13 Day Italy Tour

GROUP: Friends of Dan & Sonja Dixon

DATES: September 20 - October 2, 2026

PRICE: $5,495 per person (based on double occupancy), land only

Optional Group Airfare out of Minneapolis: Details coming December 2025

In September and October of 2026 we will be leading a tour to Italy, and we’d like to invite you to join us! This trip will be a deep dive into how the Gospel comes to life through the beauty of sacred spaces, the legacy of Christian art and history, and the culture that has shaped and been shaped by faith over centuries.

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, Siena, Assisi, and Rome.

Leading our tour will be Dr. Jeff Cramer and Fabrizio Ribelli. Jeff’s insights into how the first century context shaped Paul’s Gospel message will encourage and enlighten you, as he relates the message of Paul to today’s world. His years of teaching will draw you into a world of experiential learning. Fabrizio, a native of Italy, has an insider’s view, taking you off the beaten path to provide an unusually rich experience of Italian foods and culture.

You will see and experience more than you can imagine in this enchanting land of beauty and history. You will gain a fresh perspective on the Bible and a renewed appreciation for the mission, message, and ministry of the Apostle Paul.

I hope you will join us on this exciting spiritual adventure. It would be our joy and privilege if you decide to share this exciting experience with us. Please do sign up early and reserve your spot! Spaces are limited and we anticipate the trip will fill up quickly.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

With joy in Christ and great anticipation,

Sonja and Dan Dixon

is a lifetime educator, having spent the last twenty-five years teaching at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he enjoyed helping students understand the connections between a liberal arts education and their Christian faith. He is excited to use his teaching background while traveling with others and sharing the rich Biblical, historical, and cultural beauty of Greece and Italy. His hope is that, through these experiences, travelers will come away with a refreshed and deeper sense of their faith.  

Fabrizio is a proud Italian in love with Rome and its timeless history. Since childhood, he has journeyed across the Italian peninsula, embracing its landscapes, flavors, and traditions—living the true spirit of what it means to be Italian.

With Footstep Ministries, Fabrizio shares an authentic taste of Italian culture: a heritage rooted in millennia of history and deeply intertwined with the Christian tradition, of which Italy remains a remarkable example to the world today. He now calls Rome home, where he lives with his family—his wife, an architect and expert in the history of architecture, and their daughter, the light of his life and the center of his love as a devoted father.

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 12 noon 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. (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. (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. (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 alfresco dinner in one of the city's traditional trattorias. (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. (B, D)

We depart Rome for the US, carrying with us unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and new friends. (B)

• 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 Dr. Jeff Cramer, 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

Dates: September 20 – October 2, 2026

• Fly into: Florence (FLR)

• Fly out of: Rome (FCO)

• Departure from U.S.: September 20 (arrive in Italy on September 21)

• Group transfer on arrival: Bus departs Florence Airport between 1:00–1:30 PM on September 21 — 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 October 2nd.

• 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.

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!