Pilgrimage in the Footsteps of St Paul’s 4th Journey from Malta to Rome
Escorted by Rev Harvey & Elizabeth Sloane
9th April – 30th April, 2018
Day 1:Monday 9 April Depart Australia
Depart Sydney/Melbourne today on your Emirates flight
Day 2:Tuesday 10 AprilArrive Malta
After arrival in Malta International Airport, transfer to your hotel for overnight
Day 3:Wednesday 11 AprilValletta and St Thomas’ Bay
After breakfast, meet your local guide and start your full day guided tour. A full day of guided sightseeing includes 7,000 years of history beginning in the walled capital city of Valletta, a World Heritage site. Dotted with quaint cafés and shops, the city is today one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting among others, the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, the imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Enjoy the history told of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, a Crusader order which defended the westward Islamic campaign into Europe. Drive to the ramparts where you begin a tour viewing some of the palatial inns and residences en-route to St Thomas’ Bay, a possible shipwreck site of the Apostle Paul. Visits will include St John’s Cathedral, the Caravaggio Museum and the Grand Master’s Palace.
Day 4: Thursday 12 April Valletta – Gozo - Valletta
After breakfast, start your full day guided tour to Gozo. Travel by coach to the port. Here, board a ferry for the crossing to the pretty island of Gozo. On arrival, travel south to Xagħra by coach, where the majestic Ġgantija Temples await you. These UNESO World Heritage–listed temples are among the oldest megalithic monuments in the world, predating even the Giza pyramids in Egypt and England’s Stonehenge. Explore the site with your guide and hear about the temples’ history as you wander. Many research believe that this site was dedicated to the Great Earth Mother. Continue to Dwerja Bay, where you’ll get up close to the Azure Window, a striking limestone arch that frames the Mediterranean’s warm waters. Then, journey on to Xlendi Bay, an inlet encased by cliffs, before continue to Gozo’s capital of Victoria. Then, visit the hilltop citadel. When the time comes, return to the port and catch the ferry back to Malta.
Day 5:Friday 13 AprilMdina, Rbat and St Paul’s Catacombs
Breakfast is at the hotel. After breakfast we visit Mdina, the old capital of Malta located in the central part of the island. This ancient walled settlement has spectacular views of the countryside from its bastions. After lunch (not included) we visit Rabat, a village next to Mdina, where we enjoy a short walk around the narrow winding roads leading to St Paul's Catacombs and the Grotto. After exploring the Catacombs we return to our hotel.Mdina is a medieval walled town situated on a hill in the centre of this island. Punic remains uncovered beyond the city’s walls suggest the importance of the general region to Malta’s Phoenician settlers. Mdina is commonly called the "Silent City" by natives and visitors. The town is still confined within its walls, but it is contiguous with the village of Rabat, which takes its name from the Arabic word for suburb.This day would be approx. 8-9 hours long. There would be a guide for the whole day. Visits to St Paul’s Cathedral and Museums, Old Palazzo, St Paul’s Catacombs and St Paul’s Church and Grotto would be included.
Day 6:Saturday 14 AprilValletta – Pozzallo (ferry) Pozzallo – Agrigento (4h/180km)
You will have an early transfer to Valletta port for your ferry to Pozzallo. The ferry takes around 2h. After arrival in Pozzallo, transfer to Agrigento. The rest of the day will be free at leisure
Day 7:Sunday 15 April Agrigento – Valley of the Temples – Catania (3h/180km)
After breakfast, enjoy a 3hrs guided tour of the Valley of Temples. This archaeological area in Agrigento, Sicily, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Here we’ll visit the great temples of great Akragas. Further down on the bank of the Akragas River, near a medical spring, stood the Temple dedicated to Asklepius (Eusculapius), the god of Medicine. At the mouth of the river there was the harbour and emporium (trading post) of the ancient city. Ancient Akragas, in its prime, was a flourishing cultural centre: it gave the world Empedocles, the pre-Socratic philosopher, whose concept of matter as divided into four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – was the foundation of science for many centuries. After the tour, proceed to Catania.
