13-Day Epic Journey to Italy
with Dr. Charles Fowler
Start Date: May 16, 2026
End Date: May 28, 2026
Location: Italy
Explore some of the most influential and historical cities in the world! The journey begins in Rome, the eternal city. Visit wonders of the ancient world and stunning churches commemorating important people and moments of church history. Stroll the streets of Assisi on the slopes of Monte Subasio, the hometown of St. Francis and St. Clare. Marvel at the artwork and architecture showcased in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Discover the beauty of Pisa and visit the Leaning Tower. The tour ends in Venice, the floating city. This tour will be full of unique experiences, ancient history, and unspeakable beauty!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday, May 16
DEPARTURE USA
Depart Atlanta to follow Paul’s final journey to Rome and experience the best of Italy. Prepare for an inspiring, life-changing adventure.
Day 2
Sunday, May 17
ARRIVAL / POZZUOLI / SORRENTO
Upon arrival at Fiumicino airport near Rome, meet your Tour Manager and journey to Pozzuoli (Putuoli) on the Bay of Naples. See the area where Paul first entered the mainland of the peninsula. Pass by the ancient amphitheater and have an overview of the seaport of Pozzuoli and the ancient marketplace to recall a small touch of what Paul may have experienced when he arrived. Check in to your hotel in Sorrento for dinner and overnight.
Day 3
Monday, May 18
SORRENTO /AMALFI COAST
The day begins with a journey to the Amalfi Coast (Ravello & Vietri sul Mare). The Amalfi Coast, a landscape of towering bluffs and pastel-hued villages, connects Sorrento with Amalfi and is widely considered Italy's most scenic stretch of coastline. Deemed by UNESCO "an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values," the coast was awarded a coveted spot on the World Heritage list in 1997. Enjoy lunch and exploring the beautiful coast before returning to the hotel in Sorrento for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Tuesday, May 19
SORRENTO / POMPEI / NAPLES / ROMA
After breakfast, travel to Pompei for an archeological excursion through the ancient city. Buried under a layer of ashes and pyroclastic flow by a sudden eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE, the excavations uniquely capture Roman life in the time of the early apostles. Stroll through the city frozen in time, visiting houses, shops, temples, squares, and even some of the darker quarters of the city, such as the “Lupanare” (house of prostitutes) and the “Suburbane Thermae” with its graphic frescos. Next, depart for Naples. Enjoy free time in the historic city, perhaps savoring the typical drink, “Espresso Napoletano.” In the afternoon, continue to Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Wednesday, May 20
ROMAN FORA / PALATINE/ COLOSSEUM
Begin the day with a walking tour along the Via dei Fori Imperiali and observe the ruins of the Imperial center of Rome. See the Forum of Trajan, the biggest and most splendid market of its time, which served as a forerunner of our modern malls. View Capitoline Hill, the former political and religious center of the town, which today is the seat of the Municipality of Rome. The stairway opens to the Piazza del Campidoglio, a magnificent result of a project by Michelangelo, built around a copy of the most famous equestrian statue in the world, that of the stoic Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Behind Piazza del Campidoglio, a natural terrace offers the best panoramic view of the valley of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. View Mamertine Prison where the apostles Peter and Paul were both held before their martyrdom. Gaze at the Arch of Constantine, commemorating the victory of the emperor over Maxentius in the 4th century CE which gave rise to the legalization and adoption of Christianity. Next, explore the world-renowned Colosseum, which held historical fights between gladiators and where thousands of people (including many Christians) and animals perished. After a break for lunch, visit the Basilica of San Clemente. Travel to the Aventine Hill, the traditional home of Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s ministry companions, now located below the Church of Santa Prisca. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 6
Thursday, May 21
PAOLA ALLA REGOLA / CATACOMBS / SAINT PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS
After breakfast, follow the steps of Paul, recalling his visits to the city and his eventual execution. Begin with a visit to Insula di San Paolo alla Regola, the potential location of Paul’s first visit and house arrest around 62 AD. This place references the early belief that “Paul took a rented horreum” where he could likely invite, teach and comfort the small but growing Christian community. From this possible site of Paul’s outreach, travel to the “Abbey of the Three Fountains,” the place of Paul’s martyrdom. Continue to the Basilica of “St. Paul Outside the Walls” on the Via Ostiense, the resting place for the body of Paul. After recalling the work of the Apostle Paul, continue to the northern end of the ancient Via Appia to visit the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla. Early Christian art and history are preserved below ground at these early burial and memorial places, with some markings suggesting the celebration of the anniversaries of Christian martyrs. Time permitting, visit the Basilica of San John di Lateran, which became one the most important Christian churches of Rome. When Constantine opened the Roman world to Christianity, his apparent conversion was symbolized by the donation of a significant family property for this basilica. The Lateran Baptistery symbolizes the many early converts to the faith and the process of moving Christianity from a rogue influence to a sponsored and ordered faith. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 7
Friday, May 22
ROME / VATICAN / ST. PETER’S BASILICA
Begin the day with an enriching visit to Vatican City and tour of the Vatican museums. Meander through the galleries, observing the exquisite tapestries that line the hallways and marveling at the masterpieces collected through the centuries. Enter the Apostolic Palace and stand in awe of the Sistine Chapel, containing one of the highest masterpieces of art: the Genesis and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Exit down the Royal Stairway, projected by Bernini, and enter the Basilica of St. Peter which boasts 2000 years of history and famous works of art such as the Pieta by Michelangelo. Admire the basilica’s ornate architecture and majestic dome from St. Peter’s Square. In the afternoon, explore the highlights of the city at your leisure. You may choose to have lunch near Trevi Fountain, walk on Condotti Street in the fashion district of the Spanish Steps, visit Piazza Navona or the Pantheon. Enjoy dinner at Tempo di Baccio. Overnight in Rome.
