Experience springtime in the mountains outside of Rome and celebrate the traditions of the Easter season in this ancient land.
April 5 -April 14, 2007 10 Days/9 Nights
Includes hotel transfer /accommodation in 4* hotel/9 breakfasts/4 lunches/9 dinners/excursions in private motor coach with local guide.
This trip presents a unique opportunity to visit a region of Italy that most tourists do not find. Especially designed for travelers who want a genuine Italian experience. Our base is the resort city of Fiuggi, located just 50 miles southeast of Rome. This beautiful little city has been a popular Italian resort since the early 20th Century.Set in the mountains, Fiuggi boasts fine hotels, restaurants, shops and is a perfect spot from which to tour this area outside of Rome.From Fiuggi we will visit both well-known sites and those you may never have heard of but will never forget:cities encircled by walls built centuries before the Roman Empire existed, the ruins of ancient Roman civilization, medieval hilltop towns and monasteries dating from the 12th Century. We will see Rome and there will be time free to explore on your own and of course, we will feast on the cuisine and wines of the region.
GROUP SIZE LIMITED TO 20 PERSONS (minimum participation required) Cost of land portion of the trip is $1995.00 (p/p dbl. occupancy) Assistance available for airline reservations.
Deposit of $250 due by 2/23/07
EASTER IN THE ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE 2007
TRAVEL ITALY NOW invites you to experience a traditional Easter in the countryside of Lazio.Rich in natural beauty, ancient sites and historical significance this region on the outskirts of Rome will be the center of our celebration of Easter and springtime in Italy. Our base for the tour will be the resort town of Fiuggi, a well-known spa and a perfect point from which to visit the area.We will visit medieval monasteries, ancient pre-Roman cities and medieval hill top towns while experiencing the season.You will especially appreciate the small size of your group as you enjoy traveling through this surprising and beautiful region.
Day 1: Arrive at meeting point –Rome airport for transfer to Fiuggi.After check in at our 4* hotel we will enjoy a welcome lunch and time for a rest.In the afternoon, we will visit the “old town” of Fiuggi with its medieval origins and turn of the century architecture.Dinner is on our own at one of the restaurants in the old town.
Day 2: This morning after a leisurely breakfast we will visit a sanctuary set in the nearby mountainside.Filled with sculpture by local artists, this tranquil mountainside will provide a setting for our Good Friday reflections.We return to our hotel for lunch and the afternoon.This evening we will visit the ancient town, Alatri, to see the traditional Good Friday procession.This custom, repeated through the centuries, continues in the heartland towns of Italy.We will stop here to sample some of the region’s best pizza (including the famous nutella and ice cream pizza).
Day 3: Today we will visit Rome.We will have a guided tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel followed by a visit to St. Peter’s.Lunch on our own and the afternoon will be free to explore the Eternal City.Return to Fiuggi and our hotel for dinner.
Day 4:Our Easter celebration begins with Mass at the 13 Century monastery, Casamari.After Mass we will visit the Monastery and then proceed to a nearby town perched on the mountainside for a traditional Easter feast with all the specialties of the region.We will tour the city and its cathedral before returning to our hotel. Day 5: Easter Monday or Little Easter is also a holiday in Italy.In the morning we will visit Anagni, City of the Popes.Anagni is the home of 5 medieval popes. The cathedral is the site of an extraordinary crypt dating from the 11th c. After our visit we will (weather permitting) follow the local custom and have our lunch al fresco in the countryside.We will take a tour of the area before returning to our hotel.Dinner and the evening in Fiuggi. Day 6:This morning we will visit the Roman ruins of the city of Ostia Antica.Once the primary port of Rome, the ancient city was abandoned when the Tiber filled with silt and access to Rome was lost.From here we visit the wine region of Rome, the Castelli Romani.Lunch on our own with the opportunity to sample the renowned “ porchetta” roast pork, a typical Roman specialty.The afternoon tour will include a visit to a winery in the region.Return to Fiuggi for the evening and dinner in our hotel. Day 7:AM is free to relax, shop, walk and enjoy Fiuggi.After lunch on our own we will visit the monastery of Subiaco.This is the site of the first Benedictine monastery where St. Benedict spent 3 years in contemplation prior to setting out to found the order named for him.Tonight we will have dinner in an area restaurant serving typical local cuisine. Day 8:Today is free.You may choose to take local transportation into Rome or another local site, or simply enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Fiuggi.We will dine in our hotel tonight. Day 9:Visit to Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli or visit to Montecassino. Day 10: Depart - Transfer to Rome airport
Costs not included - beverages at meals, entrance fees for museums, meals not described above
CONTACT : TRAVEL ITALY NOW ANN MASTERS 212 -749 3793