Fr. Lito P. Abad
June 15, 2023
Italy
Italy is undoubtedly on every traveler’s bucket list. In fact, it is the country with the most number of World Heritage sites in the world! Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture, and gastronomy, Italy inspires and moves like no other. Enjoy Italy in a special way – on a 14-day vacation with the Lord to the best of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and other important cities in Italy with Fr. Lito P. Abad on June 15-28, 2023.
Your vacation with the Lord begins with a mass at the 17th-century Santuario di Santa Rosalia in Palermo, Sicily. The towering shrine was built inside a natural cave located in Mount Pellegrino, an imposing hill overlooking Palermo. Next stop is Monreale, a Sicilian hill-town famous for its mosaic-filled cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cattedrale di Monreale, is one of richest and most beautiful churches in Italy, combining Norman, Byzantine, Italian and Saracen styles. Particularly notable is the interior mosaic decoration, one of the largest in existence. Head on to the Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. For almost three millennia, empire after empire has colonized the place, depositing fragments of language, art, architecture, cuisine and customs that makes it a fascinating mirror of Mediterranean history and culture over the centuries.
Travel south to Sciacca, a historic fishing port on the southern coast of Sicily. It is famed for its ceramics, its thermal baths and its religious festivals, as well as for its large fishing fleet. Continue your travels to Realmonte to visit Capo Rossello, a wonderful beach known for the reddish color of its stone. Head for the Scala dei Turchi, a natural white cliff that resembles a giant staircase. It is one of the most interesting coastal sites in Sicily.
Next stop is Agrigento to visit The Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological trace from the ancient Greek civilization. More than any other city, Siracuse encapsulates Sicily’s timeless beauty. Visit the Archaeological Park of Neopolis with its Greek Theater; the Roman Amphitheatre; the Latornie of Paradise; and the Ear of Dionysius. Across the water from the mainland, Ortigia remains Siracuse’s most beautiful corner.
Head for Savoca, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit the places where the legendary movie, The Godfather, was filmed. Then, enjoy a walking tour of the city of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most popular summer destinations. This chic resort town is popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian Dolce vita. Not to be missed is a visit to the Greek theater, the most important and best preserved ancient monument of Taormina. It was built in a wonderful panoramic point, from which you can admire the mass of Etna and the Ionian Sea. Next stop is a visit to Mount Etna. Dominating the landscape of eastern Sicily, Mount Etna is a massive brooding presence. It is Italy’s highest mountain and the largest active volcano in Europe.
En route to Sorrento, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Messina and board the ferry to Villa San Giovanni. Spend two nights in Sorrento. From the port of Sorrento, board a fast jetfoil to Capri. Capri is a world famous island that has it all: jaw dropping natural beauty, a see-and-be-seen scene, amazing cuisine, world class shopping and water in colors you have to see to believe. Not to be missed is a visit to the Blue Grotto, a beautiful cave which has been used as a bath since the Roman times.
Travel north to the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried during the great eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Continue to Naples, a vibrant and chaotic city full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops. Enjoy a panoramic drive along Via Caracciolo, Mergellina, and Posillipo.
Wind down your vacation with the Lord with a 3-night stay in Rome, a city filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith. Not to be missed is a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, the burial site of St. Peter and one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s masterpiece, Pieta.
Italy is swelling with beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. It has a vast wealth of culture, architecture, and ancient sites. It has modern cities that embody contemporary Italy. Don’t forget Italy’s gift to the world’s taste buds: its wonderful cuisine and wines. Enjoy a 14-day vacation with the Lord to the best of Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and other important cities in Italy with Fr. Lito P. Abad on June 15-28, 2023. Be blessed, renewed and refreshed in the sights, sounds and spirit of Italy.
• Passport with six (6) months validity from the date of departure
• One (1) Visa Application Form
• Two (2) pcs. passport-size pictures
• Original Bank Certificate (both Pesos and/or US Dollars) – must include account type, current balance, account opening, and six (6) months average
• Original or certified true copy of Bank Statement for the last (3) months
• Affidavit of Support and Consent (signed and notarized by the sponsor if financially incapable)
• If married, copy of Authenticated Marriage Contract
• Copy of hotel voucher (to be supplied by ERI)
• Photocopy of International Credit Cards (if available)
• Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of Php2.5 Million (valid for 30 days)
If employed:
• Employment Certificate – must be in company’s letterhead and must include the applicant’s position, date hired, compensation, and company’s address, telephone number, and email address
• Certificate of Compensation 2316
If in business:
• Original and Photocopy of Business Registration, DTI or SEC
• Original and Photocopy of Latest Income Tax Return
• Personal appearance by the applicant
• Processing Time: 15 – 30 days
VISA FEE: Php 9,500.00*
* Subject to change without prior notice!
1) A US$ 500.00 deposit (for economy) / US$1,000.00 deposit (for business class) is required upon reservation together with a photocopy of a passport (valid for 6 months from date of departure), Pilgrim’s Profile with a passport-size photo, copy of latest arrival stamp in Manila, visa fee (if applicable), and travel insurance payment.
2) Final payment in USD is due on or before June 1, 2020.
3) The following cancellation charges will apply:
> 45 days before departure date – US$ 500.00
> 30 days before departure date – 50% of the Tour Cost
> 20 days prior to departure date – Full tour cost will be forfeited.
> US$ 300.00 Admin Fee for any visa denial.
BASIC TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE visa fees and documentation expenses, insurance, hospitalization and other medical expenses, tours and transportation during free periods, porterage of extra pieces of luggage in excess of maximum allocation, drinks and beverages taken during meals, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, fax, room service, and other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary terms and conditions.
EXECUTIVE RESOURCES, INC. has arranged for the various tour services to be performed under the responsibility of various contractors. Executive Resources, Inc., its employees or its sub-agents therefore only act as agents for the contractors providing the various services described in the tour and accept no responsibility or liability in connection with losses or accidental expenses due to delays of schedule, overbooking, defaults or “force majeure.” All tours and arrangements are subject to the general conditions specified by each contractor. Tour itineraries and prices are subject to change without prior notice. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions. When making a tour booking, the passenger acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions.
*** RATES AND ITINERARY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE! ***