Our Plan:

October 5 Wednesday DAY 1: USA/DUBROVNIK -We depart on a transatlantic flight to Dubrovnik.

October 6 Thursday DAY 2: DUBROVNIK -Arrival today at the Dubrovnik airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure to relax and become acclimated to a new time zone. You can take a walk to the Old Town also called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Tonight we have a welcome dinner in a typical Dalmatian restaurant with local delicacies and wine.

October 7 Friday DAY 3: DUBROVNIK -MEDJUGORJE-This morning enjoy a walking tour of “Old Dubrovnik”; starting with St. Blaze church, the Rector’s Palace, Bell Tower clock, Orlando’s Column and the Sponza Palace. You will also see the Dominican Monastery and Franciscan Monastery with it’s Pharmacy, one of the oldest in the world. After lunch on your own in one of the many small family owned restaurants along the narrow streets we depart for Medjugorje driving along the breathtaking Adriatic coast. Upon arrival in Medjugorje your host family will welcome you warmly. Attend the evening program at the St. James church before dinner. Overnight Medjugorje.

October 8 Saturday DAY 4: MEDJUGORJE-Join the English Mass, visit the Apparition Hill and climb Holy Cross Mountain. Meetings with visionaries and Father Jozo will also be scheduled if possible. In the evenings attend the recitation of the Rosary and the Healing service at the St. James church. Free time for lunch and shopping. Overnight Medjugorje.

October 9 Sunday DAY 5: MEDJUGORJE / SPLIT -Depart very early (8AM) from this peace filled heaven to Split with good memories. En route you are welcome to stop at the shrine of little Lourdes Shrine in Veprice (next to Makarska, halfway to Split). We then stop in Makarska for a quick break before arriving to Our Lady of Sinj, one of Croatia’s oldest spiritual centers. The shrine is home of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, dating from seventeenth century. At arrival in Split, enjoy a city tour featuring the historic inner city, built around Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. See remnants of Split’s Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, Jupiter’s Temple, the Peristyle and the Cathedral. Tonight we have dinner in a local «Konoba» .

October 10 Monday DAY 6: – SPLIT/TROGIR/ZADAR/PLITVICE LAKES-After breakfast, we head north along the coast to Trogir, the center of artistic activities, where scholars from around the world gather to study and paint. Then it’s on to Zadar, the oldest Slavic city on the Adriatic, once famed cultural center. We pause here for an orientation tour that includes the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Cathedral and St. Donat Church. Our journey continues as we turn inland towards the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park. Overnight.

October 11 Tuesday DAY 7: PLITVICE LAKES -OUR LADY OF TRSAT-OPATIJA-Today we enjoy Plitvice National Park listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list, the breathtaking scenery of this natural wonder of 16 terraced lakes surrounded by thickly wooded mountains and lush vegetation. After lunch we depart for Opatija, once the favorite resort of the European royalty. Enroute we stop for Holy Mass at Our Lady of Trsat, built to commemorate the transfer of the Holy House of Nazareth from Jerusalem to Loreto. We arrive Opatija late in the day. Overnight Opatija.

October 12 Wednesday DAY 8: OPATIJA- Day at leisure or take an optional day tour to the Romantic City of Venice. Optional tour to Venice by hydrofoil with Venice city tour included $ 94.00. Overnight Opatija.

October 13 Thursday DAY 9: OPATIJA/POSTOJNA/BLED-We head across the border into Slovenia to Postojna, home of one of the largest caves in Europe, Here we tour the fantastic subterranean world by miniature electric train. Afterwards, our journey continues to Bled resort area, beautifully situated in the Julian Alps. Overnight Bled.

October 14 Friday DAY 10: BLED /LJUBLJANA-Our morning sightseeing tour features the town of Bled with the lake-shore, and includes a visit to the Bled Castle, perched on a cliff high above the lake. In the afternoon we tour Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, visiting the open-air market, the City Hall, Robba’s Fountain, the Three Bridges and the Parliament. Overnight in Ljubljana.

October 15 Saturday DAY 11: MARIJA BISTRICA-ZAGREB-We depart for Marija Bistrica We celebrate Mass at the most famous Croatian Shrine and pray Stations of the Cross, then proceed to Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia. Upon arrival in Zagreb and time permitting we have a brief sightseeing tour visiting the historic Upper Town, to see the St. Mark’s Church, the St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral, the Parliament and the Government Palace. Overnight Zagreb.

October 16 Sunday DAY 12: ZAGREB/USA-After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport…

Our Plan:

MON, SEP 19 — NEW YORK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Depart New York today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight to Frankfurt, arriving the following day.

