Overview

A Journey Through Art, Spirit, and the Flavors of Italy

Join Rev. Daniel Pugh and Dr. Vicki Gallagher and the people of Christ the King Lutheran Church

Come along on an unforgettable journey through Italy. This specially crafted tour blends faith, history, culture, and cuisine into one inspiring experience.

From the romantic canals of Venice to the sun-kissed hills of Tuscany and the timeless majesty of Rome, you’ll walk in the footsteps of saints and artists, tasting the best of Italian food and wine along the way. Explore sacred sites like St. Mark’s Basilica, the Vatican, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Stroll through Renaissance Florence, and soak in the coastal beauty of Cinque Terre.

Enjoy hands-on cooking classes, a Tuscan winery visit, and moments of spiritual reflection woven throughout the journey. Whether you're reconnecting with your faith, building community, or simply falling in love with Italy, this is more than a tour—it’s a pilgrimage for the soul.

Let this journey renew your spirit and leave you with lasting memories and new friendships.

 

DETAILS:

  • The trip departs on May 14, 2027, and returns on May 24, 2027

PRICING:

  • $4,790.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited!) Land-only

  • Single room supplement: $1,390.00

  • Land-only: $4,790.00  (if you are booking your own flights)

  • Balance due on or before January 14, 2027

  • $300 per person with registration to secure space (space is limited, small group tour)

REGISTRATION:

  • 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)

  • 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) a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066

FLIGHTS:

Departure – May 14–15 (+$1550 per person) 

  • May 14: American Airlines AA 4491
    • Raleigh–Durham (RDU) → New York (JFK)
    • Departs: 2:32 PM
    • Arrives: 4:29 PM
  • May 14–15: American Airlines AA 236
    • New York (JFK) → Rome (FCO)
    • Departs: 6:45 PM
    • Arrives: 9:10 AM on May 15

Return – May 24

  • May 24: American Airlines AA 715
    • Venice (VCE) → Philadelphia (PHL)
    • Departs: 1:40 PM
    • Arrives: 5:00 PM
  • May 24: American Airlines AA 706
    • Philadelphia (PHL) → Raleigh–Durham (RDU)
    • Departs: 8:11 PM
    • Arrives: 9:44 PM

 

Hotels :​

 

May 14 - 24, 2027 14 May Italy
Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation: 10 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels (double occupancy)

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch: A delightful wine-tasting experience paired with a traditional lunch in Tuscany

  • Cooking Class: Hands-on cooking classes in Tuscany

  • City Taxes: All city taxes are included for your convenience

  • Local Expertise: Elias Tours expert local guides throughout your journey

  • Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to the attractions and historical sites

  • Transportation: All ground transportation via a private, comfortable tour bus

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Airfare
  • Lunches 
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • Gratuities for Local Guide and Driver
  • 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.
Highlights
What makes this tour special

Explore the captivating history and stunning landscapes of Rome, Florence, and Venice.  Uncover the ancient marvels of Rome, dive into the artistic heritage of Florence, and take a gondola ride through Venice’s enchanting canals. This unique journey offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a cultural immersion featuring cooking classes, visits to renowned wineries, and vibrant local food and art scenes. It is an opportunity to grow in fellowship with others from your church while you share once-in-a-lifetime encounters.  Join us for an unforgettable experience in these iconic Italian cities!

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**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.

**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 artstic district, and explore artisan workshops. - Attend a local wine tasting to experience the renowned wines of the region.

**Tuscany:** located in central Italy, is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. It boasts rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque villages. Florence, its capital, is a cradle of the Renaissance, home to masterpieces like Michelangelo's David and the Florence Cathedral. Tuscany is also famous for its wine, particularly Chianti, and its culinary delights, including hearty soups, fresh pasta, and robust cheeses. The region's charming countryside, artistic treasures make it a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

**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.

Itinerary

 

Day 1, May 14: Departure from the USA
Your Italian adventure begins! Depart from the United States on an overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the anticipation of the unforgettable experiences ahead.

Day 2, May 15: Arrive in Rome – Early Christian Sites
Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Rome Airport, meet your tour manager after baggage claim and transfer to the city center. Enjoy time at leisure for an independent lunch before beginning your journey through the history of early Christianity in Rome. This afternoon, visit two deeply significant Christian sites: St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas and the traditional burial place of the Apostle Paul, and the peaceful Abbey of the Three Fountains, traditionally believed to be the site of Paul’s martyrdom. Continue to your hotel for check-in and time to relax before gathering for dinner. Overnight in Rome.

