Students, family and friends of The Saint Constantine School are invited to come along and explore Italy together in Christian fellowship. Embark on this inspirational journey and discover a deeper connection to your faith in Jesus Christ.
We will travel together from Rome- the Eternal City once ruled by Saint Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor, to the Holy city of Assisi and the life and works of St. Francis, and the peaceful splendor of Tuscany, to Florence- the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most inspiring cities of the world! PRIVATE SCHOOL GROUP
ITINERARY
May 18 Depart U.S.A.
Depart Houston, TX arrive Rome, Italy
May 19 Rome and St. Paul (B,D)
Upon arrival in Rome, our group will be met by a professional tour escort who will accompany our group throughout the journey. We board our private motor coach and transfer to the Eternal City of Rome, one of the greatest centers of Western civilization and the first truly cosmopolitan city on earth! Before entering the city we will visit two of the most significant shrines in Rome which honor the Apostle Paul; the Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls- location of the tomb of the Apostle Paul, and to the nearby Abbazia St. Paul Tre Fontane site of his death. Afterwards, we’ll check-in to our hotel, have time to freshen up before our group meets for our welcome to Italy dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rome
May 20 Roman Antiquities, St. Constantine and Our Christian Forefathers (B)
After a good night’s rest and a delicious Italian buffet breakfast, we meet a local guide to begin a full day walking tour of ancient Rome and the paths followed by our Christian forefathers. Our journey begins at the Porta del Popolo (Gate) entry to the city used by the Reformer, Martin Luther on his journey by foot as a monk, to meet with the Pope in Rome. We continue on to the Church of San Paolo alla Regola known to be the place where Paul instructed the first Christians of Rome. We learn more about Saint Constantine (Constantine the Great) the emperor who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity. Next, we visit these historic treasures, the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, and the Colosseum. This evening dinner is on our own at one of the local trattorias, and remember- Italian restaurants have one thing in common; they all serve great food! Overnight Rome
May 21 Ancient Ruins of Pompeii (B)
Today after breakfast we depart for a full day excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii. A local guide will lead us to explore the ruins of Pompeii and learn how wealthy Romans lived 2,000 years ago and how it was buried by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. While Pompeii has still not been fully excavated, we can see the ruins of villas, ancient temples and the Stabian Baths. Overnight Rome
May 22 Vatican Museum, St. Peter Basilica, Sistine Chapel (B)
Today we visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel to view one of the highest masterpieces of art: the Genesis and the Last Judgment by Michelangelo. We will visit the Basilica of St. Peter and view the famous works of art such as the Pietà by Michelangelo and completing our tour in St. Peter’s Square. Construction on the Basilica began by orders of the Roman Emperor Constantine I between 318 and 322 and took about 30 years to complete. Over the next twelve centuries, the church gradually gained importance, eventually becoming a major place of pilgrimage in Rome. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy shopping, or visit a gallery or museum. Independent dinner at one of the local restaurants. Overnight Rome
May 23 Rome Independent Exploration (B, D)
This day is at leisure for independent exploration and sightseeing. Perhaps a visit to the Capitoline Museums, opened to the public in 1734 where art could be viewed by the people and not just the owners, is considered the first museum in the world. The collection comprises 400 ancient statues, tombs, mosaics and busts including Constantine I, Cleopatra and Bernini’s Medusa. Or, make time for reflection and recounting the highlights discovered on this spiritual journey relaxing at one of the beautiful hilltop gardens such as the Piazza Martin Luther: German Theologian of the Reformation 1483-1546 (Martin Luther Square). This evening our group will meet for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Rome
May 24 Assisi and St. Francis (B, D)
Today we depart Rome aboard our private motor coach to visit the holy city of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and where St. Francis was born, where he worked and where he died. We meet a local guide for a walking tour and to learn more about the life and works of this humble man of God. The Basilica dedicated to his name and life preserves the remains of the “mendicant of Assisi,” thus making it a destination for thousands upon thousands of religious pilgrims. The Sanctuary of Assisi is one of the oldest existing Gothic churches in Italy, and its walls are decorated with frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini and Pietro Lorenzetti. We have time at leisure to stroll the cobblestone streets, shop for souvenirs and enjoy lunch before continuing to Florence, a city rich in Italian artistic and intellectual genius. We will check in to our hotel for the next 4-nights. We have time to freshen-up before our group meets for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Florence
May 25 Renaissance Florence, Accademia Gallery (B)
We awake in the lovely city of Florence, the birthplace or chosen home to Boccaccio, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Donatello, Galileo and Dante Alighieri, a renowned Italian poet of the Middle Ages and author of Divine Comedy, a masterpiece of world literature. We’ll be treated to an enlightening tour of the “cradle of the Renaissance”. Our guide will lead the walking tour and share with us more about Dante and the history of this fascinating city- including a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, visits to the impressive Duomo (previously Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) and Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise of the Baptistry of Florence. The gates praised by generations of artists and art historians for their compelling portrayal of scenes from the Old Testament. After a break for lunch on our own, our group will visit the Accademia Gallery. Our private guide will lead us to view some of the most famous works of art including Michelangelo’s sculpture, the “David”. Dinner is on our own to enjoy one of the local restaurants or café’s. Overnight Florence
May 26 Pisa, Tuscany Winery and Olive Oil Tastings (B, L)
Today our group will visit Pisa, the cultural center of Tuscany. The group will enjoy independent exploration to view the phenomenal “leaning” tower, stroll through the Piazza de Miracoli to visit the 900-year-old medieval Roman Catholic Pisa Cathedral. While inside the cathedral take notice of the hanging lamp across from the pulpit which inspired Galileo’s theory of ‘the motion of the pendulum’. Afterwards, we visit a Tuscan winery and olive oil farm for wine tastings paired with regional cuisine for lunch, and learn more about the local olive oil, the history and how it is made. Lunch and Overnight Florence
May 27 Florence (B, D)
Today is at leisure to enjoy this fascinating city as you wish. Relax at a sidewalk café as you sip a cup of cappuccino or tea and enjoy a delicious biscotti, shop along the Ponte Vecchio- especially know for its beautiful jewels and hand-made leather goods and gold jewelry. Some may choose to have an independent visit to the Uffizi Gallery which houses the most important collection of paintings in Italy (admission fee and advance reservations required.) This evening our group will meet for our farewell to Italy dinner.
