Join Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., College President Jim Towey and his wife, Mary, and Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., on a ten-day journey that will include visits to some of Italy's most beautiful, historic, and spiritual sites. The tour will provide opportunities to experience the history and tradition of the Catholic Church and the Order of Saint Benedict. The Benedictine Heritage Pilgrimage and Tour is scheduled to coincide with the Congress of the Abbots, an international gathering of the Benedictine abbots and superiors that occurs once every four years. Heritage Travelers will be able to enjoy the company of many of our Benedictine friends, including Abbot Primate Notker Wolf and Abbot Wolfgang Hagl of Metten, Bavaria.

Our Italian Holiday & Pilgrimage features: 

• Visit to Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City
• Papal audience (subject to the Holy Father's schedule)
• Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica
• Visit to the Tomb of Pope John Paul II
• Private tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
• Guided tour of the Scavi, the excavations under Saint Peter's Basilica
• Exclusive tour of the Vatican Gardens
• Visits to the major Roman basilicas, including San Giovanni Laterno, Santa Maria Maggiore, and St. Paul's Outside the Walls
• Sightseeing in the heart of Rome
• A motor coach excursion to Montecassino, the monastery founded by Saint Benedict in 529
• A visit to the picturesque town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, in the heart of the Umbrian countryside
• Day trip to Florence, located in the heart of Tuscany, including stops at the Duomo and Baptistry, Piazza Signoria, and the Academia Gallery, the home of Michaelangelo's David and other masterpieces

Seats are limited for this very special travel opportunity.   Reservation forms and deposits are due no later than May 15, 2008 with the final balance payable by July 12, 2008.

The cost of $5,995 per person includes airfare from Pittsburgh and is based on double occupancy.  Single supplement is $795.

Special features included in this fare:

Air transportation:

Surface transportation:
By deluxe motor coach with emergency on-board lavatory.

Accomodations:
Eight nights at the Hotel Columbus, located two blocks from the Vatican.

Meals:
8 continental breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners.

Tour Director:
Services of a professional, English-speaking tour director throughout.

Travel Insurance:
A comprehensive group travel insurance program is included.  A certficate of coverage will be supplied to each tour particpant upon receipt of deposit.

Taxes and Service Charges:
Included throughout on services and arrangements provided by tour operator.  U.S. departure tax, security charge, custom fees, immigration fees, airport facility charges and foreign airport taxes are included in the rate.

Conditions and Terms

• 99-61 days prior to departure $600.00 per person


• 60-30 days prior to departure
  50% of total cost
  
• 29 days to day of departure
  100% of total cost 

Refunds:
No refunds are allowed for any unused services or portions of the tour.  Refunds will not be made in the event of no-shows or trip interruptions.

Air Flight Schedule and Daily Itinerary:
Subject to change by the airline or tour operator.

Participation:
If reservations exceed capacity, participants will be registered in order received.  Should the minimum number of tour participants not be reached, the right is reserved to increase the price accordingly or all monies received will be returned to tour participants.

Not Included:
Rates do not include items of a personal nature such as wines (other than what is included), liquors, beverages, laundry or valet service, optional excursions, visas and processing fees, and gratuities to tour manager and driver.
Note: Handicap accessibility cannot be guaranteed in Italy.
                                  

     

To print the reservation form click the link below and mail to:

Vacation Station Travel Center
1225 South Main Street
Wellongton Square, Suite 107
Greensburg, PA  15601