Our flight from Australia takes us through Singapore and on to Italy.

We arrive in Rome and travel north to the beautiful Tuscan city of Siena. This World Heritage site is the embodiment of a medieval metropolis and is famous for its intact 12th-to-15th-century Gothic architecture. Enjoy lunch at our hotel before an afternoon at leisure – choose to relax & refresh or “buddy up” to explore Siena before dinner.

Overnight: Siena (Italy)

2 NIGHTS

A morning tour takes us to Siena’s most famous sites, from the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race takes place, to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Duomo, a spectacular example of Italian Gothic architecture. Admire the Cathedral’s distinctive zebra-striped marble facade and interiors adorned with works by masters like Michelangelo and Donatello. We travel through the Umbrian countryside to peaceful Assisi, birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi. This medieval hill town has drawn pilgrims for over 800 years, ever since Saint Francis of Assisi renounced wealth to live a life of simplicity and devotion.

Overnight: Assisi (Italy)

Assisi is truly a medieval gem like no other, brimming with culture, history, art and captivating views. Enjoy a relaxed morning before an English worship service and fellowship at the Church of St. Leonard’s.

Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Basilica of St. Francis, a monumental complex that became a focal point for the Franciscan movement and a major pilgrimage site. See incredible masterpieces by some of the greatest artists of all time, with the Upper and Lower Churches containing fresco cycles by Cimabue, Giotto, and other masters who helped shape Western religious art.

In the afternoon, we explore the elegant hilltop city of Perugia; once an important Etruscan settlement and home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy and Europe. Within its medieval walls lies Piazza IV Novembre, framed by the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the 13th-century Fontana Maggiore, a marble fountain with carvings of biblical scenes and zodiac signs. Enjoy a tasting of Perugia’s renowned artisan chocolate called “Baci” (kiss in Italian)— a sweet ending to a delightful Sunday.

Overnight: Assisi (Italy)

2 NIGHTS

Admire the dramatically changing landscape as we journey east toward the sparkling Adriatic and then south to the Puglia region. Watch as the Apennine mountains fall away to a coastline of turquoise water, chalky cliffs, and ancient wooden fishing platforms called trabocchi that have stood for centuries. Enjoy lunch suspended above the water before continuing to Manfredonia on the Gargano Peninsula; this beautiful region is often called the “spur” of Italy’s boot, with forested uplands and limestone cliffs rising above the sea.

Overnight: Manfredonia (Italy)

High above the Adriatic stands Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christianity’s oldest pilgrimage sites. For over 1500 years believers have descended into its sacred grotto where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared, the perfect place to pray quietly and reflect.

By the early Middle Ages, the shrine was a major stop for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land; Lombards, Normans, German emperors, and Crusaders all visited before embarking eastward.

Surrounding the shrine is the Gargano National Park, a large and geographically diverse area that is World Heritage listed for its ancient beech forests (Foresta Umbra). Its many beaches make it a favourite holiday destination for Italians, and we visit picturesque Mattinata to wander its charming streets before returning to Manfredonia.

Overnight: Manfredonia (Italy)

3 NIGHTS

We travel to the ancient port city of Bari to visit the famous Basilica di San Nicola. In 1087 the relics of St Nicholas from Myra (modern Turkey) were brought here to protect them from Muslim expansion in Asia Minor. St Nicholas was a 4th-century bishop known for his special generosity toward children, inspiring both the Christmas tradition of gift-giving and modern-day Santa Claus. Venerated by both the Catholic and Orthodox church, his resting place became one of medieval Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations, an important meeting point between Eastern and Western Christianity during the Crusader era.

We end our day in Alberobello in the Valle d’Itria, the picturesque heart of the Puglia region, famous for its rolling hills, ancient olive groves, vineyards, and iconic white-washed trulli (conical-roofed houses).

Overnight: Alberobello (Italy)

Our wonderful day filled with unique and authentic local experiences, begins when we head to a traditional farmhouse that produces organic mozzarella and other Apulian cheeses. Meet the owner and see how homemade mozzarella is crafted before we enjoy a lunch with local specialties paired with wine.

Explore the city centre of Alberobello, where over 1,400 cone-roofed trulli houses create a fairytale landscape. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these limestone dwellings were built without mortar — a remarkable example of rural ingenuity. We explore the large 2-story Trullo Sovrano and learn the history of these curious homes.