Day 3, May 16: Ancient & Baroque Rome
After breakfast, step into the world of Imperial Rome. Visit the magnificent Colosseum, where gladiators once fought before thousands of spectators, and walk through the Roman Forum, the center of political, religious, and public life in ancient Rome. We may also stop at the Mamertine Prison, where tradition holds that the Apostles Peter and Paul were imprisoned. Continue through Piazza Venezia to the famous Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy time at leisure for an independent lunch. The afternoon is yours to experience Rome at your own pace. Wander through its beautiful piazzas, revisit a favorite site, browse local shops, or simply sit at a sidewalk café and enjoy an espresso while watching Roman life unfold. This evening, gather for a special welcome dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Rome, celebrating the beginning of our Italian journey together. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4, May 17: Vatican City & Leisure Time
Begin the day with a guided visit to Vatican City, the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Explore St. Peter’s Square and the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica and, if time and ticket availability allow, visit the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s extraordinary frescoes. The afternoon and evening are free for personal exploration. Discover more of Rome, visit a museum, enjoy shopping, or find a neighborhood restaurant for dinner on your own. Overnight in Rome.

Day 5, May 18: Florence – Cradle of the Renaissance – Tuscany
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart Rome, traveling north toward Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance and the city of Michelangelo, Dante, and the Medici family.

Visit the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s original masterpiece, David. Then enjoy free time to explore Florence at your own pace. See the magnificent Duomo, stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, browse the city’s renowned markets, or enjoy a café in one of its lively piazzas. In the late afternoon, leave the city behind and continue into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Arrive at your countryside hotel, check in, and enjoy time to relax before dinner. Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 6, May 19: Siena & Tuscan Cooking Class
After breakfast, travel a short distance to Siena, one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities. Explore the historic center, including the famous fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and the magnificent Siena Cathedral. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch and personal exploration. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for one of the most memorable experiences of the journey. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class, learning the secrets of homemade pasta, traditional sauces, and other Italian specialties. Afterward, enjoy time to relax, perhaps with a glass of local wine, before gathering to enjoy the meal you helped prepare. Overnight in Tuscany.

Day 7, May 20: Wine & Hills of Tuscany – La Spezia & the Ligurian Coast
After breakfast, check out and journey through the rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages of Tuscany. Stop at a local winery for a tour, wine tasting, and leisurely lunch surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside.

In the afternoon, continue north toward La Spezia, a charming port town along the Ligurian Sea and the gateway to the Cinque Terre. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time to explore the waterfront or historic center and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the Italian coast. Gather for dinner this evening as we look forward to tomorrow’s unforgettable exploration of the Cinque Terre. Overnight in La Spezia.

Day 8, May 21: Cinque Terre – Postcard-Perfect Villages
Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a collection of five colorful villages dramatically perched along the rugged Ligurian coastline. Travel by boat, weather permitting, and enjoy the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most beautiful villages, such as Vernazza, Monterosso, or Manarola. Discover pastel-colored houses, charming harbors, narrow streets, local shops, and spectacular views of the Ligurian Sea. Return to La Spezia in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 9, May 22: Journey to Venice
After breakfast, depart La Spezia and travel east toward the Veneto region. Enjoy the changing scenery as we journey across northern Italy toward the magical city of Venice. Arrive at your hotel in the evening, check in, and gather for dinner. Overnight in the Venice area.

Day 10, May 23: Venice – City of Canals
After breakfast, transfer by private boat into the magical heart of Venice. Meet your local guide in Piazza San Marco, the magnificent square Napoleon famously called “the drawing room of Europe.” Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, renowned for its golden mosaics and Byzantine beauty. Walk through Venice’s charming calle—its narrow, winding streets—and discover iconic landmarks including the Rialto Bridge and the hauntingly beautiful Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, exploring hidden canals, or perhaps an optional gondola ride. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships, experiences, flavors, and unforgettable memories shared throughout our journey across Italy. Overnight in the Venice area.

Day 11, May 24: Arrivederci, Italia!
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart Italy with full hearts, new friendships, and unforgettable memories of its history, faith, culture, landscapes, and flavors.

Tour Location
Italy View on Map