Renaissance and Rome

Days 1-2

Your group will take an overnight flight to Rome, where a Joshua Expeditions guide will meet you at the airport. Traveling by private coach, your group will transfer to Florence in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy then begin a tour of the city by visiting the massive church called the Duomo. You will have a chance to view Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise and Giotto's Bell Tower then later enjoy dinner in an atmosphere only Florence can provide. There will even be time for a stroll through Ponte Vecchio and other famous shopping areas of Florence. This busy first day will conclude with a time of devotion.

Day 3

This morning your group will make its way to tour the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will see the towering statue of David. You will then head back to the Duomo to spend some time inside where you can opt to climb the tower leading to the top for a spectacular view of Florence. Dinner and devotions will round out the day.

Day 4

Today you will travel to Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. You will have a full day to tour the city that is rich with such sites as the Basilica of St. Francis. In the late afternoon your group will head back to Rome where dinner and devotions will conclude the day!

Day 5

This morning you will have the opportunity to participate in a service project with a local ministry, allowing you to experience Rome in a very unique way. By the afternoon you will be ready to see the sites, and your group will make way to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain before dinner and devotions wrap up another busy day,

Day 6

Today will be your best chance to tour the ancient city of Rome! Your time will be spent visiting the 2000-year-old Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the ancient Roman Forum, as well as a tour of Mamertine Prison — the traditional site of St. Paul's imprisonment while in Rome. Following dinner, you will close the day with a time of devotion.

Day 7

Your final full day in Italy will allow your group a tour of Vatican City. You will visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum, and a highlight of the day will surely be seeing the Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo's Last Judgment and other masterful works. While here your group will take some time to discuss Catholicism and its impact on Christianity. In the evening you will enjoy an authentic Italian meal before the day concludes with devotions and a time to reflect on all that you experience throughout the week.

Day 8

This morning your group will depart for the flight home.