Your journey begins when you depart the USA.

Today, we have arrived on the beautiful island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Here, we will start discovering ancient treasures and the rich Christian history. We will follow the path of the Apostle Paul! After we get here, we will go to the hotel for dinner and spend the night.

This day focuses on guided sightseeing, highlighting 7,000 years of history, beginning in Valletta, the fortified capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Valletta is a popular tourist spot with its lovely cafés and shops. It features the stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral, impressive fortifications, and priceless artworks. Learn about the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, a Crusader group that protected Europe from Islamic expansion. Enjoy a peaceful harbor cruise with amazing views of Malta’s Grand Harbor, often seen as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Afterward, if time permits, we will drive to the ramparts to explore some grand inns and residences on our way to St. Thomas Bay, a possible location of the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck. We will stay overnight in Malta.

After breakfast, we will embark on a full-day tour of Malta. Our first destination will be St. Paul’s site and the area of the shipwreck. The journey will trace the path believed to have been taken by St. Paul, where he preached and baptized the first Maltese at the San Pawl Milqi Chapel, which translates to “St. Paul welcomed.” We will also visit the location where he rested during his stay in Rabat, specifically the St. Paul’s Grotto, recognized as the place where the saint is thought to have resided for several months. Our next stop will be the impressive Mosta Rotunda, a grand domed church located in Mosta. On our way to Rabat, we will
explore St. Paul’s Church and Grotto, established in 1575 over the ancient caves where, according to some traditions, the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. After a lunch break, we will stroll through the streets of Mdina, Malta’s original capital, where we will visit the Cathedral dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. Mdina, situated
at one of the highest points in Malta, offers breathtaking views of the entire island. To conclude our western shore exploration, we will admire the stunning Dingli Cliffs before heading back. Our final stop for the day will be the Catacombs of St. Paul, an intriguing network of 3rd-century AD underground tombs and the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. Stay overnight in Malta.

We fly to the Rome airport and transfer to our lodging for the next three nights.

We begin our walking tour at the Roman Forum, where our guide will reveal its hidden stories. Our first stop is the Arch of Titus, commemorating the capture of Jerusalem in 70 AD. We’ll also view the Mamertine Prison, where according to legend, the Apostles Peter and Paul were imprisioned. Next, we visit the Colosseum, where many lost their lives in gladiator fights. Opened in 80 AD, it saw the death of 5,000 wild animals in just 100 days, with brutal practices continuing for 300 years. The Colosseum could seat 40,000 to 80,000 spectators, and a new walkway allows visitors to explore its maze of cells and ramps. We conclude our day at the ruins of Ostia Antica, showcasing ancient city life, including the Ostian Gate. We will spend the night in Rome.

After breakfast, you will begin a full day of sightseeing. First, visit Vatican City, where you will see the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. After some free time for lunch, you will stop at The Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional site of Paul’s martyrdom, and the ancient street that he walked on. Next, visit the 4th-century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Sancta, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot’s Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of Constantine. Additional sights include the Arch of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake. Stay overnight in Rome.

Travel to Florence and, on the way, stop in Assisi for a guided walking tour of the town, including an inside visit to St. Francis Basilica. Check-in for two nights at the hotel in Florence. Dinner is at the hotel.

The elegant city of Florence is nestled between a line of hills and the banks of the Arno River. During your visit to Florence, enjoy the beautiful gardens and a leisurely stroll through the open-air markets. Every street, square, and winding alley is a showcase for Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance grandeur. Among
Florence’s masterpieces, you’ll see the Piazza della Signoria with its Neptune Fountain and Vecchio Palace, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral which houses Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietá, the Baptistry which features Ghiberti’s famous Gates of Paradise, and the Accademia Gallery where you can view some
of Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished work, including the awe-inspiring David. Stay overnight in Florence.

Travel to Venice, and on the way, stop to enjoy some free time in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and in Verona. Check-in for two nights at the hotel in Venice Mestre mainland. Dinner and your overnight stay is at the hotel in Venice Mestre.

Your guided walking tour of Venice will include the a walking tour of Venice to see the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, Bell Tower, Clock Tower, and Doges’ Palace. Enjoy lunch and some free time on your own. Return to the hotel. Dinner and your overnight stay is at the hotel in Venice Mestre mainland.

Transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA.