Tour Type : Pilgrim & Leisure Tours
Destinations
Rome - Vatican - Padre Pio - Lanciano - Cascia - Assisi - Padua - Venice - Rosa Mystica - Milan - Lucerne - Engelberg - Interlaken Mount Titlis - Jungfraujoch
Your Itinerary
-
1
Sunday, Departure From Detroit
Departure from Detroit. Overnight onboard.
-
2
Monday, Rome – Church Visits
Arrive at Rome International Airport.
After Emigration and Customs formalities, meet our representative. Lunch at Restaurant. Transfer to Hotel. Check in.
After Lunch proceed on a city tour of Rome. Visit the main 4 churches . Visit St. John Lateran, one of the major Basilicas, the ‘Scala Sancta’ (Holy Stairs) located across the street where you may climb the same steps on which Our Lord climbed on the way to see Pontius Pilate. Then walk down the park to ‘Santa Croce in Gerusalemme’(Holy Cross of Jerusalem) where incredible relics can be found (fragments of the Holy Cross, one Nail, part of the inscription INRI, two thorns from the Crown of Thorns, fragments of the pillar of the scourging and of the rock of the Holy Sepulcher). We bow these beautiful relics, including the Holy Stairs. Visit Santa Maria Maggiore - another Papal church which has a beautiful 5th century Biblical mosaics. The marble floor, bell tower, and mosaics on the triumphal arch and in the loggia are medieval. The spectacular ceiling is said to be decorated with gold that Columbus brought back from the new world. The fourth patriarchal or papal Church of Rome is Saint Paul Outside the Walls , two kilometres from the San Paolo Gate along Ostiense . It also holds many art treasures and relics including the chains believed to have been used on Paul when he was under arrest. Dinner at Restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel. (Lunch & Dinner)
-
3
Tuesday, Vatican Museum - Rome City Tour
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Visit the Vatican Museum and the world famous ‘Sistine Chapel’– a pure source of inspiration for art lovers. It is also famous for its architecture and the paintings of Michelangelo and Bernini. Visit St. Peter’s Square. Lunch at Restaurant. Proceed on Rome city tour. Visit Trevi Fountain, Collossium (outside view), and monument of Victor Emanuel II. Overnight stay at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
-
4
Wednesday, San Giovanni – Padre Pio
Breakfast at Hotel. (till 11 a.m. in Rome to complete sightseeing). Proceed to San Giovanni (380 km.) in southern Italy to visit the Shrine of Padre Pio , the second-most visited Catholic shrine in the world. Lunch at Restaurant Enroute. It centers on the tomb of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, a Capuchin friar, priest and mystic known for his devotion to God, care for the sick, and supernatural gifts. He died in 1968 and was declared a saint in 2002. Padre Pio’s tomb inside the Church of Our Lady of Grace (Santa Maria delle Grazie). Here you can see his cell, his confessional, the crucifix from which he received the stigmata, and nearly everything he owned or touched, carefully preserved and labeled. Santa Maria delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace) is a new church built during Padre Pio's lifetime (1956-59) to accommodate the many pilgrims and worshippers attracted to San Giovanni Rotondo. The east wall bears a splendid mosaic. Behind Santa Maria delle Grazie is the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church, completed in 2004 and considered a notable example of modern architecture. Designed by the Genoan architect Renzo Piano, it can accommodate 6,500 people seated at worship and 30,000 people standing outside. The shrine also includes a modern Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) on the forested hillside above Santa Maria delle Grazie. The Via Crucis monumentale began construction in 1968 (one day before Padre Pio's death) and completed in 1981. Made of granite with bronze and marble sculptures. It was designed by Sicilian sculptor Francesco Messina. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
-
5
Thursday, Lanciano – Cascia
Breakfast in Hotel. Proceed to Lanciano, a religious destination is related to Eucharistic Miracle that has taken place there. As a matter of fact, in 700 A.D. a monk had doubt about the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist during the Celebration. When he was pronouncing the Words of Consecration, the bread became flesh and the wine blood. These relics are saved in the Saint Francesco’s Church. Their authenticity is granted by many examinations made by experts. Beside Saint Francesco’s church, Lanciano offers other important religious places to visit like Santa Maria del Ponte’s Cathedral or Santa Maria Maggiore. Lanciano lies in Abruzzo, a wonderful Italian region that offers great chances to enjoy its naturalistic treasures too like Gran Sasso Mountains or the National Park of Abruzzo, its pastoral traditions, its medieval villages. Lunch at Restaurant. Proceed to Cascia. Visit the church and body of St. Rita, which has remained incorrupt over the centuries, venerated today in the shrine at Cascia, which bears her name. Many people visit her tomb each year. Check into Hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.
