GROUP: ONU Italy 2026
DATES: May 14 - 25, 2026
PRICE: $6,595 per person (based on double occupancy), land only
3 Night Optional Venice Extension: May 25 - 28, (price coming soon!)
Single Supplement: $2,150 (for those who wish to have a room of their own)
Optional Group Roundtrip Airfare out of Chicago O'Hare: $1,563 per person, economy class (details after the itinerary below)
We are thrilled to 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, Pisa, Assisi, and Rome.
It is a delight that this will be our second tour led by Dave Sparks and Yanni Illiadis, our partners at Footstep Ministries. We traveled with both of them in 2024 we saw firsthand their professional, learned, and experienced leadership. We were especially blessed by his gracious and warm hospitality, and first-class planning of every detail. 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 voyage together!
Grace and Peace to you,
Dr. Gregg & Tammy Chenoweth
Drs. Brian & Lynda Allen
Erinn Proehl
grew up traveling to Greece nearly every summer and relishes welcoming people to a land he knows and loves. He is thrilled to share with you his knowledge of Greek life, history, and architecture, while also exploring how we as Christians can relate to members of the early church. In particular, he enjoys pointing out the aspects of scripture that are often overlooked, and how the characters from the New Testament are more complex than most imagine. A deep theological discussion while hiking through Byzantine ruins is his idea of a good time.
grew up in Greece and is enthusiastic about welcoming you to his beloved homeland. He has a passion for hospitality and how it can build friendships and ultimately unify the body of Christ. He has a background in ministry leadership and training and development with trusted brands such as Chick-fil-A. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife Kelly and their 3 children, working in the garden, or a competitive game or two of pickleball. His hope is that through Footstep Ministries, travelers will be filled by the kindness of God as they experience a world class pilgrimage to the wonderful sites that we visit.
Accommodations – Carefully selected first-class/superior tourist hotels (double occupancy, private bath) chosen for comfort, location, and local character. Hotel taxes and service charges are included. (Single room upgrade available at additional cost.)
Daily Meals – Meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). Expect hot buffet breakfasts, thoughtfully arranged group dinners, and select lunches that highlight regional cuisine.
All Scheduled Land Transportation – Deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach with professional driver for all group transfers and touring listed in the itinerary.
Sightseeing & Entrance Fees – Admission to all sites, museums, and activities specifically noted in the itinerary.
Hosted Teaching & Spiritual Reflection – Guided devotional moments, Scripture readings, and site talks led by Dave Sparks, helping you connect place, story, and faith.
All Gratuities – Prepaid tips for hotel staff, restaurant service on included meals, local guides, and drivers, so you can relax and simply say “thank you.”
Baggage Handling – 1 piece of luggage per traveler transferred between bus and hotel room.
Headsets / Whisper Devices – Personal audio headsets so you can hear your guide clearly.
Pre-Trip Preparation Materials – Digital travel notes, packing tips, reading plan, and spiritual preparation resources sent in advance.
On-Tour Support – Full-time Footstep Ministries tour host team available throughout the journey for assistance, prayer, and logistical coordination.
Single room supplement: $2,150
Airfare to and from Italy
Potential increases in airline tax/fuel surcharges
Optional tour activities as listed in the itinerary
Additions or changes to the standard program
Individual airport-hotel transfers
Hotel room upgrades
Travel insurance
Coffee and drinks
Excess baggage fees
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of reservation. Fifty percent of the balance is due no later than November 14, 2025. The final balance is due February 14, 2026 .
*when making a payment, opt to use your checking account to avoid the 3-4 % fee
Depart US, arrive in Rome and then transfer by bus to our hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. (D)
All roads lead to Rome… for thousands of years tourists, merchants and pilgrims have journeyed to the city of seven hills on the Tiber. Rome has unarguably one of the richest, fullest histories of any city on earth… and all the while incorporating some of the finest architecture still surviving. The tour begins with a visit to the Colosseum followed by a walking tour through the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the powerful Roman Empire. (B, L, D)
We stroll along the Tiber and enter Vatican City where we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. We also visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica where Michelangelo's "Pieta" is but just one of many highlights. (B, L, D)
We travel along the Appian Way and visit the Catacombs. Here we share in communion in the underground resting place of the early Christian community. Concluding Paul’s life, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, built over the recently excavated site of his tomb. After a free afternoon in Rome, we end our time in the Eternal City with dinner together. (B, D)
Walled Assisi is miraculous with its many churches, and we will visit the churches of St. Clare and St. Francis. St Francis was born here and work began on his basilica two years after his death. It's a magnificent tribute to the patron saint of animals, with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Martini. After our visit to Assisi we make our way to the rustic Tuscan town of San Gimignano. (B, L, D)
