Day 1: Depart US
Day 2: Arrive Rome – Today, you continue your Biblical Journey in Rome. Upon Arrival in Rome, you will head for the heart of the eternal city. Enjoy an orientation walk with your tour director and lunch in one of the famous squares. Continue to your hotel for Dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Rome of Apostle Paul – This morning you start your day at the most inspiring place, Tre Fontane (Abbey of Three Fountains). Tradition tells us Paul was martyred outside the walls of Rome at a place most people have never heard of—one of the Christian sites not on the tourist maps. Don’t confuse Tres Fontane with the famous Trevi Fountain. It’s called Tres Fontane (“Three Fountains”) because, according to legend, after Paul’s head was cut off, it bounced three times, and three fountains sprung up! You gather at the gardens here for your Teaching. Next, you see the Church of St Paul outside the walls; many believe Paul is buried here. Paul went to Rome as a prisoner in chains; Acts 2-28 tells us the story, Arrested in Jerusalem, imprisoned at Caesarea for two years, Paul appealed to Caesar and suffered a shipwreck on his way to Rome as a prisoner. After two years, Paul was released from his imprisonment, after which he traveled and wrote two more epistles before his final Roman imprisonment in Mamertine Prison. You visit Mamertine prison toda. You continue with a walking tour through Roman Forum and towards the Arch of Titus; the Arch’s inside relief portrays Roman soldiers carrying off treasures from Jerusalem Temple, destroyed by Titus in 70 AD. Jesus predicted this destruction (MATH 24:1-2) We continue to Pantheon, Piazza Navona & Trevi Fountain. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel.
Day 4 Vatican Museums / Catacombs – This morning you visit The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica. Almost all Christians martyred in the Circus of Gaius/Nero—the site where St. Peter’s Square now stands. The Egyptian obelisk in the center of the square is original to the circus, though it stood in a different spot. Here Peter was crucified, according to tradition, upside down ( John 21:18-19). He is most likely buried deep beneath the Basilica in the original burial cave. In the afternoon you continue to the Catacombs. Most famous for the early Christians buried here, the catacombs offer an essential contribution to early Christian art. Early frescoes and sculptures still exist in the catacombs. Most touching are the smaller burial spots carved out for children who had died. Dinner and overnight at your Hotel.
Day 5: Rome / Sienna / Florence – Begin your day with an early departure from Rome, embarking on a scenic journey to Siena that takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Siena, immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of the city. Start your exploration at the Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, and marvel at the architectural beauty of the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and the towering Torre del Mangia. After soaking in the sights and sounds of Siena, continue your travels to Florence, which is about 1.5 hours away. Upon reaching Florence, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 6: Florence – Kickstart your day in Florence with a visit to the renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to an extraordinary collection of art from the Italian Renaissance. Spend the morning admiring masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Afterward, stroll through the historic Piazza della Signoria, where you can appreciate the statues and the grandeur of the Palazzo Vecchio. In the afternoon, make your way to the Florence Cathedral (Duomo). Don’t miss the chance to explore the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile nearby. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 7: Pisa – Set off for Pisa in the morning, with a journey time of about one hour. Once in Pisa, head straight to the Campo dei Miracoli, where you will be greeted by the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Take your time to explore the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery, each a masterpiece of medieval architecture. After taking in the highlights of Pisa, wander through the historic streets. Return to Florence for Dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Florence / Verona / Venice – Begin your day with a morning departure to Verona. Upon arrival in Verona, delve into the romantic charm of the city by visiting Juliet’s House, where you can see the famous balcony that inspired Shakespeare’s play. Continue your exploration at the Verona Arena, an impressive Roman amphitheater, and take a stroll through the bustling Piazza delle Erbe. In the afternoon, make your way to Venice. Once you arrive in Venice, check into your hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight in Venice.
Day 9: Venice – Start your day in Venice with a visit to the iconic St. Mark’s Square. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica, renowned for its stunning mosaics and opulent design, and then tour the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of Venetian Gothic architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Rialto Bridge, one of Venice’s most famous landmarks, and explore the bustling market area surrounding it. Consider taking a boat tour through the canals to fully appreciate the city’s unique layout and charm. Dinner and overnight in Venice.
Day 10: Home