13 Day Italy Tour, Optional 3 Day Extension

GROUP: "The Second Act" Senior Adult Ministries at St. Andrew Methodist Church

DATES: April 19 - May 1, 2026

PRICE: $5,195 per person (based on double occupancy), land only

3 Night Optional Amalfi Coast Extension: May 1 - May 4, (details below!)

*space is limited to 40 travelers

*Travelers must be a part of the "Second Act" community at St. Andrew

We invite you to join us on a pilgrimage to Italy! Italy is a land of culture and history, beauty and culinary delight. We will tour the cities of Italy to experience not just the history, but also the culture and theology that makes Italy a destination like no other. And of course, each day we will dig into the Word of God.

There is nothing like walking where the Word was written. The focus of this trip will be Paul’s Letter to the Romans. We will gain fresh insight into the early church and the modern church too! Paul’s Letter to the Church at Rome is a powerful theological treatise that speaks volumes to us today and Rome is a magnificent city combining ancient and new. As we travel we will explore the final earthly days of the Apostles Peter and Paul as they faced martyrdom.

We will also gain insight into western civilization and culture. We will share warm fellowship over genuine Italian cooking and plenty of gelato and espresso. We will share the marvel of some of the world’s greatest artists like Michelangelo and Raphael, and architectural monuments in Florence, Assisi and Rome.

In addition, we have the opportunity to be led in our touring by our partners at Footstep Ministries. Dave Sparks and Fabrizio Ribelli are our leaders for the journey and will facilitate both the teaching and planning of our fantastic journey. We know you’ll love the wisdom and warmth that they bring to every day of the trip.

We hope you’ll join us on this amazing journey! You will want to sign up early to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 40 travelers and we anticipate that the trip will fill quickly.

Blessings,

Rev. Scott and Julie Anderson

Depart US, arrive Florence, San Gimignano

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

*please aim to have your flight arrive by 12pm so you can join the group transfer to San Gimignano.

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)

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. Overnight in San Gimignano. (B, D)

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, L, D)

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. Overnight in San Gimignano. (B, D)

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)

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 Montefalco. (B, D)

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)

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. Overnight in Rome. (B)

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 "al fresco" dinner in one of the city's traditional trattorias. Overnight in Rome. (B)

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. Overnight in Rome. (B, D)

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)

We made a seperate landing page for our Amalfi Extension. Please click the link below for details.

Main Tour

Dates: April 19 – May 1, 2026

• Fly into: Florence (FLR)

• Fly out of: Rome (FCO)

• Departure from U.S.: April 19 (arrive in Italy April 20)

• Group transfer on arrival: Bus departs Florence Airport between 1:00–1:30 PM on April 20 — book a morning arrival flight. If you miss the group transfer, you are responsible for getting to the hotel in San Gimignano.

• Return travel: You are responsible for your transfer to Rome Airport (FCO) on May 1.

• Booking tip: A multi-city ticket (U.S. → Florence / Rome → U.S.) is easiest, but you may also fly roundtrip into Rome and take a train or short flight to Florence.

• Flight details: Will be collected closer to the tour date.

Main Tour + Amalfi Extension

Dates: April 19 – May 4, 2026

• Fly into: Florence (FLR)

• Fly out of: Naples (NAP)

• Departure from U.S.: April 19 (arrive in Italy April 20)

• Group transfer on arrival: Bus departs Florence Airport between 1:00–1:30 PM on April 20 — book a morning arrival flight. If you miss the group transfer, you are responsible for getting to the hotel in San Gimignano.

• Return travel: You are responsible for your transfer from the Amalfi hotel to Naples Airport (NAP) on May 4. The hotel can help arrange this transfer.

• Booking tip: A multi-city ticket (U.S. → Florence / Naples → U.S.) is easiest, but you may also fly roundtrip into Rome and take a train or short flight to Florence. A short flight or train can get you back to Rome.

• Flight details: Will be collected closer to the tour date.

We don't just organize tours.

When you travel with us through the lands of the Scriptures, you’re more than a tourist.  You’re a pilgrim!  In Israel, you will walk in the footsteps of Jesus.  In Greece, you’ll join Paul in his missionary journeys.  In Italy, you’ll live Paul’s letters to the Romans through the eyes of medieval and renaissance art. 

We do not put you on the tourist treadmill.  We don’t rush you through sites.  We set our own pace and at each venue, we provide you time to reflect on God’s Word and for worship.  We accompany every group, ensuring personal attention all along the way.  We view each tour as an opportunity to minister to your life.        

In other words, we're different. We are not a "travel company," we're a ministry!