We slow down the pace but not the experience. We explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany with its verdant farms and vineyards. Enjoy a charming afternoon in a Tuscan village as we explore a working farm, vineyard, and countryside farmhouse. Take a tour of the property with the owner and his family, and enjoy a feast of rustic, countryside specialties grown from their garden and the surrounding region. In the afternoon we return to town for a brief lecture from one of the greatest gelato maestros in all of Italy, followed by a delicious tasting! The remainder of the day is free to enjoy picturesque San Gimignano. (B, L)
Again, we slow down the pace but not the experience. Take a Tuscan cooking class and prepare a full Tuscan menu as you spend time with a local chef and her family. Knead fresh pasta, prepare traditional desserts, and get to know just how an Italian meal comes together. After a day of festive cooking, enjoy the dinner that you have prepared. (B, D)
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It is a strangely appealing bell tower (campanile), yet it is just a single component of Pisa's breathtaking and dazzling architectural structures of the Campo dei Miracoli where we visit the Duomo and Baptistry before a climb up the tower. Of particular note are the acoustics in the Baptistery, and the amazing mosaics in the Cathedral itself. After leaving the tower we make our way to the capital of Tuscany, the magnificent city of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. (B, L, D)
Our first day in Florence begins with an exploration of the subject that has inspired countless artists: David. Our morning begins with a visit to the Bargello museum where we see Donatello’s famous attempt, amongst many other spectacular pieces. Then in the afternoon we visit to the greatest sculpture of the Renaissance, Michaelangelo’s David, located at the Accademia of Florence. We examine the story behind the sculpture, and appreciate the beauty of the artist. (B, L)
Florence is truly one of the world’s most amazing cities. Our walking tour will include many of the signature works of the Renaissance as we learn about the city that launched modern European culture. We’ll start in the heart of Florence at the Baptistry of St. John where we see the Byzantine style mosaics of the roof. Stepping outside, we see Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise, considered the beginning of Renaissance sculpture. From here we marvel at the grand Duomo and Brunelleschi's magnificent, red-tiled dome. We continue to the Duomo Museum before lunch at a local panini shop. In the afternoon we visit the Basilica of Santa Croce with its walls lined with the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. We conclude our time in Florence with our farewell dinner! (B, D)
We make our way to the Florence airport to return to the States with memories of Peter, Paul, and the beauty of the Renaissance! (B)
The journey concludes with one of the most unforgettable cities in the world—Venice. Known as La Serenissima (“the Most Serene”), this city of winding canals and graceful bridges offers beauty at every turn. Upon arrival, we will marvel at the Grand Canal and explore the majestic St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, a masterpiece of faith and architecture that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.
You’ll have time to shape your own Venetian adventure: perhaps visit the nearby island of Murano, world-renowned for its exquisite glass-blowing and dazzling artistry; stroll through the romantic canals and quiet piazzas; or enjoy an evening performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the very city where it was composed.
Our final day is left for leisure—an opportunity to reflect on all you have experienced, savor the beauty of Italy, and let the journey settle into your heart. We will close our time together with a festive farewell dinner, sharing fellowship and gratitude as we bid “arrivederci” to Italy, carrying home not only memories but also renewed joy and faith.
Group Airfare: $1,563 per person (Economy Class)
Flight times subject to change. Pricing guaranteed with a minimum of 10 travelers. We will know which flights you will be on depending on if you add the Venice extension to your reservation. Travelers on the group flights will have a group transfers between airports/hotels.
Departure:
May 14 | Chicago → Frankfurt
Lufthansa #431 | Dep: 4:00 PM | Arr: 7:20 AM (May 15)
May 15 | Frankfurt → Rome
Lufthansa #232 | Dep: 10:40 AM | Arr: 12:30 PM
Return:
May 25 | Florence → Zurich
Swiss #1679 | Dep: 10:30 AM | Arr: 11:45 AM
May 25 | Zurich → Chicago
Swiss #008 | Dep: 1:05 PM | Arr: 3:55 PM
Departure:
(Same outbound flights as Main Tour)
Return:
May 28 | Venice → Frankfurt
Lufthansa #327 | Dep: 2:40 PM | Arr: 4:10 PM
May 28 | Frankfurt → Chicago
Lufthansa #432 | Dep: 5:20 PM | Arr: 7:55 PM
Here’s everything you need to know about flights and travel plans so your adventure gets off to a smooth start:
Leave the U.S.: May 14, 2026 (overnight flight)
Arrive in Rome (FCO): May 15, 2026
First group activity: A delicious welcome dinner around 7:00 PM on May 15
When you arrive, just hop in a taxi to the hotel—it’s super easy and costs about €55. We’ll send you more tips and details as the tour gets closer!
At the end of the standard tour, you'll depart from the Florence (FLR) airport.
You’ll want to book a multi-city itinerary, flying into Rome (FCO) and out of Florence (FLR).
Some travelers choose to fly roundtrip to Rome and catch a short commuter flight from Florence to Rome at the end of the tour. If you go this route, be sure to leave plenty of time to get your luggage and recheck it.
Many of our travelers like to come a day or two early to shake off jetlag and ease into the experience.
We’d be happy to book you extra nights at the group hotel at our special group rate—stay tuned for details on how to add an early night or two .
Closer to the trip (about 4 months before departure), we’ll send you a quick email asking for your flight details so we can keep everything running smoothly.
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. In England you'll see the faith through the eyes of the English saints.
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!
