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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Tour Itinerary
Short Version
See itinerary at right  for details

ITALY

SPECIAL ASSISI RETREAT

AND ROME HOLIDAY

PLUS optional extended stays

in Venice or Florence

Departures on following dates: From March 10 to October 13, 2010

March 10 - 19, March 17 – 26, 2010

April 19 – 26, 2010

May 5 - 14, 2010

June 9 - 18, 2010

June 23 – July 2, 2010 SOLD OUT

July 14 – 23, 2010 CLOSED

August 12 - 21, 2010 SOLD OUT

September 1 - 10, September 8 - 17, 2010

October 6 – 15, October 13 - 27, 2010

These unique spiritual journeys combine the best of a traditional Italian vacation with a special retreat in Assisi, where you will spend your days enjoying full days of simplicity, silence and prayer as you sit, breathe, eat and sleep in the perfect peace of your own spiritual experience.  Just as St. Francis and St. Clare, who prayed and grew into their special spirituality in Assisi, you too will have this unique opportunity in a sacred place that has been compared to Tibet in its powerful presence and to Bethlehem in its simple peace. Whether this is your first Retreat or you have been doing spiritual pilgrimages for years, a meditation Retreat in Assisi is a powerful healing experience and renewal. It’s time spent to take a step out of the “busy-ness” of daily life and into the sanctuary of one’s heart. Spiritual teachings allow the ability to find your own authentic, true and joy filled life.  This is an opportunity to explore one’s own spirituality in nature, openness and faith - to again feel connected.

Your tour starts with a 3-night stay in the eternal city, Rome. Continue by rail to Assisi for your 6-day/5 night Retreat.  You can end your perfect Italian journey with post-Retreat stays in Venice or Florence.

Your Retreat Hosts in Assisi

Your special Retreat will be led by Dr. Bruce Davis, & Ruth Davis, movement therapist. They have conducted spiritual retreats in Assisi for over 25 years, Their Assisi Retreat Center has been listed as one of the world's top ten retreat centers by Travel & Leisure magazine.  Bruce and Ruth will give you the opportunity to find your own simplicity and inner peace.  Bruce guides you into the inner life with prayers and meditation. Ruth offers a "Sacred Movement Ritual" which is prayer through gentle movement.  Bruce began his career as retreat leader studying with an Eskimo Shaman, and Philippine Psychic Healers and with A Course in Miracles. He is the author of The Magical Child Within You, Monastery Without Walls, The Calling of Joy, Simple Peace, as well as other books.  During a five-night retreat, Bruce and Ruth will share the jewels of contemplative spirituality from both the East and West, while allowing lots of free time to be with and receive God’s presence.

Your Retreat Program

Each day will offer new teachings about how you can soften your awareness and honor your humanness. The Teachings will include the steps of spiritual development and expanding your spiritual practice. Most of your time will be spent in silence and contemplation. The daily sessions include the inner steps and practices that allow you to discover the spirituality of your heart and slowly let go of its fears as you find the gentle peace of God inside your soul.  Each day will include movement and other rituals for those who wish to participate.

Your Retreat Accommodations

You have a choice of staying at the Assisi Retreat Center Farm, located 5 minutes from the center of town with 26 acres of farmland, gardens, a meditation forest and country walks. There are four private rooms with private bath and you have access to a complete kitchen. Prepare your own meals or you can enjoy dinners on your own at a nearby traditional family style restaurant.  In-town accommodations are at the Hotel La Posta's Old Garden Monastery, a nearby quaint hotel that combines modern comforts with traditional surroundings.  The 28 rooms are simply and tastefully furnished and emanate that typical Umbrian hospitality.  Dinners can also be taken at the hotel restaurant that features wholesome regional specialties and vegetarian dishes.

TOUR ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Day 1: Depart from home
Arrange your own flight reservations for the overnight trip to Rome, Italy, returning from Florence, Italy (or from the airport closest to your final destination).
Note: Body Mind Spirit Journeys will be happy to assist you with your flight plans.

Day 2: Arrive Rome
Arrival in Rome where you will be transferred to your reserved accommodations.  Balance of the day to rest and explore the city on your own.

Day 3: In Rome / Morning Sightseeing Tour (B)
After breakfast you depart for your sightseeing tours of Rome, featuring the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican to visit St.  Peter's Basilica and the Pieta by Michelangelo. After lunch on your own, you will continue your tour to The Roman Forum, the Coliseum, the Basilica of St. Paul and Circus Maximus. Return to the hotel. Evening free and dinner on your own to enjoy more of the flavor, culture, and excitement.

Day 4: In Rome / Full day at leisure / OPTIONAL ‘Angels and Demons’ tour (B)
A full day at leisure . After breakfast, start your day with a visit to the famous Trevi Fountain, with your chance to drop in a coin so you return to Italy. Then the balance of the day is free for independent activities in the "Eternal City". You can shop, visit museums or take a seat at a café and watch the numerous contrasts reflected in a glorious past and prosperous presence. Or take an optional tour to unravel Rome's secrets on the 'Angels and Demons' tour, inspired by the novel by Dan Brown. It’s an incredible journey into the heart of the Eternal City to decode the secret messages of the Illuminati, one of the most influential secret societies in history. Not just for fans of Dan Brown, this unique tour takes you to some of the most beautiful piazzas in Rome, as well as lesser known sites away from the tourist trail, where pagan symbolism and Christianity intermingle.  Fueled by a shared passion for Rome, history and Dan Brown's famous novel Angels and Demons, your talented tour guide will take you to the enigmatic sights mentioned in the novel, and reveal so much more about the mesmerizing city of Rome. You'll discover a hidden passage unused for centuries, and learn the secrets of the Illuminati and the Four Altars of Science, representing the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. As you search for the secrets scattered throughout Rome by the twin heads of the Illuminati, Bernini and Galileo, you'll visit some of Rome's most beautiful sites to breathe the air of intrigue, mystery and revelation. This evening try one of the wonderful local Italian restaurants on your own.
 
Day 5: Depart for Assisi (B)
After breakfast, take a taxi on your own to the rail station to board your train for the delightful ride through the Italian countryside. Soon you are in the splendid and mystic town of Assisi where you will be met and transferred to your reserved accommodations. Dinner this evening on your own.

Days 6 - 9: In Assisi and Retreat (B/L)
“The feeling of timeliness that I felt during the Retreat in Assisi inspired me to simplify my life. Now I take the time every day to notice the beauty that is around me as an opportunity to nurture my soul”

Previous Retreat participant

Day 10: Tour Ends / Depart Assisi / optional packages to Florence, Venice or other destinations in Italy (B)
After breakfast and a morning session, depart Assisi for Florence Airport, or by train to your next destination.
 

POST RETREAT OPTIONAL HOLIDAYS

Why not extend your Rome and Retreat holiday with a stay in other special Italian places like Florence, Venice or the Southern coast? Our expert BMSJ staff will assist you with making your plans.

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Travel insurance is highly recommended.  Some inclusions may not be available on indicated dates and dates may have to be adjusted.  Listed local Hosts and guides are subject to availability and will be hosting your itinerary wherever possible. However, due to scheduling, there may be some times when the local Host or guide is not available. If this occurs, BMSJ will provide a comparable and experienced substitute.

TOUR PRICES: 
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.