Day Eleven
Martyrdom of Apostle Paul
We travel along the Appian Way and visit the Catacombs. Here we share in communion in the underground resting place of the early Christian community. Concluding Paul’s life, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls, built over the recently excavated site of his tomb. After a free afternoon in Rome, we end our time in the Eternal City with our farewell dinner. Overnight Rome. (B,D)
Day Ten
Rome: Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Colosseum
Today our tour begins with a visit to the infamous Roman Coliseum followed by a tour of the ancient Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. After lunch at the Trevi Fountain, we end our day by visiting the Pantheon with free time to stroll the streets of Rome. Overnight Rome. (B)
Day Nine
Rome & Vatican City
All roads lead to Rome… For thousands of years tourists, merchants, and pilgrims have journeyed to the city of seven hills on the Tiber. Rome has unarguably one of the richest, fullest histories of any city on earth, all the while incorporating some of the finest architecture still surviving. We stroll along the Tiber and enter Vatican City where we visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s frescoes and The Last Judgment. We also visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica where Michelangelo’s “Pieta” is just one of many highlights. Overnight Rome. (B, D)
Day Eight
Assisi
Walled Assisi is miraculous with its many churches, and we will visit the churches of St. Clare and St. Francis. St Francis was born here and work began on his basilica two years after his death. It's a magnificent tribute to the patron saint of animals, with frescoes by Giotto, Cimabue and Martini. Overnight in nearby Spoleto. (B,D)
Day Seven
Tuscan Cooking
Again, we slow down the pace but not the experience. Take an optional Tuscan cooking class and prepare a full Tuscan menu as you spend time with a local chef. After a day of festive cooking, enjoy the diner that you have prepared. Or, you may choose to visit the many fine churches of San Gimignano or shop for ceramics, local wines, or water colors of the sunflower fields of Tuscany. (B)
Day Six
Florence
Florence is truly one of the amazing cities of Italy. Some of the greatest works by Michelangelo are found here. We visit the Academia and view the majestic David, then to the Duomo, Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome, predominant on Florence's skyline and the world's fourth-largest cathedral. The Gates of Paradise on the Baptistery are not to be missed. Then to the Basilica of Santa Croce with its walls lined with the tombs of Michelangelo, Macchiavelli, Galileo and Bardi. Return to San Gimignano for overnight (B,L,D)
Day Five
Tuscan Countryside
We slow down the pace but not the experience as we explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany with its verdant vineyards. Take an optional vineyard tour with a Tuscan farmhouse lunch included as well as a local wine tasting event. Or, take the day to explore the countryside and soak up the local atmosphere, strolling the streets of San Gimignano or climbing one of its towers. The medieval towers of San Gimignano are among Tuscany's most famous views and are a World Heritage Site. (B)
Day Four
Siena
Siena is one of the most appealing towns in Tuscany with its well-conserved medieval streets and its monumental square, the Piazza del Campo. The piazza's focal point is the Palazzo Pubblico which dates back to 1250. We also visit the impressive Duomo, Siena's cathedral. Return to San Gimignano for overnight. (B,D)
Day Three
Pisa
Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It is a strangely appealing building, yet it is just a single component of Pisa's breathtaking and dazzling architectural buildings of the Campo dei Miracoli where we visit the Duomo and Baptistry before a climb of the tower. Return to San Gimignano for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Wheaton College Alumni & Friends Tour
ITALY 12 DAYS
October 14-25, 2013
$4,595 from Chicago
-2013 Tour-
October 14-25,
2013
We'd love to have you travel with us!
About Our Tour
Our journey in Italy has us exploring two great facets of this country’s monumental history: Romans and the Renaissance. Our tour director, the Rev. Dr. David Sparks ‘75, will lead us daily through the book of Romans as we delve into what is widely considered Paul’s greatest theological work. Paul’s message is read alongside the great work of the Renaissance artists as we explore a country steeped in culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Wheaton College is delighted to host its 14th tour with Footstep Ministries. As president of Footstep Ministries, the Rev. Dr. David Sparks, Wheaton ‘75, along with his wife Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks have conducted more than 75 tours to Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Israel.
Dr. Sparks is an experienced Bible teacher and will fill each tour with rich insights from the letters of Paul. Elizabeth Iliadou Sparks was born in the Biblical town of Berea, Greece and has an outstanding feel for Mediterranean cultures and cuisine.
Itinerary
Note: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Click on any picture to view larger
We'd love to have you travel with us!
Dear Friend,
It is my pleasure to invite you to join us on a tour to beautiful Italy. As you travel, you’ll explore Paul’s magnificent letter to the Romans—a letter filled with profound spiritual truth. The art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance will serve as spectacular inspiration for the themes found in Paul’s writings.
Leading your tour will be Rev. Dr. David Sparks ’75 and Elizabeth Iliadou-Sparks. David has traveled extensively in Italy and his encouraging insights will relate Paul’s message to today’s world. Elizabeth is a native of Greece, so she has a deep appreciation for Mediterranean culture. She will add her rich understanding of Italian cuisine to your journey. Also accompanying the trip will be Alumni Association Board President Chris Jahns ’82 and his wife, Kim Shirley Jahns ’82. You will thoroughly enjoy traveling with Chris and Kim.
I hope you’ll consider joining Wheaton College for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Warmly,
Cindra Stackhouse Taetzsch ’82
Director of Alumni Relations
Executive Director, Wheaton College
Alumni Association
Contact Us for more information on this exciting tour
Day One and Two
Departure and Arrival
Depart USA, arrive Florence, Italy. Check-in to our hotel in the medieval hill town of San Gimignano in the heart of Tuscany and settle in for six wonderful nights. (D)
Day Twelve
Departure to USA
Return home with renewed faith and new friends!