TUE, SEP 20 — ARRIVE FRANKFURT/RHINE CRUISE/ MAINZ
Arrive Frankfurt. Drive through the Upper Rhine Plain to Mainz where you board your Rhine steamer for a cruise to St. Goarshausen. View the picturesque Odenwald Hills rising to the East and pass the famous Lorelei Rock where, according to folklore, beautiful mermaids once lived. Disembark and continue to Mainz for the night.

WED, SEP 21 — MAINZ/HEIDELBERG/FREIBURG
After breakfast, depart to Heidelberg, the oldest University town in Germany and home of the “Student Prince.” View the medieval Town Hall and the University, founded in 1386. Cross the Neckar River and drive to the ancient castle high above the city and river. Continue to Freiburg.

THU, SEP 22 — FREIBURG/BASEL/LAKE LUCERNE
Morning drive to Basel, situated where the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland meet. Continue to Lucerne, whose attractive waterfront, 14th and 15th century covered wood bridges and medieval walls make it one of Switzerland’s prettiest cities. Free time to stroll along the bridges, relax on the lake shore or visit the elegant shops.

FRI, SEP 23 — LAKE LUCERNE
On a panoramic tour of the Bernese Oberland, drive through the lovely Obwalden Valley past Lakes Sarnen and Lungern. Follow the Bruenig Pass road to Interlaken, a popular summer resort dwarfed by the Alpine peaks of the Eiger and Jungfrau. From there, proceed to Lauterbrunnen. Continue to Grindelwald then return to your hotel for the night.

SAT, SEP 24 — LAKE LUCERNE/VADUZ/INNSBRUCK
Drive along the shores of the Walensee and Lake Zurich to Vaduz, capital of tiny Liechtenstein. Continue to Innsbruck, capital of the Austrian province of Tyrol, set in the heart of the Alps. The 800-year-old city was named for the bridge across the Inn River, first built in the 12th century. On your orientation tour of Innsbruck, view the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), a late Gothic oriel with 2,657 gold-plated tiles. It was built under the rule of Emperor Maximilian I as a royal box for spectacles held in the square below.

SUN, SEP 25 — INNSBRUCK/SALZBURG
Travel today through beautiful Alpine scenery as you head towards the “Sound of Music” city of Salzburg, one of the world’s most beautiful places. Your afternoon sightseeing tour of Salzburg takes you past the most important corners and the most beautiful sights of the city. Drive via the Schloss Mirabell and the Kongresshaus. Continue via Schwarzstrasse and the Protestant Church to the Mozarteum and then past the Marionetten Theatre, Landes Theatre, Marktplatz, and Rathaus to view where Mozart was born. Visit the Church of the Franciscans, the Altermarkt (colorful marketplace) and see Hellbrunn Castle.

MON, SEP 26 — SALZBURG/OBERAMMERGAU/NEUSCHWANSTEIN/MUNICH AREA
Depart today for the village of Oberammergau where, every ten years, the citizens present their day long Passion Play depicting the last week in the life of Christ. Enjoy this unique Alpine village where you will also have the opportunity to purchase some of their famous woodcarvings. Then continue to the Bavarian Alps and mad King Ludwig’s fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed palaces in the world and the model for the castles at the Walt Disney theme parks. Following a castle tour, proceed to the Munich area.

TUE, SEP 27 —MUNICH
Munich was ruled for over 650 years by the Wittelsbacher dukes and kings, who left their mark on the architecture and founded the world famous Munich Art Collection. On your orientation tour, drive via Karolinenplatz to the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1972 Olympics. Proceed past the 1,000-foot-high Television Tower to Nymphenburg, the former Royal Residence. Then on to Odeon Square with the beautiful Theatiner Church and the Hall of Generals. Afternoon at leisure. Return to your hotel in the Munich area.

WED, SEP 28 — MUNICH/ROTHENBURG/ FRANKFURT AREA
Travel north on the Romantic Road through fairy-tale towns surrounded by moats, gates and towers. Admire the landscape dotted with lovely church spires standing since the Middle Ages. Drive to the traditional village of Dinkelsbuehl. Continue to Rothenburg, Germany’s best preserved medieval town. Rothenburg’s ramparts, cobbled roads and high gabled houses invoke the romance of the Middle Ages. The battle-scarred walls that encircle the town still protect St. Jakobskirch, with its altar carving by Tilman Riemenschneider. Overnight in the Frankfurt area.

THU, SEP 29 — FRANKFURT/NEW YORK
Bid farewell to Europe as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to New York, arriving the same day.

