In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul
A Pilgrimage to Italy
12 Days / 10 Nights
Follow the spiritual journey of the Apostle Paul as you travel through Italy on this 12-day pilgrimage. From the rich cultural heritage of Sicily to the ancient ruins of Rome, this tour offers a profound connection to the early Christian church and Paul’s missionary journey.
Tour Highlights
Tour Inclusions
Tour Exclusions
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Departure to Palermo, Italy
Begin your pilgrimage with an overnight flight to Palermo, Italy, ready to explore the historical sites connected to the Apostle Paul.
Day 2: Palermo
Arrive in Palermo and meet your Sacred Travel Paths Tour Guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring Palermo’s vibrant streets or relaxing. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and an overnight stay in Palermo.
Day 3: Palermo, Monreale
After breakfast, embark on a tour of Palermo, Sicily’s cultural capital. Visit San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Quattro Canti, Palatine Chapel, and the Cathedral. In the afternoon, drive to Monreale to explore the Benedictine Abbey with its splendid mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Return to Palermo for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Agrigento
Travel to Agrigento, an ancient city on the southern coast of Sicily. Visit the Valle dei Templi, home to seven monumental Greek temples from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C., including the largest Doric temple in the world, the Temple of Jupiter. Explore Santa Maria della Catena, known for its Renaissance and Gothic styles. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Agrigento.
Day 5: Syracuse, Taormina
Drive along the Mediterranean coast to Syracuse, a 2,700-year-old city where Paul entered Sicily en route to Rome. Visit the Cathedral, housing the Madonna della Neve statue, and the Roman Amphitheatre with the famous Ear of Dionysius. Continue around Mt. Etna to Taormina, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner and overnight stay in Taormina.
Day 6: Taormina
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient Greek Theatre in Taormina, one of Sicily’s chief glories. This magnificent site offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring Taormina’s charming streets, vibrant markets, and exquisite boutiques for additional sightseeing or shopping.
Day 7: Paestum / Sorrento
Take a ferry across the Strait of Messina to Calabria, then travel to Paestum, known for its painted tombs and Greek temples. Continue to Salerno, a city with a rich history, and then to Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Dinner and overnight stay in Sorrento.
Day 8: Pompeii
Explore the ruins of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Walk through the preserved streets, houses, shops, and temples to experience what Paul might have seen in his time. Return to Sorrento for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Naples, Puteoli
Travel north past Naples to Pozzuoli (Puteoli), where Paul stayed before heading to Rome. Visit Minturno, known for its Roman ruins, and continue along the Appian Way, following the same route Paul took to Rome. Arrive in Rome for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Rome
Visit Vatican City and the Vatican Museum, home to some of the world’s most important art collections, including the Tapestry Gallery, Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Christian church in the world. In the afternoon, visit St. John Lateran and the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, and see the Holy Steps. Dinner and overnight stay in Rome.
Day 11: Rome
Delve into ancient Rome’s past, beginning with a visit to Trajan’s Column, a remarkable monument celebrating Emperor Trajan’s victories. Stroll along Via dei Fori Imperiali, lined with the remains of ancient forums, and ascend Capitoline Hill for panoramic views of the Roman Forum. Explore Palatine Hill, the cradle of Rome’s earliest history, and see the ruins of the Imperial Palaces and the majestic Arch of Constantine. End the day with a tour of the iconic Roman Colosseum, the ultimate symbol of Imperial Rome, where gladiators once fought. Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner featuring traditional Roman cuisine, followed by an overnight stay in Rome, reflecting on the rich history and vibrant culture experienced throughout the pilgrimage.
Day 12: Depart for Home
Reflect on the holy places and experiences of your pilgrimage as you prepare to return to the USA. Depart from your hotel to the Rome airport, carrying with you cherished memories and a renewed faith.
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