GROUP: Open Italy 2027
DATES: October 3 - 15, 2027
PRICE: $5,845 per person (based on double occupancy), land only
Single Supplement: $2,150 (for those who wish to have a room of their own)
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 2025 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,
Randy & Kathy MacArthur, Dennis & Roseann Backos, and Gary & Rene Otto
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 ancient Greco-Roman 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 the world of the Mediterranean. 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 April 6, 2027. The final balance is due July 6, 2027 .
*when making a payment, opt to use your checking account to avoid the 3-4 % fee
Depart US, arrive in Rome and then settle in at our hotel in the heart of the Eternal City. Our first activity will be dinner together in a local trattoria. (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)
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, 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)
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. After strolling the town we return to San Gimignano for another evening enjoying the beauty of the Tuscan hills. (B)
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)
After a leisurely morning in San Gimignano we depart the countryside as we prepare for our final location in Italy. We travel to Florence, the home of the Italian Renaissance and source of inspiration for artists, architects, and scholars the world over. After checking in to our hotel along the Arno river and just steps from the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi, we stroll the city streets and gain an appreciation for the many piazzas, churches, and other landmarks that Florence has to offer. (B, D)
Our first full 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)
For those continuing on the extension to Venice, we travel to the unique lagoon city, and then catch a private water transfer to our hotel. (B)
After our unforgettable tour, why not keep the wonder going? We invite you to join us for a post-tour extension to Venice, where Italy’s breathtaking coastline, rich history, and relaxed charm offer the perfect way to unwind and reflect.
From October 15–18, 2027, we’ll trade bustling cities for the romantic Venetian Lagoon. You’ll have the chance to stroll the streets and alleys of Venice, travel by gondola or vaparetto, through the canals, and visit the world-renowned glass-blowing island of Murano.
Whether you're relaxing by the Grand Canal, sipping espresso on your balcony, or grabbing a quick Venetian "cicchetti" bite, it will be a time to rest, savor, and soak in the beauty of northern Italy before heading home—a magical ending to a meaningful journey.
The cost of the extension depends on the category of hotel room you choose at our boutique property. Space is limited in each category, and rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis—so we encourage you to reserve your spot early! Expect prices in mid-September, 2026.
All prices listed will include the hotel stay, the transfer to Venice and our hotel, a visit to the majestic St. Mark's Cathedral (including the Pala d'Oro), and our grand farewell dinner.
Group Airfare: Coming in late November, 2026!
Flight times will be subject to change. Pricing guaranteed with a minimum of 10 travelers. Travelers on the group flights will have a group transfers between airports/hotels.
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.: October 3, 2027 (overnight flight)
Arrive in Rome (FCO): October 4, 2027
First group activity: A delicious welcome dinner around 7:00 PM on October 4
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!
