Holy Cross - Rome, Florence & Paris 2016

Rome

March 25th – 28th

Upon your arrival on March 25th, you will enjoy a visit to the seaside town of Ostia Antica*, where you will find many archaeological excavations of this ancient harbor taking place. March 26th, begins with a guided city tour,* exploring the numerous historical districts which make up the heart of ancient Rome including such sites as the Colosseum and Forum*. This afternoon you will enjoy a guided visit to the Vatican Museums*, where you will view religious relics and spectacular treasures accumulated by the Catholic Church over the centuries. The gorgeous Sistine Chapel, painted by the illustrious Michelangelo and the massive St. Peter’s Basilica will leave you awestruck.   Later today, you may optionally wish to visit such sights as San Pietro in Vincoli, Castle Saint Angelo, the temple of Minerva and much more. On March 27th celebrate Easter in Rome by attending Mass at the Vatican!! While exploring the wonders of this timeless city this afternoon, you may optionally wish to visit the treasures of the Capitoline Museum (free to those who submit their application and deposit by the deadline), the world’s first public museum, offering a wonderful collection of sculpture and painting including pieces like the Etruscan, bronze She Wolf with fabled twins Romulus and Remus and Caravaggio’s St. John the Baptist. The next morning, March 28th, is dedicated to exploring Rome with your tour leader to include such sights as the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain, before departing to Florence this afternoon on a scenic train ride.

Florence

March 28th – March 30th

As birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence will thrill you with its treasures upon your arrival on March 28th. After checking into your hotel you may wish to explore this city with your tour leader or spend time shopping in the straw market and open-air markets. During a guided walking tour of the city*on March 29th, you will see many of the important sights of this historic town including the Academia*, home to Michelangelo’s “David”, Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, and the eight-sided Baptistry. Later this afternoon, visit the Uffizi Gallery*, Italy’s greatest art gallery. During your time at leisure you may optionally wish to visit the Bargello Museum, Florence’s second-ranking museum, which houses Italy’s finest collection of Renaissance sculpture. Other highlights may include visiting the Boboli Gardens, visiting a leather factory and strolling across the Ponte-Vecchio to see the gold and silver shops. On March 30th you will bid farewell to Florence as you travel to Paris!!

Paris

March 30th – April 2nd

Upon arrival on March 30th you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city* before checking into your hotel, viewing such famous landmarks as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and the Place de la Concorde. The next morning, March 31st, you will visit the Louvre* (world’s largest art museum), housing such legends as the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory and the Mona Lisa. Later today you may optionally wish to visit the Musee d’ Orsay, which showcases the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. This evening, enjoy a thrilling ascent to the second level of the Eiffel Tower*. On your last day in Paris, April 1st, dedicate time discovering such sights as Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Montmartre and Place du Tertre, or enjoy last minute sightseeing, shopping for souvenirs or delighting in Parisian Boulevards and cafes with your tour leader, or taking a Seine River cruise. The following morning, April 2nd, you will return to the United States with fond memories, amazing experiences and perhaps a souvenir or two from your European adventure.

 SPECIAL TOUR CONDITIONS: **The tour price, if payments are made by cash or check, is $3,985.00; otherwise, if paying by credit card the standard non-discounted price is $4,085.00. Tour participation is based on triple occupancy and includes roundtrip airfare from New Orleans, point-to point transportation between cities while in Europe, all breakfasts, and 4 dinners. *The entrance fees and/or transportation, marked with an asterisk, which are included in the tour price are Ostia Antica, Colosseum & Forum, Vatican Museums, Academia, Uffizi, Louvre, Eiffel Tower and city tours in Rome, Florence and Paris, while other items may be offered optionally, are subject to availability, and are not included in the tour price. A guaranteed single room may be available for a supplemental charge of $535.00.  A guaranteed twin room may be available for a supplemental charge of $275.00 per person. Included are applicable governmental international airline ticket taxes, fuel surcharges, security surcharges, and associated fees. If applicable, tax increases will be billed on a supplemental invoice. A minimum number of paying participants may be required to operate the tour. All tour participants must submit a signed application.  A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required and will reserve your space on this tour. The tour cost, including the initial deposit, is fully refundable if the tour does not operate. You may apply online by visiting www.EAtours.com and “student/traveler sign up.”  The tour number for your group is 216147. A 2nd payment, generally $1,000, will be due no later than 15 to 30 days after your initial payment. Final payments are due no later than 70 days before departure. Updated Tour details (hotels, day by day itinerary, flights, etc.) are scheduled to be released approximately four weeks prior to departure. 

 Please return your online application and $500 deposit to EAtours.com by September 21, 2015, and receive a free entrance to the Capitoline Museum in Rome!!