Shrines of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Shrines of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Shrines of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
14 Days Starting in Milan, Italy and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Arrive In Milan, Italy, Milan, Turin, Pavia, Padua, Pomposa, Ravenna, Rome, Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo, San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi Area, Assisi, Cascia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5365-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
On this comprehensive affordable journey through Catholic heritage in Italy, witness the most visited shrines of the country, from north to south. Discover the inspiring Catholic Italian icons of northern Italy: from Milan’s St. Ambrose to Turin’s St. John Bosco and Padua’s St. Anthony, you’ll collect unforgettable memories and inspiration. Visit the Holy Shroud Museum in Turin and the Gothic Duomo in Milan, and marvel at the unique beauty of the Carthusian Monastery of Pavia. Discover the history of musical notes at the Abbey of Pomposa and admire the early Christian artwork of the Byzantine era in Ravenna. Spend two full days in Rome, dedicating your attention to the Papal legacies. Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability), visit the four major Basilicas of Rome, attend Mass, and collect in prayer at many inspiring places of worship instilling a sense of solemnity and serenity. Enjoy a special treat as you visit the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo and its gardens, the perfect spot to meditate surrounded by beauty. From here, your spiritual experience continues to the places of some of Italy’s most beloved saints, like St. Pio in Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo, and to the Marian Sanctuaries of Loreto and Lanciano. You’ll also feel the magic atmosphere of Assisi, home to St. Francis and St. Clare, immersed in the enchanting green hills of Umbria.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Milan,Italy
Location: Arrive In Milan, Italy
Meals Included: Dinner
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.ARRIVE IN MILAN, ITALY 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. (D)
Day 2: Milan
Location: Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dedicate the morning to Milan's most important Catholic churches: St. Ambrose Basilica and the Gothic Duomo. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of beekeepers, beggars, learners, and Milan. Celebrate [M] Mass and discover the treasures of the Basilica and the Duomo with a Local Guide.MILAN Dedicate the morning to Milan's most important Catholic churches: St. Ambrose Basilica and the Gothic Duomo. St. Ambrose is the patron saint of beekeepers, beggars, learners, and Milan. Celebrate [M] Mass and discover the treasures of the Basilica and the Duomo with a Local Guide. (B)
Day 3: Milan,Turin
Location: Milan, Turin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 St. John’s rooms. 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 kmMILAN–TURIN 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 St. John’s rooms. 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 (B)
Day 4: Turin,Pavia,Padua
Location: Turin, Pavia, Padua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pavia boasts 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. It is still inhabited and looked after by monks who live a life of work, seclusion, and prayer. Today's Distance: 245 mi / 395 kmTURIN–PAVIA–PADUA Pavia boasts 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. It is still inhabited and looked after by monks who live a life of work, seclusion, and prayer. Today's Distance: 245 mi / 395 km (B,D)
Day 5: Padua,Pomposa,Ravenna
Location: Padua, Pomposa, Ravenna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Attend morning [M] Mass and visit the spectacular St. Anthony Basilica in Padua with a Local Guide, then enjoy a short city sightseeing tour 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 kmPADUA–POMPOSA–RAVENNA Attend morning [M] Mass and visit the spectacular St. Anthony Basilica in Padua with a Local Guide, then enjoy a short city sightseeing tour 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 (B)
Day 6: Ravenna,Rome
Location: Ravenna, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 places of worship. The Neonian Baptistry, the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo, St. Vitale Church and the Archbishop’s Chapel of St. Andrew were all constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and Asian 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 kmRAVENNA–ROME 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 places of worship. The Neonian Baptistry, the Basilica of St. Apollinare Nuovo, St. Vitale Church and the Archbishop’s Chapel of St. Andrew were all constructed in the 5th and 6th centuries. They show great artistic skill, including a wonderful blend of Greek-Roman tradition, Christian iconography, and Asian 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 (B,D)
Day 7: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, St John Lateran Basilica and St. Mary Major Basilica, the Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass. * * For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.ROME This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, St John Lateran Basilica and St. Mary Major Basilica, the Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend [M] Mass. * (B)* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 8: Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo
Location: Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo
Meals Included: Breakfast
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. This afternoon, enjoy time to relax in Rome or select an optional excursion, perhaps with a deeper look at Roman history by exploring the early Christian site of secret worship and burials in the underground catacombs. *Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km * For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.ROME. EXCURSION TO CASTEL GANDOLFO A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. This afternoon, enjoy time to relax in Rome or select an optional excursion, perhaps with a deeper look at Roman history by exploring the early Christian site of secret worship and burials in the underground catacombs. *Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km (B)* For operational reasons, changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 9: Rome,Pietrelcina,San Giovanni Rotondo
Location: Rome, Pietrelcina, San Giovanni Rotondo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today’s Distance: 258 mi / 415 kmROME–PIETRELCINA–SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today’s Distance: 258 mi / 415 km (B,D)
