BOSTON — Intrepid explorers — friars and laypeople alike — will find plenty of opportunities for adventure through a trip to China being offered through St. Anthony Shrine this fall.
Raphael Bonanno, OFM, invites travelers on a trip to several cities — including Beijing and Shanghai — on a 15-day tour from Oct. 14 to 28. The trip begins in Beijing, where participants will explore more than 2,000 years of the city’s history through guided sightseeing tours. Destinations include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and Beijing’s Olympic park.
On day six of the trip, participants will fly to Yichang to embark on a cruise of the Yangtze River. The trip along the waterway will include stops at the Three Gorges Dam, the Lesser Three Gorges, and Fengdu, or “The Ghost City.” The cruise ends on day 10 in Chongqing, where travelers will catch a glimpse of some of China’s famous pandas as they tour the city’s zoo. In the afternoon, travelers board a flight for Xi’an, where they will spend day 11 viewing the Terra-Cotta Warriors, along with the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Temple of Great Goodwill.
The following day begins with a flight to Shanghai and ends with a walk along the city’s waterfront promenade. The trip continues with visits to Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple and to Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden. Excursions to other nearby cities are also available during a free day on day 14. The pilgrimage includes an option to extend the trip for an extra three days with travel to and tours of Hong Kong.
“It will be educational and inspirational,” said Raphael, a member of the Province’s Ministry of the Word. “We will also look at the situation of the Church in China. Early booking is advised before it sells out.”
The trip’s cost is $4,279 per person if travelers leave from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. A $450 down payment is required, with final payment due on July 16. Cost includes round-trip airfare, tour guide services, four nights aboard the MS Victoria Grace cruise ship, nine nights in hotels and daily breakfast, 10 lunches and seven three-course dinners.
Information is available from Clarissa of Go Ahead Tours at 800-438-7672 or 617-619-1121. On April 9, St. Anthony Shrine is presenting an informational program called The Art of Pilgrimage.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.