During the Easter break, some Royals participated in the ACIS trip to Italy. They explored Venice, Florence, Sorrento and Rome. This trip was filled with bonding, faith and fun.
First stop: Venice
Royals landed on Friday, April 18 in Venice, Italy. The Royals met their ACIS tour guide, and their journey in Italy was underway. The Royals took a boat to their hotel and got to explore the city that night. In Venice, they took a tour of the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria dei Frari and visited Santa Maria del Rosario. These were called “plague churches” because they served as protection during the Black Plague. To end the visit, the Royals took a gondola ride and got Gelato.
Second Stop: Florence
The royals left Venice early in the morning on April 20 to travel to Padua. In Padua, they visited the Basilica of St. Anthony and attended a special Easter Sunday Mass conducted in Italian. Also, in Florence, they walked up the 463-step Duomo and saw a breathtaking view over the city of Florence. Royals got to be chefs for the day and partake in a cooking class. They prepared a three-course meal as well as getting to eat their meal!
Third stop: Sorrento
Another early morning drive through Italy on April 22, took the royals to the city of Assisi, where they saw St. Catherine’s incorrupt body. As the Royals have also learned about the Blessed Carlo Acutis, he was also mentioned on our tour. After Assisi, they hit the road again to go to the national park, Pompeii and had a tour of the ruins. Sadly, the tour was cut short due to the poor weather. On a brighter note, Royals visited a family-owned Mozzarella farm and got to taste all different types of the cheese. One day, they went on a ferry to the beautiful Island of Capri. Junior Sofia Velasco shares her love for Capri, “I loved going to the island of Capri! It was definitely my favorite place due to the beautiful ocean and views. The Assisi City was a close second though.”
Last stop: Rome
Royals make it to their last stop on the trip, Rome, on April 24. They took a tour of the Coliseum and learned how gladiators would fight. That night was truly unforgettable for the Royals when they learned they would have the opportunity to pay their respects to the Pope. It had been a couple of days since his passing, and the chance to honor him was a moment they would always remember. They were lucky to be still able to visit the Vatican and get a tour through the Sistine Chapel just hours before its closing for the preparations for the Conclave on May 7.
Sophomore Alexandra Dedes shared her favorite part of Italy as she shares, “I had a great time with my sister, but it was a great way to also bond with the other girls. I enjoyed walking up and down the island of Capri because the views were amazing, as well as learning the history of Assisi. The architecture everywhere was beautiful and there was history on every corner!”
As the trip came to an end, the Royals spent their last bonding moments on the bus ride to the airport. They heard one last “Buongiorno” from the ACIS tour guide and boarded the plane on April 27. Royals said “Arrivederci Italia” as they left one of the most memorable trips of their lives.