Day 10: San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio's friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo. Today’s Distance: 43 mi / 70 kmSAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO. EXCURSION TO MONTE SANT’ANGELO Attend [M] Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio's friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and St. Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo. Today’s Distance: 43 mi / 70 km (B,D)
Day 11: San Giovanni Rotondo,Lanciano,Loreto,Assisi Area
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo, Lanciano, Loreto, Assisi Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today’s Distance: 298 mi / 480 kmSAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO–LANCIANO–LORETO–ASSISI AREA Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning [M] Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today’s Distance: 298 mi / 480 km (B,D)
Day 12: Assisi
Location: Assisi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226.ASSISI Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning [M] Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226. (B)
Day 13: Assisi Area,Cascia,Rome
Location: Assisi Area, Cascia, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Cascia, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today’s Distance: 149 mi / 240 kmASSISI AREA–CASCIA–ROME This morning, travel to Cascia, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita's tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today’s Distance: 149 mi / 240 km (B)
Day 14: Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.ROME Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Ramada Plaza Milano, Holiday Inn Corso Francia, Hotel NH Padova, AC Marriott, NH Ravenna, Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Parco Delle Rose, Casa Leonori, and BV Oly Hotel.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 6 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Local guides will provide tours of significant religious sites including St. Ambrose Basilica, the Gothic Duomo, the Holy Shroud Museum, and more.
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Mass Services
Attend Mass services at various significant religious sites throughout the tour.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco), Early Christian monuments of Ravenna, and Vatican City.
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Papal Audience
Opportunity to attend the Papal Audience in the Vatican (subject to availability).
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Transport
Transportation between cities and sites as per the itinerary.
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Welcome Dinner
Included welcome dinner on the first day in Milan.
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Candlelight Procession
Attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the visit to the Vatican Museum are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Italy are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Papal Audience Availability
The Papal audience at the Vatican is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 6 dinners
Notes
The Papal audience at the Vatican is subject to availability.Mass services may be in local language and venues are subject to change.June 11 departure: Papal audience not available on this departure. For operational reasons, schedule changes to the Rome program cannot be excluded.The 2025 Jubilee Year events may necessitate changes in the sequence of activities or the missing of certain events/places.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Early Christian monuments of Ravenna|Rome (St. Paul Outside the Walls)|The properties of the Holy See in Rome enjoying extraterritorial rights and San Paolo outside the Walls|Vatican City
Accommodation
Milan:Ramada Plaza MilanoTurin:Holiday Inn Corso FranciaPadua:AC MarriottPadua:Hotel NH PadovaRavenna:NH RavennaRome:Ibis Styles Roma AureliaSan Giovanni Rotondo:Parco Delle RoseAssisi Area:Casa LeonoriRome:Cristoforo ColomboRome:BV Oly Hotel
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as the Ramada Plaza Milano, Holiday Inn Corso Francia, Hotel NH Padova, AC Marriott, NH Ravenna, Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Parco Delle Rose, Casa Leonori, and BV Oly Hotel. These hotels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants.
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Will there be opportunities to attend Mass during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several opportunities to attend Mass at significant religious sites such as St. Ambrose Basilica, the Basilica of St Mary Ausiliatrice, St. Anthony Basilica, Santa Maria delle Grazie, and St. Francis Basilica, among others.
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What are some of the key religious sites we will visit?
Key religious sites include St. Ambrose Basilica, the Gothic Duomo in Milan, the Holy Shroud Museum in Turin, the Carthusian Monastery in Pavia, St. Anthony Basilica in Padua, the early Christian monuments in Ravenna, the Papal Audience in the Vatican, the Papal Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo, and the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano.
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Is there a chance to see the Pope during the tour?
Yes, there is a unique chance to attend the Papal Audience in the Vatican, subject to availability.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and six dinners.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the early Christian monuments of Ravenna, St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, and properties of the Holy See in Rome enjoying extraterritorial rights.
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What is the significance of the visit to Turin?
Turin is significant for its association with the Holy Shroud and St. John Bosco. The visit includes the Holy Shroud Museum, the Basilica of St Mary Ausiliatrice, and St. John’s rooms.
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Will there be any special events or activities during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special activities such as a candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo and a visit to the Papal Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo.
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What is the focus of the visit to Assisi?
The visit to Assisi focuses on learning about St. Francis, including attending Mass at St. Francis Basilica and visiting the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli.
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What is the significance of the visit to Cascia?
Cascia is significant as the home of St. Rita, the 'Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.' The visit includes the Sanctuary, the Major Basilica housing St. Rita’s tomb, and the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.