Participants

Rev. George Torok, Patricia DeSimone, Mildred Lampone, Maria Elena Allgor, Joan Stauble,
Ann Donaghy, Elizabeth Barry, Edwin Beck, Carol Beck, Anthony DeAngelis, Gloria DeAngelis,
Peter DeMarco, Philomena DeMarco, Gennaro DiColandrea, Mary DiColandrea, Marie DiMaggio,
Barbara Ruggiere, Emil Filak, Emilia Filak, Carmela Franceschini, Kathleen McCarthy, Robert Gregory,
Lucille Gregory, Anthony Gregory, Joyce Gregory, Joseph Gregory, Elizabeth Gregory,
Hans Albert Holzwarth, Joann Holzwarth, Nicholas LaBruna, Antoinette LaBruna, Daniel Lamperti,
Ann Lamperti, Bernard McSorley, Clarice McSorley, Elizabeth Meore, Eileen Murphy, Rose Moschella,
Elda Zamparo, Donald O’Brien, Eleanor O’Brien, Frederick Targos, Mary Ann Targos

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Our Plan:

MON, SEP 27 — NEW YORK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Depart New York today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight. Enroute, enjoy dinner followed by a full length movie.

TUE, SEP 28 —ARRIVE SHANNON/ENNIS/GALWAY
Upon arrival at Shannon Airport you will board your motor-coach departing to Galway. Drive northward via the market town of Ennis and along the Atlantic coast to Galway, the principal city of western Ireland located at the entrance to Connemara.

WED,SEP29 — GALWAY/CONNEMARA/GALWAY
Today, explore the wild, majestic Connemara region, home of Aran knits. Your tour embraces the rugged country lying between Lough Corrib and the Atlantic Ocean, a breathtaking region of mountains, lakes and tiny cottages, visiting Leenane, Clifden and Kylemore Lakes. Here, St. Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights. Return to Galway for overnight.

THU, SEP 30 — GALWAY/KNOCK/SLIGO
Depart Galway this morning and drive to the village of Knock, set deep in the wild expanse of County Mayo. Knock, the Lourdes of Ireland, is Ireland’s premier shrine to our Lady. It was here that the blessed Mother appeared at the little parish church in 1879. Continue through “Yeats Country” via Bundoran to Sligo, birthplace of the poet W.B. Yeats.

FRI, OCT 1 — SLIGO/HILLS OF DONEGAL/SLIGO
Enjoy a drive today through County Donegal where the variety of scenery is a never-ending delight. Continue along Donegal Bay to the dramatically beautiful hills of Donegal and view the magnificent coastline, majestic mountains, deep glens and shimmering lakes which merge in a tumult of beauty. Your tour takes you through the fishing village of Killybegs: the picturesque town of Glenties and through the magnificent mountain scenery of Blue Stack range before returning to Sligo for the night.

SAT, OCT 2 — SLIGO/CAVAN/DUBLIN
Depart this morning via Lough Erne, Cavan and Kelts to Navan, residence of the Irish high kings. Continue to the fair city of Dublin and your hotel for overnight.

SUN, OCT 3 —DUBLIN
This morning begin your tour of the capital city with a visit of Trinity College to view the famous Book of Kells. Other highlights include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the fine old Georgian Square of Merrion and Fitzwilliam for which the city is renowned. This afternoon is free for independent activities.

M0N,0CT4— DUBLIN/GLENDALOUGH/ WATERFORD AREA
Leave Dublin driving south through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough via Kilkenny Bay, Calary Bog and the fishing port of Arklow. On to the Waterford area for overnight.

TUE, OCT 5 — WATERFORD/BLARNEYCASTLE/ KILLARNEY
Continue this morning to the city of Waterford, situated on the banks of the River Suir. Visit the Waterford Glass Factory to see the famed crystal being handmade. Drive to the lovely old city of Cork and on to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. Continue to Killarney, located in the kingdom of Kerry, for the night.

WED, OCT 6 — RING OF KERRY
Today you have an opportunity to enjoy what is perhaps Ireland’s most breathtaking tour. Spend a full day exploring the 109-mile “Ring of Kerry,” encircling the Iveragh Peninsula, a panorama of spectacular coastal and mountain scenery along golden beaches. You will pass beautiful lakes, quaint little villages and drive along the rugged Atlantic shore before returning to Killarney.

