Biblical Study Trip: Italy
March 29-April 9 (or 11…13), 2026
Tuesday, March 29 (DeMotts) and Monday, March 30: Arrive in Rome
You arrive in Rome (FCO), one of the most fascinating cities on earth! Depending on your flight’s arrival time (most are morning). After transferring from the airport to your hotel and getting settled, we recommend a leisurely walk through Rome to St. Peter’s Basilica. If you really want to stretch your legs - enjoy a bird’s eye view from the top of the dome designed by Michelangelo. We plan to book an evening tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Tuesday, March 31: Rome
Rome holds many ancient treasures, and today our sites focus on the end of Paul’s life. You will visit St. Paolo Alla Regola, an approximate location where Paul lived while under house-arrest in Rome, the Abbey of the Three Fountains, where later tradition says Paul was beheaded, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Paul is said to be buried. After lunch we recommend that you head underground to the Catacombs of Saint Callisto along the Appian Way, which testifies to the burial practices of our Christian ancestors. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Wednesday, April 1: Rome
Today you explore the heart of the ancient Roman world, taking in her wonders at the Colosseum, where thousands competed in the gladiatorial games, and the Roman Forum, where dozens of structures testify to the wealth and power of the empire. You will also have a chance to see the Arch of Titus, where evidence of the spoils of Jerusalem adorn its facade, and the Palatine Hill, a massive palatial complex first constructed by Augustus. Additional sites include St. Clement’s Basilica, where you can travel back in time walking through the underground ruins of Rome and the Pantheon, often considered the oldest remaining, most fully intact Roman structure. You can end the day with a visit to the Ara Pacis Museum, to view an altar dedicated to Augustus in the first century BC. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Thursday, April 2: Flex Day in Rome
Today offers extra time in Rome to revisit anything you’d like, or explore at will. Suggestions include: Museum (warfare emphasis) Castel Sant’Angelo, the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian (2nd century AD and the emperor who squashed the Bar Kochva Revolt); Trevi Fountain; museums (I highly recommend the Capitoline Museums, which among its impressive treasures is the bronze statue of Marcus Aerilius and the Capitoline Wolf). You could also explore the Trastevere neighborhood (food tours!), see the Spanish Steps, or relax like a local in the Villa Borghese Park (Jamie’s favorite), a beautiful green space preserved in the middle of this ancient city park. Rome offers some of the most amazing food and people watching in the world. This is your final dinner and overnight in Rome (book a rooftop dinner!?).
Friday, April 3: Pozzuoli, Naples, and Pompeii
Today you continue south into the region of Naples. Our first possible stop is the port of Puteoli, where Paul first stepped foot on the Italian peninsula(!) (this would require private transportation). You can also visit the nearby Macellum, an ancient meat market. Pizza in Naples is a must, as it’s said to be where pizza originated). We will next visit to the National Archaeological Museum, where many of the Pompei artifacts are on display. We will then go continue to the modern town of Pompei, and settle in for dinner for the first of your two nights there (Hotel Forum Pompei, recommended).
Saturday, April 4: Pompeii & Herculaneum
Today you get to walk through two first-century Roman towns. The first is the vividly preserved ancient city of Pompei. Covered by the ash of the pyroclastic blast of the Mt. Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, this city boasts dramatic insights into daily life of the first-century world. After our time in Pompei and some lunch, we will also visit the nearby ancient city of Herculaneum, which also fell victim to the Vesuvius eruption. Enjoy a local dinner and your final night in Pompei.
Sunday, April 5: Amalfi Coast and Appian Way
Buona Pasqua - Happy Easter! Today we soak in the beauty of creation and a lighter pace, traveling to the Amalfi Coast for a beautiful day admiring one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, before returning north for a night along the Appian Way at Foro Appio Mansio.
Monday, April 6: Assisi
This morning we suggest incorporating a lunch visit to a local vineyard/winery, and/or visiting one of the many beautiful towns in the region, such as Orvieto on your way to Assisi. In Assisi, the focus is on the legacy of Saint Francis, a person who gave up everything to follow after Jesus. The ancient medieval town of Assisi is amazing to explore in the evening and we will explore the town together when we arrive. Dinner and overnight in Assisi at the Giotto Hotel & Spa.
Tuesday, April 7: Florence
First this morning we plan to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where Francis is buried, and where we can view stunning frescoes by Giotto. We continue underground to see the Roman ruins of Assisi. After thsi morning tour, we depart Assisi and continue to Florence. Along the way we can stop for optional time in Siena, or perhaps Lake Trasimeno. Then we will arrive in Florence you will explore the influence of art on Christianity. Sites today include the Piazza della Signoria, the main square in Florence, the Duomo, easily the most recognizable structure in Florence, the Basilica of the Baptistery of St. John, one of the oldest church buildings in Florence, and a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo’s “David”. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Wednesday, April 8: Florence
This morning we will visit i you have time to explore Florence and/or its surrounding areas on your own. Explore the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Museum (or many other museums). Take a day-trip into the Tuscan countryside to places such as San Gimignano or visit area vineyards. Enjoy city food tours, cooking classes, etc. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Thursday, April 9-11/13: Venice
Your journey continues to the enchanting city of canals: Venice.
In addition to all the incredible, and well known attractions of St. Mark’s Square and church, and a gondola (at sunset!), there are plenty of hosted experiences and islands to visit. The glass-blowing on Murano is one of our favorites, and a concert of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is beautiful. (Alternative options included in quote, or available on platforms like getyourguide.com)
Planned Accommodations
Rome, Hotel della Conciliazione (4-5 nights)
https://www.hotelconciliazione.it/en/
4-star hotel on a charming street in the historic Borgo Pio neighborhood very near the Vatican
Pompei: Hotel Forum Pompei (2 nights)
https://www.hotelforumpompeii.com/en/
An elegant 4-star hotel offering immediate access to the ancient archaeological site of Pompei, with a beautiful citrus garden for dining in good weather and on-site restaurant.
Lattia, Foro Appio Mansio (1 night)
4-star hotel and country retreat located directly o the ancient Appian Way (via Appia).
Assisi, Giotto Hotel & Spa (1 night)
https://www.hotelgiottoassisi.it/en/
4-star hotel located in the medieval heart of Assisi, with panoramic restaurant and terraces that offer spectacular, sweeping views of the Umbrian Valley and a 5-minute walk from the Basilica of Sait Francis.
Florence, Hotel Balestri (2 nights)
https://www.hotel-balestri.it/
4-star boutique hotel in a historic building that offers stunning Arno River views and features a panoramic rooftop terrace.
*Venice; Hotel Saturnia (2-4 nights?)
4-star hotel in a historic 14th-century Venetian palace, in a prime location near St. Mark's Square and featuring the renowned La Caravella Restaurant and rooftop terrace.
*Venice not included in primary quote; options quoted separately