ITALY: March 19-30, 2026
“Paul’s Response to the Roman World”
with Factory Church
(NC, Program #260303, Taught by Dr. Smith)
With air from Charlotte, NC!
Italy is not only a fantastic destination culturally, but there are a number of reasons we are convinced your trip to Italy offers you an important step forward in your spiritual development. Here are the four key ideas we will develop as we travel together:
First, we aim to embrace the essence of a first-century Roman by truly understanding their world. It is essential for modern Christians to truly comprehend the context surrounding the message and ministry of Paul’s New Testament Epistles. These profound writings originated within the confines of Roman chambers, crafted for the ears of Roman citizens. By immersing ourselves in this historical context, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual truths conveyed within these sacred texts.
Our second key idea revolves around learning how to make consistent, accurate application of God's instructions, as beautifully articulated in the Epistles of the New Testament. Through the lens of historical context, we shall embark on a journey of discovery, exposing intricate images and metaphors clear to the ancient but perhaps shrouded to us.
A third key idea we knitted into our program is comparing the Roman world of Paul’s time with our own, in order to discern the similarities and differences between the challenges faced by Paul and the complexities we encounter in our time. In doing so, we can glean valuable insights and inspiration to navigate our own spiritual journeys with greater wisdom and understanding.
Lastly, we explore how the early church triumphed over the prevailing paganism of their time. The New Testament is not solely a compilation of instructional teachings; it is also a testament to the lives of those who intentionally charted a path forward. Through studying their experiences and examining the victories they achieved, we define our own path forward and learn to overcome the obstacles that lie before us.
Day One: Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Depart USA
Our group air will be from CLT on the east coast of the US (price will be posted soon) and is scheduled to arrive on March 20. Should you desire to arrange your own air tickets and arrive before the program, contact our office and we will do our best to help you find a hotel with a shuttle near the airport, etc. Call our Travel Consultants at office at 1-800-371-4485 or email ctsp@studytrip.info for more assistance.
Day Two: Friday, March 20, 2026 – Introducing Rome
Arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Our bus will pick up the group for a trip into Rome. After dropping our luggage at the hotel and picking up passengers who arrived previously, we will visit Rome for lunch and a short walking tour. The city is a feast for the senses and can seem overwhelming, but this short introduction will offer some interesting overviews and highlights of what has been dubbed the “Eternal City.” Dinner and overnight: Isola Sacra or comp (1 of 2). (D)
Day Three: Saturday, March 21, 2026 – Stepping into Paul’s World
Carefully examining the excavated ancient site of Rome’s first colony at, Ostia, we dive into the key features of ancient Roman identity and examine their “class-layered society.” Walking ancient streets and peering into ancient homes, shops, and communal areas, we will begin to embrace the magnitude of the vision to reach the world in the first century with the Gospel, as Paul and his companions embraced it. We will set the landscape of the Epistles written by Paul to see how these views improve our understanding of his writings. Dinner and overnight. Isola Sacra or comp (2 of 2). (B,D)
Day Four: Sunday, March 22, 2026 – Peering into the Epistles of Paul
After breakfast, we will depart our hotel to examine look more carefully at the chief context of the Roman system of the New Testament Period, that is the formation and role of the emperor. With an opportunity to highlight the lives of both Nero and Tiberius, we’ll gather background information that will help us understand the context of Jesus’ ministry, as well as Paul and the early Apostles. Our visits will include a brief stop at the Imperial complex at Anzio, as well as Sperlonga and Minturno, before we make our way to our hotel near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Dinner and overnight. Castel Volturno area (1 of 1). (B,D)
Day Five: Monday, March 23, 2026 – Cultic context and the Gospel
Departing our hotel after a good breakfast, we’ll make our way to ancient Cumae, a central site for both the Sibyl and Apollo worship. Tackling Greek and Roman religious traditions, we’ll set up what had to have been a difficult resistance to the message of Paul and his companions. With views toward Baia and Pozzuoli, we’ll head in to Naples, where we will visit the archaeological museum and gain an overview of this bustling city. Of course, we will stop for pizza, because it all started there! Our overnight will be in Pompei, where we’ll have the opportunity to walk the town with its restaurants and shops a bit this evening. Overnight: Pompeii (1 of 1). (B)
Day Six: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 – Recovering Roman life
