Vatican Studies 2022:
Students from Saint Ignatius and Walsh Jesuit journey to Italy together on this academic travel program.
Monday – June 6, 2022
Meet the group at Saint Ignatius High School as we board our coach bound for Toronto. Say “Ciao” to your family as we head to the airport to grab our direct flight to Rome.
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Tuesday - June 7, 2022
From Rome Fiumicino airport we travel by road to the fabled medieval hill town of Assisi. Assisi is the most famous pilgrimage site in Italy, due to being the birthplace of Saint Francis. This evening you begin to explore the maze of medieval streets from your location in the heart of Assisi. The group will have an early dinner before going to sleep to recover from jet lag.
Wednesday - June 8, 2022
The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town of Assisi awaits us today. St. Francis of Assisi is one the most well-loved saints in the world and you will journey in his footsteps. With our guide, you will explore the wonderful Basilica of Saint Francis, the birthplace of St. Francis, Saint Claire's Basilica, and the lively main city square – Piazza del Comune with the Minerva Temple.
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June 9-15, 2022
Trade the countryside of Umbria for the Eternal City: Rome. We are staying near the Vatican and will explore the area that will be home for the next seven days.
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These days in Rome will be planned by the faculty of the Saint Ignatius Vatican Studies Program in conjunction with your Tour Manager. The following experiences and sites will be included in your itinerary:
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Attend the Wednesday Audience and/or Sunday Angelus Address with Pope Francis*
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The 4 Major Basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls
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Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and Roman Forum
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Piazza Venezia, The Pantheon, and Piazza Navona
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Ignatian Rome: The Jesuit Curia, The Church of St. Ignatius, the Ignatian Apartments, and the Church of the Gesu
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The Basilica of St. Clement; this architectural treasure records the history of Rome from the beginning of Christianity up until the Middle Ages
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The Roman Catacombs and an opportunity for bike riding on the Appian Way
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Bernini's Ponte Sant'Angelo
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A night walking tour of Rome taking in the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain
Thursday - June 16, 2022
This morning you will depart from Rome. Pack your bags and get ready to see some epic sites. Our coach will pick us up at the hotel as we speed past the Apennines and through the countryside of Campania. Before we arrive at our destination, we'll stop to visit the Abbey of Monte Cassino, where you’ll learn more about St. Benedict and the foundations of western monasticism. On the way to Sorrento, the views will get even better as we approach the Gulf of Naples. Sorrento will be in our home for the next three nights. Nestled on the edge of the sea, the narrow medieval lanes of this tiny resort town are yours to explore! Tonight we will go to the Sunday Vigil Mass to allow a leisurely Sunday morning.
Friday – June 17, 2022
Beach Day! Grab your sandals and towels (provided by the reception at your accommodation). We'll spend the day relaxing and enjoying the Italian sunshine. Tonight students may choose their own restaurant within the town of Sorrento. If a day at the beach does not interest you another option will be offered.
Saturday – June 18, 2022
We will get a later start today and enjoy the beautiful town of Sorrento. Students will be given two options today. Option #1: We will have time to shop, explore Sorrento, and relax. Option #2: It will be possible to charter a boat to some of the neighboring towns along the Amalfi coast. There will be an additional cost for the boat tour – approximately $100. It will be offered at a later time based on participant interest.
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Today we will return to The Eternal City. Our coach will pick us up this morning and go directly back to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, we will check back into Il Cantico. There will be some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping. The group will attend the Sunday Mass this evening before the special Going Away Dinner. Before you slip off to bed the group will enjoy our final Gelato in Rome.
Monday- June 20, 2022
Rise and Shine! Arrivederci, Italia! We’ll be transferred to Rome's airport this morning to begin the journey home. Hopefully, you threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return one day. After boarding our direct flight from Rome you’ll touch down safely back in Toronto in the late afternoon & enjoy a pleasant return drive to Cleveland.
* Currently the Wednesday Audience & Sunday Angelus with Pope Francis is scheduled, but his schedule is subject to change.
* All places listed on the itinerary will be visited, but the sequence is subject to change
Tour Cost: $3499 + Airfare
The airfare will be approximately $1100 including coach transport from Saint Ignatius
The land costs are fixed. The cost of airfare fluctuates frequently. In order to get you the best deal, we have left it out of the pricing and will pass on the actual cost to you. Our best estimate at this time is around $1100 including the coach transport from Saint Ignatius High School. It could be cheaper or more expensive. Our team will work to secure the best pricing for your group.
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Optional Trip Protection Plan:
We are offering a Trip Protection Plan for $450. This will allow you to cancel for any reason up to 45 days before travel. On day 44 before travel, you will revert back to the standard Cancellation Policy in the Terms & Conditions and $250 will be credited back to your account. You will be contacted approximately 60 days in advance and be offered a final opportunity to Opt-Out. If you Opt-Out of your tour for 45 days or more, you will be fully refunded less the $450 from the Trip Protection Plan. If you choose to remain committed to your tour $250 will be credited toward your final payment. This coverage only applies to monies paid toward this tour.
Payment deadlines:
1. $500 Deposit due at time of registration
2. Friday, February 18, 2022 - $1000 is due
3. Friday, April 1, 2022 - $1500
4. Friday, May 6, 2022- $499 + Airfare is due
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What is included?
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Group transfers and all ground transportation
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2 nights' accommodation in the historic center of Assisi
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9 nights' accommodation at Hotel Il Cantico in Rome in double rooms
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3 nights' accommodation at Ulisse Deluxe Hostel in triple or quad en-suite rooms
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All Museum Entrance Fees
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All Excursion Fees
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13 breakfasts and 9 dinners
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Travel Health Insurance. Participants will have a travel Medical Insurance plan that will cover COVID-19.
What's not included?
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Airfare and coach to Newark, Washington, or Chicago for international flight (estimated around $1100)
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Lunch and 4 independent dinners
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Drinks with dinner
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Tip for bus driver and guide
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Vatican Studies polos
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Cancel for Any Reason Insurance and/or Trip Protection Plan
How do I sign-up?
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The registration process is completed online. Click "Register Here" to sign-up!
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