CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN ITALY
December 18-24, 2010 $2489 + air
Rome has long been known as the site of the first “Christmas celebration.” Ever since the birth of Christ, believers have celebrated his birth, so naturally, Rome became a focal point for such celebration. Romans take great pride in their creation of Nativity Crèches spread throughout the cities piazzi during the Christmas season (usually from December 5 to January 6). These nativity displays were originally a publicity stunt dreamed up by St. Francis of Assisi who wanted to involve the peasants in celebrating the life of Jesus.
Pipers and Bagpipes are unique to Italy during the Christmas season. The zampognari (shepherds who play the bagpipes) come down from their mountain homes during the Christmas season to perform in many of Rome’s piazzi or market squares. Legend says that once the shepherds entertained the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, so today, the zampognari perform their own private pilgrimage, stopping before every shrine to the Madonna and every Nativity scene.
Friday, December 17, 2010: Overnight flight to Rome, Italy.
Please arrange your own flight to Rome.
Plan for your flight to arrive at Rome’s Fumincino International Airport (FCO) before 10:00 a.m. local time on 12/18/2010.
Saturday, December 18: Assisi -- Once the group is assembled at FCO airport, meet your Exploring Europe guide and travel directly to Assisi by private motorcoach. Once in Assisi you will be joined by a local step-on guide who will show you the medieval town and its Basilica of St. Francis. Later, when leaving Assisi, stop at the village of Santa Maria degli Angeli, to visit it’s Basilica, built over the Porziuncola, the tiny chapel where, according to tradition, Saint Francis died. Continue on to Florence, proceeding directly to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to settle in and relax before our group dinner.
Sleep 3 nights in Florence at Hotel Malaspina.
Sunday, December 19:Florence — After breakfast, join your local step-on guide for a bus and walking tour of the city center. Visit the Pontevecchio, the Mercato della Paglia, the Piazza della Signori, the Duomo and it’s Baptistery. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Uffizi Art Gallery containing the world’s best collection of Renaissance paintings. Enjoy a group dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Monday, December 20: Pisa and Chianti — Travel today to Pisa where you visit the Field of Miracles with its leaning tower, Baptistery and Duomo. Later relax and enjoy a ride through the Chianti hills and experience a wine tasting opportunity in Greve. Enroute to Florence, reflect on the devastation of war as we pay a visit to the Florence American WWII Cemetery in San Casciano di Pesa. Back in Florence, enjoy another group dining experience.
Tuesday, December 21: Tuscan Hill towns — After breakfast we’ll load our luggage and say farewell to Florence. But before leaving Tuscany, you will have an opportunity to visit the beautiful hill towns of San Gimignano and Siena. Travel to Rome arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner at our hotel tonight.
Sleep 3 nights in Rome at Park Hotel di Massimi.
Wednesday, December 22: Rome — Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then meet your step-on local guide for a full day of touring the city. Sights included: entrance into the Coliseum and of one of the Roman Catacombs, the Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterno and Saint Paul outside the walls. After a full day of touring, enjoy some free time at your hotel before dinner is served.
Thursday, December 23: Rome — Today meet your step-on local guide for a tour of Vatican City. With the use of the whisper phones, visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine chapel, then the Basilica of Saint Peter with its underground chapels over the tombs of various Popes. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to visit the various piazzas and their Nativity displays. Later, meet your bus to return to our hotel where we will have a grand farewell dinner with live traditional Italian music.
Friday, December 24— Rise and shine and say goodbye to the Eternal City! After breakfast, board your bus for a transfer to Rome’s Fumincino International Airport. The tour ends at the airport no later than 9:00 a.m.
Please arrange your flights from FCO airport no earlier than 11:00 a.m.
