depart USA

Depart on independent flights to Rome, Italy.

Day 2: Monday, June 22 - The Heart of the Church

Meet Dr. Sri at the Rome airport and take a private transfer to the hotel just two blocks away from the Vatican. Enjoy a take-away lunch before immersing yourself in the history, theology, art and architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica. Celebrate Mass at Santo Spirito Church before a celebratory Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Tuesday, June 23 - Walking with the Saints

Walking tour of some of the beautiful churches and saints in the historic district, including Chiesa Nuova with tomb of St. Philip Neri; St. Agnes where she was martyred; the famous Piazza Navona; San Agostino with the tomb of St. Monica; St. Luigi, which houses a cycle of paintings by Caravaggio. Celebrate Mass at S. Maria Magdalena Church, with the tomb of St. Camillus. After lunch on own, visit the Church of the 12 Apostles with the tombs of Philip and James the Less; the Church of the Gesu with the tomb of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the hand of St. Francis Xavier; Santa Maria Sopra Minerva with the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena. We also will see the Pantheon, the pagan temple that was converted into a church in 608 AD and the famous Trevi Fountain.

Day 4: Wednesday, June 24 - Rome with Mary, Peter, & the Pope

Enjoy a leisurely morning or attend the General Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square. After lunch on own, visit the early Christian “House Church” St. Praxedes, with relics of thousands of early Christian martyrs. Then, visit St. Mary Major Basilica, the principal church dedicated to Our Lady with relics of the Bethlehem crib and many saints. This evening, there will be a special reception on the rooftop of the Basilica.

Day 5: Thursday, June 25 - “The Blood of the Martyrs”

Visit Catacombs of St. Calixtus, the largest of Christian catacombs. Celebrate Mass of the Martyrs there. Pray at Basilica of Santa Croce with the relics of Christ’s Passion before visiting the Basilica of St. John Lateran. After lunch on own, explore the Basilica of San Clemente. End day with views of the Roman Forum and the Coliseum.

Day 6: Friday, June 26 - Theology in Art

Tour the Vatican Museum and discover the rich spirituality and theology in Christian art in the Raphael rooms & Sistine Chapel where the popes are elected. After lunch on own, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls and celebrate Mass near the tomb of St. Paul and relic of his disciple Timothy.

Day 7: Saturday, June 27 - Assisi Day Trip

Travel through the beautiful Italian countryside to the medieval hill city of Assisi. Pray at the tomb of St. Clare and before the San Damiano cross — the original cross that spoke to St. Francis. Walk through the town’s central square. Tour the Basilica of St. Francis and pray at Francis’ tomb. Celebrate Mass before returning to Rome for a festive Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Sunday, June 28 - Free Day

Plan your own day-trip to places like Florence, Orvieto or Pompeii. Or stay in Rome to relax or visit other sites of your interest.

Day 9: Monday, June 29 - RETURN TO USA

After breakfast at hotel, check out and take the return transfer to the Rome Airport.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change