Join The Patrons of the Arts in Italy as we explore and discover the culture, art and cuisine of this beautiful country.
You will enjoy many private events, and get a backstage view of so many hidden gems throughout the Eternal City. There is also a chance to extend your tour to experience the beauty and culture of Florence, Italy. You won't want to miss this amazing opportunity!You will enjoy many private events, and get a backstage view of so many hidden gems throughout the Eternal City. There is also a chance to extend your tour to experience the beauty and culture of Florence, Italy. You won't want to miss this amazing opportunity!
Price starting at $5,999 per person, double occupancy
Itinerary
DAY 1: OCTOBER 10 • ARRIVE ROME | WELCOME RECEPTION AND DINNER
Arrive in Rome on independently scheduled flights and transfer to the hotel. A panoramic city tour will be optional for those who would like to become acquainted with the city. This evening, enjoy views of the Eternal City during a rooftop reception and dinner where you will have the chance to be welcomed by the Vatican Patrons Office team with Fr. Kevin Lixey, International Director of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 2: OCTOBER 11 • RESTORATION LABS | LUNCH AT CASINA PIUS IV
Following a morning at leisure, visit one or more of the Vatican Museum's restoration labs (closed to the public) such as the Painting, Paper, Ceramic or Metal Restoration Labs. Enjoy lunch as a group at the beautifully restored Casina Pius IV, the headquarters for the Pontifical Academy of Sciences located in a picturesque part of the Vatican Gardens, overlooking St. Peter’s Dome. After lunch, walk through the Vatican Gardens to reach the Vatican Apostolic Library for a private tour. This evening an optional visit to the Pontifical University of Santa Croce has been arranged to experience the commanding views of Rome from the rooftop. Following the visit, dinner reservations will be made for the group for those who would like. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 3: OCTOBER 12 • PAPAL AUDIENCE | MOSAIC RESTORATION LABORATORY | LUNCH AT CASA SANTA MARTA | DINNER EVENT WITH FATHER MICHAEL COLLINS
Attend the weekly Papal Audience with special seating (pending the Holy Father’s final schedule). Following the Audience, embark on a visit to the Vatican Mosaic Studios, a busy studio for a team of highly skilled artists whose job is to restore and preserve centuries-old mosaics inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The studio is also responsible for creating
commissioned pieces for private buyers, as well as mosaics that will be given by the Holy Father to visiting dignitaries. Enjoy lunch in the Pope’s residence at Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican. An event will be arranged this evening at Casa Bleve in Rome with Father Michael Collins to address our group. Overnight in Rome
DAY 4: OCTOBER 13 • TOUR OF THE THREE CHAPELS | RECEPTION IN CORTILE DEL BELVEDERE
This morning is at leisure or you may register for an optional tour with a choice between the Vatican Secret Archives OR the Scavi tour, the excavations beneath St. Peter’s Basilica and culminating at St. Peter’s tomb. Later this afternoon, embark on an exclusive behind the scenes visit to the Pope’s private chapels, two of which are closed to the public. Start with a visit to the stunning mosaic decorated Redemptoris Mater chapel, which was totally restructured and redecorated by Pope John Paul II on the occasion of his 50th priestly ordination anniversary. The Holy Father commissioned this amazing chapel of modern mosaic under the direction of Jesuit priest Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik. Next, visit the Pope’s private chapel, the Pauline Chapel, before a visit to the Sistine Chapel after the museums have closed. Along the way, visit the Hall of Blessings and the Room of Benediction. The visit will culminate in the Cortile del Belvedere for a reception with drinks and light appetizers after museum hours. Dinner on you own. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 5: OCTOBER 14 • RAPHAEL TOUR WITH DR. LIZ LEV | DINNER AT HOTEL DE RUSSIE
This morning you will embark on a tour of Rome with world famous Art Historian Dr. Liz Lev to view some of the most marvelous works created by Raphael that reside in the city (9:30 or 10AM start time). This evening, we will dine at the Hotel de Russie for a sumptuous dinner on the terrace surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean flora in Le Jardin de Russie. Overnight Rome.
DAY 6: OCTOBER 15 • COOKING CLASS IN CAMPO DI FIORI | CELEBRATION IN THE CONSTANTINE ROOM | PATRONS GALA IN BRACCIO NUOVO
There will be an an optional cooking class this morning that will start in the famous Campo di Fiori market to select fresh ingredients with the chef leading the class. After an explanation and tour through the Jewish quarter, end your walk at a beautiful apartment on Tiburina island for a cooking class. Alternatively, Father Michael Collins will lead
an optional tour of the incredible Galleria Borghese. Both options are at an additional cost to be announced closer to departure. You also may enjoy your morning at leisure to prepare for the evening’s festivities and gala farewell. Celebrate Mass with Bishop Vergez, President of the Vatican City State at the Governato. Following mass, you will be led on
a private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, along with a celebration toast in the Constantine Room and a visit to the Niccolina Chapel. This evening, enjoy the company of your fellow Patrons as you share a glass of prosecco and Gala dinner in the Braccio Nuovo, or “New Wing”, of the Vatican Museums. Overnight in Rome.
DAY 7: OCTOBER 16 • RETURN TO USA
Check out of the hotel and depart on independently scheduled flights to the USA.
OPTIONAL FLORENCE EXTENSION DAY 1: OCTOBER 16 • TRAVEL TO VAL D’ORCIA FOR EXTENSION
Board your private transfer toward the beautiful Val d’Orcia region. Upon arrival, check into your villa hotel in the Val D’Orcia region. The Tuscan Region of Val D’Orcia is a haven for foodies, famous for its Brunello and Nobile di Montepulciano wines, truffles, and pecorino cheese. Welcome dinner with wine pairings. Overnight
Val d’Orcia.
OPTIONAL FLORENCE EXTENSION DAY 2: OCTOBER 17 • MONTALCINO | PIENZA | EVENING WINE TASTING
Travel by private mini coach to the beautiful hilltop town of Montalcino and begin the day by celebrating Mass in the local church. Enjoy a brief walking tour and free time followed by a leisurely wine tasting lunch. Following lunch, take a short drive to Pienza, famous for its pecorino cheese and an amazing example of classical Renaissance town design, often described as the ideal city. After time to explore this city by foot on your own, we will enjoy a pecorino cheese tasting. This afternoon, dinner on your own at
the villa hotel. Overnight Val d’Orcia.
OPTIONAL FLORENCE EXTENSION DAY 3: OCTOBER 18 • VIA FRANCIGENA | WINE TASTING | FLORENCE
Begin today with a visit to and private Mass at the ancient Benedictine Abbey of Sant’Antimo on the European pilgrimage route to Rome called the Via Francigena. The magnificent Abbey Church was built in the 12th century. After a lunch in the area, depart for Castello di Ama for a wine tasting. Travel on to Florence for overnight.
OPTIONAL FLORENCE EXTENSION DAY 4: OCTOBER 19 • FLORENCE | FRESCO PAINTING
Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of Florence to visit the off the beaten path sites. After lunch at a fantastic, converted restaurant, there will be an introduction to the ancient Renaissance technique of Fresco Painting. The class begins with a brief fresco painting history and is followed by time to create an actual painting! Group farewell dinner this evening in Florence. Overnight Florence
OPTIONAL FLORENCE EXTENSION DAY 5: OCTOBER 20 • DEPART FLORENCE FOR USA
Check out of the hotel and depart on independently scheduled flights to the USA.
