We invite you to host your church or community group on this amazing spiritual adventure! Retrace the final steps of the Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome. Your journey begins on the exquisite Mediterranean island of Malta, continuing on with a relaxing ferry ride across the sea to the island of Sicily, on to the southern tip of Italy and concluding in the center of the Roman Empire, following the path of St. Paul's final journey to Rome.
Along the way we will visit some of the greatest ruins of the ancient world, enjoy delicious Italian cuisine and fine wines and the extraordinarily beautiful scenery of two fascinating countries. Join us and experience the joys of traveling the world together in Christian fellowship and discover a deeper connection to your faith.
Contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517 to select travel dates for your private group tour.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart U.S.A.
Day 2
Arrive Valetta, Malta (B, D)
Welcome to Valetta, Malta’s capital, a World Heritage site and nothing short of an open-air museum! Upon arrival we’ll be met by our English-speaking tour manager and our group will be escorted to the motor coach and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to walk into Valetta to visit St. John's Co-Cathedral and stoll along the picturesque harbor-walk or relax at the hotel and freshen-up before our group meets this evening for our "Welcome to Malta" dinner. Overnight Valetta
Day 3
Mdina, Rabat (B)
This morning our local guide will travel with us to Mdina and our visit to St. Paul’s square, the Cathedral and Museum. We continue to Rabat to tour St. Paul’s Church and Grotto where the apostle lived during his 3-month stay on Malta (Acts 28:1-10), after the ship that carried him, Luke and, Aristarchus was shipwrecked here on its way to Rome (Acts 27:39-44). Next, we visit St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Roman villa to see the well-preserved mosaics. In the afternoon we return to the coast for a relaxing cruise on St. Paul’s Bay and (weather permitting) to the island where the famous shipwreck is to have occurred. Here we will view the statue commemorating this great event. Along the way we’ll see San Pawl Milqi, where Paul is said to have baptized the Maltese. Overnight Valetta
Day 4
Ferry to Sicily, Syracuse (B, D)
This morning we embark on a ferry to Pozzallo, Sicily and site of Paul’s arrival en route from Malta (Acts 28:12). Our private tour of the island includes the sites commemorating Paul’s time here and the places where he preached. We visit some of Sicily’s most spectacular archeological sites, with ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Medieval times, including the best preserved Greek temples in the world. Our archeological journey begins at ancient Syracuse and the largest Greek theater in Sicily, the imposing ruins of the Temple of Apollo, and the Altar of Hieron II, the largest altar in all of ancient Greece, measuring 75’ X 650’. We visit the Catacombe di San Giovanni Siracusa and then drive around the base of Mt. Etna to the hillside sea resort of Taormina founded in 734 B.C.,known to be one of the most ancient Greek cities in Italy. Overnight Taormina
Day 5 Taormina Ruins, Winery Visit (B, D)
This morning is free to enjoy the village. Later today we visit the renowned Greek Theater of Taormina built 3rd century B.C. with its spectacular views of the sea and Mt. Etna. And then we’re off to visit a local winery for wine-tasting and regional cuisine. The wines produced at Mt. Etna since the Bronze Age 4-5 Millennia ago are unique and excellent. Overnight Taormina
Day 6
Reggio Calabria, National Museum (B, D)
After breakfast we transfer to the pier to board the ferry for a short ride to Reggio Calabria where Paul crossed to the European continent (Acts 28:13). Upon arrival our tour guide will lead us to the Duomo to view the preserved monument of St. Paul, and then to the Reggio Calabria National Museum to view Italy's iconic Riace Bronzes, discovered in 1972 off the coast of Calabria. These 2,500 year-old ancient Greek statues of warriors are returning to the museum after lengthy restoration work. Overnight Coastal Village
Day 7
Paestum, Pozzuoli (B, L, D)
Today we drive to the Campania region in southern Italy with its gorgeous landscape and olive groves scattered through this sun-baked coast. Today we visit the archeological site of Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 3 of the largest and oldest Greek temples. Afterwards we enjoy a delicious lunch including regional specialties and wine. The next two nights we spent in the picturesque harbor village of Pozzuoli, where Paul landed and stayed for 7-days with his Christian brethren (Acts 28:13-14) before they began their journey along the Appian Way to Rome. Overnight Pozzuoli
Day 8
Roman Amphitheater, Ancient Herculaneum (B, D)
Today we visit the Roman Amphitheater in Pozzuoli where Paul landed when he arrived on the mainland of the “Roman Empire”. We will walk the sea-port and visit the Roman Amphitheater. Next, we visit the ancient site of Herculaneum, a city buried in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD79. Our group meets for a special dinner with local southern Italy specialties and wine from the region. Overnight Pozzuoli
Day 9
Appian Way, Rome (B, L)
This morning we depart for Rome along the Appian Way. We travel north passing along the sites of the Tres Tabernaes (Three Taverns) to the place where Paul met with the Christian brethren and was greatly encouraged (Acts 28:15). Our gorup will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to Rome, Paul’s destination (Acts 28:16). Overnight Rome
Day 10
Rome (B, D)
This morning we enjoy a full day walking tour of Ancient Rome. Our guide will lead us from the Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, and Coliseum to the Pantheon. Along the way we stop to enjoy a refreshing beverage, gelato and lunch. We will also visit two of the most significant shrines in Rome which honor St. Paul; the Church of San Paolo alla Regola and the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Overnight Rome
Day 11
Vatican, Sistine Chapel (B, D)
Today we visit the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and view one of the highest masterpieces of art: the Genesis and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. We visit the Basilica of St. Peter and famous works of art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, completing our tour in St Peter’s Square. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some of the sites of Rome on our own or finish some last-minute shopping! Tonight we enjoy a farewell to Italy dinner. Overnight Rome
Day 12
Departure to USA (B) This morning our group will transfer from our hotel to the Rome airport for our return flight to the U.S.A.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this tour. LT reserves the right to alter itinerary if necessary. Please read our LT Terms and Conditions of Travel including cancellation and change policy.
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours and the historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide such amenities as elevators and ramps for the physically challenged. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
NOT INCLUDED
Gratuities for the professional tour manager, coach driver, local guides; Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; Meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; Personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls.
Cancellation, Interrruption and Medical Insuarnace- to learn more about the benefits of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
Airfare is available from most cities nationwide. Contact LutherTours for prices from your home city or indicate on our reservation form if you would like to be contacted regarding airfare.
CONTACT LUTHERTOURS 1.844.777.1517 TO SELECT TRAVEL DATES FOR YOUR GROUP TOUR