St Peter’s
Pilgrimage to the Sacred Shrines of Italy
22 Days –September 2017
Please come and join us on this very special spiritual journey
visiting such wonderful places as Milan, Venice, Padua
(St Anthony), Florence, Siena (St Catherine), Assisi
(Sts Francis and Clare), Loreto (Holy House), Lanciano
(Miracle of the Eucharist), San Giovanni Rotondo (St Padre Pio),
Monte Sant’Angelo (St Michael) and Rome.
Your Chaplain is Fr Nicholas Dillon pp
St Philip’s Parish, North Blackburn Victoria
Michelangelo’s Pieta
Your Co-ordinator is Louisa Ashton
Pilgrimage cost (ex Australia)
Pilgrimage cost (ex New Zealand)
AUD $7965.00
AUD $8445.00
Single room supplement (please add to above cost)
AUD $1620.00
Please contact us for the full itinerary and any other information you require.
O’Connor Travel World
Inc. Pilgrimages Australia & NZ
PO Box 3
Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Australia
ABN 54 686 198 307
Tel: +61 3 9830 5489 | Fax: +61 3 9836 8429
Email: [email protected]
www.oconnortravelworld.com.au
O’Connor Travel World
is a pilgrimage apostolate
consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Beautiful Florence
Day 1 Fri 08 Sep Depart Australia and NZ to Milan, Italy.
Day 7 Thu 14 Sep Montecatini Terme/Florence/
Montecatini Terme
Day 2 Sat 09 Sep Milan
Morning transfer to Florence. Your
first full day in Florence begins with
breakfast and a guided tour. The
tour includes a visit to the Church
of the Holy Cross, the Santa Croce,
where many nobles are buried
(such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and
Machiavelli). This tour also includes a
walking portion beginning through
the Piazza Signorina, Palazzo Vecchio,
Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio (and Republic
Santa Croce
Square), to the Santa Maria del Fiore.
This Cathedral is an iconic piece of architecture of the city of Florence.
It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 13th century. After lunch
we will visit L’Accademia, the famous art gallery, where we will have the
opportunity to view works from artists such as Botticelli, Ghirlandaio,
Pontormo and the ever famous sculpture by Michelangelo, David. We
then continue to visit the Church of San Marco to view the famous
frescos of the Dominican friar Fra Angelico. Return to Montecatini Terme
for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Afternoon arrival at Milan airport and the group will be met by our
Italian pilgrimage escort. We will then be transferred to our hotel where
we will spend the night. Free time to freshen up and then Father will
celebrate Mass in a local church prior to dinner. Welcome dinner at a local
restaurant. Overnight. (D)
Day 3 Sun 10 Sep Milan – Venice Mestre
This morning after Mass at Santa Maria delle Grazie. we will visit the
Duomo and view Da Vinci’s Cenacolo (The Last Supper), the Basilica di
Sant’Ambrogio and the Tomb of St. Ambrose. We will then continue on to
Venice. Dinner at the local restaurant in Venice Mestre. (B, D)
Day 4 Mon 11 Sep Venice
This morning begins with a visit to the Basilica of St. Mark where you will
view golden mosaics from the Second Golden Age of Icons. These adorn
this magnificent Byzantine basilica built to honour the body of St. Mark
brought from Alexandria in Egypt. Popes St John XXIII and John Paul I
were Patriarchs of Venice. After Mass we visit the Piazza di San Marco and
the Palazzo Ducale (the palace of the Doge, the political leader of the
Republic of Venice). Dinner and overnight Venice Mestre. (B, D)
Basilica of St Anthony
Day 5 Tue 12 Sep Mestre/Padua/Mestre
After breakfast we depart Venice Mestre for the town of Padua. This
Northern Italy city honours the great saint and “Wonder Worker” St.
Anthony. While in Padua, we will visit his tomb, and Father will celebrate
Mass at the Basilica of St Anthony (to be confirmed). After Mass, we begin
a sightseeing tour, which includes one of the oldest universities in Italy,
the University of Padua, and a visit to the Basilica of Santa Giustina, the
patron saint of Padua. Return late in the afternoon to Venice Mestre.
Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 6 Wed 13 Sep Mestre/Montecatini Terme
After morning Mass a leisurely drive to Montecatini Terme through the
beauty of Tuscany. Upon arrival late in the afternoon you will have free
time till dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 8 Fri 15 Sep Montecatini Terme/Florence/Fiesole/
Florence/Montecatini Terme
Morning transfer to Florence. This morning we visit one of Italy’s most
famous art galleries, the Uffizi. Here we will have the opportunity to
view some of the most renowned works by Cimabue, Giotto, Masaccio,
Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and many others.
One of the exhibition halls of the Gallery contains some of Botticelli’s
most famous paintings, two of which are his absolute masterpieces: the
Dance of Spring and the Birth of Venus. After lunch, the coach will leave
for Fiesole. In Fiesole, after stopping in Piazza Mino, which occupies
the area of the ancient Foro and Decumano, the tour will continue and
visit the ancient archeological site – the remains of the Roman theatre,
the Etruscan temple, and the scenic remains of the spa, as well as the
artefacts that were uncovered during the excavations. We will conclude
the visit with a stop and private prayer at the Convent of San Domenico.
