Biblical Study Trip: ITALY
Day 1 : Depart USA to ITALY!!
While studying in Israel provides the context for the life of Jesus, Italy provides the context for the life of the Church. We will engage the stories of both, as we transition our travel plans from Jordan & Israel to Italy. By studying the Bible in its original first-century context—from the grit of Pompeii and the stones of the Appian Way to the soaring heights of the Renaissance - we will weigh the legacy of earthly power against the enduring, servant-hearted nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our goal is to see how Italy provides the ultimate backdrop for understanding the faith that outlasted the most powerful empire in history.
Day 2 -4: Arrive in Italy - La Dolce Vita!
You will arrive in Italy, and we will transfer to your Italian retreat in the vine and olive-covered hills of central Italy. We will enjoy local Italian meals and cultural experiences together with some scheduled seminar teaching times in the morning and/or afternoons of our first two days in Italy.
Day 5: Florence
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”. You will also have time to enjoy some free time and a meal on your own as you soak up the magnificent city of Florence.
Day 6: Assisi
Assisi is a medieval town perched on the serene hilltop birthplace of St. Francis, offering 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 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.
Day 7 & 8: Rome
Rome holds many ancient treasures as it served as the seat of the Roman Empire. We will focus on sites centered on the end of Paul’s life, like San Paolo Alla Regola, where Paul likely 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. Other sites include some catacombs, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museum which houses the famous paintings of Michelangelo within the Sistine Chapel.
Day 9: Pompei
We get to walk through the best-preserved first-century Roman town today - the beautiful ancient city of Pompeii. Destroyed by the Mt. Vesuvius Volcano in 79 AD, this city conveys most clearly daily life in the first-century world, and though Paul is never recorded to have visited, he went to cities just like it. In the afternoon we will visit the nearby town of Herculaneum as well!
Day 10: Pozzuoli, Naples
Today we visit the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, where many of the Pompei artifacts are on display. After some pizza (when in Naples…) we conclude our journey in Italy where Paul took his first steps at the port of Pozzuoli (ancient Puteoli), where Paul’s ship landed en route to Rome.
Day 11: Departure from Italy
It is now time to return home and, and like the early followers of Jesus, be witnesses for God’s Kingdom to the ends of the earth by taking on the very servant-nature of the its King - Jesus.
