Italy Study Trip Itinerary
Travel the Text is passionate about providing experiences that connect historical and cultural contexts to our modern faith and Biblical study. In Italy, the biblical narrative collides with the reality of the Roman Empire. We will engage the Bible in its original first-century context—from the preserved ruins of Pompeii to the grit of the stones on the Appian Way, and the soaring art of the renaissance in Florence, we will weigh the legacy of earthly power against the enduring, servant-hearted nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Sunday, November 22: Depart USA to Italy
Depart from the USA and travel to Rome, Italy. Rest and stay hydrated on the flight!
The Aelian Bridge leading to Hadrian’s Mausoleum
Monday, November 23: Arrive in Rome
Benvenuto in Italia! You arrive in Rome ready to taste and explore the beautiful culture of Italy, past and present. Geoff Carroll will meet you for your group transport from Rome’s FCO airport to Rome’s historic center and your first hotel. Today is open for personal exploration as you recover from yoru flight, rest, or explore the city on your own. A guided walk option will also be offered, in addition to restaurant recommendations - or make your own reservations ahead of time for a special first night in Italy!
Tuesday, November 24: Imperial Rome
For our first full day in Rome, we explore the heart of the ancient Roman world, taking in its 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. We will 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 Emperor Augustus. We will then enter the Basilica of St Clement, which houses several fascinating ruins from Rome. After we enjoy lunch nearby, we will visit sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, one of the most intact and impressive ancient Roman structures, and the Ara Pacis Museum, where we see an altar dedicated to Augustus in the first century BC. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Wednesday, November 25: Assisi
Don’t worry, we’ll be back for more time in Rome, but today we continue on! After breakfast we travel north through the serene countryside of Umbria and Tuscany, via the beautiful medieval town of Assisi. Perched on a serene hilltop, Assisi was the birthplace of St. Francis and offers a physical contrast to the imperial power of Rome by highlighting a "counter-empire" built on radical humility, poverty, and peace. Visiting allows you to stand in the breathtaking and multi-layered Basilica of St. Francis (where Francis is buried) and the rugged hermitages where the medieval Church was famously called to "repair" itself by returning to the simple, servant-hearted roots of the Good News of Jesus. We will then make our way to our Tuscan villa, where we will be for the next three nights. Dinner and overnight in Tuscany.
The original 1st-century fluted columns of the Temple of Minerva
Thursday, November 26: A Tuscan Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving! Italy is one of the best places on earth to celebrate sharing food around a table and a special Tuscan Thanksgiving experience is planned for you today. No Thanksgiving is complete without a little fun working in the kitchen and we have arranged an immersive culinary cooking experience, focused on fresh ingredients and traditional Tuscan cuisine. After we have learned and “helped,” it’s time to sit back and let the professionals take over. We will enjoy a relaxing, served multi-course meal together around the table in a beautiful Tuscan setting. *Additional optional outings to a nearby winery and medieval hill town may also be added as we finalize the schedule for this day.
Friday, November 27: Florence
After breakfast at our hotel, we will day trip into Florence, where we explore the influence of the Renaissance on Christian art, history, and theology. Sites today include 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”. Afternoon freetime is provided to enjoy personal exploration of the city’s incredible museums, piazzas, shops, and restaurants as you soak up the magnificent city of Florence. We return to our hotel for a final night in Tuscany.
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) over the Arno River
Saturday, November 28: Naples and Puteoli
After taking the fast train from Florence to Naples, we will enjoy a pizza lunch in Naples, where legend says pizza originated, and then roam through the halls of the National Archaeological Museum, where many of the Pompeiian artifacts are on display. We will then transfer to the very seaport from which Paul experienced the final leg of his many journeys in the Bible: Puteoli (modern day Pozzuoli). From this port we will glimpse the nearby Macellum, an ancient meat market, before we travel to our hotel in Pompeii for our first of two nights there. Dinner and overnight in Pompei.
Sunday, November 29: Pompeii
Today we will visit one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world - the beautiful ancient city of Pompeii. Destroyed by the Mt. Vesuvius Volcano in 79 AD, this city conveys most clearly a picture of daily life in the first-century world. Though Paul is never recorded to have visited, he went to many cities just like it. After a morning tour/teaching, you will have free time to enjoy lunch and more of the site on your own, and then return to the hotel when you wish. Dinner is on your own in the small and lovely modern village of Pompei. Overnight in Pompei.
The ruins of Pompeii with Mt. Vesuvius in the background
Monday, November 30: Rome with Paul
Our final leg of the trip takes us back to Rome where we focus on Paul’s final days. We will visit Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome where the Tiber empties into the Mediterranean Sea, 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 will head underground to the Catacombs of Saint Callisto along the Appian Way, which testifies to the burial practices of our Christian ancestors, and then St. Paolo Alla Regola, an approximate location where Paul lived while under house-arrest in Rome from approximately 60-62 AD. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Tuesday, December 1: Vatican City
Today we take in Vatican City, a country within the city of Rome. Functioning as the center of the Roman Catholic Church, the area boasts St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church building in the world, whose dome was designed by Michelangelo. After visiting the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, we will enter the interior of the church where we can see Michaelangelo’s “Pieta”. In the afternoon, we will enjoy free time at the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, which was once a stadium built by Emperor Domitian. In the evening, we will enjoy a final dinner together. Overnight in Rome.
Wednesday, December 2: The Journey Continues
You can enjoy a free day in Rome today until it’s time to depart for your flight or continue your travels as you wish. The recommended group flight is scheduled to depart about 8 PM. We can help you arrange transfers as needed for the flight itinerary that works best for you. In the meantime, the Christmas markets and holiday season festivities are in full swing around Rome, adding to its normal delight. This is one of the best parts of traveling at this time of year to Italy and we highly recommend enjoying them to their fullest!
*Itinerary subject to change, pending final group size, or necessary adjustments
