Journeys in Time
Exploring Historical, Religious and Cultural Treasures of Rome and Assisi
Rome is one of the most enriching and inspiring destinations in the world. Nearly three thousand years of continuous history is showcased in museums, archaeological parks, churches, squares and neighborhoods. Illume has created a program for groups that blends visits to religious, historical and cultural sites with enough free time to explore the city at leisure. The program includes two nights in Assisi, home of St. Francis and St. Clare. The city is one of the most beautiful of Italy, built of pink stone on a mountainside overlooking a beautiful Umbrian valley. The city continues to evoke the life, times and work of St. Francis and St. Clare. Time is built in to explore the narrow streets and artisan studios scattered throughout the walled city.
Illume invites you to bring a group of people from your church, school or organization during the times of the year below – when crowds are thinner, access to sites much richer, and special rates apply.
Program Details:
Prices
Includes:
- Accommodations at religious guesthouse or at 4 star centrally located hotels
- Roundtrip airport transfers (if program includes a group flight) with English speaking assistance
- Guided visits and entrance fees
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner with beverages at a local restaurant in Rome
- 1 light lunch in Rome
- 2 dinners at the hotel in Assisi
- Farewell dinner with beverages at a local restaurant in Rome
For groups of 20-45, prices per person in double occupancy are as follows:
Accommodation in Religious Guesthouses
$2175-$2400 + 1 complimentary person
$2250-$2500 + 2 complimentary persons
Single room supplement: $500
Accommodation in 4 Star Hotels
$2250-$2425 + 1 complimentary person
$2325-$2525 + 2 complimentary persons
Single room supplement: $500
Program Prices based on availability of hotels.
Group airfare, if desired, is additional.
Dates
2019
November 18-26
December 9-17
2020
January 13-21
January 20-28
February 3-11*
February 17-25*
February 24-March 3**
March 2-10**
March 9-17**
*dates: add $50.00
** dates: add $ 150
Itinerary:
Liturgies can be arranged at historic sites throughout the itinerary.
Day 01 - Monday
Depart USA for Rome.
Day 02 - Tuesday
Arrival Rome. Transfer to hotel/check-in. Afternoon guided walking tour of the historical center of Rome including the Pantheon, S. Maria Sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, and other sites that are part of this rich neighborhood of history, art and culture. The group will be treated to a festive welcome dinner including beverages at a local restaurant. Overnight Rome.
Day 03 - Wednesday
Breakfast. The group can attend the Papal Audience at the Vatican. In the afternoon, guided visit to St. Paul's Outside the Walls (where St. Paul is buried) and the Catacombs (with Mass if the group is Catholic). Evening at leisure. Overnight Rome.
Day 04 - Thursday
Breakfast. Mass at St. Peter’s (if the group is Catholic). Guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in the morning (or option to request permission to visit the excavations under St. Peter’s – the Scavi). Break for lunch/snack on own. Afternoon guided visit to the Vatican Museums. Evening at leisure. Overnight Rome
Day 05 - Friday
Breakfast. This morning, guided visit and Mass (if Catholic group or option for prayer service for other groups) at Basilica of San Clemente – a fascinating site with three levels – an 11th century church built on a 4th century church, built on Roman ruins from the 1st and 2nd centuries. Continue with a guided visit to the Colosseum. A light lunch will be included in the area. Then continue with a brief guided visit to the Roman Forum. Later in the afternoon, travel to Assisi for dinner/overnight.
Day 06 - Saturday
Breakfast. This morning visit the Convento di San Damiano (the church that St. Francis rebuilt) and Basilica of San Francesco. Liturgy at one of these sites. Afternoon at leisure to explore the streets and shops of Assisi. Dinner/overnight Assisi.
Day 07 - Sunday
Breakfast. Liturgy this morning - TBD. Guided visits to Santa Chiara (burial site of St. Clare) and the Porziuncula (one of the meeting sites of early Franciscans). Afterwards, travel to Rome. Late afternoon and evening at leisure to explore Rome. Overnight Rome.
Day 08 - Monday
Breakfast. This morning, the group has an option of one of the following tours:
Early Christian Art: St. Mary Major and S. Praesede
Art of Bernini and Caravaggio: Borghese Gallery and S. Maria del Popolo
Ancient Rome: Ara Pacis (Augustus’ Altar of Peace) and Castel San Angelo (Hardrian’s family tomb and later medieval papal fortress)
Afternoon at leisure for people to explore Rome. Farewell liturgy (if desired - TBD) and a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Rome.
Day 09 - Tue
Breakfast. Transfer to airport for return flight(s) to USA.
Illume’s Rome/Assisi initiative is perfect for church groups, academic groups, a gathering of family or friends or an inspiring venue for a meeting of trustees, business associates or organizational leaders.
Whether you'd like to take advantage of this itinerary or customize a group travel program on the dates of your choosing, call us at 800.368.6757 x131 or submit the form below to begin planning.
For more information on other destinations: Holy Land - Portugal - Barcelona - Greece