Day 8:Monday 16 AprilCatania – Mt Etna – Catania
We begin our day with an early morning visit to the oriental fish market and bazaars in Catania (weather permitting). We will then travel northwards and start our ascent up Mt. Etna, where we’ll ascend the slopes of the largest active volcano in Europe. Note – please note that the ascent of Mount Etna is not recommended for people who suffer from heart conditions, asthma and hypertension.
Day 9:Tuesday 17 April Catania – Syracuse (1hr30min/ 85km) – Catania (1hr30min/ 85km)
Today we enjoy a full day tour to the city of Siracusa, the site of St. Paul’s arrival in Sicily en-route from Malta to Rome. Chronologies of Paul’s life are approximate and debated by scholars. At some point around the year 59 he visited Syracuse where he preached and there is no doubt that it was Paul who brought Christianity to Sicily, even though his stay in Syracuse lasted only three days before he departed for Reggio Calabria, Pozzuoli (near Naples) and then Rome. After the visit, return back to Catania.
Day 10: Wednesday 18 AprilCatania – Taormina (1hr30min/ 55km) Taormina – Messina (1hr30min/ 55km)
After breakfast, transfer to Taormina. After arrival in Taormina, enjoy a guided tour. Learn about the culture and archaeology of this historic beach town in eastern Sicily from your guide as you explore the Greek Theatre, Piazza Duomo, Palazzo Corvaja, Jewish Quarter, and an ancient Roman theater. After the visit, proceed to Messina for overnight.
Day 11: Thursday 19 AprilMessina - Villa San Giovanni (ferry) – Amantea (2hr30min/ 150km)
After breakfast, transfer to Messina port for your ferry to Villa San Giovanni. After arrival in Villa San Giovanni, transfer to Amantea.
Day 12:Friday 20 April Amantea – Palinuro (4hr/ 165 km)
After breakfast, transfer to Palinuro. After arrival, you will enjoy some free time.
Day 13:Saturday 21 April Palinuro – Amalfi (4hr/ 190km) Amalfi Coast – Sorrento (2hr/ 30km)
After breakfast, drive to Amalfi coast - Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. In the afternoon, proceed to Sorrento.
Day 14: Sunday 22 AprilSorrento – Pompeii (1hr/ 30km) – Sorrento (1hr/ 30km)
After breakfast, transfer to the archaeological site of Pompeii, where Mt Vesuvius spewed tons of volcanic ash in 79 AD, burying the prosperous city along with 20,000 of its residents. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hop out of your coach and explore the preserved ruins 2,000 years after the eruption. Follow your guide past the beautiful frescoes at Vetti’s House, the Forum, Thermal Baths and the famous Lupanare brothel. As you go, hear the history behind the ancient city and each of the surviving locations.
Day 15: Monday 23 April Sorrento
Today you will enjoy a day at leisure
Day 16: Tuesday 24 April Sorrento – Capri – Sorrento
Today you will enjoy a full day guided excursion to Capri. Transfer to Sorrento port, where you will take your hydrofoil to Capri. To explore the island, hop aboard a minibus with your guide, who takes you along scenic routes including the Mamma Mia Road to Anacapri for spectacular views. Take some time to discover the picturesque village of Anacapri, with its narrow streets and typical small squares. This spot was the favorite place of Swedish doctor Axel Munthe, who fell in love with the ruins of an ancient chapel and built Villa San Michele. Then head to the main town of Capri and La Piazzetta, the center of life on the island. Sit and relax in the sun, or wander the streets marked by hotels, restaurants, and open-air cafes. Next up are the Augustus Gardens. Originally known as the Krupp Gardens, these botanical gardens were established by German industrial Friedrich Alfred Krupp. From here, look down upon the legendary Faraglioni limestone rocks, one of Capri’s best-known landmarks. At this point, you will have free time to explore. Finally, return to Marina Grande by funicular to enjoy one more incredible view before making the trip back to the mainland.
