The day has arrived, and we depart on an overnight journey from Boston (BOS) to Italy.
Welcome to the Mediterranean island of Malta, where the Apostle Paul made an unexpected visit during his voyage to Rome and performed healing miracles for the islanders through the Spirit of God. A guide will greet you upon arrival, and you will transfer to your hotel. Overnight Malta. The Victoria Hotel or similar. D.
After breakfast, we have a full day excursion to Medina and Rabat. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean Sea at St. Paulâs Bay and see the site traditional of Paulâs shipwreck. Be amazed at the grandeur of the 19th century Rotunda of Mosta, a marvelous display of Maltese architecture. Tour the famous St. Paulâs Church, the 17th century place of worship in the village of Rabat, built atop the Apostle Paulâs Grotto. The last stop of the day will be the Catacombs of St. Paul, a fascinating labyrinth of 3rd century subterranean tombs which provides the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. We will also travel back in time and visit the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Megalithic Temples. Overnight Malta. The Victoria Hotel or similar. B, D.
Today we enjoy a guided walk of Valletta including stops outside the Maltese Parliament Building, and the City Gate which make up part of the Valletta Project, designed by the Italian architect, Renzo Piano. We also visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens with stunning views overlooking the Grand Harbour, the Auberge de Castille (exterior views only), Domus Pauli (entrance included), St.Paulâs Shipwreck Church (entrance included) and St. John Ìs Cathedral (entrance included). The group will also visit the Grand Harbour by boat. Overnight Malta. The Victoria Hotel or similar. B, D.
This morning, we will transfer to the airport in Malta and board our flight to Catania (CTA), in Sicily. Upon arrival we will be met by our Tour Manager. We will drive north to the Cyclopes Promenade. We visit Aci Castello, a medieval castle and fortress built on a block of lava by the sea. It overlooks the marine route that the apostle Paul once took. Overnight Catania area. Four Points by Sheraton or similar. D.
After breakfast we drive south to the ancient city of Syracuse, which was visited by Paul â as recounted by Acts 28:11-13. Paul stayed in Syracuse for three days. We will visit the remains from the time of his stay, including the Roman theater, Dionysiusâ Ear (a unique acoustic chamber where we can worship together), the ancient temple of Athena, which was turned into a church, and the Jewish quarter on the peninsula of Syracuse with its ancient tombstones and Jewish ritual bath. At the end of the day, we will worship together at the open-air church of St. John the Baptist. Overnight Catania area. Four Points by Sheraton or similar. B, D.
This morning we drive to Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe. We will walk along the Silvestri Craters and view streams of lava. We will enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole coastal plain and sea, which will aid us in understanding the topography of Paulâs final journey to Rome. We will visit Taormina, the wealthiest town in Sicily during Paulâs time. Here we will walk the ancient streets and see gymnasium, the Jewish quarter, and the city gardens. We will make our way to Messina, where we will take the night ferry to Salerno. Overnight aboard ferry. B, D.
This morning, we will arrive in Salerno. We will drive along the scenic Costa Amalfitana Road to the Crusader town of Amalfi. We will learn about the ancient Italians and their connection to the Holy Land. We will visit Pompeii, the perfectly preserved Roman city which was buried under streams of lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. We will continue to Pozzuoli where Paul once landed. Overnight Pozzuoli area. Hotel Serapide or similar. D.
Paul spent an entire week in Pozzuoli, and we will see some places that he may have visited. We will visit Rione Terra, the harbor where he landed, along with the Serapis Temple. 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, learning more about Paulâs struggle against pagan deities. We will also visit the hot springs of Villa del Baia, where Paulâs friends may have cared for him. Overnight Pozzuoli area. Hotel Serapide or similar. B, D.
Today we drive north towards Rome along the Via Appia. We will stop at the Forum Appius (Acts 28:15). Afterward, we will proceed to the archaeological park of Via Appia Antica and visit the San Sebastiano. We will check into our hotel in Rome. After dinner we will enjoy a Rome-by-night tour. Overnight Rome. Hotel Colombo or similar. B, D.
This morning we will visit the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, which houses Paulâs Tomb. We will also visit the Tre Fontane Abbey, the traditional place of Paulâs death. In the afternoon we will visit Vatican City, to include St. Peterâs Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Hotel Colombo or similar. Overnight Rome. B, D.
Today we visit the Colosseum, where some early Christians were martyred for their faith. We will also visit the nearby Arch of Titus and the Roman Forum. We will make our way to the Mamertine Prison, where according to tradition Paul spent his final days and penned the epistles to the Ephesians, the Colossians, and the Philippians. We will explore the beauties of Renaissance Rome, including the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. Your flight home from Rome may depart either late tonight or tomorrow. If tomorrow and an overnight is required, overnight Rome. Hotel Colombo or similar. B, D.
Your flight home may depart either the previous night or today. If today and time permits, breakfast is included today. Later today, you will arrive back in Boston (BOS).
