A Platinum Select Journey
Italy:
Biblical Backgrounds, Christian Origins and Cultural Heritage
departing 20 May 2018
$3,806 from New York City or Boston
(ask about domestic travel arrangements from your preferred departure city)
3 Day Elective
Renaissance Italy—Assisi, Siena and Florence
$1,228
Returning 31 May 2017
While enjoying the beauty of the Italian countryside and the romance of the Mediterranean, this journey will focus on archaeological sites and museums that illuminate the backgrounds of the New Testament and the context of the growth of early Christianity. It will also acquaint participants with the rich cultural heritage of Italy and Italy’s impressive contributions to Western Civlization. There will be plenty of free time and opportunities to experience for yourself the wonders along the way.
Registration Form
(Click the link to open, print a copy, fill in the blanks,
sign it and mail it to S.B.S.)
Daily Itinerary
tentative and subject to local circumstances):
individual preferences will be accomodated when possible
Day 1 Depart from Gateway City
Day 2 After arriving in Naples, Italy, we will explore the ruins of Herculaneum, destroyed in the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Then we will journey on to our hotel on the peninsula of Sorrento for our first overnight. Orientation and introductions will take place upon arrival. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 3 This day takes us along the stunning Amalfi Coast, making stops along the way. We eventually make our way to Paestum, one of the best preserved classical sties in the Mediterranean. Dinner is on your own tonight so you can enjoy Italian cuisine at its best. Overnight in in Sorrento.
Day 4 Our itinerary takes us to the sites of Pompei and Satbia for a full day or exploration of the excavations. Dinner is on your own. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 5 We leave Sorrento today and visit Naples, where we tour the National Archaeological Museum. After lunch, we resume our journey to Rome arriving in the evening. Dinner is on your own at one of the many restaurants near the hotel. .Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 6 We embark from our hotel for a tour of Monte Testaccio (subject to confirmation), the Baths of Caracalla, Palatine Hill, view the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Coliseum, Dinner is on your own at one of the many restaurants near the hotel. Overnight in Rome.
Day 7 Today is a day to enjoy on foot the Renassaince and Baroque monuments of Rome, including Piazza della Republica, Church of St. Mary of the Angles and the Martyrs, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish steps), Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain), Piazza Rotunda, Piazza Navonna and Campo dei Fiori. Dinner is on your own in a restaurant close to the hotel. Overnight in Rome.
Day 8 The Catacoms of San Sebastion or San Callisto, Vatican City, including the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Dinner is on your own in a restaurant close to the hotel. Overnight in Rome.
Day 9 . Those on the 9 day program return to the USA. You can continue your journey with the following elective
Cultural Heritage of and Christian Origins in Italy
3 Day Elective
Medieval Spirituality & Renaissance Italy
Assisi, Siena and Florence
$1,228
Returning 31 May 2018
Day 9 depart Rome and journey through Umbria to Assisi. A walking tour of Assisi will introduce you to Assisi’s Medieval streets, the Church of St. Clare and the Basilica of St. Frances. Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight in Assisi
Day 10 On the way to Florence, we stop in Siena to explore the
Markets, the Piazza del Campo, visit the Town Hall and Cathedral. Continuing on our way, we arrive in Florence at dinnertime. Dinner is at the hotel.
Overnight in Florence.
Day 11 Today’s walking tour includes visits to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia and the Ponte Vecchio. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Florence.
Day 12 Return flight to the USA