Italy Pilgrimage

Day 1: Departure

Depart to Rome aboard your Transatlantic overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrival in Rome

Upon our arrival in the Eternal City, Rome, we are met by our personal guide who will welcome us to magnificent Rome en route to our hotel which will be our home for the next four nights. The remainder of our day is free for relaxation. You may wish to take a walk past the famous Spanish Steps, visit the amazing Pantheon and view the Trevi Fountain. Throw in a coin to ensure your return trip to Rome! Overnight Rome.

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Vatican City & Historic Rome

After breakfast we will begin a full day of site seeing. Our first stop is Vatican City and St. Peter’s Square where we will visit the Basilica of St. Peter (built on the site where Apostle Peter was martyred). Our visit to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, with stunning works of art at every turn, will be awe-inspiring. After some free time for lunch, we will visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot's Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of Constantine. The practice today is to climb the steps on your knees, stopping to pray on each step. Additional sights include the Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake. If you’re interested, we may be able to help you obtain tickets to enjoy the music at the La Scala Opera House this evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Ancient Rome & The Catacombs

We begin our walking tour at 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. Next, we visit 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. 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. Next we visit St. John di Lateran, the first Christian church and baptistery established by Constantine. Crossing the Appian Way, we conclude this day’s tour at the Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Naples & Pompeii

Our tour takes a southward turn today with a journey to the coast, where we shall briefly view the city of Naples, on the way to the world famous excavation of Pompeii. This is the well-preserved city by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius in the first century AD. Buried just 6 years after the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed, we can see cement casts of people as they were when they were buried, sometimes shielding them from the horror. Our guide will share amazing stories of this ancient civilization.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Assisi & Tuscany

After breakfast we will say “Arrivederci Roma” and board our coach and travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. After lunch on your 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. The stories of the sacrificial life of St. Francis will be an encouragement to us all. That afternoon, we travel on to the spa village of Montecatini Terme, our place of lodging for the next two nights in the heart of Tuscany.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Florence Art & Culture

After breakfast, we will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistery, and the tombs of Dante, Michelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci. A highlight will be our visit to the Accademia Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the hillside overlook across the river from Florence where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape. There will be time in the afternoon to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno River. Florence leather shops are the best in the world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time to purchase those special Christmas gifts. Our second night will be enjoyed Tuscany

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Pisa, Verona & Venice

We begin our day with a tour of Pisa where we will visit the Baptistery, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, followed by free time for lunch. This afternoon, we travel northward through colorful Tuscan countryside, past Bologna and on to romantic Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. We arrive in time to walk to the historic center/shopping district with free time to see the famed balcony of Juliet. We continue on to the enchanting city of Venice for dinner and our lodging for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9: Venice Landmarks & Gondola Ride

After breakfast, we'll begin sightseeing the city built on 177 islands, 150 canals, with its 400 bridges. On our leisurely walking tour, we'll be visiting the city's most famous landmarks: St. Mark’s Square, marveling at the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, admiring the lavish Doges’ Palace and pondering the Bridge of Sighs. As we stroll through a labyrinth of cris-cross canals, we will be enjoying arched bridges, palaces, charming waterside restaurants and little quiet piazzas. A fun part of today will be our relaxing gondola ride of the Grand Canal past gracious residences. Afterwards, we are free to enjoy Venice at our own pace. Visit the Waldensian Christian Museum, or explore sections in the area called “hidden Venice”. or simply enjoy a coffee at St. Mark’s Square. Eventually, we return to our hotel to enjoy our second night in Venice.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: Venice Exploration

We begin our day with a tour of Pisa where we will visit the Baptistery, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, followed by free time for lunch. This afternoon, we travel northward through colorful Tuscan countryside, past Bologna and on to romantic Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. We arrive in time to walk to the historic center/shopping district with free time to see the famed balcony of Juliet. We continue on to the enchanting city of Venice for dinner and our lodging.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11: Departure for Atlanta

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel before we board our same-day flight back to Atlanta. We will bring back with us enriched friendships, magnificent experiences, and a whole new appreciation for Italy.

Meals: Breakfast