Fr. Lito P. Abad
June 30, 2020
Italy
Known as the “crossroads of the Mediterranean”, the exquisite island of Sicily continues to captivate travelers with its dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. The juxtaposition of sea, volcano and mountain scenery makes for a stunning backdrop. You are invited to join a 14-day Journey to the Best of Sicily and Italy with Fr. Lito Abad leaving on June 30, 2020. Take a break from your everyday concerns and enjoy the unique and memorable moments that only Sicily and Italy can offer.
Your adventure begins in Monreale, a Sicilian hill-town famous for its mosaic-filled cathedral. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Cattedrale di Monreale, is one of Sicily’s greatest cultural treasures. Head for 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 – making it a fascinating mirror of Mediterranean history and culture over the centuries.
Next stop is 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. Stop at Capo Rossello, a wonderful beach known for the reddish color of its stone. Head for Scala dei Turchi, a natural white cliff that resembles a giant staircase. It is one of the most interesting coastal sites in Sicily.
Continue your travel to Agrigento and 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.
Enjoy a walking tour of Savoca, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit the places where the movie, The Godfather was filmed. Next stop is Taormina – one of Sicily’s most popular summer destination – is a chic resort town popular with holidaying high-rollers and those wanting a taste of Sicilian Dolce vita. 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 was 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. Head for Naples, a vibrant and chaotic city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops.
Wind down your travel adventure in Rome, a heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life.
One of the fascinations of Sicily lies in its diversity, the result of many cultures that have settled the island. Explore the best of Sicily and Italy with Fr. Lito Abad leaving on June 30, 2020. Step outside of your comfort zone this summer and do more things, see different places, meet great people, learn new cultures and have fun!
Ascend 2,500 meters to the top of Mount Etna by cable car and explore the Silvestri Craters.
Look around and you just might be able to catch a glimpse of celebrities that frequently visit Capri.
Catch a glimpse of history on your visit to Pompeii, an ancient Roman city engulfed by a wall of volcanic mud in 79 AD but is extremely well preserved.
Marvel at the glittering 12th century Cathedral of Monreale bedecked with mosaic scenes covered with gold and carved columns.
Included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is certainly the most important testimony of the ancient, classical culture of Sicily.
Spiritually focused journeys
Insightful pilgrimage chaplains
Quality accomodation
Expertly-crafted itineraries
Friendly and bonded groups
Senior citizen friendly
Hello Co-Pilgrims,
It was indeed a wonderful Pilgrimage: very rich in history, a thanksgiving of blessings, a spiritual renewal and nourishment, and finally ending in a test of Faith.
Thank you so much Pilgrim Leader, Ging Igual, for standing beside us up to the last stretch of our 13-day journey - more particularly in the handling of an unexpected situation (cancelled flight in Mexico and re-direction of flights to make sure the 38 Pilgrims reach LA for their respective flight bookings). Ging, you were an angel to us so blessed with energy, passion, love and Milagrosa. We really felt the presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe fielding angels every step of the way.
The Pilgrimage to California Mission Churches and Our Lady of Guadalupe gives me personal inspiration for the work and activities of the next chapter of my lifetime: farming with promotion of agriculture for millennials (inspired by the scenic view of farms in California), tourism (which is a major industry in all places we visited), and support for a favourite major seminary in Tagaytay and a scholarship fund for deserving individuals (thru a non stock non profit institution).
Thank you to my Co-Pilgrims and prayer partners for the prayer support, sharing of life experiences and friendships; Fr. Tony, thank you for your spiritual reflections and service; Fr. Jerry Orbos for an overflowing spiritual reflections and enabling us to have the needed personal encounter with Jesus and Mama Mary (it was like a 12-day Holy Retreat); and the Executive Resources for making a very nice pilgrimage package a part of our lifetime.
Ms. Emma
Lord, we cannot find words enough to say how grateful we are to You. Our pilgrimage made us realize that Your love for us is more than what we deserve.
To all our co-pilgrims, thank you for making us feel we belong to this new family. To Fr. Dante, thanks for your prayers and pieces of advice for our spiritual nourishment. To Sis Lea, for taking care of each one of us. To Sis Joy, thanks for the contagious joys and laughters.