-
6
Friday, Assisi – Padua
After breakfast Proceed to Assisi. Assisi is the land of St. Francis and St. Clare. Visit the ‘Porziuncula’ (the first Franciscan house), the place of his death and the thorn-less rose garden. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, including the tombs of St. Francis and his disciples. The Lower and Upper Basilicas are filled with world famous frescoes that depict the lives of Jesus and St. Francis, as well as other saints. Take a relaxed rosary walk with the Tour Director, visiting other important sights such as the remains of St. Clare and the famous Cross of San Damiano. Lunch at Restaurant. Proceed to Padua. Arrive and check in hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
-
7
Saturday, Padua – Venice – Montichiari (Rosa Mystica) - Milan
Continental Breakfast in Hotel. Visit the famous basilica of St. Anthony in Padua. The original St. Anthony of Padua Church was built in 1725 by the local Italian community of Istanbul, but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same location. The current St. Anthony of Padua was built between 1906 and 1912 in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style. Proceed to the pier and board a private boat to the heart of the traditional city of Venice – The St. Mark’s Square. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica. Also visit Murano glass showroom. Lunch at Restaurant. Proceed to Monti Chiari, it was in the spring of 1947 that the Blessed Mother started appearing to nurse Pierina Gilli. She introduced herself as the Mystical Rose and requested that an hour of grace should be kept at noon on December 8th in all the Catholic Churches in the world. Pierina noticed that the Blessed Mother's heart was pierced by three swords: the first sword meaning the unworthy celebration of Holy Mass and Communion unworthily received; the second sword meaning being unfaithful to, and giving up, the vocation as a priest or a religious; and the third sword meaning betrayal of the faith. She appeared a total of eleven times and asked for prayer, sacrifice and penance, and that the 13th day of each month be celebrated as a Marian Day, and that July 13th be celebrated each year in honor of the Rosa Mystica . Drive to Milan. Check into hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel. (Breakfast /Lunch /Dinner)
-
8
Sunday, Milan – Lucerne / Zurich
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Dumo Cathedral. An orientation tour of Milan. Lunch at Restaurant. Proceed to Switzerland. Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country at the confluence of Western , Central and Southern Europe . It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons , with federal authorities based in Bern . Switzerland is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. It is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau , the Alps and the Jura , spanning a total area of 41,285 km (15,940 sq mi) and land area of 39,997 km (15,443 sq mi). Although the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, the Swiss population of approximately 8.5 million is concentrated mostly on the plateau, where the largest cities and economic centers are, among them Zürich , Geneva , Basel and Lausanne . Arrive and check in hotel. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
-
9
Monday, Mount Titlis – Engelberg – Lucerne
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to Mt Titlis. Our cable car ride includes the world’s first rotating cable car, the Rotair – to the top of Mt. Titlis at 3,020 meters. Do not forget to visit the “Cliff Walk” a suspension bridge along the cliff of Mt. Titlis. Lunch at Mount Titlis. Later enjoy the scenic beauty of Engelberg. Next, we proceed for an orientation tour of Lucerne: See the Lion Monument and Kapellbrucke (Chappel Bridge) with some free time to shop for famous Swiss watches, knives, and chocolates. Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
-
10
Tuesday, Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) – Interlaken
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed to visit Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe, for a memorable encounter with snow and ice, a high–point of your tour! Take a cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen / Grindelwald Grund to a height of 3,454 meters to Europe’s highest railway station – a world of eternal ice and snow. Visit Ice Palace. Visit the Sphinx observatory deck to view the longest glacier in the Alps. Lunch at Restaurant. Later, visit Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s best-known health and pleasure resorts. Later, visit Interlaken, one of Switzerland’s best-known health and pleasure resorts. Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
-
11
Wednesday, Zurich – Detroit
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport. Depart with the sweet memories of our Pilgrim & leisure tour of Italy and Switzerland.
