Italy
Footsteps of Paul Familiarization Trip
Jan. 26 - Feb. 5, 2026
This familiarization trip guides you on a profound spiritual journey from Sicily to mainland Italy, offering a chance to reflect on Paul’s legacy and the spread of Christianity. As you explore Paul’s journey and the lasting impact of his mission as described in Acts, you’ll prepare to lead future groups on this transformative experience.
FAM Price: $1849*
If you return with your own group of 15+ by the end of 2027, a credit of $1849* will be applied to your trip.
Companion Price: $3299*
*The price is per person, based on a minimum of 20 passengers, double occupancy. The single supplement is $400, subject to availability.
Only one FAM rate available per organization.
Highlights
- Syracuse: Visit the ancient Sicilian city where Paul rested, including the impressive theater and Dionysius' Ear.
- Mount Etna: Experience Europe's most active volcano and the surrounding breathtaking landscapes.
- Paul’s Legacy in Reggio Calabria: See the Cathedral and the burned column marking Paul’s significant stop.
- Pompeii & Ancient Sites: Explore Pompeii and other historical sites reflecting Paul’s encounters with pagan deities.
- Rome’s Iconic Sites: Visit St. Paul’s Basilica, the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and more.
Itinerary
January 26, 2026: Depart from the US
Day 1, January 27, 2026: Catania
Your journey begins with an arrival at Catania Airport, where your guide will meet and assist you to the bus. After settling into your hotel in Catania, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2, January 28, 2026: Catania & Syracuse
In the morning, we’ll travel to the ancient city of Syracuse, where Paul rested for three days during his voyage. Discover the impressive ancient theater and the acoustics of Dionysius' Ear. Explore Ortigia, the ancient harbor, and visit the church of St. Paul, house of Archimedes and Temple of Athena that was turned into a Church. After returning to Catania for the evening, you'll have a chance to reflect on Paul’s impact in this historical city. (B,D)
Day 3, January 29, 2026: Mount Etna & Taormina
Venture to Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Ionian Sea. Next, we’ll drive north along the Cyclopes Promenade to Aci Castello, a fortress built on lava rock that overlooks the very sea route Paul traveled. Later, we’ll continue to the ancient city of Taormina. Explore the Roman Odeon, the Gymnasium, the Jewish quarter, and the Baroque Gardens before returning to Catania for a restful night. (B,D)
Day 4, January 30, 2026: Reggio Calabria & Salerno
After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic ferry ride across the Straits of Messina to Reggio Calabria. This is believed to be the city where Paul made a significant stop. Visit the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria to see the burned column marking Paul’s legacy. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing our journey to Salerno for the night. (B,D)
Day 5, January 31, 2026: Amalfi Coast & Pozzuoli
Travel along the stunning Amalfi Coast to the Crusader town of Amalfi, learning about Italy’s connection to the Holy Land and Paul's legacy. Enjoy free time in Amalfi before heading to Pozzuoli, where Paul landed on the Italian mainland (Acts 28:13). Enjoy some free time at leisure and spend the night in this historic coastal town. (B,D)
Day 6, February 1, 2026: Pozzuoli & Campi Flegrei & Pompei
Explore the sites that Paul might have visited in Pozzuoli, including the harbor and the Pauline Plaque. After a short walk, we will reach the Serapis Temple. We’ll also visit the Cuma Archaeological Park and the Temple of Zeus (Acts 14:12), reflecting on Paul’s encounters with pagan deities. Then, continue to Pompeii, the ancient city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Return to Pozzuoli for a peaceful evening. (B,D)
Day 7, February 2, 2026: Rome
Today, we make our way to Rome, stopping along the Via Appia, where Paul was greeted by fellow Christians (Acts 28:15). Explore the archaeological park of Via Appia Antica and the catacombs of San Sebastiano. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy dinner on your own before a group Rome-by-night tour that reveals the beauty of this historic city. (B)
Day 8, February 3, 2026: Rome
Begin your exploration of Rome with a visit to St. Paul’s Basilica, where Paul’s tomb lies. Next, head to the Tre Fontaine Abbey, the traditional site of Paul’s death. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Vatican City, including the Vatican Museum and St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. At night, have free time for dinner on your own. (B)
Day 9, February 4, 2026: Rome
Explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Mamertine Prison, where Paul was held in isolation. Reflect on Paul’s writings, written during his imprisonment, before continuing your discovery of Renaissance Rome with visits to Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Then, enjoy dinner on your own. (B)
Day 10, February 5, 2026: Return to US
Check out and transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)
Please note: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary if airline schedule changes or other circumstances dictate. In all cases, however, we’ll try to preserve the quality of what is presented in text.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip flights from DC
- Accommodations for 9 nights
- Meals as specified in itinerary (B=breakfast, D=dinner)
- Transfers as specified
- Bus transportation
- Whispers set for guided tours
- Local English-speaking guide
- Tours & entrance fees per itinerary
Exclusions
- Tips not included
- Meals not mentioned
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Bottled & canned drinks