Return to Montecatini Terme for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Basilica of San Marco
Day 9 Sat 16 Sep Montecatini Terme/Siena/Assisi
After breakfast, we travel to Siena. This beautiful medieval city is the
birthplace of the Doctor of the Church, St. Catherine, and the Apostle
of Italy, St. Bernardine. During our time here, we will stroll down one of
Italy’s finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo to the Cathedral and Basilica
of St. Francis. This Basilica is the site of yet another miracle. In 1730, a
ciborium of consecrated Hosts were stolen, but two days later the exact
number of Hosts were found in the tabernacle, and since then these
Hosts have not been consumed nor have they disintegrated. We will visit
the Church of St Dominic and the home of St Catherine, and Father will
celebrate Mass in the Chapel (to be confirmed). Following this visit, we
continue to Assisi. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
We take some time for our own private reflections, then continue to the
Church of San Damiano. Here we see the original San Damiano Cross that
‘spoke’ to Francis. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 12 Tue 19 Sep Assisi/Loreto
We depart Assisi for Loreto, home to the Holy House of Loreto, which
tradition says was the house of the Holy Family in Nazareth, miraculously
transported here in 1294. The Shrine of Loreto remains one of the most
venerated shrines in our Catholic tradition. Mass will be celebrated
here. You will have your own time for prayer and reflection. Dinner and
overnight. (B, D)
Day 13 Wed 20 Sep Loreto/Lanciano/San Giovanni
Rotondo
After breakfast, we will drive to Lanciano, and upon arrival Father will
celebrate Mass at the Church of St. Longinus. This church is the site of
the Eucharistic miracle that occurred in the eighth century. At the time of
the miracle, there was a Basilian monk who struggled with belief in the
real presence of the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. During Mass, the monk
said the words of consecration and the bread turned into living flesh,
while the wine transformed into precious blood. After Mass and time for
reflection we continue to San Giovanni Rotondo, the hometown of Saint
Padre Pio. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 14 Thu 21 Sep San Giovanni Rotondo
After morning Mass, we will take a walking tour of the
sanctuary and view the crucifix from which St. Pio received the
stigmata. Visit the confessional where he spent innumerable
hours listening to confessions. Then free time for your own
private prayer and reflections. Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Basilica of St Francis, Assisi
St Francis
St Clare
Monte Sant’Angelo
Day 10 Sun 17 Sep Assisi
This morning, we enjoy a full day of tour of the hometown of St. Francis,
the ‘Patron Saint of Animals and the Environment.’ Additionally, he is
responsible for founding the Franciscan Order, and the inspiration for our
Holy Father, Pope Francis. He chose his name in admiration of the Saint of
Nature, and Servant to the Poor. Known for being a humble man himself,
Pope Francis has spent most of his life denying himself the luxuries of
life. He prefers to live in simplicity and humility, while giving up all other
worldly possessions, just as St. Francis did.
During the tour, our group will have the opportunity to visit the tomb
of St. Francis at his Basilica and hopefully Father will be able to celebrate
Mass here. Also, at the Basilica of St. Francis, we will have the opportunity
to view a series of frescoes depicting his life, as well as view a few of the
saint’s possessions. We continue to the church of St Clare, the foundress
of the Poor Clare Sisters. This Saint followed the teachings of St. Francis
very closely by also living a life of poverty and humility. In the afternoon
we visit St. Mary of the Angels Basilica. This Basilica is where St. Francis
spent most of life, and is made up of two structures, both of which you
will visit. The Porziuncola is where St. Francis founded his order of the
Friar Minor (Franciscans), and the Capella del Transito, which is the place
of St. Francis’ death. During this visit, we will have the opportunity to visit
the beautiful Rose Garden where St. Francis and other friars lived, as well
as the cave where the Saint retired to pray. Return to the hotel for dinner
and overnight. (B, D)
Day 11 Mon 18 Sep Assisi
This morning we meet with our local guide and take taxis up the winding
road to the Eremo delle Carceri (Hermitage), secluded some 2.5 miles
outside the town of Assisi. Here Father will celebrate Mass. This is where
St. Francis often retired to pray. Here, in the midst of the lush green forest
and the singing birds, one gets a deep sense of the spirit of St. Francis.
Day 15 Fri 22 Sep San Giovanni Rotondo/Monte
Sant’Angelo/San Giovanni Rotondo
This morning we will travel along the beautiful Gargano Peninsula to the
Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, a shrine consecrated by St. Michael.