THU, OCT 7 — KILLARNEY/NEWCASTLE/ENNIS/ CLIFFS OF MOHER/LIMERICK
Pass through the town of Newcastle and the city of Limerick before driving northward into County Clare. Continue through Ennis and Lahinch. Later you will stand on the awe-inspiring ciiffs of Moher soaring hundreds of feet above the sea. Turn back through the heart of County Clare via Ennis before ending your night in Limerick, one of Ireland’s oldest cities, for overnight.

FRI,0CT8 —LIMERICK/SHANNON/NEW YORK
Transfer today to Shannon airport in time for departure back to New York, arriving the same day.

Participants

MRS. ELIZABETH BARRY, MRS. JOAN STAUBLE, MR. EDWIN BECK, MRS. CAROL BECK,
MR. GENNARO DICOLANDREA, MRS. MARY DICOLANDREA, MR. PETER DeMARCO,
MRS. PHILOMENA DeMARCO, MRS. CARMELA Franceschini, MRS. KATHLEEN McCarthy,
MR. ROBERT GREGORY, MRS. LUCILLE GREGORY, MR. NICHOLAS LABRUNA, MRS. ANTOINETTE LABRUNA,
MR. BERNARD McSORLY, MRS. CLARICE McSORLY, MRS. ROSE MOSCHELLA, MRS. ELDA ZAMPARO,
MR. JAMES MURPHY, MRS. JOAN MURPHY, MRS. IRENE SEBERLE, MRS. CAROL WHALEN,
MR. FREDERICK TARGOS, MRS. MARYANN TARGOS, MR. FRANK VELLARDITO, MRS. SYLVIA VELLARDITO, MR. FREDERICK SIMMS, MRS. KATHLEEN SIMMS, REV. GEORGE TOROK (TOUR LEADER),
MRS. BARBARA MURPHY, MRS. JO DEMARCO,

Our Plan:

MON, MAR 19 — NEWARK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Begin your exciting journey as you depart Newark on board your overnight transatlantic flight to the Holy Land.

TUE, MAR 20 — ARRIVE TEL AVIV/NETANYA
Arrive Tel Aviv today where you will be met and escorted to your waiting motorcoach. Your exciting journey to the Land of the Bible begins. Stop briefly in Lidda to visit the Greek Orthodox church of St. George. Time permitting, continue to Joppa to celebrate mass at St. Peter’s Church. Also, if time permits, visit the ancient harbor, archeological excavations of the city and the light house mosque on the site of Simon the Tanner’s house. On to Netanya for the night.           
                                                       
WED, MAR 21 — NETANYA/CAESAREA/ HAIFA/AKKO/TIBERIAS
Drive north today to Caesarea to view the ruins of the Crusader’s fortress and moat and sit in the great Roman amphitheatre. Continuing along the coast, you will see the aqueduct that carried water from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea. Continue to Haifa where you will ascend Mt. Carmel to celebrate mass and enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and harbor. See the Carmelite Monastery and Elijah’s Cave as well as the Bahai Temple with its lovely Persian Gardens. Proceed to the city of Akko for a brief visit. Continue on to Tiberias for the night.  
                                  
THU, MAR 22 — TIBERIAS
Drive this morning to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. Here you will visit St. Joseph’s Church and workshop. Then on to the Basilica and the Grotto of the Annunciation, the Synagogue of Nazareth, Mary’s Well and the Chapel of the poor Clares. Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica or Church of St. Joseph. Continue to Cana of Galilee for a renewal of marriage vows and then to the Jordan River for a renewal of baptismal vows. Return to Tiberias for overnight.               
                                                  
FRI, MAR 23 — TIBERIAS
Today, cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum, center of Jesus’ Ministry in the Galilee. Visit the ruins of the Second Century Synagogue, House of Peter. Continue to Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. Celebrate mass at the Tabgha Church of the Primacy. Visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Bread. Then on to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the famous Sermon on the Mount and chose the Twelve Apostles. Drive north and view Mt. Hermon. Time permitting stop at the ruins of Corozaim before you return to Tiberias for the night.                     
                                                             
SAT, MAR 24 — TIBERIAS/JERICHO/DEAD SEA/JERUSALEM
Depart for Mt. Tabor, traditional site of the transfiguration, where you will celebrate mass. Proceed via the Jezreel Valley and Janin to Joseph’s well. Continue via Samaria to Jacob’s well in Shechem. Drive through the Samarian hills and their picturesque Arab villages; past the ancient cities of Shiloh and Bethel, to Jericho, believed to be the oldest city in the world. View Elisha’s Spring and the Mount of Temptations. Continue to the Dead Sea, 1288 feet below sea level, site of ancient Sodom and Gomorrah. On the east side of the Dead Sea are the Moab Mountains and Mt. Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Stop at the Good Samaritan hostel before continuing on to Jerusalem and your hotel.

