Italy From a Christian Perspective

March - November

Day 1: Departure Day
We leave for Europe on an overnight flight at the start of our exciting educational and inspirational trip.

Day 2: Arrival, Evening Walking Tour
Upon arrive in Rome, the Eternal City, capital of Italy and one of the most visited cities in the world, we will be met by our tour HOST and transferred to our hotel.  The balance of the day is free for you to become acquainted with this wonderful and diverse city. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Rome, where the language and culture is so different from our own. This evening there will be dinner at the hotel, and for those who wish to start exploring immediately, there will be an opportunity to take an introductory walking tour past the famous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Throw in a coin to ensure your return trip to Rome!

Day 3: Vatican City
Today we visit the Vatican City. Our tour director will take us to visit the Vatican Museums, ending with the wonderful Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo's famous frescos. We continue to St Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and residence of the Pope. There we will see Michelangelo's Pieta, now behind bullet-proof glass, and rub St. Peter's foot! You can ascend to the top of Michelangelo's dome for breathtaking views of St. Peter's Square and Rome itself. Afterward, we will uncover the history underneath St. Peter's beautiful marble floor in the Catacombs. Dinner will be at the hotel tonight and the rest of the evening is yours.

Day 4: Rome's Churches, Appian Way, Catacombs
Today we will explore two of Rome's most beautiful churches, St. Peter in Chains and St. Paul Outside the Walls. You will marvel at Michelangelo's famous Moses, housed in St. Peter in Chains. The shape of this very ancient church dates back to the 5th century. The Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls is 2nd in size only to St. Peter's. Its start is attributed to the Emperor Constantine, who chose the area on the site of the tomb of St. Paul. But the large Basilica you see today was modified by many over the years, ending with the giant renovation after the fire of 1823. 
The Appian Way has been known since antiquity as Regina Viarum, or the queen of roads. The Appian Way was the most famous of the Roman consular roads. It's no longer the main route south, but it remains an important part of early Christian Rome, its verges lined with the underground burial cemeteries, or catacombs, of the first Christians. In the San Callisto Catacombs, all third-century popes (of whom San Callisto was one) are buried in the papal crypt, and the site features some well-preserved seventh- and eighth-century frescoes.

Day 5: Pantheon, Forum, Coliseum
Our local guide will introduce us to many of the wonders of ancient and modern Rome. Our walking tour of the city starts at the Pantheon. Then we proceed on to the Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St. Jonathan in Lateran. Constructed by Constantine in the 4th century, it has been the most frequently reconstructed of all Rome's churches. From Piazza San Pietro we will pause at the Victor Emmanuel II Monument before continuing on to the Piazza di Campidoglio, another masterpiece of Michelangelo's Design. We pass over the hill and down on into the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70.. We will step inside the Mamertine Prison, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. We end our sightseeing at the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years.

Day 6: Pompeii, Naples, return to Rome
We head south today to the famous Roman remains at Pompeii. It was here that Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79. We will spend our time today with a local guide, discovering and learning about this opulent town that was buried in ash. Pompeii was founded initially by the Oscans, but soon after was influenced by Cumae, a nearby Greek colony. In the year 80 BC the town fell under Roman domination and became a favorite holiday retreat of rich Romans. Then disaster struck with the eruption of the volcano, and in the space of two days all its inhabitants were buried under a layer of lava. When visiting this site today it is possible to see the extensive and varied ruins and imagine life as it was 2,000 years ago. The major sights include the Antiquarium, Forum, Stabian Baths, Villa of the Mysteries and much more. The afternoon is free to explore in Naples. Afterward, return to Rome. 

Day 7: Frescoes, Assisi, Montecatini
Today we travel to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. After lunch on our own, we will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful, medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco, decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. Then, we travel on to the charming spa village of Montecatini where we will spend 2 nights.

Day 8: Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo's David
We begin today with a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which includes the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and the Accademia Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David.  Florence leather shops are the best in the world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. Shop till you drop!!

Day 9: Pisa & Travel to Venice
In Pisa we will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza del Miracoli.  Then on to beautiful Venice.

Day 10: Venice
We have a walking tour of the Basilica of San Marco, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs and the Doge's Palace. Optional: Visit the Murano Venetian glass makers where shoppers will enjoy the vast array of beautiful pieces of glass available in the city's many fine stores.  Before we return to the hotel we will board gondolas for a relaxing tour of criss-cross canals, arched bridges, palaces, charming waterside restaurants and little quiet piazzas.

Day 11: Milan Last Supper and Beautiful Lake Stresa
After breakfast we will once again board our coach to travel to Milan for a guided tour of the city, which will include the famous Duomo, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous fresco – The Last Supper. Then on to the beautiful internationally renown resort town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore for check in and dinner at the hotel.  From the hotel we have a wonderful view of the surrounding areas, rich with gardens, islands and the lovely town. You may choose to stroll along the waterfront or shop along the promenade during your free time.

Day 12: Alpine Train & Lake Cruise
A special alpine mountain excursion is planned today beginning in the charming little town of Domodossoa where we will board our mountain train ride to the panoramic village of Locarno, Switzerland. You will enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the way, the vineyards and chestnut forests, and have free time in Locarno. To top off our experience today, we will board a Hydrofoil for a relaxing cruise along Lake Maggiore to our hotel. 

Day 13: Church History - Waldensian Sites
Full day excursion to Waldensian sites – Torre Pellice, Chanforan and Angragna Valley. This beautiful remote region in northwestern Italy will bring to life the history of the Waldensian Christians and the struggles they encountered. We will visit the church, the rural museum and, for those who wish, take a half hour walk to the cave where they hid for fear of martyrdom. Our farewell dinner will be at the hotel. 

Day 14: Home
After breakfast in our hotel we will travel back to Milan to board our plane for home, but memories of our adventure will last a lifetime.

Price per person:
From $2974.00 double occupancy

Price includes:
airfare, 3 star and moderate 4 star hotels with continental breakfast, 11 dinners, modern transportation, admissions, full time tour manager, guides. 

Not included:
Air taxes, gratuities, lunches, 1 dinner.