OCP Pilgrimages ofOregon Catholic Press

invites you to accompany us on a pilgrimage in

October 2009 to Italy

Oct. 7–17 $3,599

(with optional 7-day extension to theAmalfi Coast and Sicily: $5,499*)

Price includes roundtrip airfare from Portland,plus overnight stays in first-class hotels.

Most meals are provided.

For more information contact:Carol Stahl or Robert Pfohman

800-547-8992 orPilgrimages@ocp.org

Oregon Catholic PressPO Box 18030

Portland, Oregon 97218-0030

Day 13 – Monday, Oct. 19We enjoy a morning drive along the stunning Amalfi coast, an afternoon orientation tour of Naples, and then board ship (cabins included). Sicily, known as Trinacria by the Ancient Greeks for its triangular shape, is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is famed for excellent climate, good food, wonderful sights and fascinating cities. Breakfast

Day 14 – Tuesday, Oct. 20We arrive this morning in Palermo, Sicily, and continue for a panoramic tour of the city, enjoying the rich and varied buildings and monuments that give the city its flavor. We drive into the nearby hills to Montreale, famous for its cathedral, where we see 12th and 13th century mosaics telling the stories of the Bible. After a break to enjoy some of the best cannoli in Sicily, we cross the western part of the island, arriving in Agrigento in time to visit the Valley of the Temples, where the remains of five Greek temples extend along the hillside facing the sea. Dinner

Day 15 – Wednesday, Oct. 21We drive through the heart of Sicily to Siracusa, once one of the most powerful Greek city-states in the Mediterranean. We visit the theatre, one of the most impressive surviving from Antiquity, cross the bridge to the island of Ortigia, the most ancient area of settlement, and see the Duomo, or Cathedral, which was converted into a Christian church from the pagan temple dedicated to Athena in the 7th century. We continue to Taormina for two nights. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 – Thursday, Oct. 22We spend a relaxing day in charming Taormina, taking a walk along the main street of Sicily’s most elegant town, where designer boutiques and open-air cafes ensure a lively atmosphere. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 17 – Friday, Oct. 23We depart from Catania airport (45 minutes from Taormina). Breakfast

TERMS AND CONDITIONSTOUR PRICE: Fees are based on tariffs and currency exchange rates in effect in May 2008, subject to change should there be a rate revision prior to departure. The tour price of $3,599* ($5,499* for extended itinerary) is based on a minimum of 30 passengers. Cancellation of the pilgrimage is possible if fewer than 30 sign up.ACCOMMODATIONS: Pilgrims stay in first class hotels, based on double occupancy with private facilities. Single room supplement is $475 (additional $425 for extension), based on availability.MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided as indicated in the itinerary. Pilgrims lunch on their own.TIPS AND TAXES: Extra costs normally appearing on hotel and restaurant bills as “services” are included in tour price, as are all government and local taxes on hotels and meals. Airport fees, departure taxes and fuel surcharges are not included, and will be billed at time of ticketing.SIGHTSEEING: Travel will be by modern, air-conditioned motor coach, including services of English speaking guide and entrance fees paid to all sites on itinerary. Masses at churches indicated are subject to availability.NOT INCLUDED: 1) Optional travel insurance is not included. See enclosed insurance form for our recommendations. If insurance is declined, enclosed form must be signed and checked “declined,” please. 2) Also not included are lunches and other meals not included in itinerary, plus laundry, wines, liquors, sightseeing or services other than those specifically listed, items of a personal nature, and excess baggage charges. 3) *Airport fees, departure taxes and fuel surcharges are calculated at the prevailing rate at the time of ticketing, and will be billed at that time.DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of $400 per person ($500 for extended itinerary) is required to secure reservations, all of which will be applied to the price of the tour, with the balance to be paid in full no later than Sept. 1, 2009. Written cancellations received prior to Aug. 31 are refundable.AIR TRANSPORTATION: Round trip air transportation is provided between Portland /Venice and Rome/Portland in economy class jet via Lufthansa. If pilgrims cancel after August 31, 2009 or after tickets are written, whichever comes first, 100 percent of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. All airfares are subject to government approval and change without notice.INSURANCE: We recommend everyone purchase travel insurance. We urge this because insurance is not included in the tour price. Because of the cost of medical care outside the United States, and since Medicare does not provide coverage outside the U.S., there is the possibility that your own insurance provider may not cover you. Additionally, high costs are associated with escorted air evacuation. You will receive a travel insurance brochure/policy along with an acceptance or rejection insurance waiver form. The effective date of coverage will be the date that the insurance premium is paid, not the date of the initial deposit.RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: OCP Pilgrimages and participating tour operators operate the land tours as agents of the hotels, bus operators, sightseeing contractors and others who provide the actual land arrangements. They are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss, damage or non-performance occurring in connection with these arrangements. Air carriers and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board. The contract in use by these companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of the tours and/or passage.MISCELLANOUS FEES: All changes must be in writing and may incur a charge for each revision. Deposits received after Aug. 31, 2009, may incur a late registration fee.LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary because of emergencies or extenuating circumstances beyond our control.