SUN, MAR 25 — JERUSALEM
Today you will visit Ein Karim and the Church of the birth of St. John the Baptist and the Basilica of the Visitation where we celebrate mass. Continue on to the Armenian Quarter for a visit to St. James Church. Ascend Mount Zion to see the Basilica of the Dormition, Cenaculum, House of Caiaphas and St. Peter’s in Gallicantu. Proceed to the Herodian Estates in the Jewish quarters and then the Western Wall.          
                          
MON, MAR 26 — JERUSALEM/BETHLEHEM/JERUSALEM
Drive to the top of the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. Visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the Church of Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit (celebration of mass), Basilica of the Agony, Grotto of the betrayal and the tomb of Mary. Descend Mt. Olivet to the Garden of Gethsemane and walk along the ancient olive trees, viewing the Kidron Valley. Then drive to Bethany to visit the Church of Lazarus and Lazarus’ Tomb. Continue to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity. See the Manger where Jesus was born, the Greek Orthodox basilica and Shepherds Fields.         
                                                                        
TUE, MAR 27 — JERUSALEM
This morning enter Herod’s Gate and go on a walking tour of the Old City of Jeruaslem starting at the Roman Praetorium, beneath the Sisters of Zion Convent, and the Ecce Homo Arch. Mass will be celebrated in Lythostrotos at Ecce Homo Convent. Stop at the Franciscan Convent at the Via Cruicis. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus as you walk the Via Dolorosa, the traditional way of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Also visit the Chapel of the Apparition to Mary Magdalen and St. Helen’s Chapel of the Holy Cross. Via St. Stephen’s Gate continue to St. Anne’s Church and the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man. Then on to the Temple Area. See the Dome of the Rock, the El Aqsa Mosque and the Wailing Wall. Leave the Old City through the Damascus Gate. End your inspiring visit at the Garden Tomb, believed by many to be Golgotha. 
                            
WED, MAR 28 — JERUSALEM/EILAT
This morning celebrate mass at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Then depart Jerusalem and drive south to the resort town of Eilat located on the Red Sea. Visit the park at Eilat. Overnight in Eilat.                
                                                                            
THU, MAR 29 — EILAT/ST. CATHERINE
Drive today through the Sinai Desert to St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Visit the library with its rare manuscripts and the Chamber of Skulls. Enjoy the hospitality of the monks in this monastery-fortress. Overnight at a nearby hotel  

FRI, MAR 30 — ST. CATHERINE/EILAT
Today you will ride two-thirds of the way up Mount Moses. You will have to walk the last third of the way. Spend some time at the top of the mountain Moses climbed to receive the Ten Commandments from God. You will see the valley where the children of Israel camped and the promontory where Aaron placed the golden calf. Descend the mountain and depart for Eilat and your hotel.              
                                                                        
SAT, MAR 31 — EILAT/PETRA/EILAT
Depart Eilat and cross the bridge to Jordan. Continue on to Petra, the “rose-red city half as old as time.” Petra, a city lost to the. world until just this last century, was the capital of the Nabateans and is alleged to be the city from which Herod the Great came and where St. Paul studied for several years. Designed to discourage its enemies, the only way one entered or left this fortress was through a narrow, twisting canyon known as the Siq. Ride a docile horse the 1-1/2 miles to the entrance of the city. Visit the imposing and dazzling Treasury imbedded in the face of the mountain. Wander through the temples and amphitheaters of this ancient city carved out of rose-colored rocks. Cross back into Israel and return to Eilat and your hotel.  
                     
SUN, APR 1 — EILAT/TEL AVIV/ALOFT
Your exciting adventure in the Holy Land is over as you depart Eilat for Tel Aviv and the airport to board your evening flight bound for Newark.    
                                                                      
MON, APR 2 — ARRIVE NEWARK
Arrive home in Newark early this morning

 Our Plan:

The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City is one of the greatest Marian Shrines in the world. The Basilica commemorates the appearance of our Blessed Mother to San Juan Diego, on December 1531, where she requested that a shrine be built in her honor. Juan Diego informed the Bishop of his encounter with Mary and would not believe him. The Bishop requested that our Lady give him a sign, so the Blessed Mother asked Juan Diego to gather roses from the frozen, rocky terrain and present them to the bishop. When Juan Diego opened his cloak to show him the sign, the flowers cascaded to the floor. To the astonishment of the Bishop and his companions, there appeared the Virgin Mary’s portrait marvelously painted in the most exquisite colors on Juan Diego’s cloak. Today, this cloak or tilma still exists, almost 472 years ago, hanging above the main altar of the Basilica – the most astonishing event in the history of art and supernatural phenonema. 

