Overview
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Small Group Discovery
Each Cosmos faith-based vacation is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted vacation, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery vacation is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners
ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY
Day1
Check into your hotel and, if you have time, start exploring this busy city on your own before meeting your tour companions and Tour Director during the included welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals included:
- Dinner
MILAN.
Day2
Dedicate the morning to Milan's most important Catholic churches: ST AMBROSE BASILICA and the DUOMO. St Ambrose is the patron saint of bee keepers, beggars, learners and Milan. Celebrate M Mass and admire the treasures of the Basilica and the Duomo with a Local Guide.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
MILAN–TURIN
Day3
Turin is known in the Catholic community worldwide as the home of the Holy Shroud, only available to the public on very special occasions. The city was also home to St. John Bosco, the priest who founded the Salesian religious institute to help poor children with their education during the industrial revolution. Your visit includes the HOLY SHROUD MUSEUM, the BASILICA OF ST. MARY AUSILIATRICE, and a video on St John Bosco's rooms, currently under renovation. You’ll have time to appreciate the elegance of this city and former capital of Italy before attending M Mass.
Today's Distance: 90 mi / 145 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
TURIN–PAVIA–SIRMIONE–PADUA.
Day4
Pavia is home to a beautiful CARTHUSIAN MONASTERY, built in the 1400s by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. The monastery is one of Italy’s “hidden treasures” with lavish decorations and monks who still live a traditional life of seclusion and prayer. On the way to Padua, you’ll also stop in Sirmione, a charming village on Lake Garda. Its medieval peninsula is protected by walls and a bridge connecting it to the mainland.
Today's Distance: 245 mi / 395 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PADUA–POMPOSA–RAVENNA.
Day5
Attend morning M Mass and visit ST. ANTHONY BASILICA in Padua with a local guide, then enjoy a short city sightseeing and time on your own. In the afternoon, on the way to Ravenna, we’ll stop to see the ABBEY OF POMPOSA, where the Benedictine monk Guido d’Arezzo invented modern musical notation in the 11th century.
Today's Distance: 85 mi / 137 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
RAVENNA–ROME.
Day6
UNESCO declared the early Christian monuments of Ravenna as having “outstanding universal value.” Ravenna was the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5th century and of Byzantine Italy until the 8th century. It has a unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments. All buildings—the NEONIAN BAPTISTRY, the BASILICA OF SANT’APOLLINARE NUOVO, the CHURCH OF SAN VITALE, and the ARCHBISHOP’S CHAPEL OF ST. ANDREW—were constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and oriental and Western styles. The morning is dedicated to discovering these masterpieces and focusing on the Byzantine-style mosaics with a local guide. In the afternoon, travel to Rome.
Today's Distance: 221 mi / 355 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ROME.
Day7
Today you have the unique chance to attend the PAPAL AUDIENCE in the Vatican (subject to availability). Afterwards, enjoy an included city tour with a local guide to see the BASILICA OF ST. PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS, where St. Paul was buried after his martyrdom, ST. JOHN LATERAN BASILICA, the Cathedral of Rome and the seat of its Bishop (the Pope) and the HOLY STAIRS. Said to have led Jesus to the praetorium of Pontius Plate, the stairs were transferred to Rome by Empress St Helena. Finally, visit ST. MARY MAJOR BASILICA, where a reliquary contains wood from the Holy Crib. Attend M Mass here before returning to your hotel.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME.
Day8
Visit the PAPAL SUMMER RESIDENCE in Castel Gandolfo. Wander through its GARDENS, an opportunity to reflect and meditate in quiet and relaxing surroundings. Walk through the rooms where many Popes have spent the summer months enjoying the cooler countryside on the hills outside Rome. Later, you can join the optional excursion that will take you back to St. Peter’s to discover the treasures of the Vatican museums, or you can spend time at leisure enjoying the many monuments of ancient Roman heritage.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ROME
Day9
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Departure April 9 Easter in Padua; no Papal audience on September 14 departure.Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Starhotels Business Palace
Superior First-Class
An icon of industry transformed into a landmark of luxury. This 247-room hotel is set inside a converted early 1900s factory and facilities include a fully-equipped fitness room which boasts a panoramic view of the city, two verdant internal courtyards and a lounge bar with a billiards table. A rich menu and a wide selection of wines featuring intriguing labels from Italian vineyards can be enjoyed in the restaurant and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout.
