Cost: $2475, plus airfare
Dates: 06/01/2026 – 06/08/2026
Location: Rome and Florence, Italy (8-Day Program)
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Rome and Florence, where ancient history, Renaissance art, and Christian heritage converge to illuminate today’s cultural landscape. Led by
Dr. Phil Johnson, this program combines site visits, thought-provoking conference sessions, and discussions to provide a biblical worldview and cultural insights. From the Colosseum to Michelangelo’s David, this itinerary is designed to inspire, educate, and connect participants with Italy’s rich legacy while exploring how Christians can navigate cultural shifts while staying true to God’s unchanging Word.
Day 1: June 1, 2026 – Travel from the United States
Depart from the United States on an overnight flight to Rome, Italy. Prepare for an immersive cultural and spiritual experience.
Day 2: June 2, 2026 – Arrival in Rome
Arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and meet Dr. Phil Johnson for a warm welcome. Enjoy a private transfer to our centrally located hotel, Club House Roma, located on Via Andrea Alciato, Rome. After checking in, join a brief orientation with Dr. Johnson to introduce the theme Culture Wars and its relevance to faith and culture. Then, head out to explore Piazza del Popolo, the People’s Square, known for its open spaces and historic significance. Continue to the Spanish Steps, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin for good luck, followed by the hauntingly beautiful—and eerie— Capuchin Crypt, adorned with the bones of monks, sparking discussions on mortality and faith. Enjoy a group welcome dinner featuring authentic Italian cuisine and sparkling conversation.
Day 3: June 3, 2026 – Ancient Rome and Christian Heritage
After breakfast, gather in the hotel’s conference room for the first conference session, focusing on understanding cultural shifts and the challenges Christians face in remaining faithful to God’s Word. Then, visit St. Peter in Chains Church to marvel at Michelangelo’s Moses and the legendary chains of St. Peter and Paul, connecting to early Christian history. In the afternoon, tour the Colosseum, envisioning its ancient spectacles, followed by the Arch of Constantine and Arch of Titus. Explore the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, with Dr. Johnson’s site talk on the rise and fall of empires. After time for shopping near the Pantheon, enjoy a group dinner featuring Roman pasta dishes.
Day 4: June 4, 2026 – Vatican City and Sistine Chapel
After breakfast, convene in the conference room for a session exploring cultural influences and Christian responses. Then, journey to Vatican City for a guided tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s Last Judgment. Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, exploring its grandeur and spiritual significance. Dr. Johnson leads a discussion on Catholicism’s impact on Christianity and global culture from a Protestant perspective. Return to the hotel for a brief rest before enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant, reflecting on the interplay of art, faith, and culture.
Day 5: June 5, 2026 – Rome’s Christian Roots
After breakfast, engage in another conference session delving into the challenges of living out faith in a changing world. Following a lunch break (on your own), visit the Catacombs of Saint Callisto, marveling at early Christian mosaics and frescoes. Continue to the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), reflecting on their significance to Christian pilgrims. After free time for shopping near the Trevi Fountain, gather for a group dinner and the matchless atmosphere of Rome at night.
Day 6: June 6, 2026 – Journey to Florence
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then board a private bus to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance (approx. 3.5-hour drive). Check into our hotel, centrally located near the Duomo, Florence’s vibrant heart. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour visiting Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Gates of Paradise at the Baptistery, the iconic Duomo, and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, a bridge so beautiful, that it was spared during WWII. Enjoy a group dinner at a Florentine restaurant.
Day 7: June 7, 2026 – Florence’s Artistic Legacy
After breakfast, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David, a masterpiece of human achievement. Dr. Johnson discusses its cultural and spiritual significance, tying it to biblical themes of purpose and creativity. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Florence— options include climbing the 400 steps to the Duomo’s dome, ascending Giotto’s Bell Tower, or browsing Florence’s vibrant markets. Gather for a farewell dinner, reflecting on the trip’s insights and the Culture Wars theme, exploring art, history and truth that is eternal.
Day 8: June 8, 2026 – Departure
Transfer to Florence’s Peretola Airport (FLR) for flights back to the US or continue independent travel in Italy. Dr. Johnson offers a final reflection on carrying cultural and spiritual insights home.
Included • Accommodations (twin/double or triple occupancy, additional fee for single rooms) • Breakfast and dinners • Biblical worldview and cultural context conference sessions by Dr. Phil Johnson • Guided tours, entry fees, and site talks • Private airport transfers and transportation (within Rome and from Rome to Florence by private bus) • Emergency medical insurance.
Not Included • Flights • Trip cancellation insurance • Lunches, snacks, souvenirs, and tipping (participants should prepare €20 per person for tips).