Tour Prices - Dates
Inclusions
- International Economy Class Airfare with Taxes (Ex. Detroit)
- 2 N First Class Accommodation at Rome
- 1 N First Class Accommodation at San Giovanni Rotondo
- 1 N First Class Accommodation at Cascia
- 1 N First Class Accommodation at Padua
- 1 N First Class Accommodation at Milan
- 3 N First Class Accommodation at Lucerne / Zurich / Engelberg
- Daily Breakfast at Hotels
- Lunch and Dinner at Restaurant / Hotel as Per Itinerary
- All Transfers and Sightseeing as Per the Itinerary in a Modern Air Conditioned Coach.
- Tour Manager
Exclusions
- Porterage, Laundry, Mineral Water, Mini Bar, Telephone Charges
- All Items of Personal Nature
- Food and Drinks Not Forming Part of the Group Menus.
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Anything not specifically mentioned in "cost includes" box.
Booking Procedures
Please read the Terms and conditions of travel and agree in the Booking form before submission, as your booking is subject to the terms listed below. A contract is entered into once your travel agent or Faith Holidays receives your signed booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by Faith Holidays
Payment
A deposit of $750 per person is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. Additional deposits may be required. The balance of the cost must be paid 90 days before you travel. Payments must be paid to the order of ‘Faith Holidays Inc.” If the final balance is not received on time Faith Holidays reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you and cancellation charges may be applied. If you book your travel within 90 days of departure, the full amount must be paid at booking.
Credit Cards
All prices quoted include a 4 % discount for payment by cash, check and Money order.
Travel Protection Plan (Optional charge)
Faith Holidays Inc. recommends you to purchase a Travel Protection Plan for Trip, Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical & Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and many more
Passports & Visas
A valid US passport is required for US Citizens. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond completion of travel. Visas may be required and for US Citizens we will furnish the relevant details after receipt of your booking deposit and confirmation of your booking. Non US citizens should consult with appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure proper documentation prior to joining the tour. It is the responsibility of the Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the US State Department’s travel website @ www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407-4747. In the event of an active State Department. Should the Traveler choose to travel notwithstanding any travel advisory or Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location/s of the trip, the traveler is subject to be responsible for all risk of personal injury, death, or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
What Your Tour Price Generally Includes & Excludes
Your Tour Price Includes
- Economy class Airfare from USA as listed in the brochure (Business Class Option available- Please contact us)
- Accommodations on Double Occupancy with Bath, Single room supplement applies
- Standard class on rail, road, Cruise and other transportation as described in our brochure
- Inflight meals and/or refreshments according to Airline itinerary.
- Transfers between the appropriate overseas airports/stations/port and your hotels according to each itinerary unless otherwise stated.
- Excursions and tours as per brochure
- Meals as described in Brochure
- Services of professional guides and/or a Tour Escort
Your Tour Price Excludes
- International Airfare, unless otherwise stated.
- The cost of personal items such as laundry, drinks with meals or otherwise, incidentals , etc.
- Airport departure taxes.
- Optional excursions.
- Cost of Visas and passports.
- Transport between your home and home airport/station/port.
- Gratuities for services provided on a personal basis.
- Gratuities for services on all individual tours and gratuities to your Tour Escort.
- Airline baggage fees. Most Airline charges fees for checked bags.
- Pre-assigned Airline Seats incur additional fees.