It was here that St. Michael appeared to a Bishop to assure him that his
diocese would not be annihilated as he feared. Following the visit to the
grotto, some free time. Return to San Giovanni Rotondo for dinner and
overnight. (B, D)
Day 16 Sat 23 Sep San Giovanni
Rotondo/Montecassino/Rome
After Mass and breakfast, we will drive to
Montecassino, the principle monastery of
the Benedictine Order, founded by Saint
Benedict around 530 A.D. Upon arrival
we will visit the Abbey. Both he and his
twin sister, St Scholastica, are buried here.
We then continue to Rome. Dinner and
overnight. (B, D)
Abbey Montecassino
Abbey Montecassino
Day 17 Sun 24 Sep Rome – ANGELUS WITH HOLY FATHER
(if in Rome)
The Vatican
A leisurely morning with breakfast and then the group will attend the
Papal Angelus in St Peter’s Square. A free afternoon for all afterwards
and then Father will celebrate Mass at Santo Spirito prior to dinner.
Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 18 Mon 25 Sep Rome
This morning, Father will celebrate Mass in St Peter’s Basilica (to be
confirmed). Following Mass, we will be taken on a guided tour of the
Basilica, followed by a visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine
Chapel. Here we will be able to view some of the most inspiring works of
art, including Michelangelo’s magnificent fresco of the Last Judgement.
Dinner and overnight. (B, D)
Day 19 Tue 26 Sep Rome
After breakfast we will be taken on a tour of the four major basilicas in
Rome. At the Basilica of St. John the Lateran, Father hopes to celebrate
Mass. (to be confirmed) This Basilica is where Pope Francis was installed as
Bishop of Rome, and where he officiates as the Bishop of Rome. Next, we
will cross the street to visit the Holy Staircase. Tradition states that this
staircase is from Pontius Pilate’s palace of Jerusalem during the time of
Jesus. It is also said that this staircase was brought to Rome by St. Helen
in the 4th century. We will proceed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This
Basilica contains a relic from the Manger of the Infant Jesus. We also visit
the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. Originally founded by Emperor
Constantine in the 4th Century, this Basilica is the burial place of Saint
Paul the Apostle. Our last stop will be the Basilica of Santa Croce in
Gerusalemme (Holy Cross in Jerusalem). Farewell dinner and overnight.
(B, D)
Day 20 Wed 27 Sep Rome - Australia
After morning Mass you will have a free day. Late afternoon the group
will be transferred to Rome Fiumicino airport for our flight home. (B)
Day 21 Thu 28 Sep In flight
Day 22 Fri 29 Sep Arrival in Australia
Cost sheet for the pilgrimage to the Sacred Shrines of Italy
Pilgrimage Cost ex Australia
Pilgrimage Cost ex New Zealand
AUD $7965.00
AUD $8445.00
Single room supplement (please add to above cost)
AUD $1620.00
Pilgrimage Inclusions:
Pilgrimage cost exclusions:
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Lunch on any day, Travel Insurance, passport fees, Gondola
ride (Euro 25,00 per person ***30 minutes ride without
music) entrance fees to museums etc not mentioned in
the itinerary, Tips to driver/guides/hotel staff, items of a
personal nature, anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Specially negotiated airfares from Australia to Milan
and return from Rome
1 night accommodation in Milan
3 nights accommodation in Venice Mestre
3.nights accommodation in Montecatini
3 nights accommodation in Assisi
1 night accommodation in Loreto
3 nights accommodation in San Giovanni Rotondo
4 nights accommodation in Rome
Breakfast and dinner daily throughout the pilgrimage.
Highly experienced Pilgrimage Escort from arrival in
Milan till departure from Rome.
Full coach pilgrimage from 09 September till
27 September inclusive.
Local experienced guides throughout the pilgrimage
Local Guided full and half day visits: Milan, Venice,
Padua, Florence, Fiesole, Siena, Assisi, Rome.
Return ferry to St Mark’s Square
Entrance fees: Dome and Last Supper in Milan;
St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace in Venice;
Santa Croce Basilica, Accademia Gallery and Uffizi
in Florence; Cathedral in Siena; Archeological Area
in Fiesole; St Francis Basilica in Assisi; St Peter’s
Basilica and Vatican Museums in Rome
Earphones for tours, City Taxes, airport/airline taxes,
porterage at hotels of 1 large suitcase per person
Deluxe fully equipped motor-coach as per program
Chaplain and Co-ordinator from Australia throughout
the pilgrimage.
The costs are current as at 14 November 2016 and
based on a minimum of 25 full paying pilgrims travelling
together; if this number is not reached the pilgrimage
must be re-costed or cancelled. The costs are subject to
change at the discretion of the airlines and/or operators
and due to currency fluctuations.
To secure you place on the pilgrimage we require nonrefundable deposit of AUD $600.00 per person with a
signed booking form immediately and a photocopy of the
first page of your passport. Please make certain that you
read the Booking Conditions prior to signing the booking
form.
*****Credit cards are not accepted as payment for the
pilgrimages.
THE FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE NO LATER
THAN 05 JULY 2017.
Visas are not required for Australian and New Zealand
passport holders at time of print. Note that there must be
at least 6 months validity on your passport from your date
of return.