EXPLORING ROME AND THE ROMAN WORLD WITH PAUL
Join us for an experience unlike any other as we take you behind the scenes to explore the lands of the Bible in a way that will change your life forever.
Much of the story of the New Testament recounts the spread of Jesus’ movement into the Greco-Roman world and the Roman Empire. As the Jewish followers of Jesus spread his movement, they confronted a world culturally, politically, and religiously opposed to them - a world very similar to what we live in today, where similar challenges face the followers of Jesus.
Traveling to Italy with Biblical Expeditions will provide you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Greco-Roman world, discover how first century followers of Jesus navigated their world, and better understand the historical accounts and teachings of the the New Testament.
The heart of every journey and every experience is to empower you to become the disciple you are called to be. By better understanding the world of the Bible, you will better understand the words of the Bible, transforming your ability to study it, do what it teaches, and share it with others.
Our expeditions, led by an experienced team of expertly trained guides, offer the finest travel experiences, providing you the peace of mind that everything down to the smallest detail has been taken care of so you can immerse yourself in the journey, encounter God, and be empowered to better understand the words of the Bible through exploring its world.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Discover the ancient ruins and archaeological parks of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Pozzuoli, where the apostle Paul first landed on his way to Rome.
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Enjoy snorkeling and exploring the sunken city of Baia.
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Visit the beautiful Amalfi Coast before taking in the ancient Greek ruins of Paestum.
PRICING INFORMATION
Occupancy | Price Per Person |
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Double Shared Room Occupancy | $3,978 |
Single Private Room Occupancy | $4,378 |
*All trip prices are per person based on double shared room occupancy or single private room occupancy, unless otherwise noted, and do not include airfare. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. Also, please note that, should the group drop below the minimum required number of participants, prices may be subject to change.
What's Included:
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Biblical Expeditions Instructor Marc Turnage
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Local English-speaking tour manager
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50-Seater GT Motor Coach (driver included)
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All entrance fees and activities as per itinerary
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Unlimited bottles of water per person on the bus
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Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels
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All Tips (hotel staff, guides, driver, etc)
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Individual headsets for each participant
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BE devotional and educational materials
What's Not Included:
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Airfare
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Travel or medical Insurance
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Entrance to the Vatican Gardens
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Snorkeling at Baia
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COVID-19 PCR/RAPID testing
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Meals not previously mentioned
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Expenses of a personal nature
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Anything not previously mentioned
TRIP INSTRUCTOR
Marc Turnage
Founder of Biblical Expeditions
Marc holds an MA in Ancient Judaism and the Origins of Christianity from Jerusalem University College. He is currently finishing his PhD in the Land of Israel Studies Department at Bar Ilan University located in Ramat Gan, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Esther Eshel. Marc has taught graduate and undergraduate students at several universities in the United States and abroad. Marc moved to Israel to study because he felt that the issues of spatial, historical, cultural, and spiritual settings played a vital role in how we read the Bible. While studying in Israel, he fell in love with the lands of the Bible. He has been guiding groups through Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy for over twenty years. Marc is a highly sought-after guide and teacher and routinely trains and lectures local tour guides about guiding Christian groups. He is passionate about leading biblical tours that deliver the very finest experience and helping people understand how to read the Bible. Marc has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows Into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker, and a gifted teacher. He resides in Springfield, MO with his family.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: August 31, 2024
Plan to arrive at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) - Leonardo da Vinci Airport by 12:00pm. One group transfer from the airport to the hotel will be offered and departure timing will be determined based on when the majority of participants' flights will be arriving. Private hotel transfers can be reserved at additional cost.
Day 2: September 1, 2024
Our morning begins with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum (Naples), with our local guide. At the museum, we will see artifacts uncovered throughout Italy, but especially from Pompeii and Herculaneum. These artifacts, frescoes, and mosaics provide windows into the first century world of Paul and the early Jesus movement against the backdrop of the Roman world. From Naples we travel to Pozzouli (ancient Puteoli; Acts 28:13) and visit the ancient harbor of the city and its excellently preserved arena. Our day concludes snorkeling exploring the sunken city of Baia. Baia was the Riviera of the Roman world. Wealthy Romans had palatial houses which, over time, have sunken into the Bay of Naples. We explore these ruins snorkeling through them. We then return to our hotel in Pompeii for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: September 2, 2024
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the palatial Villa Oplontis. These sites became time capsules, enabling us to touch the first century Roman world with its idols and temples, decadence and entertainment, and daily life. We begin our morning at Pompeii exploring this magnificent city with its streets, stores, homes, bathhouses, forum, and brothel. We make our we next to Herculaneum to explore this city. Our day concludes visiting the breathtaking Villa Oplontis. Having stepped back in time, we understand the world of Paul and his communities. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Pompeii.
