Join us for an extraordinary journey through the heart of Italy. We will experience the world-renowned churches and artwork that have inspired Christians for centuries, some tracing their history back to the Apostles Peter and Paul. We also encounter the culture and delectable cuisine for which Italy is famous. As travelers, we deepen our understanding of history, art, and culture, and we better appreciate those who came before us. Travel also helps us to prepare for and contribute to what's next. Travel changes our perspective. We reflect and we grow. As a group, we find fellowship and connection with others, and we meet new friends. You are welcome to be a part of this pilgrimage with us!
- Pastor Blake Rohrer and Pastor Katie Baardseth
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DETAILS:
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The trip departs on September 14, 2026, and returns on September 24, 2026
PRICING:
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$3,990.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited!)
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Single room supplement - $890
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Land-only $3,990.00
- $300 per person with registration to secure space (Space is limited, Small Group Tour)
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Balance due on or before June 20, 2026
REGISTRATION:
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Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies)
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Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
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Download Registration Form
FLIGHTS :
Hotels :
What is included in the tour
- 9 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
- Breakfast and dinner daily (2 nights dinner out)
- Elias Tours expert local guides
- Entrance fee to all sites
- All ground transportation in a private tour bus
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunch
- Gratuities for Local Guide and Driver
- Visa if Applicable
- Airfare
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with "Not Your Average Bus Tour" to Italy! Explore the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Dive into the artistic heritage of Florence, Take a gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals, and uncover the ancient marvels of Rome. This unique journey offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a cultural immersion featuring cooking classes, visits to renowned wineries, and the vibrant local food and art scenes. Join us for an unforgettable experience in these iconic Italian cities!
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**Rome:** - Visit the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests. - Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in Roman history. - Stroll through Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Wander through Trastevere, a charming neighborhood loved by locals, known for its cozy cafes and vibrant atmosphere. - Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Roman cuisine from local chefs. - Attend a local market, such as Mercato di Testaccio.
**Florence:** - Admire the iconic Florence Cathedral, known for its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. Discover the charm of Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops. Savor Tuscan flavors with a food tour through the San Lorenzo Market. - Take a leisurely stroll through Oltrarno, Florence's artstic district, and explore artisan workshops. - Attend a local wine tasting to experience the renowned wines of the region.
**Tuscany:** located in central Italy, is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. It boasts rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque villages. Florence, its capital, is a cradle of the Renaissance, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and the Florence Cathedral. Tuscany is also famous for its wine, particularly Chianti, and its culinary delights, including hearty soups, fresh pasta, and robust cheeses. The region's charming countryside, artistic treasures make it a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.
**Venice:** - Glide along the enchanting canals in a traditional gondola. - Explore St. Mark's Square and marvel at the intricate architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. - Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Doge's Palace. Indulge in authentic Venetian cuisine at a local osteria along the narrow alleys. - Visit the Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and seafood. - Attend a traditional Venetian mask-making workshop to immerse yourself in local craftsmanship.
DAY 1, Sept 14: Departure from USA
Depart today on board your overnight flight to Italy, arriving the following day. enjoy dinner and personalized entertainment.
DAY 2, Sept 15: Arrive in Venice
Our exciting adventure begins as you arrive in Venice. Transfer to your hotel for check-in, relaxation, and dinner. Overnight in Venice.
Day 3, Sept 16: Historic Venice
Enjoy your morning walking tour of Venice Island, beginning with a visit to the Basilica San Marco. Highlights include the Palace of the Doges, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this captivating city on your own. Overnight in Venice.
Day 4, Sept 17: Venice - Pisa - Florence
Today's drive takes you through the serene Tuscan countryside to Pisa for a visit to the famous leaning tower and accompanying Baptistry with its astonishing acoustics. Continue to Florence, the cradle of Renaissance Art and the former stronghold of the famous Medici family. From Botticelli to da Vinci, the city is unsurpassed in art treasures and the story of its history. Proceed to your hotel for an overnight in Florence.
Day 5, Sept 18: Florence
This morning’s sightseeing tour takes you to the Piazza della Signoria where you marvel at the Neptune Fountain, Loggia dei Lanzi, and the Santa Croce Church. Dare to climb the 414 steps of Giotto's Bell Tower? Instead, you may take in the beauty of the golden “Gates of Paradise” of St. John’s Baptistry. The highlight of the day is a visit to the Academy of Fine Arts to see Michelangelo's David, a true masterpiece. Your afternoon is free to wander and shop. Overnight in Florence.
Day 6, Sept 19: Florence - Visit a Vineyard - Wine Tasting - Assisi
This morning’s drive along the Chianti Hills, passing by Trasimeno Lake, leads you to the green region of Umbria to reach Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. See the Basilica of St. Francis, medieval frescoes by Giotto on the life of St. Francis, and visit the Basilicas of St. Clare and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
DAY 7, Sept 20: Assisi - Rome - The Colosseum
Today we depart Assisi and drive approx. 3 hours to reach Rome. The ancient Romans referred to Rome as Caput Mundi – the head of the world. As the center of the Roman Republic and then the Empire, Rome witnessed 1,000 years of one of the greatest civilizations in the world. Evidence of the glory of ancient Rome and the Italian Renaissance can be seen throughout the historical center. This afternoon we will follow our local guide and explore the famous Colosseum – the largest ancient amphitheater in the world and the site of countless gladiator games. Continue to the Roman Forum, the administrative capital of the Empire and the site of some of the most famous speeches in history by the likes of Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, and Cicero. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight
DAY 8, Sept 21: Rome - The Vatican Museum - Cooking Class
Your sightseeing tour this morning takes you to Vatican City (Optional) including visits to the Vatican Museum & Gallery and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's restored frescoes. End your morning tour at the Basilica of St. Peter. After a break for lunch, we bus to the Ancient Appian Way. On foot, we can proceed along a segment of this Roman Road, where Paul encountered Roman Christians who heard he was coming (as recorded in Acts 28:11-16). On the way back to Rome, we visit the Catacombs (the Christian cemetery) developed in the mid-third century AD. We again board our bus and continue the program with a visit to the Tre Fontane Abbey, where Paul was beheaded by order of Emperor Nero. We will see the cell where Paul was held the night before his execution, and we will be able to walk down the road that the apostle would have taken from the cell to the site of his beheading. Continue to the Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls where the body of the apostle was buried after he was beheaded. This is the man responsible for carrying the Catholic faith to the Gentiles, who wrote much of the New Testament, the man famous for having poured out his life for Christ! Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9, Sept 22: Rome
Today, visit the "centro storico" We start at Navona Square, then proceed to the Pantheon and to the Trevi Fountain. Afternoon, continue your exploration of Rome on your own. Time for personal devotion, sampling the famous Roman cuisine, shopping, and walking the famous Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
DAY 10, Sept 23: Rome
Morning at leisure to visit other museums, such as the Galleria Borghese, Palazzo Massimo, or Palazzo Colonna. This afternoon, go to the Trastevere neighborhood, which is across the Tiber River from Rome's historic center and is one of Rome's oldest residential areas with narrow, cobbled streets, medieval-era dwellings, as well as shops and cafes. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
DAY 11, Sept 25: Depart Rome for USA
Bid farewell to Rome as you board your return flight to the USA, arriving the same day.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