- Still, video, film and professional camera fees
Alterations Made to the Scheduled Program
Our tours are planned in advance and changes may be unavoidable due to circumstances amounting to “Force Majeure” or similar reasons beyond our control, such as delays in departures on travel booking or closure of a hotel, strikes, riots, natural occurrences, decisions by State Government or Tourist Organizations altering the itinerary, the duration of time spend in a city or even omitting a city or part of the itinerary due to a local situation. In such cases we will offer comparable alternative arrangements. If any of the circumstances listed above occur during the course of the tour, we reserve the right to alter the schedule itinerary accordingly and no compensation will be paid.
We will make every reasonable effort to provide you with the booked tour arrangements but minor changes may occur. If they are significant we shall, if possible inform you or your travel agent before departure. In the event of such amendment being made, you will be liable for any cancellation/retention charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and for any costs incurred by Faith Holidays and their agents in attempting to secure any revised arrangements. Please note that Faith Holidays will not be liable to reimburse additional expenses undertaken by the client in preparation for the tour. These include and are not limited to international tickets, used mileage awards and fees, cost of visas, immunization etc.
Tour Prices
Tour prices are based on US dollars (Unless otherwise noted) and exchange rates in effect. They are subject to variation if there are increases due to governmental actions, additional taxes, exchange rates, increases in scheduled airfare or increases in fuel surcharges. Any increase in the original tour price will be notified to you at least 90 days before departure. If you make your booking within 90 days of departure surcharge will be included in your invoice. Faith holidays will absorb an amount equivalent to two percent of tour price. Any surcharge will not exceed 10 percent of the listed tour price. If you settle the final balance by the due date we will absorb any price increases after that due date. In return for this commitment, we are unable to make any refund or reduce any other costs should the value of the US dollar improve against the currencies used. For scheduled group departures, it may be necessary to re-cost your tour due to low number of participants. You will be contacted 90 days prior to your departure date and advised should a supplementary fee apply. If all group members accept the increased cost the tour will operate as scheduled. However, if the supplement is not accepted by you then you will be entitled to full refund of all monies paid or a transfer to another tour.
Our Responsibilities
Faith Holidays makes arrangements with airlines, hotels and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services you purchase. We do not own or operate any of the accommodations, transport or other facilities used in connection with our tours. We therefore cannot accept liability for negligence of the staff of these organizations. These parties are independent suppliers over whom we have no direct control. Faith holidays is not liable in the event of any failure by any person or company to render any transportation, accommodation or other travel service to be provided on the journeys, or for expenses incurred due to delays caused by weather, strikes, war, civil disturbances, natural disasters, flight delays, government actions, mechanical failures or any acts of God.
Faith Holidays cannot assume any responsibility for flight delays, cancellations or missed connections and is not liable for any expenses or consequences resulting therefrom, and such expenses shall be borne by the client. When you travel with an airline the Conditions of Carriage of that airline will apply. These conditions are subject to International Agreements and may limit or exclude liability.
The participant waives any claim against Faith Holidays for any damage to, or loss of, or injury to, or death of, due to any act, or negligence of any airlines, surface transportation companies, hotels or any person rendering any of the services or accommodations included. Faith Holidays cannot be held responsible for any claim, losses, damages for delay of baggage or other properties, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset and disappointments, distress or frustrations, whether physical or mental, resulting from the act or omission of any party providing services. We do take all responsible steps to insure that organizations providing service maintain standards, which are acceptable within the norm in each locality. The participant assumes the risks and understands that all travel has inherent risk that may result in injury or death and that participation in activities, including but not limited to driving, hiking, walking on uneven surfaces, riding on rough roads, rafting, boating, canoeing, riding in helicopters, on trains, in boats, swimming, surfing, horseback or camel riding, and any other activities. The information contained in this brochure has been compiled with all reasonable care, is accurate to best of knowledge and is given in good faith. Faith Holidays highly recommend you to purchase Travelers insurance to protect your travel investment. Without insurance in case of incident, you may have to pay out of pocket for medical evacuation, medical care or other large expenses.
