November 10: Ancient Rome — Power, Empire, and the Early Church

We’ll begin each day with morning devotions and Biblical context from Rachael, preparing our hearts for what’s to come.

We will head into the heart of Ancient Rome. You’ll walk through the Colosseum’s underground tunnels, holding cells, and hidden chambers—a rare behind-the-scenes experience that reveals the brutal glory of Rome’s most iconic arena.

We’ll continue to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, exploring the ruins of palaces, temples, and government buildings that once represented the epicenter of world power. There will be breaks for coffee, gelato, and shopping, before heading back to the villa.

That evening, we’ll gather for worship and reflection over coffee, wine, and aperitifs. As the sky darkens over the countryside, we’ll process what we’ve seen, reflect on God’s sovereignty through time, and spend intentional time in prayer. This is a sacred space to share stories, questions, and revelations together in His presence.

DAY 1

November 11: Paul’s Final Days — From Power to Persecution

After our morning devotions, we’ll trace the Apostle Paul’s final days in Rome—walking through the ruins of Nero’s palace and the Domus Aurea area to witness the power, persecution, and political unrest of the first-century world.

As we walk the same ancient paths Paul once did, we’ll see the contrast between worldly power and unshakable faith. The day culminates at the Mamertine Prison—an underground cell believed to be where Paul wrote his final letter, 2 Timothy. Dark, damp, and carved from stone, this sacred space becomes a classroom of courage where we can reflect on Peter and Paul's final moments.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy free time to explore a modern Roman shopping center, remarkably built above the aqueducts from 19 BC—an engineering marvel that still supplies water to the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City today.

DAY 2

We’ll return to the villa for a peaceful evening of guided worship, prayer, and reflection—allowing the legacy of these two apostles, and the enduring truth of the Gospel, to settle deeply in our hearts.

November 12: Pompeii & Naples — Everyday Life and Eternal Lessons

First stop: Pompeii. Step into a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. 

As you wander through ancient streets, homes, bathhouses, and temples, you’ll get a vivid picture of what daily life looked like in the Roman world during Paul’s time. Being in this region helps us imagine the culture he stepped into—one filled with idol worship, spiritual hunger, and a desperate need for truth.

From there, we’ll explore the heart of Naples—colorful, historic, and full of life. You’ll have time to experience the beauty of the city, soak in the atmosphere, and of course, enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza right where it all began.

We’ll wind down the day together—good food, meaningful conversation, and time in God’s Word—processing what we’ve seen and letting it settle in our hearts as we reflect, pray, and just enjoy being together.

DAY 3

November 13: Christian Rome — From Palace to Prison

Today is steeped in spiritual awe and reverence. We’ll begin with a quiet morning in Scripture before heading into the city for a full-day tour of Christian Rome.

We’ll start in Vatican City, where grandeur and tradition meet. From the breathtaking beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to the towering presence of St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll experience the global legacy of the church’s influence—majestic, formal, and rich in history. This is the public face of Christianity through the centuries, where power, beauty, and tradition have been on full display.

Then we’ll step into something far more intimate: the traditional home of the Apostle Luke. Simple and unassuming, this space is believed to be where Paul lived under house arrest—writing, preaching, and continuing his ministry from confinement. It’s also where Luke faithfully cared for him and likely recorded the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. 

In the afternoon, we’ll unwind with a stroll through Campo de’ Fiori—a lively Roman market filled with flowers, food, and local charm. You’ll have time to shop, grab a bite, or simply take in the everyday beauty of life in the city.

DAY 4

November 14: The Underground Church — Courage in the Shadows

Our final full day is one of remembrance and quiet boldness. After breakfast and time in Scripture, we’ll head out along the ancient Appian Way—the very road where countless believers once walked with courage toward persecution, holding fast to their faith.

We’ll descend into the Catacombs, where early Christians gathered in secret to worship, grieve, and hold onto hope. Winding through the narrow passageways lined with tombs, we’ll stand in the very place where the term “underground church” was born.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll have some free time in Rome before we gather once more for a final farewell dinner back at the villa. We’ll share a meal, reflect on the journey, worship together, and take time to remember all God has done as we prepare to head home the next day.

DAY 5