To our prayer partners, Sis Maribel, Melvy and Didick and Bro Mon and Sis Jot, thank you for your prayers. We will pray for you, too!
To The Pilgrim’s Center - Executive Resources, thank you for accommodating us in this Eastern Europe Pilgrimage.
God bless us all always!
Albert and Adee
Dear Pilgrims' Center:
My husband Aldo & I would like to praise & commend our Pilgrim Chaplain Fr. Dante Venus & our Tour Leader Bro. Monty for the very successful & memorable pilgrimage to Italy & the Holy Land we were very fortunate to join on March 26-April 8, 2018.
It was very hectic to be sure, but still they managed our time very well that we were able to visit more places than was promised in the itinerary, and we are very appreciative of that. Likewise, the solemnity of the whole pilgrimage experience was still observed despite many of us in the group, myself included, often forgetting that we were pilgrims & not tourists 😉😉, taking photos, selfies, etc. instead of, or before focusing on what the local guide was explaining or on the scripture readings. I cannot fault us pilgrims on this because for many of us seniors, and I speak for my husband & I, that trip might be our first & last time to visit those places, so we made sure they were properly documented. Nonetheless, it was a truly spiritually uplifting & life-changing experience for us. We continue to thank our Lord for making that experience of a lifetime possible. Indeed, nothing is impossible for God! Thank you very much to Fr. Dante, Bro. Monty & to each of us pilgrims in the group for the prayers, love, care & concern shown to each other. Let us continue to pray for and with each other. It is my hope that we meet each other again soon, to strengthen our bonds of friendships.
Most sincerely, Leclec Cabusora
Leclec Cabusora
My husband and I just came back from a wonderful trip to Israel - with Franciscan Fr Reu Galoy. Thank you Pilgrim Center for the arrangements. We are so happy and satisfied with all that you have done for us. Kudos to Yanyan and Monty from Pilgrim Center, and Fr Reu and Ronin for your caring services. It was a spiritual journey and we felt the abiding presence of the Lord all throughout.
Ann Arguelles Cortes
Our pilgrimage was worth all the hardships (I was having leg pains). We had an excellent leader in the person of Adrian, two priests Fathers Val and Ron, who gave us very nice pieces of advice and homilies, and of course the members of the group who were all very nice. Looking forward to join another pilgrimage.
Emily Bautista
It was the most profound experience I had in my whole life....Walking with the Footsteps where Jesus walked made my life more grateful and humble....My faith become stronger as I express it...A growing faith is a sharing faith....TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SHALOM!
Carmen Nierra
Vir & I would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful pilgrimage we had from Sept 5-18. From checking-in last Sept 5 & all during the tour, we felt the care from a family. No words can ever describe how thankful we are.
I almost cried last Sept 8, (my birthday) when we (2 of us have the same birthday) were given a surprise mini celebration when after our dinner, we were given a cake. I really felt the love of a family then.
All these things made possible because of your capable coordinator Ms. Ging Igual. She's such a wonderful leader. Kudos to her.
Rest assured that i will refer your company to all my friends who are planning to go on pilgrimage .
Good day & may God always guide & protect all of you in the Pilgrims' Center/ Executive Resources, Inc.
Cora and Vir Franca
I am honored to be included in this pilgrimage. The Pilgrims' Center has very good itineraries worth remembering. No hours wasted. They took very good care of us in spite of our big number of 47 people. The daily mass and homilies of Fr. Manny Cruz held in different shrines and churches were very inspirational and transforming. Accommodations were nice most especially the one on top of the Mountain with an awesome view built in 1909. It's like travelling back in time. I definitely would want to do it again with Pilgrim Center.
Peter Joseph Mapua
The Pilgrims' Center always gives you the best. They let you feel like an Executive in terms of personal service & attention especially during pilgrimage. Their choices of pilgrimages and pilgrim chaplains are outstanding. You go back home very fulfilled and immersed...
Marlene Silvestre
• 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 8,000.00*
* 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: Philippine Travel Tax (Php1,620 or $32.00), 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! ***
