Comprehensive 2-Week USA Catholic Conference and City Tour Itinerary: Nashville, Lincoln, Boston, New Orleans, Dallas

Day 1: Arrival Nashville

Nashville, USA on July 12, 2025

8:30pm

Cab from Nashville Airport to Accommodation

After arrival and intercontinental flights with stops in Tokyo and Dallas, take a cab from Nashville Airport to Springville Suites Nashville Metrocenter to rest and recover after the long journey.
USD40 approx, 30m

9:00pm

Check in at Springville Suites Nashville Metrocenter

Settle into your King Suite at the Springville Suites, located conveniently near Nashville Metrocenter for easy access to city activities over the next few days.
Included in accommodation, Overnight Rest
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Day 2: Nashville Religious Tours

Nashville, USA on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Springville Suites

Enjoy a self-served breakfast at the hotel to start the day with energy for the upcoming tours.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:45am

Pick up by Sisters for Motherhouse tour

Meet the Sisters who will pick you up at your hotel for an inspiring tour of the St Cecilia Motherhouse, a significant spiritual and community landmark.
Free, 1h45m

10:30am

Attend Mass at St Cecilia Motherhouse

Experience the spiritual atmosphere by attending Mass at the Motherhouse starting at 10:30am. It is a solemn occasion steeped in faith.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Dickson, tour Bethany Retreat House and Lunch

Travel to Dickson for an insightful tour of Bethany Retreat House with lunch provided there, offering a quiet reflection time on the day.
Lunch USD20-30 approx, 3h

Evening

Dinner on Your Own

Explore local dining options near your hotel for dinner at your leisure. Nashville offers diverse cuisine from Southern comfort food to international fare.
Varies, Flexible
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Day 3: Dominican Campus Visit

Nashville, USA on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast on Own

Start with breakfast at the hotel or nearby café to prepare for a day full of site visits.
Varies, 1h

8:30am

Pick Up by Sisters

The Sisters pick you up for visits to Dominican campus sites.
Free, 10min

9:00am

Visit Dominican Campus sites

Tour Overbrook Catholic School, St Cecilia Academy, and Aquinas College on the Dominican campus to understand the educational mission.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch and Visit to St Henry School

Enjoy lunch with Sr John Mary and meet the vice principal at St Henry School, gaining a deeper understanding of Catholic education on-site.
Lunch USD20-30 approx, 1.5h

5:00pm

Vespers and Dinner at Motherhouse

Return to St Cecilia Motherhouse for evening Vespers followed by dinner, participating in the community's daily prayer and meal ritual.
Included, 2h

7:30pm

Optional Compline

Attend the optional Compline service to close the day with additional prayer and reflection.
Free, 30m
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Day 4: Travel to Lincoln & Conference Start

Lincoln, USA on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Check Out

Enjoy breakfast on your own before checking out from Springville Suites to catch your flight.
Varies, 1h

7:30am

Pick up and Transfer to Nashville Airport

Sister-arranged transportation will take you to airport for your flight to Lincoln, Nebraska, via Chicago.
Included in car arrangement, 30m

9:56am

Flight Nashville to Chicago

Fly from Nashville to Chicago, first leg of your journey to Lincoln.
Included in itinerary, 2h

12:45pm

Flight Chicago to Lincoln

Continue your journey with a flight to Lincoln, Nebraska where the conference will take place.
Included, 1h50m

3:00pm

Cab to Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel and Check-in

Upon arrival, take a cab to the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel for check-in and preparation for conference events.
USD20 approx, 15m

4:30pm

Pre-Conference Introductory Session

Attend the first conference session 'The Furrow and the Seed: Tilling the Soil for a Renewal in Catholic Formation' to set the tone for the conference.
Included in conference, 1.5h

6:00pm

Holy Mass

Participate in the Memorial Mass of St. Bonaventure at St Mary Catholic Church, celebrated by Bishop James D. Conley.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Opening Prayer and Plenary Sessions

Join official conference opening sessions including prayer, welcome, and plenary talks at the hotel Grand Ballroom.
Included, 1h

8:30pm

Welcome Reception

Network and socialize at the Welcome Reception in the Grand Ballroom Atrium, enjoying light refreshments.
Included, 1.5h
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Day 5: Conference Full Day

Lincoln, USA on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Morning Prayer

Start the day with morning prayer led by the School Sisters of Christ the King at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Free, 20m

8:00am

Holy Mass - Memorial of Our Lady Of Mount Carmel

Attend Mass celebrated by Bishop Carl A. Kemme including blessing and investiture in the Brown Scapular after the liturgy.
Free, 45m

