Jesus spent his earthly life in the land of Israel and preached almost entirely to a Jewish audience. Jesus rarely traveled outside a 100-mile radius of where he was born, yet his name and teachings are found in every corner of the earth. Jesus’ disciples, however, traveled to the ends of the earth preaching the gospel. Rome was the imperial city; all roads led to Rome. Italy served as the epicenter of the Roman empire. The Early Church lived, moved, and breathed within this context.
During our journey, we will explore the world of the first few generations of the Church. We will track how the gospel spread to and through the Gentile world and cultures of the first century. We will also enjoy famous modern sites in Italy and learn about the lives and ministry of other saints in the region, such as St. Francis of Assisi.
As new Italy trip dates become available, notification of trip dates and instructions for applying will be sent via email to subscribers of Kristi’s update list. If you have not yet subscribed, Click Here and scroll to the bottom of the page to do so.
Excluding airfare, land fee costs for Italy trips will be posted with the new trip dates. Land fees cover hotels, land travel, group tips, and buffet style breakfasts and dinners. Payments are made in increments, with reminders being sent via email.
Preparing for Your Trip
Italy Series
Kristi’s 7-session Italy Series is recommended to prepare you for your time in the land. You may purchase the audio series here.
Weather Conditions
A couple weeks prior to travel, check a weather app for forecasts in Rome, Pompeii (Naples), and Capri.
Packing Guidelines
Basics
– Pack a change of clothes, as well as necessary medications and toiletries in your carry-on.
– One 50-pound checked bag per person.
Clothing
Pack clothes that can be washed in the sink and hung to dry overnight. Plan to dress in layers. Travel specific, older clothes are recommended. Modesty is required in this culture; please do not bring low-cut shirts, short shorts, or tightfitting clothes.
– Lightweight Hiking Pants – 3 pairs are sufficient, alternating as needed.
– Shirts – 3 long-sleeve, moisture-wicking, lightweight shirts.
– T-shirts/undershirts (no tank tops or sleeveless)
– Jacket and/or waterproof Rain Jacket
– Trail Shoes or Hiking Boots – lightweight and non-slippery; break them in well!
Required Documents
– Passport – the expiration date of your passport must be at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from Italy
– Passport Color Copies – keep these separate from your passport
– Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
– Alternate Picture ID (ex. Driver’s License)
– Emergency Medical Information – keep a document listing any known medical conditions, allergies, medicines, immunizations, insurance, etc. w/ your passport in case of emergency
Other
– Wide brimmed hat for sun protection
– Sunscreen + Chapstick w/ spf
– Small backpack or waist pack to carry daily items.
– Necessary medications + motion sickness prevention such as Sea-Band Acupressure
– Hand Sanitizer or Wet Wipes
– Travel Toilet Paper and/or Kleenex
– Camera w/ extra memory cards, batteries, and/or charging cords
– Cell Phone – check w/ your provider before travel for international plans and rates
– Two or three prong European style 220-volt Adapter
– Sunglasses + back-up pair
– Cushion to sit on at sites
Money
– Debit Cards – ATMs are a convenient way to get money. Check w/ your bank before travel regarding potential international fees.
– Dollar Bills – Many places will accept US dollars. There will be an opportunity to transfer money upon arrival. If you prefer this option, bring $100s or $20s to change.
– Notify your bank and/or credit/debit card companies of your travel dates. Let them know you will be in Italy.
Study Materials
– Small travel Bible or Bible app on phone
– Notebook/Journal
– Pens/Highlighters
– A Study Guide will be provided in the land
Water & Snacks
– Hydration packs such as Camelbaks or refillable water bottles.
– Electrolyte supplements—such as Nuun Sport—that can be added to water.
– Snacks such as protein bars, trail mixes, dried fruit, nut butters, jerky
– Buffet style breakfast and dinner are provided at the hotels. Lunch options range from sampling local foods to eating the snacks you bring with you, depending on the daily schedule.
***If you have a food allergy or sensitivity such as dairy or gluten, please come prepared to supplement your diet when available options do not meet your needs.
Air Travel
– Specifics will be posted once new Italy trip dates are made available.
– If you do not have a preferred travel agent, we recommend Teena Hunt with Direct Travel in Nashville, TN. Kristi has worked with Teena for over twenty years scheduling international flights. Teena can be reached via email at thunt@dt.com or phone at (615) 277-9698 or (615) 327-2720 ext. 3627.
Hotels
Hotel Forum Pompeii (2 nights)
Capri (1 night)
Assisi (1 night)
Grand Hotel Baglioni in Florence (1 night)
Hotel Isola Sacra in Rome (3 nights)
***Hotels subject to change
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart USA
Day 2 – Arrive in Rome; National Museum of Archaeology in Naples
Day 3 – Pompeii + Herculaneum
Day 4 – Ferry to Capri, Hike to Villa Jovis
Day 5 – Winery; Assisi
Day 6 – Florence: Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistery of St. John, Accademia Gallery
Day 7 – Ostia Antica; Rome
Day 8 – Rome: Roman Forum, Arch of Titus, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, St. Clement Basilica, Pantheon, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel
Day 9 – Rome: St. Paolo Alla Regola, Abbey of the Three Fountains, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Catacombs of St. Callisto
Day 10 – Rome to USA
***Not all sites are included above; itinerary is subject to change