What's Included

Ground Transportation

Land Only travelers who meet us at the airport in Atlanta or Milan will join us at that point. If you've selected to meet at the hotel, you'll arrange your own ground transportation.

We have a private coach for traveling from Milan to Turin and back, and when our itinerary isn't walking distance - where it's much faster and simpler to start from the hotel. All passengers will travel on the train to Rome.

Hotels

We're staying in First-Class Hotels. Two nights in Milan/Turin, 5 in Rome. Our Rome Hotel is located near the Coliseum, Forum, St. Peter in Chains and St. Mary Major. The hotel is walking distance to everything! There are lots of little shops, groceries, snack bars nearby.

Meals

We start with an included breakfast every day. Typically, it is a full breakfast buffet. Eggs, Bacon (an Italian version - it's very good!), cereals, pastries, yogurt, fruit, coffee, teas... The Works!

Dinner is included on all but two nights when we have the afternoon free to explore on our own. (Currently, April 17 and 18 - though the schedule could be shuffled a little bit!)

Italian meals aren't just a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce. We'll have a starter course - pasta, risotto, or a local specialty. Then on to the main course - a grilled or roasted meat, a vegetable that must have been just picked when you sat down to dinner, incredible Italian breads. And desert... ahhh... desert! Maybe gelato, maybe panacotta, maybe pastries... ahh... desert!

Lunch is always on our own. There are plenty of places to grab a piece of fruit, a pizza, more gelato - or if the time allows, sit down for a leisurely meal with friends - new and old. Since we're staying close to shops and groceries, you can stock up on a few items to have as the day goes on.

The *only* "problem" with the food... You may not be able to visit the Olive Garden for a while! You'll be spoiled for real Italian food and coffee - and let's not get started on Gelato versus Ice Cream!

Note - if you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements in advance. Italians are very sensitive to the needs of their visitors, and they will accommodate your needs as best they can.

Tours & Guides

Every tour listed on the itinerary is included in your price. Admission prices and tour guides are included. We'll tour inside the coliseum- not just walk or drive by.

All our tours are private - limited to our small group. Our group will be small - maybe 40 people. You won't be on of hundreds trying desperately hear what our guide is saying. We use wireless earphones, when it's appropriate, so we can all hear.

Daily Mass

Fr. Steve will celebrate mass each day. We're currently scheduled for mass at:

  • The Duomo in Milan -- the Cathedral of Milan
  • Santa Maria Sopra Minerva -- which houses the remains of St. Catherine
  • Vatican Grottos -- near St. Peter's Tomb
  • Santa Susanna -- the American Parish in Rome
  • Ss. Cosmas and Damien -- in the Roman Forum
  • The Venerable English College -- This is where Fr. Steve studied.

Escort & Guides

We have an experienced professional Tour Manager who will manage all the details of our trip. He'll greet us with our private motor coach and driver when we arrive in Milan, make sure that all our arrangements are taken care of, and stay with us until we pass through security at the end of our stay.

We have some of the best Local Guides in Italy. Our guides will introduce you to the area we're visiting, answer your questions, let us visit a while on our own, and then answer more questions!

Extras

  • Single Room Upgrade - Only $595
  • Travel Protection Plan - $139 (for travelers who arrange their own Airfare) / $219 (for travelers who fly with the group airfare)

Questions?

Email italy@funcatholictravel.com or call Maureen (909)-816-3032 or Linda (505) 506-6284