Location
Via privata Pietro Gaggia, 3, Milano, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Wake-Up Calls
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
Plaza
Superior Tourist-Class
Located in the picturesque San Salvario Valentino area between the historic Old Town and the Lingotto exhibition center, this modern hotel has 65 comfortable classically styled guest rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, in-room safe, and free Wi-Fi access. A breakfast buffet is served daily in the breakfast room and drinks can be enjoyed in the bar/lounge area.
Location
Via Ilarione Petitti, 18, Turin, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- Television
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Mini-bar
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Internet Access
Holiday Inn Corso Francia
First-Class
A 130-room modern hotel with spacious common areas. There is a 24-hour mini-gym on site, an airy restaurant and a lobby bar. The old city center is a short ride away from the metro station located opposite the property and there is easy access to the main motorway. Turin Sandro Pertini Airport is only 25 km away.
Location
Piazza Massaua, 21, Turin, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Television
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- Complimentary Toiletries
Hotel NH Padova
First-Class
NH Padova hotel (formerly known as NH Mantegna) is an easy walk from Padua's historic center, and just 900 meters from the city's main train station. The hotel itself is a modern affair that blends comfort with cutting-edge design. It was originally named after the painter Andrea Mantegna and is dotted with reproductions of his work. The hotel's 190 rooms are stylishly appointed and the in-house restaurant offers stunning city views and a daily breakfast buffet, as well as incredible food and wine from all over Italy with specialities from the local region. There's also a stylish lounge bar for late-night cocktails.
Location
Via Niccolo Tommaseo, 61, Padova, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Climate Control
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
Centrale Byron
Superior Tourist-Class
A modern 52 room hotel located in a quiet pedestrian zone in the heart of the historic center of Ravenna where elegant boutiques and typical local restaurants line the streets. All guestrooms are air conditioned and equipped with minibars, in-room safes, and offer free Wi-Fi access. A buffet breakfast is served every morning and there is also a lobby bar serving drinks.
Location
IV Novembre, 14, Ravenna, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Alarm Clock
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- In-Room Safe
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Mini-bar
NH Ravenna
Moderate First-Class
Set in the historic center of the city close to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and within walking distance of Ravenna's main attractions, this pleasant property boasts 84 guestrooms with modern furnishings and comforts including satellite TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, minibar, and free Wi-Fi. The property comes with a 24-hour bar and an informal restaurant featuring a wide selection of both traditional Italian cuisine and local specialties.
Location
Piazza Mameli 1, Ravenna, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Phone
- Room Service
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Television
Hotel Oly
First-Class
This 103-room property is located in a quiet area of Rome's business district, just a short walk away from San Paolo Metro Station. A smart contemporary dining room offers typical regional dishes and Free Wi-Fi access is provided throughout.
Location
Via Santuario Regina Degli Apostoli 36, Rome, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Window Opens
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Room Service
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- In-Room Safe
Club House
Superior Tourist-Class
Hotel Club House is located in a quiet area behind Rome's Via Aurelia, 100 m from Rome's Cornelia Metro Station and 3 stops away from the Vatican City (2 from the Vatican Museums). All 105 guestrooms boast simple but elegant design furnishings in warm colors and Italian woods and offer air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. Breakfast is a buffet of fresh cakes and pastries and the in-house bar serves a range of refreshing wines, exotic cocktails, and snacks.
Location
Via Andrea Alciato, 14/16, Rome, Italy
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Climate Control
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Television
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
