A Journey Through Art, Spirit, and the Flavors of Italy
Join Rev. Scott Suskovic and the people of Christ Lutheran Church
Come along on an unforgettable journey through Italy with Rev. Scott Suskovic and the Christ Lutheran Church community. 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, marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, 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:
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The trip departs on June 10, 2026, and returns on June 20, 2026
PRICING:
Note: we will have airfare pricing starting in August. at this time, please register as land-only to secure your spot, and we will update you soon.
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$4,890.00 per person based on double occupancy - (Space is limited!) Land-only
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Single room supplement - $1,390
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Land-only $4,890.00
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Balance due on or before February 11, 2026
- $300 per person with registration to secure space (space is limited, small group tour)
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) a deposit of $300.00 per person made payable to Elias Tours and mailed to 4941 Chalden Ln NE, Marietta, GA 30066
FLIGHTS:
Hotels :
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation: 10 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
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Wine Tasting & Lunch: A delightful wine-tasting experience paired with a traditional lunch in Tuscany
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Cooking Class: Hands-on cooking class in Tuscany to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine
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City Taxes: All city taxes are included for your convenience
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Local Expertise: Elias Tours expert local guides throughout your journey
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Entrance Fees: All entrance fees to the attractions and historical sites
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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.
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.
Day 1, June 10: Departure
Your Italian adventure begins! Depart from your home country on an overnight flight to Venice, Italy. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the anticipation of the unforgettable experiences to come.
Day 2, June 11: Arrive in Venice – City of Canals
Arrive at Venice Airport, where your tour escort will greet you. After checking in at your hotel in Venice Mestre, we’ll transfer by private boat (30 minutes) into the heart of Venice. Meet your local guide in Piazza San Marco, the stunning square Napoleon once called “the drawing room of Europe.” Tour St. Mark’s Basilica, known for its golden mosaics and Byzantine charm. Walk the charming calle, Venice’s narrow winding streets, and take in the historic Rialto Bridge and the hauntingly beautiful Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or an optional gondola ride before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3, June 12: Pisa & the Sea
After breakfast, depart for Pisa. Enjoy lunch on your own near the Piazza dei Miracoli, then take a short guided tour of this iconic site—home to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistery.
Later, we continue toward La Spezia, a lovely port town on the Ligurian Sea. Check in at the hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest up for the scenic beauty to come.
Day 4, June 13: Cinque Terre – Postcard-Perfect Villages
A full day dedicated to exploring the Cinque Terre, a string of five colorful villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. We’ll travel by boat, with the opportunity to stop and stroll through one or more of the villages like Vernazza, Monterosso, or Manarola, each boasting pastel buildings, quaint harbors, and local charm. Return to La Spezia in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5, June 14: Siena & Cooking in Tuscany
Drive into the heart of Tuscany, beginning with a visit to Siena, a medieval gem known for its fan-shaped piazza, Piazza del Campo, and the stunning Siena Cathedral. In the late afternoon, arrive at your countryside hotel in Tuscany. Then roll up your sleeves and enjoy a hands-on Tuscan cooking class, learning the secrets of homemade pasta, sauces, and more.
Day 6, June 15: Florence – Cradle of the Renaissance
Today, we explore Florence, the city of Michelangelo, Dante, and the Medici. Visit the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll see the original statue of David. Enjoy free time to explore the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and Florence’s renowned markets. Return to your hotel in Tuscany for dinner and overnight.
Day 7, June 16: Wine, Hills & Rome
Our morning begins with a visit to Tuscany and the villages, then to a winery, where we’ll enjoy a tour and wine tasting, followed by a leisurely lunch amid the vineyards. Afterward, drive to Rome, the Eternal City. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner and a restful evening.
Day 8, June 17: Ancient Rome & Cooking Roman Style
Today is a journey into Imperial Rome. Visit the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought, and walk through the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Roman public life. We may also stop at the Mamertine Prison, where tradition holds that Peter and Paul were imprisoned. In the afternoon, enjoy another cooking class, this time with Roman flair—perhaps mastering carbonara or saltimbocca!
Day 9, June 18: Vatican & Early Christian Sites
Begin the day with a guided tour of Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and, if time allows, the Sistine Chapel. In the afternoon, we’ll visit two deeply significant early Christian sites: St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, and the tranquil Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional site of Paul’s martyrdom. Dinner is on your own tonight—Rome offers endless options to explore.
Day 10, June 19: Free Day in Rome & Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Rome. Wander the piazzas, revisit favorite sites, or just sip espresso in a cozy café.
In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and the journey we’ve shared.
Day 11, June 20: Arrivederci Italia!
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depart with full hearts and unforgettable memories of Italy’s beauty, flavors, and history.
