Set off on an extraordinary journey to Italy with *Not Your Average Bus Tour*! Discover the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Venice, Florence, and Rome. Immerse yourself in Florence’s artistic heritage, glide through Venice’s enchanting canals on a gondola, and explore the ancient wonders of Rome. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour—it’s a full cultural experience! Enjoy cooking classes, wine tastings at renowned wineries, and vibrant local food and art scenes. Join Rev. Jay Grave for an unforgettable adventure through Italy’s most iconic cities!
DETAILS:
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The trip departs on June 10, 2026, and returns on June 19, 2026
PRICING:
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$3,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited! Small Group)
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Single room supplement - $990
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Land-only, if booking your own flight: $3,890.00
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$300 per person with registration to secure space (Space is limited, Small Group Tour)
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Balance due on or before February 10, 2026
REGISTRATION:
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Registering online? Click the "BOOK NOW" button and fill out the online form; you can pay by check or with a credit card (a 4% platform fee applies)
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Registering by mail? Please download and complete the registration form (both the personal information page and the terms and conditions page signed at the bottom) with a copy of your passport and a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
FLIGHTS :
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If you are arranging your own flight, we recommend arranging to fly into Venice (VCE) and out of Rome (FCO) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites or the Airline App.
What is included in the tour
- 8 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Elias Tours' expert local guides
- Entrance fee to all sites
- All ground transportation in a private tour bus
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunches
- Airfare
- Gratuities for Local Guide and Driver
- Visa if Applicable
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: For questions, quotes, or to purchase travel insurance, visit Travelex Insurance or call (800) 228-9792 and use the code 26-0057 for Elias Tours.
**Venice:** - Glide along the enchanting canals in a traditional gondola. - Explore St. Mark's Square and marvel at the intricate architecture of St. Mark's Basilica. - Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Doge's Palace. Indulge in authentic Venetian cuisine at a local osteria along the narrow alleys. - Visit the Rialto Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and seafood. - Attend a traditional Venetian mask-making workshop to immerse yourself in local craftsmanship.
**Florence:** - Admire the iconic Florence Cathedral, known for its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. - Wander through the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. - Discover the charm of Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops. Savor Tuscan flavors with a food tour through the San Lorenzo Market. - Take a leisurely stroll through Oltrarno, Florence's artsy district, and explore artisan workshops. - Attend a local wine tasting to experience the renowned wines of the region.
**Rome:** - Visit the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator contests. - Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, steeped in Roman history. - Stroll through Vatican City, including St. Peter's Basilica and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Wander through Trastevere, a charming neighborhood loved by locals, known for its cozy cafes and vibrant atmosphere. - Join a cooking class to learn the secrets of Roman cuisine from local chefs. - Attend a local market, such as Mercato di Testaccio, to engage with daily life and taste authentic Roman street food with a cooking class for dinner.
JUN 10 – Depart the USA
Board your overnight flight to Italy. Settle in with dinner and in-flight entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.
JUN 11 – Arrive in Venice
Touch down in Venice and transfer to your hotel. Take time to unwind before dinner. Overnight in Venice.
JUN 12 – Historic Venice
This morning, explore Venice on foot: step into the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica, see the Doge’s Palace, and pause at the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge. The afternoon is yours to wander canals, browse artisan shops, or sip a spritz in a sunny square. Overnight in Venice.
JUN 13 – Venice • Pisa • Florence
Drive through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa to view the famed Leaning Tower and the Baptistry with its remarkable acoustics. Continue to Florence—cradle of the Renaissance and home to the Medici legacy. Check in and relax. Overnight in Florence.
JUN 14 – Florence & Tuscan Winery Experience
Begin in Piazza della Signoria, taking in the Neptune Fountain and the Loggia dei Lanzi, then visit Santa Croce and admire the golden “Gates of Paradise” at the Baptistry (or, for the bold, climb Giotto’s Bell Tower). Continue to the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.
By midday, head into the Tuscan countryside for a visit to a local winery: tour the vineyards and cellars, enjoy a guided tasting, and roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class (think fresh pasta and classic Tuscan dishes). Share an early dinner featuring what you’ve cooked, paired with the estate’s wines. Return to Florence in the evening. Overnight in Florence.
JUN 15 – Florence • Assisi
Travel along the Chianti hills and past Lake Trasimeno into Umbria to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis with Giotto’s frescoes, then the Basilicas of St. Clare and Santa Maria degli Angeli. Dinner and overnight in Assisi.
JUN 16 – Assisi • Rome • The Colosseum
Depart Assisi for Rome (about 3 hours). This afternoon, tour the Colosseum—ancient Rome’s grand arena—then walk the Roman Forum, once the Empire’s political and social heart. Check in, dinner, and overnight in Rome.
JUN 17 – Rome • Vatican Museums & Pauline Sites
Enter Vatican City to visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter’s Basilica. After lunch, follow a segment of the ancient Appian Way (Acts 28:11-16) and visit the Catacombs. Continue to Tre Fontane Abbey, traditionally the site of Paul’s martyrdom, and then to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where the apostle is buried. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
JUN 18 – Rome at Leisure & Centro Storico
Stroll the historic center: Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries—time for prayer, a leisurely lunch, a little shopping, or a climb of the Spanish Steps. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
JUN 19 – Return to the USA
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying Italy’s art, faith, and flavors with you.
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.
