Day 1 – Arrive in Venice / Mestre. You arrive at Venice (Marco Polo) Airport and take a private boat taxi along the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square. You visit the Bell Tower, St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, with an optional glass-blowing demonstration at a Murano factory branch. You spend the night in Mestre.
Day 2 – Mestre, Conegliano, Sacile and Fontanafredda. You start with coffee and fellowship with the leaders of Serenissima Church and the new Conegliano church plant. Lunch is in Sacile, a charming Venetian town, and in the evening you share fellowship and worship with the Serenissima group and local pastors in Fontanafredda. You spend the night in Mestre.
Day 3 – Venice to Bologna via Ferrara. You travel south and stop in Ferrara, a beautifully preserved Renaissance city, before continuing to Bologna, capital of the Emilia-Romagna region. Dinner is included at the hotel or a local restaurant, and you spend the night in Bologna.
Day 4 – Bologna. You explore Piazza Maggiore, the Quadrilatero Market and key medieval and Renaissance landmarks, and visit the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world. In the evening you worship and have fellowship with Nuova Vita Downtown Church, and you can have dinner with locals at your own expense. You spend the night in Bologna.
Day 5 – Bologna to Florence. You visit the Sanctuary of San Luca, which offers panoramic views over Bologna, and travel to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. The highlights include the Duomo and Baptistry, Giotto’s Tower, Pitti Palace, the Accademia with Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery, with Piazzale Michelangelo for city views. There is free time to shop at the San Lorenzo Leather Market or stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. Dinner is at your own expense, and you spend the night in Florence.
Day 6 – Florence, Pisa and Lucca. You make an excursion to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and visit Lucca, a charming walled city with cobbled lanes and elegant piazzas. The evening is free in Florence for personal exploration, with dinner included, and you spend the night in Florence.
Day 7 – Florence, San Gimignano, Siena and Assisi. You attend a Sunday worship service with English translation provided. You then drive through Tuscany’s hill towns, visiting San Gimignano, known for its medieval towers, and Siena, with its stunning cathedral and Piazza del Campo. You continue to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, for dinner and the night.
Day 8 – Perugia. You have a free day in Perugia, the medieval capital of Umbria, to explore its ancient walls, artisan shops and quiet piazzas at leisure. Lunch is not included and dinner is. You spend the night in Assisi.
Day 9 – Assisi. A guided tour of Assisi teaches you about St. Francis and St. Clare, and includes the Basilica of St. Francis and other sacred sites. The afternoon is free for personal reflection or local exploration. Lunch is not included and dinner is, and you spend the night in Assisi.
Day 10 – Assisi to Rome. You have a free morning in Assisi for prayer or relaxation, then transfer to Rome by private coach in the afternoon. Dinner is included, and you spend the night in central Rome.
Day 11 – Rome (Vatican City). You visit the treasures of Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. There is free time in Rome’s city centre for shopping or café visits, and you visit the Catacombs, one of the earliest Christian worship sites. Dinner is at your own expense, and you spend the night in central Rome.
Day 12 – Rome. You take a Reformation Walk Tour and see ancient Rome, including Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. The afternoon is free to explore Rome’s historic churches and landmarks. Dinner is at your own expense, and you spend the night in central Rome.
Day 13 – Rome and departure. You transfer to the airport in the morning for your return flights.