All services are subject to the laws of the countries in which these services are rendered. Venue for all claims or disputes shall be exclusively in whose courts using NYC law, shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Damage claims against Faith Holidays shall be limited to the value of the particular item in dispute and not for any incidental, consequential, or special damages. Faith Holidays assumes responsibility for representations it makes, but not for those made by others and including, but not limited to, any employee of Faith holidays or independent travel agent. Payment for reservations on any Faith Holidays travel arrangements shall constitute consent to all the provisions in the Booking Terms & Conditions published herein and is binding on all travel participants.
Cancellation
If you wish to cancel your travel arrangements, you must notify Faith Holidays in writing by letter, fax or email to Faith Holidays. Please note deposits are non-refundable. Please state the reason for cancellation as your reason for cancellation may be covered by insurance policy under their covered reasons. If notification of cancellation is received more than 90 days before departure you will only lose your deposit. For notification received within 90 days of departure, cancellation charges are as follows:
| Cancellation charges per person. | ||
| No of days of departure | Charges | |
|---|---|---|
| 91+ days before departure | Deposit Non- refundable | |
| 90-31 days before departure | Penalty 50 % | |
| 30- Day of Departure | Penalty 100% | |
(Airline and Cruise Penalties not part of the above percentages. There is no exception to cancellation fees)
Cancellations received Fridays for tour departures that Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) will be treated as day of departure cancellation. We cannot give any allowance for meals, rooms, excursions, etc. not taken, when these are included in the price of the program.
Points to be Noted
- All images in the brochures or advertisements are only for representation purpose.
- All passengers need to be in possession of valid visas, confirmed air tickets and overseas travel insurance.
- All Passengers joining the tours must travel to / from the hub city as per the itinerary, at their own expense.
- All meals are preset, and a-la carte is not possible. Packed meals may be provided on certain days to keep up the schedule of the itinerary.
- All damages caused to the hotel rooms/Coach/other amenities during the tour, shall be payable by the passengers. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for the same.
- All Passengers must take extra care of their personal belongings while on the tour, every country of travel is prone to thefts and bag/purse snatching. Faith Holidays Inc will not be liable for any loss of belongings/baggage.
- The tour cost does not include cost of airfare, visas and overseas medical insurance unless specified in each of the itineraries
- The company will not be responsible or accept any liability for any damages, loss, baggage loss, theft, injury, accident, death, breakdown or any irregularity, which may occur during the tour.
- The company will not be responsible for any damage or irregularities due to weather conditions, strikes, war, quarantine and any other cause whatsoever and all such loss or expense must be borne by the passengers. Insurance policies must be carried while on tour.
- The right to claim any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in schedules of train, airplane, bus, ship or other services is reserved by the management of the company.
- The Tour Manager, guide and the driver will provide the best service during the tour to enjoy the sites as per itinerary within the jurisdiction of each of the sites of visit.
- The Management reserve the right to change a hotel of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. Tour Manager / Guide reserves the right to amend the itinerary.in the interest of the Tour.
- The Management reserve the right to amend, alter, vary or withdraw any departure, excursion advertised.
- Refunds will not be provided for the unutilized part of the any services like meals, sightseeing, transfers, etc mentioned in the tour.
- For Detailed “Terms and Condition” please refer the Booking form.
Remarks
- Airlines/Room up-gradation and complimentary will not be entertained during the tour unless if specified at the time of booking.
- There is no refund for any services not utilized during the tour .
- Security deposit is required either in cash or credit card by hotels which is refundable provided no room incidentals are incurred. This security deposit is not included in this quote and must be paid by the guests/corporate directly to the hotel when checking in.
- Guests are advised not to keep valuables in the coach/vehicle while sightseeing. The Company shall not be responsible for loss of valuables from the coach / vehicle . If the coach / vehicle is accidentally
- or otherwise damaged by the Guest, s/he will be required to pay compensation for the same.
