General

Historically, the Romans played a strategic role in the story of Jesus Christ.  It is in Rome that both Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul was martyred.  Paul was a citizen of Rome and Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor of Judea.  This tour has been designed to give you a deeper enriching understanding of the Early Church and Rome’s influence in shaping the modern world of faith.

Day 1

Arrival in Rome Airport. Pick up from the airport with a tour bus and guide who will take you to your hotel.  Meeting with our guide for a welcome appetizer and explore the option to organize a light walking excursion in Rome the same day/evening. You will have the opportunity to meet, greet and converse with your Italian guides. We hope to meet all of your travel needs, so please feel free to ask your guide as many questions as possible about touring the Rome: the eternal city. You will also be given the option to book a table in one of our selected speciality Roman restaurants.

Day 2

Pick up by tour bus and guide.  Today, we will follow the steps of the Apostle Paul and his last two years on the earth.  First stop: Mamertine Prison.  Both Paul and Peter was believed to have been imprisoned here before their execution.  Paul was executed at Aquas Salvias, and Peter in Nero’s circus on the Vatican Hill. Paul wrote about his imprisonment several times in his letters, for an example see Philippians 1:13.  It is also believe that Paul wrote the entire book of 2 Timothy in this prison.  Our next location will be the Tres Fontane Abbey.  Legend tells that Apostle Paul was beheaded by Emperor Nero’s order. His head struck the earth in three different places in which fountains sprang forth. Our final destination for the day will be the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The Basilica was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of St. Paul, where it was said that, after the Apostle Paul’s execution, his followers erected a memorial. You will have free time at night for dinner at the restaurant of your choosing.

Day 3

Pick up by tour bus and guide.  We will begin our day by following the steps of Apostle Peter.  We will first visit St. Peter’s Basilica and Square.  Apostle Peter was crucified upside down in the center of the square John 21:18-19, and it is believed that he is buried deep beneath the Basilica in the original cave. St. Peter is considered the first Pope. Many Christians were crucified in this square. We will then climb to the top of St. Peter’s dome “cupola” and enjoy a breathtaking view of Rome.  Our next destination will be the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, where many early Christians and Popes are buried.  The catacombs is on approximately 90 acres of land, layered with tunnels and hidden chambers, the catacombs were used as a burial ground and hideout for the early Christians. We will then visit the Arch of Titus, constructed in AD 82 by the Emperor Domitian.  The arch celebrates the older brother’s Titus’ victories.  It also shows Roman soldiers carrying off treasures from Jerusalem as the temple was destroyed in AD 70.  Jesus predicted this destruction in AD 33 (Matthew 24:1-2).  We will return to our hotel for a special dinner together.

Day 4 

Pick up by tour bus and guide.  We will open our day by visiting the remarkable Sistine Chapel.  We will then visit the Santa Scala, the Holy Stairs climbed by Jesus to his trial in Pontus Pilate’s palace, and brought to Rome by Constantine’s mother Helen in 326 AD.   Martin Luther heard God’s voice and made his stand against indulgences on this very staircase.  Our final destination for the late day will be the Appian Way, the famous ancient Roman road, where St. Peter saw a vision of the risen Christ (near the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis).  You will have free time at night for dinner at the restaurant of your choosing.

Day 5

Check out from the hotel and pick up with the bus and guide that will take you the airport and assist you through the check in process.  Those with later flights will spend the morning at the Vatican Museum and a bus and guide will escort you to your late day evening flights. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to share these sacred moments and spaces with you.  May your hearts be enlighten and may you leave with a special message sealed in your spirit… as He clearly stated, that upon this rock I will build my church.  We welcome you back whenever you deem fit… as the doors of His Church are continually opened to all.