Most of what we know about Roman life in the first century finds its source in the sites that were violently engulfed in ash, pumice, and pyroclastic flows of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE, just some twelve years after Paul’s journeys led him through the Bay of Naples. Today we will walk the streets of Ercolano (Herculaneum) and Pompeii. Few sites in the world offer as much to the student of the New Testament to expose the past. Overnight: Sorrento (1 of 2). (B)
Day Seven: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – Fun in the Sun
Today, we will travel to Sorrento, with an opportunity to visit the world class city by the sea. Take your free time for an excursion over to Capri (the island nearby) or the Amalfi Coast (we can help you arrange that local day trip. Maybe slowing down and walking into the old market will suit you best. The day is yours to plan, and we are there to help! Overnight: Sorrento (2 of 2). (B)
Day Eight: Thursday, March 26, 2026 – How Romans Learned
In addition to Pompeii and Herculaneum, other sites were also covered by Vesuvius that have been excavated and preserved. We will look at the beginnings of an elite education that began in Maritime Villas of the first century like Villa San Marco, as well as an ancient farm at Bosco Reale. A special visit to Villa Poppea (Oplontis) will offer us a view of what scholars believe was one of the homes of Nero’s second wife. Discussing the “great transformation,” we’ll visit the complex at Montecassino on our way to a special dinner of and overnight in a “mansio” on the Appian Way. Dinner and Overnight: Foro Appio. (B,D)
Day Nine: Friday, March 27, 2026 – Paul’s First Visit to Rome
Today we are back in Rome to look at Paul’s first visit and defense before Nero. We will explore the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and a visit to Osteria Romana in the region of St. Paul alla Regola, near where Paul likely stayed during the writing of his so-called “prison epistles.” Overnight: Rome, Mediterraneo or comp. (B)
Day Ten: Saturday, March 28, 2026 – Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Cathedral
This morning, we will visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Cathedral, and have the balance of the day free to shop and visit sites in Rome! Take a walk the park at the Villa Borghese. There’s so much to see in Rome that you won’t want to miss! Overnight: Rome, Mediterraneo or comp. (B)
Day Eleven: Sunday, March 29, 2026 – Paul’s last visit to Rome
As we close in on the end of Paul’s life and ministry, we will visit the place that recalls his execution while considering his words to Timothy. We also want to see some of the physical evidence in the progress of the Gospel in the early centuries at the Catacombs. We expect to have a few hours this afternoon free to explore Rome on your own (time permitting). Overnight: Rome, Mediterraneo or comp. (B)
Day Twelve: Monday, March 30, 2026 – Return to the USA
We arrange group transfer to the airport for those using our flights. You will normally return the same day. If you choose to stay longer, you can extend at the hotel, or a Travel Consultant in our office can help you book additional hotels.
Every effort will be made to complete the full itinerary. However, because conditions are often unpredictable in travel, we reserve the right to make changes during the tour.
TOUR CONDITIONS
TOUR PRICE as stated above INCLUDES accommodations, meals as specified in program (B indicates included breakfast, D indicates included dinner), all tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of an English-speaking local guide (where necessary) and all entrance fees to sites as specified in the program as a site to be visited. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of July 15, 2025 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, (including any COVID related surcharges) these additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This price is based on 20 passengers.
NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin bedded room with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $800.00 if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be required to pay the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.
PAYMENT:
A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person is required each participant’s place on the program.
A second payment of 50% of total cost per person is due six (6) months prior to departure.
Final payment is due to CTSP three (3) months prior to departure.
CANCELLATION FEES*:
90+ days prior… non-refundable deposit
66-90 days prior…. 50% plus non-refundable deposit
0-65 days prior…. No refund
*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.
TRIP INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance purchased within two weeks of deposit is the most economical, and may cover pre-existing conditions.
ITINERARY LENGTH: Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, CTSP strongly recommends that if passengers are purchasing any connecting tickets they should be able to be changed without heavy fees or penalties.
If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$150 double occupancy, or US$250 for single rooms (includes single supplement).
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.
All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.
CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.
Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program.
The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on-board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operators assume no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.
ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.