Italy with Barbara Walden, Peter Smith, & Michael Wright and the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation | Oct. 4, 2024
Join Barbara Walden, Peter Smith, & Michael Wright with the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation on a tour of Italy starting at $5,399* from New York on October 4, 2024. You will see Rome, Augustus’ Altar of Peace or Ara Pacis, explore the Eternal City independently, Piazza del Popolo, the Vatican, Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, Subiaco, the 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery, Tivoli, walking tour of Assisi, the Basilica of St. Francis, Florence, the Accademia, Duomo and its baptistery, the Museum of the Works of the Cathedral, featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and Donatello, Pisa, Pinerolo, and much more!
What’s Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Entrance and Program Fees
- First Class Hotels
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Guided Tours
- Hotel Gratuities
- International Airfare from NY
- Administrative Fee
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 October 4 - Depart from the USA
Depart from the USA
Day 2 October 5 - Arrive in Rome
Arrive at the airport in Rome and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon walk to St. Peter’s Square with local church member Michael Wright, who will orient you and lead the group in singing hymns in St. Peter’s Square.
Day 3 October 6 - Rome
Start the day with a worship and communion service. Today, you’ll explore the differences between the Empire’s efforts for peace (Pax Romana) and Christ’s peace (Pax Christi) by visiting Augustus’ Altar of Peace or Ara Pacis. After a traditional kosher lunch, we’ll explore the history of Rome’s Jewish Quarter.
Day 4 October 7 - Rome
Indulge in a leisurely morning exploring the Eternal City independently. In the afternoon, embark on a pilgrimage-themed walking tour with a local art historian, beginning at Piazza del Popolo, the historic entry point for early Christians, to discover sacred sites throughout Rome.
Day 5 October 8 - The Vatican
Today we’ll explore the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with an art historian. Uncover the museum’s 16th-century origins, revealing its powerful mission of witnessing creation’s beauty and evangelizing through art.
Day 6 October 9 - Subiaco and Tivoli
This morning, depart Rome and travel to Subiaco to explore early Western monasticism. Enjoy a guided visit to the 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery, Sacro Speco, and learn also about how Benedict developed the ideas for the Order. You will hear about the monastery of Santa Scholastica, the sister monastery that was built 500 years earlier. Participate in a devotional before continuing to Tivoli for lunch and finally arrive in Assisi this evening.
Day 7 October 10 - Assisi
This morning, we’ll celebrate in a worship service in the City of Peace. Then, enjoy a walking tour of Assisi, including the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and other Franciscan sites, sharing his story and St. Clare’s. After lunch, travel to Florence and check into your hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own.
Day 8 October 11 - Florence
Embark on a journey through faith and art with a local art historian, tracing the evolution from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Explore iconic sites like the Accademia, Duomo and its baptistry, and the Museum of the Works of the Cathedral, featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and Donatello. Then, savor free time in the afternoon and evening.
Day 9 October 12 - Pisa and Pinerolo
Today, discover Pisa’s unique blend of Islamic influences in Medieval Christian architecture. Visit the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, the Baptistry, and see the iconic Leaning Tower. After lunch, venture to the Waldensian Valleys near Turin, the cradle of Italian Protestantism and the Restoration movement’s introduction to Italy.
Day 10 October 13 - Torre Pellice
Participate in morning worship at the Waldensian Community’s headquarters near Mount Vandelino, also known as Mount Brigham after Brigham Young. Explore the village independently, then delve into the Waldensian Museum in the afternoon to unravel the history of this once-oppressed religious minority. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner featuring a talk on John Avondet, Italy’s first Missionary of the Reorganization, who originated from these valleys.
Day 11 October 14 - Return to the USA
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Enhance Your Journey
Amalfi Coast Pre-Tour Starting from $1848
Sept. 30 - Oct. 5, 2024 Starting at $1,848*
September 30 - Depart the USA
October 1 - Sorrento
Travel to Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s summer residence. The Romans also preferred this area in the summer to get out of the heat. Enjoy the incredible beauty of this region as your bus travels to Sorrento. You will be in awe of the dramatic cliff-top drive that leads to your hotel. During your three-night stay, you’ll have time to discover the colorful ambiance of this delightful town and enjoy the view of Mount Vesuvius.
October 2 - Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is considered to be one of Italy’s finest! You will be enchanted by the rich hues of the blue-green sea, the tiny mystical islands, and the pastel-colored cottages gathered around tiny harbors! Have your camera ready to capture one breathtaking view after another! Snap a photo of the famous village of Positano, which has graced a thousand postcards and charmed at least three generations of travelers. Visit the town of Amalfi; it is a must-see for every visitor! A glorious maritime republic from the 9th to 12th centuries, the town is famous as the place where the compass was invented and boasts a splendid Duomo in Arab-Norman style. Time permitting, you’ll stop at the village of Vietri Sul Mar, home of Amalfi Coast ceramic factories, which produce the colorful tiles that decorate every church tower in the area.
October 3 - Capri
Enjoy a boat ride to the lovely Isle of Capri, which has enticed visitors for thousands of years. Today, you will have the opportunity to savor its beauty and be captivated by the fabulous views and elegant shops.
October 4 - Pompeii
You will visit the spectacular ruins of Pompeii, which were covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city remained buried and undiscovered for almost 1,500 years until 1748. Excavations continue today and provide insight into life during the Roman Empire. Continue to the Rome area for dinner and your overnight stay.
October 5 - Join up with the arriving group in Rome (Day two of basic tour).
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.
Switzerland Post- Tour Starting from $2398
Oct. 14 - 19, 2024 Starting at $2,398*
October 14 - Matterhorn and Zermatt
Travel to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Take the incline Railway to the top and then return down to Zermatt for your hotel stay. (B, D)
October 15 - Day on your own in Zermatt
Today is yours to explore and experience Zermatt. Relax, shop or transverse one of the many hiking trails on your own. (B)
October 16 - Interlaken to Lucerne
This morning, travel to Interlaken, the heart of Switzerland, surrounded by the towering nearby peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch. Enjoy free time to wander, shop, and explore this town between two lakes. Travel across incredible Swiss mountain ranges, catch glimpses of glaciers, and travel through breathtaking mountains. This afternoon, travel to Lucerne. (B, D)
October 17 - Day tour of Lucerne
Tour beautiful Lucerne today. The 14th-century city wall, boasting nine different watchtowers, is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe. The colorful painted panels of Lucerne’s famous wooden Kappel Bridge depict the city’s history. See the twin-towered Jesuit Church, one of Switzerland's most handsome baroque buildings. We will also view the sad and famous Lion Monument of Lucerne, which Mark Twain called the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world. (B, D)
October 18 - Zurich
This morning, travel to Zurich. Zurich was home to Huldrich Zwingli, a contemporary of Luther and Calvin, who led the call for Reformation. Zwingli served as the Grossmunster (Great Church) pastor in the 1520s. Two other churches here deserve attention. The Fraumunster (Our Lady’s Church) has portions of architecture dating to the 13th century and boasts stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Finally, St. Peter’s Church has the largest church clockface in the world. Check in to your hotel for overnight. (B, D)
October 19 - Return to the USA
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
*A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.
Departure Dates
-
Friday, October 4, 2024From $5399* Register Now!