Itinerary

Day 1 – Benvenuti in Italia

As our team lands in Rome great anticipation fills their hearts. What will these next few days look like? What is it like to live in a monastery? Will we eat Italian food? Is Italy really one of the most romantic places in the world? The first leg of our journey will take place in the stunning City on Seven Hills: Rome. After meeting your director and settling into our Roman residence, we will join the hustle and bustle of Roman life; taking in a great meal, the Treve Fountain and some typical Roman neighborhoods with a find around every corner. We’ll end the evening with gelato and get you back early enough to catch up on your sleep.

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Day 2 – Il Sacro e il Profano

Today we will see both sides of the Roman coin. We start our morning at the Vatican. This vast palace is the seat of power of the Catholic Church and is considered a nation unto itself, a rich destination containing some of the world’s greatest works of art and architecture. Our walking tour will finish at the gigantic St. Peter’s Basilica. We’ll conclude our morning at a café for a hearty lunch.

The afternoon will take us from sacred to secular as we visit the Coliseum and hear the inspirational story of Telemachus, the man who would ultimately halt the Roman gladiatorial fights. We will continue with a walking tour of Rome and visit places that most have only read about in history books or travel magazines. Then, you will have the opportunity to do a little independent exploration before a delicious Italian meal. We’ll end the evening with a bottle of wine and fine conversation.

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Day 3 – Firenze Bound

This morning we pack and head north to the world-renowned city of Florence. Our home for the next couple days will be a beautiful monastery near the center of Firenze. On our way to Florence we will visit the Orvieto, Umbria’s majestic hill town. Perched on its volcanic bluff and overlooking the surrounding countryside, this interesting town is worth a good bit of exploration. Late in the afternoon, we will arrive at our Firenze monastery and spend our evening relaxing at a favorite local restaurant.

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Day 4 – Le Impronte Digitali di Michelangelo

Today is a day of masterpieces. We begin with a walking tour from our monastery, out along the river and then across Florence’s most famous bridge: the Ponte Vecchio. Our journey will lead us into the heart of one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Our first stop in Florence will be the Duomo, the visual center point of the town. We will take in a local market and enjoy a great lunch then head to the Accademia to visit some of the world’s greatest art including Michelangelo’s sculptural icon, David. The rest of the afternoon will be spent tasting the flavors of Florence and familiarizing our group with this striking city. After another filling meal, the evening will be yours to rest in peace at the monastery or see Florence by moonlight.

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Day 5 – Assisi Bound

You will have a relaxing morning to visit Florence at your leisure. What draws you in: the prospect of shopping or that interesting-looking neighborhood? How about a visit to a holy site or that perfect gelato stand? It is up to you. Early afternoon we will gather and depart for our last Italian town in the heart of Umbria: Assisi. As the sun goes down, you will catch the city from miles away, shining like a great pearl on the misty horizon. Our home for the next few days sits beneath the massive city’s walls. The views are perfect and the food will be the best yet. Tonight we will gather again for good wine and conversation as we talk about what the next few days have in store.

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Day 6– Passi di un Santo

We are now in the land of St. Francis, one of the world’s most well known saints. Today we learn the story of this unique and famous man of God. We will spend a full day outside of the white walls of Assisi exploring where St. Francis began his ministry. We start at the church of San Damiano, where St. Clare lived and where Francis received his vision to “rebuild the church.” After lunch we move on to Santa Maria delgi Angeli, the baroque church that was built over the Porziuncola, the little chapel restored by St. Francis containing the simple cell where he died. We will learn about the impact this man had in his day and how his legacy continues to be relevant in our world.

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Day 7– All’interno delle Mura

Time to venture into the awe-inspiring walls of Assisi. We will take a fairly extensive walking tour of Assisi starting at the church of Santa Chiara where we will see the Cappella del Croscifissco, the cross that spoke to Francis and led him into a life after Christ. After our morning walk, you’re free to wander Assisi on your own. The walls of this city hold everything; including great shopping, a castle, churches, works of art and abundant chances to speak with locals. In the afternoon we will reconvene on the other side of Assisi for a walking tour of the colossal Bascilica di San Francesco containing twenty-eight scenes from the life of St. Francis. We’ll end our venture at the crypt of St. Francis. The group will be ready for a great evening meal and some rest from a day well spent.

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Day 8– A Mount Mistico

Eremo Delle Carceri, a monastery in the dense woodlands on Monte Subasio, was Francis’ retreat from demands of the world. In the caves on the slope of this mountain Francis and his followers established their first home where he often returned to pray and meditate. This morning we will make our way to this holy site and possibly even visit with one of the four monks that live at Eremo. They carry on Francis’ legacy hundreds of continual years later.

For those who want, a return ride to Assisi will give you a free afternoon to wander. For the more adventurous: your BE director will lead you on a brisk hike through the woods and onto Mount Subasio, where you can see Assisi and Umbria from a birds eye view. You might even see a wild boar and a mountain shepherd. After the hike, we will drop the team off for last minute shopping in Assisi. Our final meal tonight will prove to be a true Italian treat.

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Day 9– Arrivederci

What an adventure we have had across Central Italy! The food, laughter, exploration and moments filled with memories will last a lifetime. You have made new friends and visited a place of dreams. You have experienced Italy through eyes of wonder. The only question left on your mind: Where will I travel next year with Boundless Expeditions?

Your Guide

Eric began his work among the marginalized while serving Bosnian refugees in Croatia shortly after the war’s end. This initial experience set him on his current journey. For over a decade, Eric has traveled around the world serving in slums, mountain villages, urban outposts and in conflict zones; trying to ease the pain and suffering of the poor while listening to their stories. Eric currently serves as the Founder and Director of Compassion Corps Inc. a non-profit charity dedicated to serving people who are impoverished, destitute, or otherwise in need because of injustice. Eric is an avid adventure addict who loves to be on the “road.” He resides in New Haven, Connecticut with his wife and two children.

Florence- St. Elizabeth

This elegant villa, just outside the city center is nestled in a residential neighborhood of palatial homes. Stunning views of Florence and magnificent sunsets are not to be missed. The nuns of Saint Elisabeth are very kind and have a tremendous sense of humor. This is the perfect place for those looking for peace and quiet.

Assisi- Assisi Garden

The Assisi Garden is located in a particularly quiet and privileged location near Assisi’s center and surrounded by a wonderful park. Assisi Garden has a beautiful view over the famous St. Francis brick road.

Rome- Santo Spirito

On the doorstep of the Vatican, this truly remarkable monastery offers very good rooms. From the building it is possible to view the architecture of Bernini and Michelangelo. Everyone is welcome at this beautifully located lodging, and for those who wish to spend a lot of time in and around the Vatican, you could not find a better location for your travels.

Photos

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