‍In the Footsteps of Paul: A Faith-Filled Journey Through Italy

Walking in the footsteps of Paul across southern Italy is a journey that offers both beauty and spiritual transformation. I recently traced part of Paul’s final journey recorded in Acts 27 and 28, from his arrival at Syracuse all the way to his imprisonment and martyrdom in Rome. Along the way, I stood where Scripture comes to life, surrounded by some of the most glorious landscapes in the world.

And we’re inviting group leaders to join FTI on the same trip Jan. 26 – Feb. 5, 2026! If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Italy not only for its beauty but for a deeper encounter with your faith, you won’t want to miss this journey.

Here’s what my unforgettable itinerary looked like and what you can look forward to when you join us on this powerful trip.

Day 1 – Arriving in Catania
After a transatlantic flight, I landed in Catania, a city nestled between the Ionian Sea and the towering presence of Mount Etna. Greeted by my knowledgeable tour guide, I was transported straight into a place that has seen centuries of civilizations and faith stories unfold. That evening, after checking in at my hotel, I enjoyed a warm welcome dinner (the freshest pasta and best tiramisu I’ve ever tasted!) where I had time to prepare for the journey that lay ahead.

Day 2 – Paul’s Stop in Syracuse
“And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.” — Acts 28:12

On the second day of the trip, I visited Syracuse, the first Italian city mentioned in Paul’s journey to Rome. This ancient harbor town welcomed Paul as a prisoner en route to his trial – and in that moment, it welcomed me. Standing in the perfectly preserved Greek Theater, I imagined the crowds that once gathered there and considered the power of Paul’s voice preaching grace amidst resistance. I walked through Dionysius’ Ear, a towering cave carved from limestone with astonishing acoustics, then wandered Ortigia, a sun-kissed island that forms the historical heart of Syracuse. There, under soft Mediterranean light, we saw Greek temples that became Christian churches.

In the peaceful presence of the Church of St. Paul and the Temple of Athena-turned-Cathedral, I paused for a moment of prayer, reflecting on how powerful and far-reaching Paul’s witness truly was.

Day 3 – Mount Etna and the Majesty of Creation
“Ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes… have been clearly seen.” — Romans 1:20

Today I visited Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. As my feet crunched over black volcanic rock and I looked out across the Ionian Sea, I was overwhelmed with wonder. The grandeur of the landscape reminded me how small I am, but also, how deeply known I am by the Creator of this beauty.

Later, I followed the coast north along the Cyclopes Promenade to Aci Castello, where a medieval fortress stands boldly on lava rock above the sea. This was the very same sea Paul would have sailed. I stood silently, envisioning him pressing on in his mission, carried by winds and the will of God.

In Taormina, the scenery became almost dreamlike. Terraced gardens overlooked the sea, and alleyways opened into ancient Roman ruins. Walking through the Jewish Quarter and pausing in the Baroque Gardens high above the shoreline. It was a perfect place to stop, pray, and simply be present.

Day 4 – Reggio Calabria and the Call to Witness

I boarded a ferry and crossed the Straits of Messina, imagining Paul’s own arrival here. My next stop was Reggio Calabria, believed to be one of the places he passed through on his way to Rome. In the city’s cathedral, I paused by the burned column said to mark Paul’s presence.

That evening, I continued north to Salerno. As I walked along its waterfront before dinner, I reflected on how Paul’s journey wasn’t convenient or comfortable, but it was filled with purpose. Like Paul, my path may not always be smooth, but faith can steady the way forward.

Day 5 – The Amalfi Coast & Paul’s Landing in Pozzuoli
“From there we came to Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew… we came to Puteoli.” — Acts 28:13

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is nothing short of cinematic. Turquoise waves lapped against steep cliffs, while colorful homes clung precariously to the rocks.

After visiting the historic seaside town of Amalfi, I made my way to Pozzuoli, known in Scripture as Puteoli, the very city where Paul landed on the mainland of Italy. Standing beside that harbor, reading Acts 28 silently to myself, I could feel the gravity of the moment. Paul was so close to Rome… and yet still years from the end of his mission. I found a quiet corner to reflect and journal. It was one of the most spiritually impactful moments of the trip.

Day 6 – Faith, Idolatry, and Unexpected Encounters

In Pozzuoli, I visited the ancient Temple of Serapis and walked to the site of the Pauline plaque. Then in Campi Flegrei, I explored the archaeological remains of Cuma, the oldest Greek colony in Italy, and saw the Temple of Zeus, where people once offered sacrifices to gods made by man. It made Paul’s words in Acts 17 come alive: “We should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone.”

Finally, I visited Pompeii. This city, frozen in time by volcanic ash, was sobering. Yet in its silence, I heard a call to live lives that matter: to build on Christ, the one foundation that stands when everything else crumbles.

Day 7 – Via Appia: Journey Toward Rome
“And the brothers… came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage.” — Acts 28:15

As I made my way to Rome, I traveled a portion of the Via Appia, the same ancient road Paul walked upon entering the capital. I stopped to explore the Archaeological Park along the Via Appia Antica and visited the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. In these underground tunnels, early Christians once worshiped in secret.

That evening, I took a Rome-by-night tour. Watching the Eternal City light up: its fountains, domes, and piazzas glowing beneath the stars. I was awestruck.

Day 8 – Paul’s Final Days and Eternal Legacy

“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance. Amen” — Acts 28:30-31.

The day began in hushed reverence at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where Paul is believed to be buried. I stood near his tomb, surrounded by golden mosaics and ancient silence, and offered a prayer of gratitude. What a gift to experience this moment so close to Paul’s final resting place.

Later, I visited the Tre Fontane Abbey, named for the spot where Paul was martyred, and then explored the Vatican. The grandeur of the Sistine Chapel and the soaring vastness of St. Peter’s Basilica reminded me how the Gospel truly took root in the heart of Rome and spread across the world.

Day 9 – Trials and Triumphs in Rome

Today, I stood in the Mamertine Prison, the place where Paul was likely held before his execution. The air was cool and heavy. It was here, in chains, that he wrote his last letters. Letters that continue to strengthen the church centuries later.

I went on to explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum, places that screamed with power in Paul’s day but now whisper with ruins. The day ended gently, with a walk through Renaissance Rome: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain. Beauty is everywhere in this city.

Day 10 – Heading Home

As I returned home, I carried so much more than photos or souvenirs. I carried a renewed appreciation for Scripture and a deeper connection to Paul’s life.

Join Our FAM Trip!

If you felt inspired while reading this, consider this your invitation. Come walk the cobblestones where Paul walked. Gaze across the waters he sailed. Stand in the cathedrals built in memory of his testimony and let his courage ignite your own.

FTI’s Footsteps of Paul in Italy Tour is a custom-designed, turnkey experience created specifically for pastors, church leaders, and ministry influencers to explore firsthand with the intention of bringing a group back in the future. This familiarization trip allows you to experience every detail as your own groups would: from flights and hand-selected hotels to expert guides, spiritual devotionals, and unforgettable biblical sites. FTI takes care of all the logistics, so when you’re ready to lead your group, your focus can be fully on ministry and spiritual growth.

Register

Interested in traveling with us? You can view the itinerary and cost here. Then, please click to register. (Only one discounted spot per organization, but companions are more than welcome.)

Your journey awaits.