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Join conference attendees for breakfast at Lancaster Ballroom in the hotel to fuel your day.
Included, 45m

10:00am

Plenary Session

Attend 'Betrothing the Truth: Faith, Knowledge, and Indwelling the Liberal Arts' talk by Dr. Ryan Messmore exploring Catholic intellectual tradition.
Included, 55m

11:15am

Breakout Sessions Block A

Participate in scheduled breakout sessions in various ballrooms to deepen understanding on specific education topics.
Included, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch Options

Choose between peer-to-peer lunch for educators, school leader panel, or vendor lunch all held at hotel facilities with networking opportunities.
Included, 1.5h

2:00pm

Breakout Sessions Block B

Engage in further sessions tailored to your interests in Catholic education and formation.
Included, 1h

3:15pm

Optional Afternoon Session

Attend optional session for additional learning and reflection.
Included, 45m

4:00pm

Visio Divina: The Three Gardens

Join a prayerful meditation on sacred art led by Derek Brooks in a peaceful setting within the hotel.
Included, 20m

4:30pm

Holy Hour with Confession

Attend Holy Hour at St. Mary Catholic Church with opportunity for confession and benediction, a spiritual highlight of the conference.
Free, 1h

5:45pm

Banquet Dinner

Enjoy a formal dinner with reflections on Catholic education renewal, featuring key speakers in Lancaster Ballroom.
Included, 1.5h

7:30pm

Evening Plenary Session

Attend the session meeting the Institute for Excellence in Writing founder and recognition of program graduates.
Included, 1h
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Day 6: Conference Continued

Lincoln, USA on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at Lancaster Ballroom to start the busy conference day.
Included, 1h

7:50am

Visio Divina Session 2

Continue prayerful meditation on sacred art with Derek Brooks in Grand Ballroom C.
Included, 20m

8:15am

Morning Prayer

Join School Sisters of Christ the King for morning prayer to start your day centered spiritually.
Free, 20m

8:45am

Plenary Session: Meet Our Partner Augustine Institute

Hear remarks from notable Catholic educators and experts focusing on fairy tales and their educational power.
Included, 1h15m

10:15am

Breakout Block C

Attend breakout sessions according to your chosen topics in Catholic education.
Included, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Hotel

Enjoy buffet lunch with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting at Lancaster Ballroom.
Included, 1h15m

1:00pm

Seminars

Participate in afternoon seminars designed to deepen education skills and knowledge.
Included, 1h30m

2:30pm

Bus to St Thomas Aquinas for Holy Mass

Travel to UNL Newman Center for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, with optional Holy Hour following.
Free, 2h30m

5:00pm

VIP Dinner

Join the VIP dinner at Rosary Hall to network in an exclusive setting, key for conference relations.
Included, 4h
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Day 7: Conference Closing & Travel

Lincoln, USA on July 18, 2025

7:30am

Morning Prayer

Begin the final conference day with prayer led by School Sisters at St Mary Catholic Church.
Free, 20m

8:00am

Holy Mass

Attend Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone to close the spiritual part of your conference experience.
Free, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast

Breakfast with fellow conference attendees at hotel Lancaster Ballroom.
Included, 50m

10:00am

Breakout Block D

Engage in final breakout sessions for deep dives into Catholic educational practices.
Included, 1h

11:15am

Closing Plenary Session

Attend final plenary with concluding remarks and evaluations, reflecting on the conference learnings.
Included, 1h15m

3:11pm

Flight Lincoln to Chicago

Depart Lincoln for Chicago to begin journey home, with connection onwards to Boston.
Included, 1h59m

6:20pm

Flight Chicago to Boston

Final flight segment to Boston; prepare for the city stay.
Included, 3h39m

10:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Hilton Boston Plaza

Settle into your Double Mobility room with bathtub at Hilton Boston Plaza in downtown Boston for rest.
Included, Overnight
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Day 8: Boston City Stay

Boston, USA on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hilton Boston Plaza

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel to prepare for sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am-4:00pm

Explore Boston City

Visit historic sites like the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, and Quincy Market to immerse yourself in Boston’s rich culture and history.
Free to moderate entry fees (USD10-25), 7h

12:30pm

Lunch at Quincy Market

Enjoy varied food stalls offering everything from clam chowder to international cuisines in the bustling market setting.
USD15-25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Union Oyster House

Dine at America’s oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House, famed for its New England seafood specialties in a historic setting.
USD35-50, 1.5h
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Day 9: Boston Cultural Day

Boston, USA on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Grab breakfast at a local café like Tatte Bakery & Cafe for artisan pastries and coffee.
USD10-15, 1h

