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You are cordially invited to join me on one of my upcoming guided tours of Rome. I have over 15 years of experience living and studying in Rome and have led numerous guided tours for students and congregations. Drawing upon my training as both a pastor and a scholar, I have created a unique program itinerary that focuses on faith, formation, and fellowship. Even if you have been to Rome before, this trip will not only take you to places that are off the beaten tourist path but it will situate even the most famous sites (such as the Colosseum) within a context that relates to our Christian tradition, spirituality, and theology. As a small group, we will be able to move throughout the city with ease, stopping to eat or for an espresso while discussing how these monuments, churches, and works of art impact our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ today.
The daily itinerary sets aside time for communal and private prayer, devotional practices, and worship, ensuring that this is more than a sightseeing adventure. Millions of pilgrims (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) travel to Rome each year desiring to walk in the footsteps of Peter, Paul, and countless other disciples of Christ. Our spiritual practices during the week provide an opportunity for us to thank God for these saints, to offer thanksgiving for our ability to see and experience this place, and to discern where God is present and leading us in our lives. Christian fellowship is fostered through these experiences as well as over conversations during our shared meals and evenings spent exploring the illuminated city, attending a concert together, or taking in the famous Roman opera! |
A Unique Experience
Rome offers all Christians a unique opportunity to experience two thousand years of Christian history in a beautiful and safe environment.
For Christians, Rome is far more than a charming city with ancient ruins rising amidst romantic restaurants serving delicious pizza, pasta, and gelato. Rome is a living museum of Christian history. Rome was home to one of the earliest Christian communities (the recipients of Paul's longest letter). It was here that both Peter and Paul ministered, were martyred, and were buried...and where their graves can still be visited today. In Rome, you can gaze at the inspired masterpieces of artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Caravaggio who captured through pigment and marble something of the divine beauty of God. For these reasons, among many others, Rome remains a destination for millions of Christians (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox) each year; they gather here to worship and celebrate the witness of so many of our spiritual ancestors who lived and died in this Eternal City. Come and walk in their footsteps. Unlike any other place on earth, Rome provides visitors an opportunity to not only learn about the history of Christianity but to experience it first hand! The city's archaeological sites and amazing works of art and architecture illuminate the history of Christianity and encourage us to reflect on what it means to worship God as the universal Church--the body of Christ in the world. These guided trips set aside time for these reflections, balancing historical information with time to share how each of us experience God reaching out to us each day. |
Building Relationships
The small-group format of this guided tour encourages the formation of meaningful and lasting friendships. Each trip is specifically designed to cultivate relationships before, during, and after our time in Rome. Here's how:
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Trip DetailsUpcoming trips:
Cost: $3000 per person + airfare* *Price can fluctuate depending on hotel availability; based on double occupancy (please add $500 for single occupancy); final cost may vary slightly due to group size, currency fluctuations, and changes in lodging rates, etc. Airfare typically ranges from $750-1300, depending on the airline and your cabin of choice. What is included in this price?
Itinerary Details: The week's program proceeds chronologically, moving from ancient Rome to the early Church, then to the Renaissance and the modern day. Sites visited include:
What if I want to stay longer in Italy? Wonderful! Participants are encourage to either arrive early or stay longer after our trip has concluded, but you will be responsible for your own accommodations and travel. Pastor Daniel is able and willing to assist in travel plans to places such as Florence and Siena (Tuscany), Cinque Terre, Venice, and Naples (Pompeii). Just ask! What else do I need to know?
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