Dec 8.,Mon: USA/MEXICO

Depart JFK airport on Delta Airlines. Arrive in Mexico City. You will be met at the airport by our English-speaking tour guide. Proceed to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe for Mass. Dinner and overnight in Mexico City.

Dec 9.Tue: PUEBLA/MEXICO CITY

After breakfast, we travel to Puebla and visit the Cathedral of Puebla and the famous Holy Rosary chapel. Lunch in Puebla. Proceed to the town of Ocotlan See the image of Our Lady burnt into a tree trunk after she appeared to Juan Diego Bernardino in 1541 (not the same Juan Diego of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Time permitting, proceed to visit the Shrine of San Miguel del Mttagro, site where St. Michael the Archangel appeared to Diego Lazaro in 1631, directing him to the grotto and to a well of miraculous healing water. Drive back to Mexico City for dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Dec 10. Wed: MEXICO CITY

After breakfast, enjoy an extensive visit of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. View the tilma of Juan Diego, which still bears Our Lady’s imprint. If time permits, climb Mt Tepeyac to the chapel on top, site of the first apparition. In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Mexico City, including the Cathedral and baptismal place of Juan Diego. In the evening allow for an optional performance at the Palace of Fine Arts of the Mexican Folkloric Ballet. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Dec 11. Thu: FREE DAY OR OPTIONAL TOUR

Take the rest of the day free to spend more time at the Basilica of our Lady for personal devotions or take an optional tour of Cuernavaca and Taxco for $45/person. Visit the city of “Eternal Spring99, Cuernavaca and continue to Taxco, worldwide famous silver town. Enjoy a stroll along the cobble-stoned streets and visit the baroque style church of Santa Prisca. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight

Dec 12. Fri: MEXICO CITY

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe! After breakfast, visit the place of apparition of Our Lady to Juan Bernardino, uncle of Juan Diego. Proceed to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, the place of Sun and Moon, the temple of Quetzalcoati. In the afternoon, proceed to the Basilica for a farewell visit and attend Mass to celebrate feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Farewell dinner and overnight.

Dec 13. Sat: RETURN TO USA

After breakfast, transfer to Mexico City Airport from the hotel. Arrive JFK Airport the same day.

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Participants

Fr. George Torok,   Edles Abella,  Jaime Ang,  Meng       Angbetic,  Helen Astrab,  Joyce Castro,  Macfelaine Cavegn, Jennie Collins, Cely Cruiz,  Elizabeth Dubec,  Bobby Fernandez, Dolly Fernandez, Mary  Grena, Duioe Oilman,  Jun Guzman,  Zeny      Isidro,  Jun   Isidro,   Salty Lagnada,  Fr. Paul Lehman, Dee Lim, Bellie Narvaez,  Alimg Pepanio,   Remy  Policarpfo,  Gerry Policarpfo, Trudy Roeck, Flory Santos,  Flor   Thurman, Linda Tisch,  Tita Valonzo,   Lefty Trillana

Our Plan:

NEW YORK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC FRIDAY, SEP 12
Begin your journey as you depart today on board your transatlantic flight to Moscow. En route enjoy dinner followed by a full length movie.

ARRIVE MOSCOW SATURDAY, SEP 13
Arrive Moscow this morning, Russia’s largest city. Founded by Prince Dolgoruky in 1147, Moscow occupied an area equal to about one-third of today’s Kremlin. In the 15th century, it was the capital of Russia until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure.

MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG SUNDAY, SEP 14
 After breakfast, fly to St. Petersburg, a city built by Peter the Great in the 18th century as a rival to Venice. St. Petersburg stands on 101 islands linked by more than 300 bridges. At every turn the grand, neo-classic architecture is mirrored in a network of rivers and canals. Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your cruiseship.         
                      
ST. PETERSBURGMONDAY, SEP 15
 St. Petersburg’s many palaces, once home to the Russian nobility, are now used as offices and multi-family residences. Your tour today takes you along Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg lined with shops and baroque buildings. The balance of the day is free to relax on your cruiseship, explore on your own or join one of the optional excursions offered by the cruise company.        
               
