Summary, Price, Itinerary
Join a profound 9 day, 8 night pilgrimage through Rome's Christian history, Jan 13-21, 2027.
Tour Summary
Experience superior lodging at Hotel Milton, private transport, expert guidance, and fast-track access to the most iconic historic sites across Rome.
Price and Timing
January 13–21, 2027
$3,448 per person (land only)
PRICE INCLUDES
• Four Star Hotels. Accommodations based on two persons sharing a room
• Full Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Daily.
• Round trip transfers by private motor coach including a qualified, licensed English-speaking guide
• Portage of one suitcase per person not to exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches in total.
• All hotel taxes and service charges are included
• Suggested tips to guide, driver, and hotel staff
NOT INCLUDED
• The cost of obtaining a passport, meals or beverages other than specified, insurance, items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc. Airfares not included.
DOCUMENTS: A valid U.S. passport for 6 months from return date is required. No visas are required for U.S passport holders.
RESERVATIONS: A nonrefundable deposit of $300 per person is required to make a reservation. Balance due on October 1, 2026 Payments received after this date will be subject to a 3% late fee on any remaining balance.
CANCELLATIONS: All cancellations must be in writing. Any cancellations received 91 days or earlier prior to departure will incur an additional $100 cancellation charge over and above the charges stipulated under the normal cancellations for this tour.
For individual cancellations received up to: 91 days prior to departure an administrative fee of $200 will be charged; 90-60 days prior to departure a $550 fee will be charged; 59-46 days prior to departure a $950 fee will be charged; 45-31 days before departure are subject to a charge of 60% of the total tour cost; 30-0 days before departure are subject to a charge of 100% of the total tour cost.
INSURANCE NOTE: We strongly recommend that passengers purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Medical Expense and Baggage. An optional travel insurance plan is available to Friendship Tour Participants. Informationabout this plan is included with the reservation form.
DEVIATIONS: Any change in the basic program will result in a charge of $150 per change per person plus any additional charges that may apply for revised air or land arrangements.
VALIDITY: Prices are based on airfares, tariffs and rates of exchange effective 1/22 / 26. Exchange rate of Euro 1.00 = USD 1.25
Heritage of the Apostles
Revisit the origins of your faith while enjoying premium accommodations and spiritual bonding on this exclusive Lutheran theological expedition.
Tour Detail Overview
Along the way, there will be many opportunities for devotions, discussions and prayers.
Day 1: Wednesday, January 13 | Welcome to the Eternal CityArrive in Rome and settle into your accommodations. After checking in at 4 PM, gather with your fellow travelers for a traditional three-course welcome dinner at a local trattoria.
Day 2: Thursday, January 14 | Icons of Imperial GloryStart your morning with a generous breakfast buffet at Hotel Milton. Your journey begins at the Colosseum, where you will use reserved tickets to explore the arena where early Christians once stood firm in their faith. Walk through the Roman Forum to see the ruins of the Senate and ancient temples before descending into the Mamertine Prison, where the apostles Peter and Paul were held. After a break for lunch, visit the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls to honor the apostle’s legacy. Finish the afternoon with a visit to a premier gelateria like Giolitti before an independent evening for dinner.
Day 3: Friday, January 15 | Layers of Faith UndergroundFollowing breakfast, travel to the Basilica of San Clemente to witness three distinct layers of history, from 12th-century mosaics to 4th-century ruins and an ancient house church. Continue to the Church of Santa Pudenziana to view Rome’s oldest Christian mosaics. Enjoy an authentic three-course Roman lunch at Testaccio Market, choosing between local specialties like roast lamb or traditional tripe. The afternoon features a guided tour of the Catacombs of Priscilla, where biblical frescoes decorate the secret burial sites of early believers. Return to the hotel for a free evening.
Day 4: Saturday, January 16 | Worship and FellowshipEnjoy a leisurely morning for shopping or cafe culture after breakfast. Following lunch on your own, head to Christus Victor Lutheran Church, the heart of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Italy. A special international worship service to connect with the local Lutherans! The day concludes with a festive three-course dinner featuring Roman classics like golden-baked gnocchi.
Day 5: Sunday, January 17 | Echoes from Ancient PortsAfter breakfast, depart for the impressive archaeological site of Ostia Antica. Walk through the preserved streets of Rome’s ancient harbor town to see how early Christians lived alongside the pagan world. Following a guided tour of the theaters and baths, enjoy a seafood pasta lunch near the coast. Return to Rome for a quiet evening and dinner at your leisure.
Day 6: Monday, January 18 - Saints and Sacred Art
Breakfast energizes you for the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (a deeper revisit if desired), then Tre Fontane Abbey, site of Paul's beheading and miraculous springs. Transfer to Vatican City lunchon your own, followed by reserved entry to the expansive Vatican Museums and galleries. Return to the hotel; dinner at leisure.
Day 7: Tuesday, January 19 - Neapolitan Excursion
After breakfast, a 3.5-hour coach ride south to Naples. Explore the Catacombs of San Gennaro, earlyChristian tombs with vivid frescoes, then the UNESCO-listed historic center: winding streets, Baroque churches, and vibrant markets. Savor a pizza lunch, margherita born here—in a traditional pizzeria.
Return to Rome for dinner in a restaurant: three courses of soul-warming Roman fare.
Day 8: Wednesday, January 20 - Papal Legacy and Farewell
Breakfast precedes the Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome's cathedral with ancient baptistery, and the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, tied to early martyrs. Free lunch, then afternoon at leisure back at the hotel. Culminate with a farewell dinner: three courses in a restaurant, toasting to shared discoveries.
Day 9: Thursday, January 21 - Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast, check out, and transfer to FCO Airport (one group transfer, - or off to further adventures) carrying Rome's spirit home with you, longing to return to the Eternal City.
Traveler Information
Guidance for our North American and international families preparing for spiritual discovery in Rome.
Logistics & Itineraries
Our 9 day trip is meticulously designed to balance historical depth with spiritual rest. We provide detailed tours and logistical support for all travelers.
Supporting the New Family
Learn how your participation directly supports the new Chiesa Luterana Confessionale d'Italia - Confessional Lutheran Church of Italy. www.clci.it/en
Spiritual Preparation
Deepen your understanding of early Church history through our pre-trip study guides and confessional Lutheran lens. We focus on the intersection of faith and history.
International Fellowship
Connect with fellow confessional Lutherans from across North America and beyond. We foster a community of shared faith and historical discovery.
Travel Helps
Visa information, health advisories, and essential travel tips for international confessional Lutherans. We will give you advice for your ease of travel. Set Fare Alerts on Google Flights!
Get in Touch
Have questions about the 2027 tour? Reach out to Pastor Craig Donofrio Cdonofrio@redeemerwillmar.org for assistance.