Registration opens on April 22, 2025
*******************
DETAILS:
-
The trip departs on June 18, 2026, and returns on June 30, 2026
PRICING:
Note: we will have airfare pricing starting in August - at this time, please register as land-only to secure your spot and we will update you soon.
-
$4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited!)
-
Single room supplement - $1,390
-
Land-only $4,890.00
-
Balance due on or before February 18, 2026
- $300 per person with registration to secure space (space is limited, small group tour)
REGISTRATION:
-
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)
-
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) a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
FLIGHTS:
Hotels :
What is included in the tour
-
Accommodation: 11 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
-
Meals:
-
Daily breakfast
-
2 of the 4 dinners in Rome (2 on your own)
-
1 lunch in Rome
-
4 dinners at the hotel in Tuscany
-
1 dinner at the hotel in Florence
-
2 dinners at the hotel in Venice
-
-
Wine Tasting & Lunch: A delightful wine-tasting experience paired with a traditional lunch in Tuscany
-
Cooking Class: Hands-on cooking class in Tuscany to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine
-
City Taxes: All city taxes are included for your convenience
-
Local Expertise: Elias Tours expert local guides throughout your journey
-
Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to the attractions and historical sites
-
Transportation: All ground transportation via a private, comfortable tour bus
What is NOT included in the tour
- Gratuities for Local Guide and Driver
- Lunches (except 1 in Rome)
- 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.
Explore the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Uncover the ancient marvels of Rome, dive into the artistic heritage of Florence, and take a gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. This unique journey offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a cultural immersion featuring cooking classes, visits to renowned wineries, and vibrant local food and art scenes. It is an opportunity to grow in fellowship with others from your church while you share once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Join us for an unforgettable experience in these iconic Italian cities!
**********************
**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. - Wander through the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. - 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, Jun 18: Departure from the USA
Depart today on board your overnight transatlantic flight to Rome, arriving the following day. En route,
enjoy dinner and personalized entertainment.
Day 2, Jun 19: Arrival in Rome ( St. Paul + Catacombs )
We arrive in Rome in the morning and are greeted at the airport by our English-speaking tour guide, who
will accompany us during the pilgrimage.., the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. & Catacombs of
St.Sebastian Continue to the hotel, check-in – Dinner and overnight.
Day 3, Jun 20: Rome - Ancient Rome + Colosseum.
After breakfast, visit the Roman Forum & visit Colosseum. back to the hotel and free
afternoon ( Dinner on your Own )
Day 4, Jun 21: Rome - Vatican - Fountains & Squares
After Breakfast drive to Vatican Area, Free time Worship. Afternoon drive to the city center “centro
storico” for an afternoon tour of the most beautiful monuments of Rome. We will see
the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Navona Square with the Bernini’s fountain of the four
rivers. Enjoy time at leisure for shopping. back to Hotel & Dinner
Day 5, Jun 22: Rome – Vatican Museum
Breakfast , Visit the Vatican Museum and back to the hotel , Free Day , ( Dinner on your Own )
Day 6, Jun 23: Rome – Assisi – Tuscany
Depart Rome after breakfast to Assisi, arrive and visit the Basilica of St. Clare, the first and most important
heroine of the Franciscan movement. On foot, we will reach the Basilica of St. Francis and continue driving
toward Tuscany. In the late afternoon, we reach our villa-style hotel in the heart of Tuscany, where we will spend
the next 4 nights. Check-in –Dinner and overnight.
Day 7, Jun 24: Tuscany - Siena - Cooking Exploration
Today our destination is Siena, a short distance from our villa. This medieval city is the birthplace of St.
Catherine “Doctor of the Church.” Enjoy a walking guide tour tour including a visit to its
Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). Conclude at one of Italy’s finest squares, the Piazza Del Campo, where we
will be given free time to spend at leisure. There are a number of restaurants surrounding the square to
have lunch, as well as shops for gifts and souvenirs. After lunch, we return to our villa. Time to relax –
Tonight we will be delighted by a special dinner. Overnight Tuscan villa.
Day 8, Jun 25: Tuscany - Chianti Exploration - Cooking Class
We visit the wine region of Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany. After breakfast, we drive (less than 1 hour)
along the Chianti Road to reach the hamlet of Fonterutoli. Reach the winery shop to enjoy a wine tour
and tasting - We will learn about the Mazzei family’s Castello di Fonterutoli winery. We continue our
Chianti tour, drive down to Greve in Chianti (45 minutes drive), the region’s principal town. Descend into
the sprawling cellar of Le Cantine di Greve in Chianti for a light lunch. After wine tasting, we return back to our villa (1 hour drive). This afternoon we will enjoy a pasta cooking class at our hotel, followed by dinner and overnight.
Day 9, Jun 26: Tuscany - Val d’Orcia - Pieznza Cheese - Montalcino Wine
This morning we bus to the incredible Val D’orcia, renowned all over the world for the production of its
precious Brunello red wine. On to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, an ancient abbey that has been inhabited
by Benedictine monks for centuries. We will have free time to explore the Abbey on our own and to shop
at the ancient pharmacy. Continue to the close village of Pienza (30-minute drive), the town famous for its
production of Pecorino Cheese, made from sheep’s milk. Enjoy a tour and cheese tasting with a light
picnic lunch. Continue to the village of Montalcino which is immersed in the breathtaking Val d’Orcia
Natural Park. Take time to explore a local wine shop at the Rocca (fortress) and taste a glass of this
extraordinary red wine. Back to our villa and relax. Barbeque dinner and overnight.
Day 10, Jun 27: Tuscany – Florence.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Florence (1.5 hr drive). We will meet our local guide for a 2 hours
walking tour to discover why Florence is the undisputed cradle of the Renaissance era. Explore Piazza
della Signoria, the Baptistry of St. John, and Michelangelo’s Gates of Paradise. We walk to see
the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the imposing cupola by Brunelleschi and Giotto’s Bell
Tower. We’ll then visit San Lorenzo Market in the heart of the city. Choose your lunch at the market. In
the afternoon we visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. Check-in and dinner.
Day 11, Jun 28 – Florence – Venice
Check out after breakfast and free time in Florence, in the afternoon. Drive to Venice, Check in at our
hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 12, Jun 29: Venice.
After Breakfast, we take a private boat to Venice island (30-minute ride) where we enjoy a walking
guided tour. Highlights include Basilica San Marco, the Palace of the Doges, the Bridge of Sighs, and
the Rialto Bridge. Return to the hotel in Venice /Mestre, dinner, and overnight.
Day 13, Jun 30: Departure
Early this morning we drove to the airport to take our flight back to the USA,
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
