11 Day Italy Spectacular

Day 1: Departure

Our travel companions gather at the Atlanta International Airport for a get-acquainted before Air France whisks us away on our faith-adventure. Overnight flight to Rome.

Day 2: Arrive Rome — The Eternal City

Upon arrival in Rome we are met by our personal guide and transferred to our hotel, home for the next four nights. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation — stroll past the famous Spanish Steps, visit the Pantheon, and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return trip to Rome!

Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Vatican City & St. Paul Outside the Walls

A full day of sightseeing begins at Vatican City and St. Peter's Square, where we visit the Basilica of St. Peter, built on the site of the Apostle Peter's martyrdom. We tour the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums. After lunch we visit the 4th-century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls and the Scala Santa — the very steps from Pilate's Judgment Hall in Jerusalem.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Roman Forum, Colosseum & Catacombs

We begin at the ancient Roman Forum, uncovering its secrets with our guide. We visit the Arch of Titus, step inside the Mamertine Prison where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned, then enter the Colosseum — first opened in AD 80. The day concludes at St. John di Lateran, the first Christian church established by Constantine, and the Catacombs where thousands of early Christians were buried.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Naples & Pompeii

Our tour turns south toward the coast, briefly viewing the city of Naples before arriving at Pompeii — the remarkably preserved city buried by the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius in the first century AD. Our guide shares the fascinating stories of this ancient civilization. Late afternoon we return to Rome for our fourth evening.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: Assisi & Tuscany

We bid farewell to Rome and travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hilltop village of Assisi. A guided tour includes the Basilica of San Francesco, decorated with some of the world's most renowned frescoes, and the inspiring story of St. Francis. That afternoon we travel on to the spa village of Montecatini Terme in the heart of Tuscany.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7: Florence — Art Capital of the World

A guided tour of Florence includes the Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, Baptistery, and the tombs of Dante, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. A highlight is our visit to the Accademia Gallery, home of Michelangelo's David. The afternoon is free to explore the famous Ponte Vecchio and the world-renowned Florence leather shops.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Pisa, Verona & Venice

We visit Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli — the Baptistery, Duomo, and the famous Leaning Tower — followed by free time for lunch. Traveling north through colorful Tuscany, we stop in Verona, Shakespeare's setting for Romeo and Juliet, with time to see the famed balcony of Juliet. We continue on to the enchanting city of Venice for dinner and three nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9: Venice — City on the Water

We explore the city built on 177 islands and 150 canals. Our walking tour visits St. Mark's Square, the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark's Basilica, the lavish Doges' Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. A highlight is our relaxing gondola ride along the Grand Canal past gracious residences. The afternoon is free to discover hidden Venice at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10: Murano Island

This morning we travel by boat to the island of Murano, famous for its Venetian glass makers. We observe a glass blowing presentation and enjoy a walking tour of the island, including a visit to the celebrated Glass Museum of Murano. We return by boat to the mainland for our final evening in Venice.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11: Departure

Breakfast at the hotel before boarding our same-day flight home from Rome. We return enriched by new friendships, magnificent experiences, and a whole new appreciation for Italy.

Meals: Breakfast