Christ Church Italy Itinerary 2025

Travelers to Italy will thoroughly enjoy our 13-day tour through Tuscany, Umbria, and Rome, with its outstanding art and architecture, palazzos and piazzas, and pasta and pizza! Throughout our journey, we’ll also read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans to discover its relevance for our lives today.

Days 1 & 2, September 28 and 29 – Arrival
Depart US, arrive Florence, San Gimignano

Arrive at the Florence airport and transfer to San Gimignano for the next five nights.  (D)

 Day 3, September 30 – Siena

Siena is one of Tuscany's most captivating towns, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval streets and its vibrant main square, Piazza del Campo. The centerpiece of the piazza is the historic Palazzo Pubblico, dating back to 1250, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. We will also visit the impressive Siena Duomo, a magnificent cathedral renowned for its intricate façade and rich, Gothic interiors adorned with frescoes and sculptures. Return to San Gimignano for overnight. (B, D)

 Day 4, October 1 – San Gimignano & Tuscan Countryside

Begin your day exploring the medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its skyline dotted with medieval towers and its winding cobblestone streets. Take in the charm of the town’s squares, churches, and artisan shops, where you can find local crafts, ceramics, and Tuscan wines. A World Heritage Site, San Gimignano’s atmosphere and historic beauty make it one of the jewels of Tuscany. Or take the Francegina Trail, the pilgrim path from Canterbury to Rome, as it makes its way through vineyards.

In the afternoon, we travel into the heart of the Tuscan countryside to unwind and immerse ourselves in local traditions. Our evening will be spent at a traditional farmhouse, where we will enjoy a delectable Tuscan dinner, complete with regional wines and dishes prepared with ingredients fresh from the farm. It’s a perfect opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Tuscany while surrounded by its picturesque landscape. (B, D)

 Day 5, October 2 – Florence

Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, awaits with its incredible art, architecture, and history. We’ll tour the Academia to admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, and then visit the iconic Duomo, dominated by Brunelleschi’s extraordinary red-tiled dome. This architectural marvel, the world’s fourth-largest cathedral, continues to inspire wonder with its grandeur. Don’t miss the Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery, a masterpiece of gilded bronze reliefs. We’ll also visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, where luminaries like Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo are laid to rest. Return to San Gimignano for overnight. (B, D)

Day 6, October 3 – Tuscan Cooking Experience

Spend your day leisurely exploring San Gimignano, visiting its beautiful churches, or shopping for unique ceramics and local artworks. Today, we immerse ourselves in the flavors of Tuscany with a hands-on cooking experience. Join a local chef to prepare a full Tuscan menu, learning age-old techniques and secrets of traditional dishes. After a day of festive cooking, enjoy a meal together, relishing the dishes you’ve prepared. (B, D)

 Day 7, October 4 – Umbria Countryside &  Montefalco

Leaving Tuscany, we journey into Umbria and arrive in the charming village of Montefalco. Here, we’ll visit a historic linen factory with eight centuries of heritage, witnessing the intricate craftsmanship that goes into traditional textile making. Savor a delicious meal of local Umbrian cuisine before settling in for the night. Overnight in Montefalco. (B, D)

 Day 8, October 5 – Umbria Countryside & Assisi

The walled city of Assisi is a place of miracles and timeless beauty, home to the Basilica of St. Francis. St. Francis’s basilica is adorned with vibrant frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue, and Martini, celebrating the life of Assisi’s most famous native and his message of peace. Explore the basilica and the surrounding historic town, absorbing the profound tranquility and inspiration that have drawn pilgrims here for centuries. Overnight in Umbria. (B, D)

Day 9, October 6 - Rome: The Eternal City | Jubilee Year

Today, we journey to Rome, the Eternal City, a place where history, art, and spirituality converge in breathtaking harmony. For over two thousand years, Rome has captivated the hearts of pilgrims, artists, and travelers alike with its stunning architecture, monumental landmarks, and legacy as the heart of the ancient world. Our tour begins with a stroll through Rome's historic center, where narrow streets open up to beautiful piazzas lined with grand palaces, fountains, and churches.

As we walk, we’ll encounter masterpieces such as the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, originally a Roman stadium, now a lively square adorned with Baroque fountains. We’ll absorb the enchanting atmosphere of Rome’s open-air museum and feel the pulse of a city that, through millennia, has been a beacon of culture, power, and faith. (B, D)

 Day 10, October 7 - Rome: Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum

Our exploration continues with Rome’s most iconic ancient sites. We begin with the Colosseum, the grand amphitheater that once hosted gladiators, emperors, and cheering crowds, standing as a testament to Roman engineering and social life. Next, we step back into the ancient Roman Forum, the very heart of Imperial Rome, where temples, triumphal arches, and public spaces reveal the stories of a world that shaped Western civilization.

From the Forum, we ascend Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills and the legendary birthplace of the city. Here, we’ll enjoy sweeping views over the ancient city, with the remains of imperial palaces and gardens painting a picture of Rome at its zenith. (B)

Day 11, October 8 - Rome

Today, you have the opportunity to join an optional tour of the Vatican Museums, home to one of the world's greatest collections of art and antiquities, from classical sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. We’ll marvel at the exquisite frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, the awe-inspiring symbol of the Vatican and the center of Catholicism.

Or, you may choose to enjoy a free day in Rome to explore at your own pace. Wander through charming neighborhoods, explore more of Rome’s beautiful churches, or enjoy a leisurely afternoon in one of Rome’s lively piazzas. In the evening, consider an alfresco dinner in one of the city's traditional trattorias. (B)

Day 12, October 9 – Rome: Martyrdom of Apostle Paul

We journey along the ancient Appian Way, the oldest road in Rome, to the Catacombs, a sacred resting place for early Christians. Here, in these underground tunnels, we’ll gather for a meaningful communion service, honoring the faith of those who came before us. We’ll conclude our journey with a visit to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built on the site where St. Paul was buried, an enduring tribute to the Apostle’s life and mission. We finish our time together with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the memories and friendships formed during our travels. (B, D)

Day 13, October 10 – Depart to USA or Amalfi Extension

For those returning home, we board our transfer to the airport, carrying with us unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and new friends.

For travelers continuing on the Amalfi extension, our journey continues to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. (B)

Days 14-16 - Amalfi Extension: details coming soon!

Day 16, October 13 – Depart for USA

Return home with cherished memories, lifelong friends, and an enduring love for Italy.