DEPART ST. PETERSBURG TUESDAY, SEP 16
The morning takes you to Palace Square with its Winter Palace now housing the Hermitage Museum. Worthy rival of the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage contains three million exhibits and early collections dating back to Catherine II. In addition to the Western European masters, it has Russian and Oriental art and one of the largest collections of impressionist paintings. On your visit of the Hermitage, you will find the rooms containing the works of art to be masterpieces of art in themselves. Leisure time before your river cruise departs St. Petersburg this evening.  

MANDROGI WEDNESDAY, SEP 17
Today takes you to the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. Enjoy a relaxing stop on the Verdant River Bank to enjoy the pleasant scenery, a picnic lunch and folklore.

KIZHI  THURSDAY, SEP 18
This morning sail through the Volga Baltic Canal to the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Your visit of the island will include the open-air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings that provide a delightful glimpse of Russia’s past. See the breathtaking Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 onion domes. The church was built without using a single nail!    

GORITSY  FRIDAY, SEP 19
Cruise on the impressive Rybinsk Reservoir to Goritsy, set in the beautiful countryside. Visit the well-preserved 14th century Cyril-Belozero Monastery, named in honor of its founder, the monk Cyril and one of the most honored saints in the Russian Orthodox Church. Enjoy many picture taking opportunities before returning to your ship.       
                                    
CO YAROSLAVL SATURDAY, SEP 20
Yaroslavl, an important Volga port with a population of 600,000 will be today’s port of call. Founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the wise, the city today stretches for 18 miles on both banks of the river. On your city tour, visit the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, an incredible structure filled with frescoes and classic Russian architecture and the 12th century Savior-Transfiguration Monastery, one of the Volga’s oldest.   

KOSTROMA SUNDAY, SEP 21
Continue along the Volga and call on Kostroma, viewed as the loveliest of Russia’s Golden Ring towns. Kostroma is the only city in Russia to retain its 18th century layout representing the period of Russian classicism. Enjoy your city tour and visit the 14th century Ipatievsky Monastery, founded by the Zernov family and the open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture. Set sail for Uglich.
 
UGLICH MONDAY, SEP 22
Stop today at picturesque Uglich situated on the right bank of the Volga River. Visit the renowned ancient kremlin and the green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration perched at the water’s edge. Next, visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Dmitry, the son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered.   
                                       
CRUISING/ARRIVE MOSCOW TUESDAY, SEP 23
Spend the morning relaxing on your cruiseship as you continue your voyage en route to Moscow. Upon arrival enjoy your city tour including Red Square, where floodlighting illuminates the Kremlin and the famous brightly colored onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theatre, the GUM Department Store on Red Square, and Moscow University. Enjoy a view of the city from Lenin Hills with its 100,000 seat Lenin Stadium.

MOSCOW WEDNESDAY, SEP 24
Your morning takes you to the Kremlin, the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. Visit the Cathedral of the Annunciation situated on the grounds of the Kremlin at Cathedral Square. See the outstanding monuments of Russian architecture of the 15 to 17th centuries and the Cathedrals of the Assumption and the Archangel, the Great Bell Tower of Ivan the Great with the Czar Bell and the Spasskaya Tower. The afternoon is at leisure for exploring on your own or you may join in one of the optional excursions offered by your cruiseship.    
                         
MOSCOW/NEW YORK THURSDAY, SEP 25
Say goodbye to Russia today as you transfer to the airport in time for your flight back home, arriving the same day.

Participants

Rev. George Torok, Ms. Joyce Castro, Ms. Jo De Marco, Ms. Carmela Franceschini, Ms. Alice Kayser, Ms. Katharina Lockhart, Ms. Maria Allgor,  Mrs. Barbara Ruggiere, Mrs. Elizabeth Barry,  Ms. Roberta Herring, Ms. Elizabeth Dubec, Ms. Anna Karak, Mr. Robert Gregory, Mrs. Lucille Gregory, Mrs. Lubica Markovich, Mrs. Ema Stasko, Ms. Rose Ann Moschella, Mrs. Elda Zamparo, Mr. Donald O’Brien, Mrs. Eleanor O’Brien,  Mr. Frederick Targos,  Mrs. Maryann Targos

OUR PLAN:

THU, OCT 31 — NEWARK/ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
Depart Newark today on board your overnight transatlantic jet flight. Enroute enjoy dinner followed by a full-length movie.

FRI, NOV 1 — ARRIVE BARCELONA
Arrive Barcelona, the cultural and political center of Catalonia and Spain’s most European city. You will be met and trans ferred to your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure.