Tour 2009-016

Venice, Italy

View of Mt. Etna from ruins above Taormina, Sicily

Fr. John Amsberry,pastor of St. Josephthe Worker Parish

in Southeast Portland,will lead the

12-day pilgrimage.

Day 1 – Wednesday, Oct. 7Depart Portland for the overnight flight to Venice, Italy, enjoying dinner and in-flight movies on the way.

Day 2 – Thursday, Oct. 8Upon arrival in Venice, we transfer to the hotel for the first of a two-night stay. Dinner

Day 3 – Friday, Oct. 9Venice is built on hundreds of small islands in the Venetian lagoon. We visit the Doge’s Palace, headquarters of the Venetian Republic for 1,000 years, and now an impressive museum. We see St. Mark’s Basilica, built to house the shrine of St. Mark, whose remains were brought to Venice from Alexandria in 822. Later, we visit a glass-blowing factory. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 – Saturday, Oct. 10We leave Venice and drive south to Florence, visiting the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua enroute. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5 – Sunday, Oct. 11Cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a living museum, inspiring some of the most famous names in art. On our guided tour of the city we will visit the Accademia to see the statue of David by Michelangelo, the most famous sculpture in the world. We will also visit the cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, built from pink, green and white marble in the 13th and 14th centuries. We also will visit Piazza Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio, oldest bridge over the river Arno. Florence has long been associated with leather goods, and we will visit the Santa Croce neighborhood, where many leather good showrooms and factories are located. Breakfast

Day 6 – Monday, Oct. 12We drive through the Chianti region to Siena, a magnificently preserved gothic city. We see relics of St. Catherine of Siena, who helped bring the papacy back to Rome from Avignon in the 14th century, and the Piazza del Campo, where the famous “Palio” horse race takes place each summer. We continue to Assisi for the night. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7 – Tuesday, Oct. 13Built on the slopes of Mount Subasio from local pink stone, Assisi has changed little since the time of St. Francis and St. Claire. We see the Basilica de San Francesco, where Giotto’s frescoes of St. Francis, painted between 1296 and 1304, lead us through a picture book story of the saint’s life. We also visit the Basilica and Shrine of St. Claire, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, known as the “Birthplace of the Franciscan Order.” After lunch, we follow the river Tiber to Rome, founded nearly 3,000 years ago, and today an irresistible city of sights, sounds, monuments and churches. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 – Wednesday, Oct. 14There are no passports necessary to visit the smallest sovereign state in the world – the Vatican City State, which became independent from Italy in 1929. At the Vatican Museums we will see part of the collection of art and antiquities built up by the popes over the centuries. The acknowledged masterpiece is the Sistine Chapel, still in use for papal elections, where Michelangelo worked for years painting the walls and

ceiling. Next door we tour St. Peter’s Basilica, largest Christian church in the world, built above the spot where St. Peter was buried over 1,900 years ago. We enjoy a free afternoon and evening exploring Rome. Breakfast

Day 9 – Thursday, Oct. 15We return to Vatican City this morning to enjoy the experience of a Papal Audience, Pope Benedict’s schedule permitting, at which the Holy Father will bless any religious objects that you bring. In the afternoon, we walk across the historic center of Rome, seeing the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10 – Friday, Oct. 16We spend the entire day free to explore, perhaps to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, or the Spanish Steps. In the evening, we enjoy a special farewell dinner show. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 – Saturday, Oct. 17We bid arrivederci to Rome as some of us transfer to Fiumicino International Airport for the flight home.

Others continue exploring Italy. We leave Rome by the southern highway for Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, viewing Monte Cassino Abbey along the way. We tour the ruins in Pompeii, and get an idea of what life was like in a thriving city nearly 2,000 years ago. We continue to the Sorrento area for a two-night stay. Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 – Sunday, Oct. 18We enjoy a full-day excursion to the Island of Dreams: Capri. The island has always been an enchanting place, combining a mild climate, rugged landscape and luxuriant vegetation. Two Roman emperors lived here, and these days Capri is still a must for the Jet Set. We see the Blue Grotto (weather permitting), most famous of many marine caves, where the refraction of light through the water produces the special blue color. We drive across the “Mamma Mia” bridge to Ana Capri, a delightful village at the center of the island, while enjoying spectacular panoramas of the mountains and sea. Breakfast and DinnerSt. Mark’s Basilica, Venice

St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City