Italy, with its legendary cities, is bursting with so much dazzling art, architecture, history, and delectable food that it simply must have its own in-depth tour! Immerse yourself in the sites and spirit of early Christian history balanced with picture-perfect piazzas, Italian culture, and world-famous sculptures and frescoes at every turn. Even attend an optional Rome Temple session! So much to see and experience gratifying everyone’s interests.
Places Visited
Days 1 & 2: Fly to Rome, Italy
Day 1 – Relax on an overnight flight to Rome arriving in the morning of Day 2.
Benvenuti in Italia–Welcome to Italy! Soak up over 2,000 years of history in Imperial Rome, viewing & learning details of the Arch of Constantine and the Arch of Titus. Marvel while touring the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire. Stop at the ruins of the Forum, once the setting of parades, elections, and trials. Pass by Palatine Hill to see Circus Maximus, the stadium where ancient Romans raced chariots, and the Baths of Caracalla. Flight arrives mid-morning; lunch on own, dinner included.
Days 3,4,5: Rome & Temple
For THREE days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the amazing sites in & around Rome. Visit the intriguing underground Catacombs. Enjoy the Vatican, home to one of the greatest museums in the world! Enter the immense St Peter’s Basilica and Sistine Chapel to view Michelangelo’s frescoes which have been restored to their full, colorful glory. Stop at the famous Trevi Fountain, follow the tradition of tossing a coin over your shoulder to “guarantee” your return visit to this amazing city! Top off one day with an entertaining & delicious Italian opera dinner show. Visit the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Paul’s grave. Stop by Mamertine Prison—traditional site where both Peter and Paul were held prisoner. Savor every moment in the new Rome Temple during a session and time to explore the fabulous visitor’s center with its stunning Carrara Marble laser-precise, stunning replicas of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus & the Twelve Apostles.
APRIL 2024 tour: Tivoli day-trip, the city of fountains–visit Villa d’Este gardens with its famous fountains and picturesque walks.
NOV 2024 tour: Olive farm harvest activity & country-side lunch with the owner of an olive grove (weather permitting).
Breakfast & either lunch or dinner included, each day.
Days 6, 7, 8: Florence, Tuscany
Experience Florence the best way, by a walking tour! Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Il Duomo is the third largest church in the world. Cross another iconic landmark, Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence not destroyed during World War II (well-known today for its abundance of jewelry shops that can be found on the bridge!). At the Accademia Gallery see Michelangelo’s world-famous David statue along with a vast collection of artwork. Don’t miss panoramic views of the city in Piazzale Michelangelo and be sure to devour some gelato (several times!). Enjoy a day-trip to Tuscany for breathtaking views and picture-perfect culture.
Breakfast & either lunch or dinner included, each day.
Day 9: Carrara, Pisa
Carrara is famous for some of the world’s finest marble, used by sculptors from Michelangelo to Henry Moore. With our local contact’s exclusive access, travel in jeeps to the mountain tops for magnificent views from the quarry. See marble carving demonstrations and stunning projects at various stages of completion!
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. Already tilting when it was completed in 1372, it is the bell tower of the Romanesque cathedral Piazza dei Miracoli. Also in the piazza is the Baptistry whose renowned acoustics are demonstrated daily by amateur singers, and the Caposanto Monumentale cemetery. Before leaving be sure to try the local delicacy, a chickpea flour bread called cecina. Breakfast & lunch included.
Day 10: Venice
The romantic city of Venice was originally built on 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea. Complete your visit with a gondola ride (optional, own expense) in one of the many charming canals. At Piazza San Marco find a range of Byzantine mosaics, the intricately fascinating Campanile bell, and stunning St. Mark’s Basilica. Breakfast & lunch included.
Day 11: Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera coastline. Enjoy a delightful boat ride while exploring its colorful houses, steep vineyard terraces, and harbors. Trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the region’s famous sauce, pesto. Breakfast & lunch included.
Day 12: Florence
Florence free time. Fill the day with sites, food, souvenirs or activities as you wish – or simply relax the day away as the tour reaches its end. Breakfast & dinner included. Return to Rome for lodging convenient to tomorrow’s flights home.
Day 13: Flights home
Say, “Ciao, Italy,” as we embark on return flights home, inspired and buoyed up in faith.
Our Art History specialists for these fabulous events will educate & inspire appreciation for this world-famous art.
APRIL 2024: Art expert Rob Eberly has 20+ years of experience teaching art history, including AP Art History to hundreds of students for over 11 years. He sits as the Art Chairperson at a Salt Lake area high school. You are sure to love his teaching style and enthusiasm for all things art-related, throughout the tour.
NOV 2024: Art expert Jeremy Petersen is an engaging teacher and museum expert with 20+ years teaching and tour leader experience in the US and Europe. He was selected by the BYU Department of Education as the 2020 Art Educator of the Year! His students thrive under his tutelage–and you will, too.
Either way, our art-history experts’ teachings and faith offer immense understanding and appreciation for these sites and for the incredibly inspiring art we will view and adore along our way.