Day 4: September 3, 2024
Our journey today takes us along the stunning Amalfi Coast. As our bus winds along the twisting coastal road, we stop in the villages to explore and taste the local beauty. Our day concludes at Paestum, the area where buffalo mozzarella originates, and the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. We return to Pompeii for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: September 4, 2024
This morning, we checkout of our hotel and drive (approximately three hours with a stop) to Ostia Antika, a port city for Rome. Our visit explores this city, its homes, shops, and the Jewish synagogue (one of the oldest in the world). We then drive into Rome and have a walking tour of the Piazza Navona; passing by the Temple to the Deified Hadrian, we enter the Pantheon, a magnificent Temple built by the Emperor Hadrian to the pantheon of Roman gods. We then walk to the famous Trevi Fountain, where you can make a wish and toss a coin over your should and into the fountain, and then we make our way to the renowned Spanish Steps. We will then meet our motorcoach and drive to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 6: September 5, 2024
Our journey today takes us into the heart of ancient Rome, the city and the empire. We begin at the Colosseum, built by the Emperor Vespasian. We then walk to the Palatine Hill where the palaces of the Caesars, including the homes of Augusts (Luke 2:1) and Livia resided. We continue on into the Roman Forum and Imperial Forum where we will see the Arch of Titus, the Curia (Senate House), the place of Julius Caesar’s pier, the Mamertime Prison, and more. In the Imperial Forum, we visit the Forum of Trajan, Trajan’s Column and Markets. We then walk up the Capitoline Hill and visit the Capitoline Museums with its stunning artifacts. Our day concludes with a visit to Rome’s large chariot track, the Circus Maximus, and the public Baths of Diocletian. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Rome.
Day 7: September 6, 2024
This morning, we drive out of Rome to Tivoli to visit Hadrian’s Villa, an incredible monument to imperial Rome. On our way back to Rome, we explore one of the ancient underground cemeteries of Rome, the Catacombs. These burials tell the ancient history of Rome, including the emergence of Christianity within the empire’s capital. We return to Rome visiting the Campus Maritus, which includes the Mausoleum of Augustus and Ara Pacis. We then visit Largo Argentia, the place of Julius Caesar’s assignation. Our day concludes at the brilliant museum Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, where we will see stunning sculptures and frescoes providing an awe-inspiring look into the ancient Roman world. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 8: September 7, 2024
Our morning today is taken with visiting the Vatican. The papal state provides a kaleidoscope of Rome’s history and the history of the Church. Our visit takes us to the Vatican Gardens, the Rooms of Raphael, the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basillica. After our morning tour, the afternoon is free to explore Rome. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Day 9: September 8, 2024
Depart from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) - Leonardo da Vinci Airport and return home challenged and encouraged in your faith! Hotel checkout will be at 10:00am. One group transfer to the airport will be offered and departure timing will be determined based on when the majority of participants' flights will be departing. Private airport transfers can be reserved at additional cost.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Located right in front of the Pompeii archaeological site, Hotel del Sole provides an ideal blend of comfort and convenience, along with a wide array of amenities to enhance your stay. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer air conditioning, free WiFi, a flat screen TV, private bathrooms, and spectacular views. Some overlook the Vesuvio and the archaeological site, while others overlook the garden. The hotel also features a 24 hour front desk, concierge service, bar, and restaurant with free breakfast.
Located in the quiet district of Villa Pamphili just a few minutes away from St. Peter's Basilica, which can be appreciated from most of the 140 spacious rooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, telephone, and an interactive flat screen TV with satellite and pay-per-view channels. Some rooms have a balcony with views of the basilica in the distance. Free WiFi is available, and the property also features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub and garden.
THE FINE PRINT
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A deposit of $500 per person is due immediately upon booking. The balance is due 100 days before departure.
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Cancellations of confirmed bookings within 7 days of registration will receive a full refund minus a $175 (per person) administrative fee. Cancellations after 7 days of registration but more than 100 days before departure will be subject to loss of their $500 deposit. 50-99 days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 50% of trip price. 49 or fewer days prior to departure will be subject to loss of 100% of trip price.
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Land costs are quoted as a package and credits are not given for services not used.
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Trip pricing does not include airfare to/from the trips starting point unless otherwise noted in the trip itinerary/website.
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If booking group airfare the group must maintain a minimum of 10 flying passengers.
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Availability cannot be guaranteed until registration is complete. We exercise best efforts to book hotels per itinerary, however in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 100 days of tour date, we may be forced to offer substitutes.
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Please be aware that living standards and cultural norms at locations may differ from those in the USA.
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Travel Insurance is not required but highly recommended. Biblical Expeditions does not sell travel Insurance nor is the travel insurance offered by our hosting platform, WeTravel, connected to us in anyway.
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Overseas medical coverage is required, and we must have a copy of your policy prior to departure.
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Please see our full Terms & Conditions for more details.
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