Day 17: Wednesday 25 April Sorrento - Pozzuoli (2hr/ 70km) – Minturno (1hr30min/ 60km) – Rome (2hr30min/ 160km)
After breakfast, transfer to Pozzuoli. We will have a visit to the area of the ancient Flavian amphitheatre and port area where Paul landed in order to get a sense of what Paul experienced once he arrived on the mainland of the Roman Empire. After the visit, proceed to Minturno, where you will spend some free time. In the afternoon proceed to Rome.
Day 18: Thursday 26 April Rome – Ostia and Ostia Antica
After breakfast you will enjoy a half day guided tour if Ostia Antica. When you arrive, take a 2.5-hour leisurely walking tour through the ancient ruins, noting their highly preserved state for which this archaeological site is so renowned. Dating as far back as the 4th century BC, the ruins include structures like an amphitheater, the Forum of the Corporations, the Collegiate Temple, taverns and public baths. Once home to more than 100,000 people, Ostia was the port city of Ancient Rome. Walk along the main road, Decumanus Maximus, while your guide tells you stories about life in town. Admire the intact Roman statues that line the walkways; pass by the Baths of Neptune, crowned by a mosaic that depicts the Roman god of the sea behind a 4-hourse chariot; and take a seat in the amphitheater, which dates back to 12 BC and was built to hold 3,500 spectators. Shops and apartments make up some of the smaller buildings. After the visit, return back to Rome.
Day 19: Friday 27 AprilRome
After breakfast you will enjoy a full day guided tour of Rome. Your walking tour of Historical and Archaeological Rome to include the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. Then proceed to the Vatican, where you will visit the Vatican Museum. Walk through the Gallery of the Maps and Gallery of Tapestries as you listen to tales of Vatican intrigue. Gaze at artifacts such as timeworn yet fascinating Italian maps, and admire the sculptures and candelabras of the Gallery of Candelabras. Stop for photos in front of the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, designed by Dontao Bramante. Raphael’s Rooms are a series of galleries that highlight the talent of the lauded Renaissance artist himself. Pass through the rooms, and then step inside the Sistine Chapel — the pope’s personal place of worship and a highlight of any Vatican trip. Stand beneath Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, which cloaks the ceiling, and admire The Last Judgement, his colorful mural that adorns a wall. After your Sistine Chapel visit, continue to St Peter’s Basilica, the symbolic heart of the Catholic church. Learn about its history and see more Vatican art including Michelangelo’s La Pietà, which was sculpted when the maestro was only 24 years old. After the tour, return to your hotel.
Day 20: Saturday 28 AprilRome – Assisi - Rome
After breakfast transfer to Assisi. After arrival, meet your local guide for a half day guided tour. Visit the Basilica of St Francis, which was built in 1228, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor—commonly known as the Franciscan Order—in Assisi, the city where St. Francis was born and died. The basilica is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. Return to Rome for dinner and overnight.
Day 21: Sunday 29 AprilRome departure
After breakfast, transfer to Rome airport for your flight back home.
*Above itinerary is subject to variation
10 paying participants / AUD $8,990* (twin share)PRICE PER PERSON:
Single room supplement:AUD$1695
INCLUSIONS:
AIRFARESEmirates economy class flights from Melbourne/Sydney - Dubai –Malta – Rome - Dubai - Sydney/Melbourne
Airport & departure taxes
PROPOSED OR SIMILAR
ACCOMMODATION19 nights hotel accommodation in 4 star moderate hotels.
MEALSBreakfast and dinner daily in hotels.
COACH TRANSPORTAir Conditioned Deluxe Coach. Size of coaches will depend on the size of the group.
GUIDESLocal Guides in Malta, Sicily, Sorrento/Capri, Rome and Asissi
OTHER INCLUSIONSAll entrance fees as per the itinerary
Tips & Gratuities
Porterage
Roundtrip ferry to Capri
Ferry from Malta to Sicily
Ferry from Messina to Villa San Giovanni
NOT INCLUDEDTour Manager
Travel Insurance
Beverages with meals
Lunches
WHO TO CONTACT:
Harvey & Liz Sloane
02 69472884
Olive Tree Travel
1300 550 830