9:00am

Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Explore one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country with exhibits ranging from ancient to contemporary works.
USD27, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe at the MFA

Enjoy a light lunch within the museum’s elegant café which offers a seasonal menu.
USD15-25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Experience a unique art museum housed in a Venetian-style palace showcasing eclectic collections and beautiful gardens.
USD20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Legal Sea Foods

Try Boston’s iconic seafood at Legal Sea Foods, famous for clam chowder and fresh catches.
USD40-60, 1.5h
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Day 10: Additional Boston Day

Boston, USA on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or nearby café.
Included or USD10-15, 1h

9:00am

Walk the Freedom Trail

Take a guided or self-guided walk to discover 16 historic locations in Boston connected through this 2.5-mile trail.
Free or guided tour USD15-25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local deli

Sample local delicacies such as lobster roll or roast beef sandwich at a renowned deli like Mike’s City Diner.
USD15-20, 1h

Afternoon Free

Shop or relax

Spend your afternoon shopping on Newbury Street or relaxing in Boston Public Garden.
Varies, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at The Capital Grille

Enjoy upscale dining with excellent steaks and seafood in an elegant setting.
USD50-70, 1.5h
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Day 11: Fly to New Orleans

Boston to New Orleans, USA on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy early breakfast at Hilton Boston Plaza before check out and transfer.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Check out and Taxi to Boston Airport

Take a taxi to Boston Airport Terminal A for your flight to New Orleans.
USD30 approx, 30m

6:05pm

Flight Boston to Atlanta (Delta 2464)

Fly from Boston to Atlanta with flight duration approximately 3h 11mins.
Included, 3h 11m

7:40pm

Layover at Atlanta Airport

Layover for 1h29m for connecting flight to New Orleans.
Free, 1h29m

10:45pm

Flight Atlanta to New Orleans (Delta 2224)

Short 31-minute flight to New Orleans late night arrival.
Included, 31m

11:20pm

Cab to Hyatt Centric French Quarter

Take a taxi to Hyatt Centric French Quarter to check in and rest.
USD25 approx, 20m
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Day 12: New Orleans Exploration

New Orleans, USA on July 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at Hyatt Centric’s onsite restaurant before a day touring.
Included, 1h

9:00am

French Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant French Quarter with its historic architecture, shops, and lively street musicians.
Free or guided USD20-30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café du Monde

Enjoy famous beignets and café au lait at this iconic New Orleans café.
USD10-15, 1h

Afternoon

Visit the National WWII Museum

Tour this world-renowned museum with extensive exhibits on the global conflict.
USD30, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Coop's Place

Dine in a local hotspot offering authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
USD20-35, 1.5h
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Day 13: New Orleans Leisure

New Orleans, USA on July 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast nearby

Enjoy a traditional Southern breakfast at Willa Jean or similar café.
USD15-20, 1h

10:00am

Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Visit the historic Garden District with stunning mansions and the adjacent famous Lafayette Cemetery.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Commander’s Palace

Enjoy upscale Creole cuisine at this renowned New Orleans restaurant.
USD40-60, 1.5h

Afternoon

Mississippi River Cruise

Relax with an afternoon paddle steamer cruise on the Mississippi River to enjoy views and history.
USD25-40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Emeril’s

Savour signature dishes by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse at his flagship restaurant.
USD50-80, 2h
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Day 14: Travel to Dallas

New Orleans to Dallas, USA on July 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before checking out of Hyatt Centric French Quarter.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Greyhound Bus New Orleans to Dallas

Board Greyhound bus departing New Orleans at 10:30am arriving Dallas evening at 8:35pm.
USD50-70, 10h

9:15pm

Check-in Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown

Check into Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown for overnight stay after long bus trip.
Included, Overnight
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Day 15: Dallas Departure

Dallas, USA on July 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown to refresh before departure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Check out and prepare for flight

Pack and check out in anticipation of your international flight departing at 11:55am.
Included, 1h

11:55am

Flight Dallas to Tokyo Narita (JL7011)

Long haul flight departing Dallas Fort Worth, heading back to Tokyo.
Included, 13h
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Day 16: Arrival Tokyo and Transit

Tokyo, Japan on July 27, 2025

3:00pm

Arrive Tokyo Narita International

Arrive at Narita International Airport with a layover of 3 hours 40 minutes before next flight.
Free, 3h40m

6:40pm

Flight Narita to Melbourne (JL0773)

Depart Narita International for Melbourne International Airport on 10 hour flight.
Included, 10h
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Day 17: Arrival Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia on July 28, 2025

5:45am

Arrival Melbourne International Airport

Arrive back home in Melbourne early morning completing your comprehensive trip.
N/A, End of journey
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