GROUP: Preston Trail Community Church
DATES: April 25 - May 7, 2027
PRICE: $5,845 per person (based on double occupancy), land only
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,950 per person
3 Night Optional Amalfi Coast Extension:
May 7 - May 10, 2027 - prices coming summer 2026
Robin and I invite you to join us on a pilgrimage to Italy as we experience Romans and the Renaissance in the Steps of Peter & Paul.
Italy is a land of culture, history, beauty, and culinary delight. We will tour the Italian countryside in Tuscany and Umbria and then experience the grandeur of Rome. And as we have on each of our journeys, we will let Scripture be the lens through which we view all of our experiences. The focus of this trip will be Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the final days leading up to the martyrdom of both Paul and Peter. Rome is a magnificent city with a matchless religious and political history. As we tour, Paul’s powerful theological treatise will open before us in new and inspiring ways.
We will also discover how the Renaissance awakened both the culture of western civilization and the Church. The Renaissance’s focus on literature and the arts restored interest in the foundational principles of life and faith. We will marvel at the work of some of the world’s greatest artists like Michelangelo and Raphael and be inspired by architectural masterpieces in Florence, Siena, and Rome.
In addition, our appreciation of God’s every day, ordinary blessings will be enriched when we share warm fellowship over authentic Italian cooking. Nothing can prepare you for the delights of Tuscan cuisine. And of course, you will get to sample some of the world’s best gelato!
Our friends David and Elizabeth Sparks, founders of Footstep Ministries, have led three tours for us—two to Greece and one to Italy. Needless to say, we are excited to be returning to Italy with them. David and Elizabeth are consummate guides. David, a pastor and scholar, leads from a deep well of knowledge and experience. Elizabeth exudes gracious hospitality, and every stop on the tour reflects her first-class planning and attention to detail.
This will be an unforgettable experience of discovery and growth for modern-day followers of Jesus as we look back upon the people and events that shaped us. We hope you will come and walk with us in the steps of Peter and Paul!
Expectantly,
Jim & Robin Johnson
Questions? Call us at 972-418-6103 or email us at info@footstepministries.org
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 David 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
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
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
A nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of reservation.
50% of the balance is due no later than October 26, 2026.
Final balance is due no later than January 26, 2027.
*Payments made by credit card have a 3-4% fee added; Avoid the fee by paying by bank account!
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 Spoleto. On the way, 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 Spoleto. (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 Spoleto. (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, we tour 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.
Having visited the museums and basilica, we are then free 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)
After our unforgettable tour, why not keep the wonder going? We invite you to join us for a post-tour extension to Amalfi, where Italy’s breathtaking coastline, rich history, and relaxed charm offer the perfect way to unwind and reflect.
From May 7 - 10, 2027, we’ll trade bustling cities for the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, staying at the extraordinary Hotel Santa Caterina—a 5-star luxury resort perched on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. This historic property is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With elegant rooms, panoramic terraces, and lemon-scented gardens cascading down to the sea, it offers an experience that is both refined and deeply beautiful.
You’ll have the chance to stroll the sun-soaked streets of Amalfi, wander the terraced gardens of Ravello, or even sail to Positano—a glittering jewel just off the coast.
Whether you're relaxing by the sea, sipping espresso on your balcony, or exploring the charm of the Amalfi Coast, it will be a time to rest, savor, and soak in the beauty of southern Italy before heading home—a magical ending to a meaningful journey.
The optional boat ride to Positano can move to the second day depending on the weather. You do not need to make any plans until we are in Amalfi!
Extension pricing will be available later this summer. We encourage you to wait to purchase airfare until then.
Location: Amalfi
Morning: Depart Rome for Naples where we have lunch.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in Naples before traveling to the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Upon arrival, check in to a cliffside hotel offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Evening: Dinner on your own to enjoy at one of Amalfi’s charming local restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Location: Amalfi
(Optional) - Boat Tour
Sail along the stunning Amalfi coastline and enjoy a scenic boat ride to Positano.
*weather and local authorities permitting
Or explore beautiful Amalfi on your own.
Dinner on your own to enjoy at one of Amalfi’s charming local restaurants.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Location: Amalfi
Free day in Amafli to explore. Below are some suggestions. Our hotel has a shutttle that will take you from our hotel to the town of Amalfi and back (runs every 30 minutes). You do not need to make plans for this day until we are in Amalfi!
Amalfi Town
Amalfi is a charming coastal village with a lively main square, scenic beaches, and the stunning Duomo di Sant’Andrea, a mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Don’t miss the Cloister of Paradise and the crypt of St. Andrew, the town’s patron saint.
Visitors can explore the Paper Museum to learn about its medieval paper-making tradition or relax at one of the seaside cafés. Wander the narrow streets – Great for photos, discovering artisan shops, and tasting local treats.
or
Ravello
Just 20 minutes uphill from Amalfi, Ravello offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views, elegant gardens, and a rich cultural scene. Don’t miss Villa Rufolo or Villa Cimbrone.
or
Relax by the sea front and take in the beauty at the base of our hotel!
After a wonderful day of exploring and enjoying Amalfi, we join together for our farewell group dinner at our wonderful hotel!
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart beautiful Amalfi to head to the Naples airport to return back to the US filled with wonderful memories!
*Details coming in July 2026...stay tuned.
Main Tour
Dates: April 25 – May 7, 2026
Fly into: Florence (FLR)
Fly out of: Rome (FCO)
Departure from U.S.: April 25 (arrive in Italy April 26)
Group transfer on arrival: Please arrange your airfare to arrive in the morning before noon so you can make the group transfer to San Gimignano in the early afternoon. 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 7. You can arrange it with our Rome hotel.
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.
Dates: April 25 – May 10, 2027
Fly into: Florence (FLR)
Fly out of: Naples (NAP)
Departure from U.S.: April 25 (arrive in Italy April 26)
Group transfer on arrival: Please arrange your airfare to arrive in the morning before noon so you can make the group transfer to San Gimignano in the early afternoon. 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 10. 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!