Day 8
Saturday, May 23
ROME / ASSISI / FLORENCE
Journey through the Umbrian green hills covered in olive groves and vineyards to reach Assisi. Roam the narrow streets of the ancient town on the slopes of Monte Subasio. Visit the Church of Santa Chiara, the site where St. Francis was born and then continue to the house where he spent the first years of his life. Appreciate the arresting beauty of the Basilica of St. Fracis, near the ancient city walls, and see the tomb of the venerated saint. In the afternoon, continue north to Florence, the city of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Dinner and overnight in historic Florence.
Day 9
Sunday, May 24
FLORENCE / ACCADEMIA GALLERY
Discover the cradle of the Renaissance, where one breathes art in the medieval streets, the craftsmen's workshops, and the Renaissance Palaces. Visit the Baptistery of St. John with its distinctive octagonal design and gilded bronze doors dubbed “the Gates of Paradise” by Michelangelo. See Giotto’s Bell Tower and the stunning Duomo, a magnificent display of Gothic architecture. Stop by the Piazza della Signoria, the Church of St. Lorenzo, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Spend time at the Academia Gallery where Michelangelo’s “David” is showcased among other Florentine masterpieces. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore additional treasures of Florence and shop on your own. Explore the outdoor Market of San Lorenzo and the Ponte Vecchio, known for the jewelry shops that have covered the bridge for centuries. Dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 10
Monday, May 25
FLORENCE / VENICE
After breakfast, drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside to reach Venice. Experience a private motorboat ride to the heart of Venice. Spend the day exploring the floating city. Tour the opulent Basilica of St. Mark with its superb, Byzantine-style architecture studded with marble and glittering mosaics which houses the tomb of Mark the evangelist. Continue to historical Doge’s Palace, the home of the former Venetian rulers where even the ceilings captivate. Explore the interrogation rooms and take in the spectacular scenes of Benice Lagoon from the Bridge of Sighs. Savor the city during your free afternoon. Take the opportunity to see the city from one of the charming gondolas. Catch a ferry boat back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 11
Tuesday, May 26
VENICE / VERONA / STRESA
The day begins with a journey to Verona. The first glimpse of the city is love at first sight. William Shakespeare once penned, “There is no world without Verona walls.” The famous playwright immortalized Verona with his tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montecchi (Montagu) and Juliet Capuleti (Capulet). Continue to stunning Maggiore Lake for dinner and overnight.
Day 12
Wednesday, May 27
LAKE MAGGIORE / STRESA
Spend a relaxing day around picturesque Lake Maggiore which stretches all the way into Switzerland. This gorgeous alpine lake has attracted celebrity visitors such as Napoleon, Ernest Hemingway, Prince Charles, and Lady Diana. Tour Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands on a private vessel. Glide by lush lakeside gardens and towns, stopping to view Borromean Palace on Isola Bella. Relax and savor an afternoon of leisure. Dinner and overnight at Maggiore Lake.
Day 13
Thursday, May 28
MILAN / DEPARTURE TO USA
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with your luggage packed with keepsakes and your heart full of memories from your tour of Italy.
- $6,995 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,995 per person Land Only (purchase your own air).
- Single room supplement - $1,795
- $500 per person with registration to secure space.
- 50% of the total amount is due on or before December 13, 2025
- Balance due on or before February 13, 2026
LH 232 17MAY FRA FCO 1040A 1230P
LH5639 28MAY MXP FRA 0615A 0735A
LH 444 28MAY FRA ATL 1015A 0155P
Tour information
GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met on arrival by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only travelers not traveling with the group are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.
HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the tour leader will make every attempt to pair single travelers requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.
MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary.
SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.
LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Travelers are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Travelers are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions.
TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the traveler.
NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Travelers with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements.
AIR: The Air Included option covers round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the Air Included option. Travelers who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.
LAND ONLY: Travelers who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. Travelers arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Trawick International. Please click here for more information or to enroll in the plan.
A preexisting medical condition waiver is available if purchased within 21 days of registration.
CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to 180 days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.
PAYMENT: I understand and agree that Signature Tours accepts no responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity that may occur in connection with these services. I also declare that I am aware that restrictions may apply to the services purchased and that I am satisfied that such restrictions have been explained. I the cardholder, take full responsibility for the charges on the account described above. By clicking Order, I agree to receive emails, SMS text messages, and phone calls from Signature Tours.