Biblical Study Trip: Italy

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 recommend scheduling a private evening tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. This is a higher cost but offers an exceptional value for the experience and includes an aperitivo in the Vatican courtyard. 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

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: Capri

Today you ferry to the beautiful island of Capri, where Emperor Tiberius found his retreat while being the ruling emperor of Rome at the time of Jesus death. The recommended walk/hike up to Tiberias’ ancient villa of Jovis (about 1.3 miles) is spectacularly gorgeous. This villa provides a fascinating insight into the life of a Roman emperor and the immense power and wealth of the Roman Empire in the first century AD. Pontius Pilate was appointed by Tiberias, and Villa Jovis offers direct links to the political power structure that governed the Roman world during Jesus’ life. The rest of your day can be spent enjoying this beautiful garden of an island, with dinner and overnight on Capri.

Monday, April 6: Assisi

This morning you will ferry back to mainland Italy and continue your journey. Your route offers some flexibility as you can travel a variety of directions through some of the most beautiful parts of Italy. 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, or a stop at the Marmore Falls (built by the Romans), 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. You can also view stunning frescoes by Giotto in the Basilica of St. Francis where Francis is buried. Next we recommend you continue underground to see the Roman ruins of Assisi. The evening can be spent taking in the beautiful medieval town, enjoying dinner and one overnight stay. Giotto Hotel & Spa or similar is recommended.

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. Marks 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 a beautiful experience.