Dinner and Overnight Florence
May 28 Tour Ends (B)
Group will transfer from the hotel to the Florence Airport.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TRAVEL DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT regarding credentials required for this itinerary.
TOUR LEVEL: MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER, WALKING SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Most sightseeing tours are walking tours (3 miles per day) outside with weather temperatures that will be cold; perhaps wet and snowy. The historic sites you will visit date back hundreds of years and may not provide elevators and ramps. If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
TOUR INCLUDES
Custom-designed itinerary offering a relaxed and comprehensive travel experience
Private Group with custom-designed itinerary
Professional Tour Escort to accompany group throughout the journey
Private Luxury Air-Conditioned Motor Coach throughout the journey
Round Trip Airport Transfers in Rome and Florence
5-Nights First-class Hotel in Rome
4-Nights First-class Hotel in Florence
Hotel Taxes
Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
Tuscany Winery and Olive Oil Farm Visit with Tastings and Regional Cuisine
Gratuities for Included Meals
English-speaking Professional Local Guides with a focus on Christian history
Immersive Guided Sightseeing Tours at each destination
Reservation and Admissions for visits as indicated in the itinerary
3-Day Public Transport Card in Rome
Baggage Handling for 1 bag throughout the journey
TOUR PRICE is per person based on number of persons per room. With a minimum of 26 travelers.
$2890 Double Occupancy
$2590 Triple, Quad Occupancy for Students
$3390 Single Occupancy
Hotels may require a security deposit Euro10-20 per person at check-in for student groups.
Group Flights available from Houston, TX
Airfare is additional to tour price.
Airfare from most cities is available. Contact LT for price.
PAYMENT
Deposit of $350 per person
Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure
CANCELLATION
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs the following fees will apply, if you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of our suppliers will be charged, plus these per person charges. At the time we receive written notice that you must cancel your tour, the following per person fees will apply:
90 days on more prior to departure...………. $250 per person
89-61 days prior to departure………………….…$350 per person
60-41 days prior to departure…………...….……50% of total cost
40 days prior through day of departure..……100% of total cost
Additional penalties may apply from suppliers. Up to 100% is nonrefundable.
Global COVID-19 conditions are dynamic.
Those (including but not limited to U.S. citizens) who choose to travel internationally may encounter mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements, quarantines, travel restrictions, and closed borders. Foreign governments in any country may implement restrictions with little notice. Any cost related to required travel regulations is the responsibility of the traveler.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Alert Update
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
Please review the trip cancellation and change policy, to view click here or call 1.844.777.1517 to request a copy. Up to 100% cancellation fee will apply.
LT and its partners reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary. Price subject to currency fluctuation.
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance- learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of purchasing a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
NOT INCLUDED
Passport fee, Visa fee for non-US passport holders; meals and beverages not listed in itinerary; personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges, phone calls.
Tour Gratuity Recommendations
Tour gratuities are preferred in the currency of the country you are visiting. It is customary (unless you are not satisfied with the service) to give a gratuity to the professional tour escort, motor coach driver, and local sightseeing guides.
Here are some guidelines for your consideration
Professional Tour Escort @ 4Euro per person per day
Motor Coach Driver @ 3-4Euro per person for each coach transfer and coach sightseeing tour
Local Sightseeing Guides @ 2Euro per person
Each of the personnel assisting with your tour are trained professionals who work very hard to ensure that you have an enriched and worry-free experience. If you feel service was exceptional and above expectations, additional gratuities may be extended individually.