Bibles & Brushes: A Baptist Tour of Renaissance Italy
with Dr. Robby & Kandi Gallaty
Start Date: September 21, 2027
End Date: September 30, 2027
Location: Italy
Journey through the heart of Italy on a faith-enriching exploration of biblical history, the early Church, and the events that shaped the Protestant Reformation. From the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence to the ancient streets of Rome and the coastal beauty of Sorrento, discover how Scripture, art, faith, and history intertwine across the centuries. Walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, reflect on the courage of the early Christian martyrs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the foundations of your faith while sharing meaningful fellowship with your church community!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Tuesday, September 21
Depart USA
Gather at Nashville International Airport (BNA) for a transatlantic overnight flight to Europe. Today marks the beginning of a spiritual and cultural journey as hearts are prepared to explore early church foundations and biblical history.
Day 2
Wednesday, September 22
Arrival in Florence
Welcome to Italy! After landing at the airport, transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a formal welcome dinner as a church community followed by your first overnight stay in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Overnight in Florence.
Day 3
Thursday, September 23
Florence: Humanism, Art, and Pre-Reformation Fire
Begin with a full guided tour of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and learn how the Renaissance movement of "Ad Fontes" pushed scholars back to the original Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible, accidentally fuelling the Reformation. Spend an extended block of time inside the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to study Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Caravaggio’s Medusa, and foundational theological works by Michelangelo and Raphael. You will also learn about Girolamo Savonarola, the fiery Dominican friar who preached fiercely against church corruption right here in Florence, decades before Martin Luther, before concluding with dinner and overnight in Florence.
Day 4
Friday, September 24
Florence - Siena – Rome
After breakfast, check out and drive south into the hills of Tuscany. Arrive in Siena, a remarkably preserved medieval UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore its Gothic architecture and the historic Piazza del Campo while discussing Siena’s role as a major medieval banking centre and rival to Florence. Inside the majestic Siena Cathedral, admire the intricate marble inlaid pavements and the breath taking Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Piccolomini Library. This masterfully executed artwork highlights the transitional period when medieval religious devotion began to blend with the technical brilliance of early Renaissance design. Before leaving Siena, pause at a traditional local café to experience the best coffee ever, savouring a rich, perfectly pulled Italian espresso or creamy cappuccino alongside local pastries. Continue to Rome in the late afternoon for check-in, group dinner, and overnight. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 5
Saturday, September 25
Holy Rome & The Sparks of Reformation
An early departure leads to the Vatican Museums for an extended block of time dedicated to exploring Renaissance masterpieces, culminating in the Sistine Chapel. You will study Michelangelo’s ceiling through a biblical theological lens focusing on Creation, the Fall, and the ultimate promise of Redemption. Step into St. Peter’s Basilica to discuss from a Protestant perspective how the massive costs of constructing this building led to the widespread sale of indulgences, which was the precise theological issue that compelled Martin Luther to launch the Reformation in 1517. Afterwards, cross the Tiber River to see Castel Sant’Angelo and enjoy a walk across the Angel Bridge before exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic Trastevere neighbourhood. Conclude the day at the Lateran Basilica, the oldest public church building in Europe, to examine Constantine's fourth- century institutionalization of the church, contrasting state-mandated religion with a Baptist heritage of believer's baptism and religious liberty before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Overnight in Rome.
Day 6
Sunday, September 26
Ancient Rome
The study of early church history deepens with a guided tour of the Forum Romanum and the Capitoline Museums to examine the harsh political realities of the first-century Roman Empire, observing how the early Church thrived under extreme societal pressure. Next, the group walks past Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland, stopping to admire the architectural marvel of the Pantheon and the iconic Trevi Fountain. The day finishes with a dedicated, reflective tour of the Colosseum to pause and honor the immense legacy of the early Christian martyrs who stood firmly on the core Baptist-aligned conviction that Jesus is Lord, willingly sacrificing their lives rather than bowing to the divinity of Caesar, followed by dinner and overnight. Overnight in Rome.
Day 7
Monday, September 27
Rome - Pozulli – Naples
Check out and journey south to follow the literal footsteps of the Apostle Paul as recorded in Acts 28:13-14. The first stop is Pozzuoli, the ancient port of Puteoli, which is the exact location where Paul landed as a prisoner on his way to Rome. Standing by the ancient harbour, the group reads Scripture and reflects on the local believers who welcomed Paul and walked with him, while touring the ruins of the Roman marketplace and the Flavian Amphitheater from Paul's era. The journey continues into Naples for a guided exploration of the Catacombs of San Gennaro, where the grand, underground early Christian basilicas and burial chambers provide an undeniable testament to the theology of martyrdom and the worship life of the early church from the second century onward. In the evening, the buses travel along the breathtaking coastal road to Sorrento for check-in at the final hotel, followed by a group dinner and overnight. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 8
Tuesday, September 28
Sorrento – Pompeii – Sorrento
The morning features a short drive to the ancient city of Pompeii, where a guided tour through the ruins frozen in 79 AD exposes the daily life, household structures, and moral landscape of the Roman Empire that formed the cultural backdrop for the New Testament epistles. The group returns to Sorrento by midday, leaving the entire afternoon completely at leisure for the church community to enjoy fellowship, personal prayer, or a walk through the historic town. Dinner is served together at the hotel in the evening before the overnight stay. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 9
Wednesday, September 29
Sorrento – Capri Ferry Crossing – Sorrento
The final full day in Italy features a scenic ferry crossing from Sorrento across the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea to the historic island of Capri. Beyond enjoying the dramatic natural beauty of the island, the tour dives into a critical piece of church history by examining the reign of Emperor Tiberius, who ruled the Roman Empire from his palaces on Capri during the exact years Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem. The group reflects on the absolute sovereignty of God, who quietly established an eternal kingdom while earthly emperors ruled from luxury, before taking the evening ferry back to Sorrento for a final farewell dinner filled with testimonies, worship, and shared gratitude, followed by overnight. Overnight in Sorrento.
Day 10
Thursday, September 30
Return to USA
After breakfast, transfer to Naples Airport for the return flight back home to Nashville, deeply enriched in both your faith and your understanding of Christian history.
- $6,895 per person based on double occupancy.
- $5,895 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 March 21, 2027
- Balance due on or before June 21, 2027
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 provided daily. Lunch and dinner 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 or fees imposed by national and/or local governments that are not included at the time of publication are the traveler’s responsibility.
NOT INCLUDED: Country-specific visas or ETAs, 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 list of included features.
PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months (185 days) beyond the start date of your 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 transfer bus at no additional charge.
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 or scooters. 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.