ITALY: “Paul’s Response to the Roman World”

May 14-24, 2024

with Pastor Chris Manginelli

Mill Creek (WA) Foursquare

(Program #240502, Taught by Dr. Smith)

$5,999.00 Full Tour from SEA

$4,699.00 Land Only

$800.00 Single Supplement

(if registered before December 31, 2023)

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: Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Departure Day.

Depart SEA for FCO, Italy. Overnight: In flight.

Day Two: Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Arrive in Rome.

Arrive Rome and transfer to hotel. Overnight: Near the Coast. (1).

Day Three: Thursday, May 16, 2024. Setting the New Testament in the Roman Period.

Theme: To be a Roman - how goods, services and transport held an Empire together. Rome was both an Empire and an idea. Today we will examine what held the identity of a vast Empire together. (Sites: Ostia and Three Taverns). Tonight, we will have a special "Roman style" meal! Overnight: Mansio Hotel on Via Appia. (1). B,D

Day Four: Friday, May 17, 2024. Pictures of Daily Life at the time of Paul.

Today we will visit a maritime villa of Emperor Tiberias at Sperlonga, and discuss how events in Rome set up the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Next, we will move to Minturno, where we will demonstrate how understand the motifs in Paul’s Epistles that sprung from the daily images of Roman life will help you read his writings more clearly. After lunch, we will make our way to the ancient site of Cumae, where we will tackle a tough passage from Ephesians where Paul described events between the Crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection, before we drive to Pompeii for a local restaurant and overnight in the village. Overnight: Near Pompeii excavations (1). B

Day Five: Saturday, May 18, 2024. The People of the New Testament.

As we walk through excavated ancient streets from 79 CE, we will expose common images used by Paul and draw us back to a new view of his writings. (Herculaneum and Pompeii). Overnight: Sorrento (1). B

Day Six: Sunday, May 19, 2024. Fun in the Sun!

For those who want the quintessential Italian experience, today is your day! Some will want to walk in the local market of the “city of lemons” and enjoy the restaurants, shops and natural beauty of this world-class city. Others will want to take the ferry to Capri, where they can engage in a host of water activities or travel up to see the Villa of Tiberias. It’s your choice! Overnight: Sorrento (2). B

Day Seven: Monday, May 20, 2024. How the Christian Message Spread.

Today we will visit the excavated Villa of San Marco in Castellamare di Stabia, the Museum and the excavated ancient winery at Boscoreale, The Villa of Poppea Sabina at Oplontis, the Abbey of Montecassino (modesty site!) and end our day near Rome near to the Papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. (1) B,D

Day Eight: Tuesday, May 21, 2024. A Spectacular Civilization.

Theme: Rome was held together as much by spectacle as by anything else. After a panorama of Rome by bus, we will visit the Forum Romana, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, and the Colosseum in search of the spectacles familiar to all Romans. (Drive to Rome, Forum Romana, Colosseum and a walking tour of sites from the Tiber beside the Teatro Marcello to the Capitoline Hill). Overnight: Rome (1 of 3). B,D

Day Nine: Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Paul's Visits in Rome.

Theme: Paul came to Rome the first time under guard and house arrest. During this two-year period he wrote the so called "Prison Epistles". This morning we will visit the setting where Paul was likely writing from. Later, we will follow Paul's second visit from his arrival to his beheading and burial. (St. Paul alla Regola, Pantheon, Three Fountains Abbey, St. Paul's Outside the Walls, Catacombs. Overnight: Rome (2 of 3). B

Day Ten: Thursday, May 23, 2024. From Lost Empire to Living Faith.

Theme: the Gospel did not stop with Paul, but was transmitted through the centuries to the ordinary people by means of the arts.  One cannot spend time in Rome and miss a visit to the incredible Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Today we will take a breath away from Paul's life and gear up for next part of our travel experience by breaking the ground on our understanding of art. (Vatican and St. Peter's Church.) Overnight: Rome (3 of 3). B

Day Eleven: Friday, May 24, 2024 Return Day or Begin Extension to northern Italy.

Depart for FCO and make the return journey to SEA, arriving the same day.

**For those traveling on the extension, click here for that program. Remember, you will need to book land only , arriving Rome (FCO) and departing from Venice (VCE).

Travel requires flexibility. Every effort will be made to visit all sites as specified, but CTSP reserves the right to change the program at any time as we feel necessary.

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 August 1, 2023 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.