Today we depart the US on an overnight journey to Italy. Flights from the NYC area are included in the cost of the trip, but Christian Expedition can also arrange flights for you from your local, non-NYC-area airport, subject to an additional cost.

Today we arrive in Italy at Catania Airport (CTA). Time permitting, we will visit Aci Castello, a Medieval Castle built on a block of lava, next to the sea. From here we will overlook the marine route that the Apostle Paul took on his final recorded journey to Rome. Overnight Catania area. Hotel Orizzonte Acireale or similar. D.

Today we drive south to the ancient city of Syracuse. We will enjoy a guided tour of this Sicilian city where Paul rested for three days during his voyage to Rome (Acts 28:11-13). Visit the ancient theatre and the acoustic complex of Dionysius’ Ear. We proceed to Ortigia, the walled peninsula upon which the ancient harbor of Syracuse was built. We visit the church of St Paul (dedicated to Paul’s visit to Syracuse), the house of Archimedes and the Temple of Athena which was turned into a Church. We visit the Jewish quarter on the peninsula of Syracuse with its ancient tombstones and Jewish ritual bath. Overnight Catania area. Hotel Orizzonte Acireale or similar. B, D.

Today we drive up Mt Etna to visit the largest volcano in Europe. We drive across villages surrounded by frozen lava streams to Etnea Zafferana, and arrive at Rifugio Sapienza. From here we walk along the Silvestri Craters to view streams of lava and enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole coastal plain and the sea— gaining a deeper understanding of the topography of Paul’s journey and enjoying panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Catania plain. We drive to Taormina, the wealthiest town in Sicily at Paul’s time. We walk along the ancient streets and visit the gymnasium, the Roman Odeon, the Jewish quarter and the Baroque city gardens. Overnight Catania area. Hotel Orizzonte Acireale or similar. B, D.

This morning we depart our hotel early, and take a ferry across the straits of Messina, to mainland Italy. We will visit Reggio Calabria, which is the location of biblical Rhegium, where Paul stopped (Acts 28:13-14). We will visit the  Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and see the “Burnt Column” housed there, which is traditionally associated with a miracle of the Apostle Paul. Overnight Salerno. Hotel Polo Nautico or similar. B, D.

Today we drive along the scenic Costa Amalfitana road to the Crusader town of Amalfi. In the afternoon we continue to Pompei, a nearly perfectly preserved Roman city buried under lava streams from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. We continue to Pozzuoli, the place where Paul first arrived on the Italian mainland during his final recorded journey to Rome (Acts 28:13). Overnight Pozzuoli area. Hotel Agave or similar. B, D.

Paul spent an entire week in Pozzuoli, and we will experience some of the places he may have visited. We will make our way to Rione Terra: the harbor where Paul landed and where today there is a plaque honoring him. After a short walk, we will reach the Serapis Temple. Then, we will drive to the Cuma archaeological park, home of the Cumean Sibyl, the Latin equivalent of the Delphic Pythia, and the Temple of Zeus.  We will also visit the hot springs area of Villa del Baia, where Paul’s friends may have cared for him. Overnight Pozzuoli area. Hotel Agave or similar. B, D.

Today, we will drive north towards Rome. The first stop will be at Forum Appius (Acts 28:15). Then, we will proceed to the archaeological park of Via Appia Antica and visit the catacombs of San Sebastiano. Upon arrival in Rome we will have free time for dinner (not included), followed by a Rome-by-night tour. Overnight Rome. Hotel American Palace or similar. B.

We will start our morning with a visit to the Papal Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, which is significant for housing Paul’s tomb. We will also tour the Tre Fontaine Abbey, the traditional place of Paul’s martyrdom. In the afternoon we will visit Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum, which houses the Sistine Chapel. Overnight Rome. Hotel American Palace or similar. B.

Today we visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, before moving on to the Mamertine Prison, where Paul was once imprisoned. We will visit the Church of  St. Paul Within the Walls and explore some of Rome’s most well-known attractions: the Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon (external views only.) Overnight Rome. Hotel American Palace or similar. B.

This morning you will make your way to the airport and begin your journey home. If time allows, breakfast is included today. Later today you will arrive back in the United States. Flights to the NYC area are included in the cost of the trip, but Christian Expedition can also arrange flights for you to your local, non-NYC-area airport, subject to an additional cost.