Overview

Exploring The Church, Past, Present, and Future...

This pilgrimage heads to central Italy to explore the facets of history and faith while also seeing the present culture in the food, olives, and wine of Tuscany. We believe travel changes us. We believe that the fastest path to understanding other cultures and people is through the personal experience of travel. It is our hope that this experience changes how you see the world and thus how you live in it.

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DETAILS:

The trip departs on June 25, 2025, and returns on July 5, 2025

PRICING:

$5,290.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited!)
Single room supplement - $890
Land-only $3,990.00 (If you Book your Own Flight)
Venice Excursion: July 5-7 $690
$300 per person with registration to secure space (Space is limited, Small Group Tour)
Balance due on or before February 25, 2025

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) 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
Download Registration Form

FLIGHTS :

Group booking returning July 5th from Rome:

BA 286 25JUN SFO-LHR 7:20P 1:50P 26JUN

BA 554 26JUN LHR-FCO 4:30P 8:05P

BA 553 05JUL FCO-LHR 11:20A 1:00P

BA 287 05JUL LHR-SFO 2:20P 5:25P

Group booking returning July 7th from Venice (for those who selected the Venice Excursion):

BA 286 25JUN SFO-LHR 7:20P 1:45P 26JUN

BA 554 26JUN LHR-FCO 4:30P 8:05P

BA 599 07JUL VCE-LHR 8:25A 9:50A

BA 287 07JUL LHR-SFO 2:15P 5:25P

Hotels :

ROMA: 3 nights at Hotel Carpegna Palace 4* www.carpegnapalace.it

TUSCANY: 5 nights at Relais Borgo San Luigi 4* https://www.borgosanluigi.it

FRASCATI: 1 night at Hotel Villa Grazioli 4* www.villa-grazioli.it

June 25 - July 5, 2025 25 Jun Italy

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

9 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
Airfare
Breakfast and dinner daily
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
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.

Highlights

What makes this tour special

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. - 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.

Itinerary

Day 1 – June 25: Departure from the USA

Today we depart on our overnight transatlantic flight to Rome. Settle in, enjoy dinner onboard, and make the most of the personalized in-flight entertainment. Tomorrow, the Eternal City awaits!

Day 2 – June 26: Arrival in Rome

Welcome to Rome! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel for check-in. Enjoy some time to rest before dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the city.

Day 3 – June 27: Ancient Christian Rome

After breakfast, we begin our day on the Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest roads, with a visit to the Catacombs of St. Sebastian, important for their early Christian art. We’ll also stop at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis nearby.

Our next stop is the Abbey of the Three Fountains, the site of St. Paul’s martyrdom, followed by the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where his bones were recently discovered.

Lunch Break: Enjoy free time for lunch in the historic Jewish Ghetto, a hidden gem rich in history, culture, and incredible Roman-Jewish cuisine. In the afternoon, we begin a walking tour through the Velabro area, said to be the legendary birthplace of Rome. We visit Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where the Greek Orthodox community welcomes us with Gregorian chants. Here you’ll find the famous Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) and the skull of St. Valentine.

We pass by Teatro Marcello, then return to the Jewish Ghetto for an independent lunch. Later, we walk up Capitoline Hill, descend into the Roman Forum, and explore the Arch of Constantine, ending at the grand Colosseum.

Return by bus to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 – June 28: The Vatican & Rome’s Fountains

This morning, we tour the Vatican Museums (optional). Highlights include the Gallery of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms, and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. From there, we enter St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom.

Note: The Vatican Museums are optional. Those who opt out will enjoy free time in Rome (approx. 3 hours).

In the afternoon, we head into the Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, for a walking tour of the city's iconic sights: the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona with Bernini’s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Dinner tonight is at a local Roman restaurant. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5 – June 29: Rome to Assisi & Tuscany

After breakfast, we leave Rome for Assisi (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, we visit the Basilica of St. Clare, then walk to the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, with a guided tour of the Upper and Lower Churches and the saint’s tomb. We then continue to our villa-style hotel in Tuscany (approx. 2.5 hours). Check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Day 6 – June 30: Val d’Orcia – Pienza Cheese – Montalcino Wine

Today we explore the picturesque Val d’Orcia, known for its vineyards and stunning countryside. We visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a peaceful Romanesque abbey with an ancient pharmacy. Next, we travel to Pienza, famous for its Pecorino cheese. Enjoy a tour, cheese tasting, and a light picnic lunch. Then we head to Montalcino, set in the heart of the Val d’Orcia Natural Park. Sample the world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine at a local shop near the fortress. Return to our villa to relax before dinner and overnight.

Day 7 – July 1: Siena & Dinner in Chianti

We begin the day with a visit to Siena, a beautifully preserved medieval city and the birthplace of St. Catherine, Doctor of the Church. Enjoy a guided walking tour including the Duomo (Cathedral) and the stunning Piazza del Campo. Free time for lunch and shopping. In the evening, we head to Castellina in Chianti for a special dinner at Foresteria Villa Cerna, with wine pairing in a beautiful vineyard setting. Return to the villa for overnight.

Day 8 – July 2: Chianti Region – Arrival in Florence

This morning we follow the Chianti Road to Fonterutoli, where we enjoy a wine tour and tasting at Castello di Fonterutoli, owned by the historic Mazzei family. We then continue to Greve in Chianti, the region’s main town, and visit Le Cantine di Greve in Chianti for a light lunch and more wine tasting. Afterward, we drive to Florence (approx. 1 hour), check into our hotel, and enjoy dinner and overnight in the Renaissance capital.

Day 9 – July 3: Florence Highlights

After an early breakfast, we meet our local guide for a two-hour walking tour exploring Florence’s Renaissance treasures. Highlights include Piazza della Signoria, the Baptistry of St. John, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s famous dome. Next, we visit the San Lorenzo Market for shopping and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we head to the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s David. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure and explore Florence by night.

Day 10 – July 4: Leisure Day & Cooking Class

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Florence—perfect for shopping, relaxing, or visiting a museum. In the afternoon, we join a hands-on pasta cooking class, followed by a delicious group dinner. Overnight in Florence.

Day 11 – July 5: Florence to Venice

After breakfast, we transfer to the train station for our Frecciarossa high-speed train to Venice/Mestre (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and then take a private boat to Venice Island for a guided walking tour. Highlights include St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Rialto Bridge.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.