SAT, NOV 2 — BARCELONA/MONTSERRAT/ BARCELONA
This morning visit the city which is divided into two major parts: the older area symbolized by the Gothic Quarter and the more modern part with its wide avenues. Begin your tour in the Gothic Quarter, which includes the palaces of the Government of Catalonia and City Hall. Then visit the world famous cathedral with its fine medieval cloister and arcade, and the towering Sagrada Famiiia Church, designed by the Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudi. Construction on this Church began in 1882 and is still going on today. The afternoon takes you to Montserrat, the site of the world-famous monastery, legendary home of the Holy Grail and the actual home of the Black Madonna. Founded in 880, the monastery is set in the serrated mountain landscape above the Llobregat River valley. Afterwards, return to Barcelona and your hotel for overnight.

SUN, NOV 3 — BARCELONA/SAGUNTO/VALENCIA
Depart Barcelona today and travel southward. Time permitting stop in the cities of Sagunto and Javita before arriving in Valencia, a popular resort famous for its orange groves. Here you will find a 13th century church also claiming possession of the Holy Grail. Overnight in Valencia.

MON, NOV 4 — VALENCIA/GRANADA
Continue your travels as you depart Valencia this morning and drive to the 8th century Moorish stronghold of Granada in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range. On to your hotel for the night.

TUE, NOV 5 — GRANADA/COSTA DEL SOL/GRANADA
Your morning sightseeing tour takes you to Alhambra Palace, an ornate Arabesque confection in pink granite and once the home of Moorish kings who ruled over this region for centuries. Visit the surrounding exquisite gardens of the Generalife, whose ponds and fountains help cool the hot summer air. This afternoon drive along the Costa del Sol with its spectacular views of the Mediterranean. Popular with tourists, the Costa del Sol has some of the most spectacular beaches and picturesque towns in the world. Return to Granada and your hotel for dinner and overnight.

WED, NOV 6 — GRANADA/CORDOBA
Today’s journey takes you to Cordoba with its relics of the Moorish Empire. See the 8th century mosque with painted columns and arches. The building is so magnificent that it has been preserved through the changes of religion.

THU, NOV 7 — CORDOBA/SEVILLE
Depart Cordoba today and follow the fertile valley of the River Guadalquivir to Seville, the capital of the Andalucia region and one of the largest cities in Spain. Free time upon arrival to explore this gracious city on your own.

FRI, NOV 8 — SEVILLE/SANTIPONCE/SEVILLE
This morning visit the Alcazar, the palace-fortress of Arab kings. See the Giralda Tower and Torre de Oro reputedly once covered in gold leaf. On to Seville’s ornate cathedral housing the tombs of St. Ferdinand and Christopher Columbus, and the largest Gothic building in the world. View the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, City Hall, and the area of the April Fair described by Hemingway. This afternoon drive to the town of Santiponce to view the Roman Ruins of Italica and the Monastery of San Isidora del Campo. Return to Seville for the night.

SAT, NOV 9 — SEVILLE/LISBON
Say goodbye to Seville as you cross the border into the Alentejo, granary of Portugal. In the 15thcentury, Portugal was the first nation to begin exploration and trade far from the shores of the Mediterranean. See almond trees and traditional villages en route to the capital city of Lisbon, home of gardens, castles and musicians. Time permitting, upon arrival enjoy a brief orientation tour before continuing to your hotel.

SUN, NOV 10 — LISBON/FATIMA/LISBON
This morning depart for the village of Fatima, the world’s most famous Marian shrine. Here, on the thirteenth of each month between May and October in 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared to three young children and exhorted the world to pray for world peace. Your visit will include the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, site of Francisco and Jacinta’s graves, and the Little Chapel of Apparitions with the statue of “Our Lady of Fatima.” Time for devotion and worship before returning to Lisbon.

MON, NOV 11 — LISBON/NEWARK
All too soon you must say good-bye as you transfer to the airport in time for your return flight back to Newark, arriving the same day.

Participants

Rev. George Torok, Elizabeth Dubec, Mary Clare Kosloff, Elizabeth, Lynch, John Astrab, Helen Astrab, Elizabeth Barry, Betty Ann Dreyfus, Rita Bernardo, Rose Somma, Ann Donaghy, Jo DeMarco, Germaro Di Colandrea, Mary Di Colandrea, Robert Gregory Lucille, Gregory Daniel Lamperti, Ann Marie Lamperti, Carmela Franceschini, Charles Milliken, Dorothy Ann Milliken, Rose Ann Moschella, Elda Zamparo, James Murray, Judith Murray, Albert Schildwachter, Rita Schildwachter, Irene Seberle, Carol Whalen, Frank Vellardito, Sylvia Vellardito