Itinerary
Sunday, May 16
Depart the U.S.
Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!
Monday, May 17
Welcome to Italy
Your Day Includes
- Arrive Rome (FCO) - you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel
- Free Afternoon in Rome - spend time exploring local Roman markets, wandering around the city streets, enjoying a gelato at a city café, or revisit Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s liveliest squares
Accommodations
Hotel Sina Bernini – Rome
Trevi Fountain
Colosseum
Tuesday, May 18
Exploring Italy
Your Day Includes
- Colosseum - the largest amphitheater ever built and the symbol of the Eternal City
- Arch of Triumph (Constantine) - the largest Roman triumphal arch
- Palatine Hill - the largest hill overlooking the city and according to Roman mythology, the birthplace of the city’s founders, Romulus and Remus
- Roman Forum - the site of triumphal processions and elections; the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches; and the nucleus of commercial affairs
- Trajan’s Market - a complex of ruins that presents a living model of life in the Roman capital and insights about Ancient Roman architecture
- Mamertine Prison - where apostles Paul and Peter were imprisoned before their deaths
- Free Time
- Vatican City (evening private tour) - the small, independent state where we will see the exceptional collection of artwork from every era. We will admire the fascinating Candelabra Gallery, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Rooms of Raphael, and finally the inspiring Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s masterpieces, such as the extraordinary frescoed ceiling and The Last Judgment.
Accommodations
Hotel Sina Bernini – Rome
Wednesday, May 19
Embark Seacloud
Your Day Includes
- Depart Hotel
- San Giovanni - founded in 324, this basilica, considered the “mother of all churches,” is the oldest basilica in the Western world and serves as the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope
- Scala Santa - the “Holy Stairs” are a set of 28 marble steps in Rome that, according to Christian tradition, were the ones Jesus ascended to his trial before Pontius Pilate (transported from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 by Helena, Constantine’s mother)
- Sea Cloud II: Embarkation
Accommodations
Scala Sancta
Ponza
Thursday, May 20
Ponza
Your Day Includes
- Ponza - a beautiful Mediterranean gem known for its rugged cliffs, natural arches, and crystal-clear waters which is, according to legend, named after Pontius Pilate, whose family is said to have owned a grotto on the island
- Teaching On Board
Accommodations
Friday, May 21
Salerno
Your Day Includes
- Pompeii - frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unparalleled look into ancient Roman life and gives visitors the opportunity to explore the remarkably preserved streets, villas, and public buildings
- Teaching On Board
Accommodations
Pompeii
Lipari
Saturday, May 22
Lipari
Your Day Includes
- Lipari - known for its beautiful beaches, historic acropolis with an ancient castle, and a bustling main town with shops and restaurants, the largest of the Aeolian Islands offers a harmonious blend of wild volcanic landscapes and charming town life
- Teaching On Board
Accommodations
Sunday, May 23
Giardini Naxos
Your Day Includes
- Giardini Naxos - a charming seaside town with a long history as the first Greek colony in Sicily
- Theater of Taormina - this ancient Greek-Roman theater, carved into a hillside in Taormina, offers one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea
- Optional Afternoon Activity: Cooking Class
- Optional: Free Afternoon - Explore the beautiful beaches of Giardini Naxos or visit one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Etna
Accommodations
Giardini Naxos
Syracuse Catacombs
Monday, May 24
Syracuse
Your Day Includes
- Church of the Shipwreck - this historic church, standing on the traditional site where Paul was shipwrecked on the island, is one of Malta’s most significant religious treasures
- Syracuse Catacombs - carved out of an ancient Greek aqueduct, this underground labyrinth of burial sites offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of early Christianity in Sicily
- Syracuse - once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the classical age, its charming historic center, Ortygia, is a Baroque masterpiece, while the mainland is home to impressive Greek and Roman ruins
Accommodations
Tuesday, May 25
Malta
Your Day Includes
- Sea Cloud II: Disembarkation
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral - home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece, “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”, this masterpiece of Baroque art was built by the Knights of St. John
- Upper Barrakka Gardens - an historic garden located on the highest point of the city and known for some of the best views on the island
- The main tour ends in Malta on May 25, 2027. Your options are:
- Make your own arrangements to depart from Malta on the evening of May 25, 2027
- Join the group extension to Barcelona (flight to Barcelona included in extension tour cost)
Malta
Click here to view the optional Spain extension Itinerary
*Itinerary is subject to change. To best serve the group, the schedule may be altered or substitutions made at the discretion of your tour leader and guide.