Overnight: Alberobello (Italy)

Today we visit Matera, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities where ancient cave dwellings – the Sassi – were once home to early Christian communities seeking refuge. Churches carved into the limestone hillsides still bear faded frescoes. Matera’s story is one of hardship, resilience, and renewed dignity – a powerful testimony of faith lived simply.

Overnight: Alberobello (Italy)

4 NIGHTS

Today we travel back to Bari and fly to Palermo, capital of Sicily. The island has one of the Mediterranean’s most layered histories but perhaps the most extraordinary period was the Norman Kingdom of Sicily (11th–12th centuries) that merged Latin Christian, Byzantine, and Arab cultures, creating a unique, prosperous, and diverse medieval state where the different populations lived in remarkable harmony.

Overnight: Palermo (Italy)

Worship and spend time in fellowship with locals at Holy Cross Anglican Church before a delightful lunch of traditional Sicilian dishes.

Palermo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best way to explore it is on foot – our walking tour takes us along the main pedestrian artery of Via Maqueda, a lively street lined with Baroque churches, historic palaces, shops, and restaurants. Highlights include the grand Teatro Massimo, the Baroque Quattro Canti, and the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (La Martorana), renowned for its shimmering Norman-Byzantine mosaics.

Along the way we meet a local artisan who has created hand-made puppets for generations to learn about opera dei pupi, a traditional 19th-century marionette performance depicting Frankish chivalric tales. A beloved Sicilian tradition since the early 1800s, it was declared a UNESCO masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Overnight: Palermo (Italy)

We visit the World Heritage listed Monreale Cathedral, one of the most extraordinary examples of Norman art in Sicily and world’s largest cycle of Byzantine mosaics. Over 6,500 square metres of gold mosaic illuminate biblical history from Genesis to Revelation with the central apse dominated by a majestic Christ Pantocrator. Built by King William II in the 12th century, the cathedral was a declaration of Christian kingship during the Crusader era.

At the heart of the abbey complex is the beautiful Cloister of Santa Maria Nuova, an extraordinary example of medieval architecture built in the Norman-Arab style. In medieval theological symbolism, the Cloister represents Paradise on earth and many of the column’s capitals depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

We stop at the Monastery of Santa Maria delle Scale, where monks have brewed their own artisanal beer for centuries. Visit the monastery and enjoy a tasting of Hora Benedicta, the only authentic “Abbey beer” crafted in Southern Italy.

Overnight: Palermo (Italy)

This morning, we visit the early Christian Catacombs of Villagrazia di Carini, one of the most extensive and remarkable underground burial complexes in Sicily. Here 4th–6th century believers laid their loved ones to rest, marking tombs with simple symbols of hope – fish, anchors, and crosses. Enjoy some free time in Palermo before we visit the World Heritage listed Palatine Chapel, an absolute masterpiece of medieval art and the spiritual heart of the Norman Palace. Here, dazzling Byzantine mosaics cloaking the walls and ceilings in gold are a symbol of cultural harmony, a unique fusion of Latin, Greek, and Arab cultures.

Overnight: Palermo (Italy)

3 NIGHTS

We leave Sicily today but not before visiting Syracuse, once one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Acts 28:12 records that the Apostle Paul landed at Syracuse on Sicily’s southeastern coast and stayed for three days.

The city’s historic centre is the Island of Ortigia which is connected to the mainland by two short bridges and being just 1 km long by 500 metres wide, can be explored entirely by foot.

Be sure to sample the local street food specialties of Arancini (fried risotto balls) and Scaccia (filled flat bread) and cap off the experience with a Sicilian granita like almond, lemon or mulberry, perfectly refreshing and intensely flavored.

We travel to Pozzallo to board our evening ferry to Malta, an island small in size but immense in Christian heritage. According to Acts 27–28, the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked here in 60 AD while being taken to Rome as a prisoner. After surviving the storm, Paul was welcomed by the islanders and stayed three months, preaching the Gospel and healing the sick, including the father of Publius (the Roman governor). Maltese Christian tradition traces its origins directly to this event.

Overnight: Valletta (Malta)

Malta boasts an incredible 7,000+ years of history with important architectural and cultural legacies left by the major powers that once ruled it including the Romans, Arabs, the Knights of St. John and the British. St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral was built during British rule in the 19th century, and we join an English language service for the special opportunity to worship on the very island where the Apostle Paul found refuge in the storm.

Enjoy a tour of Valletta, the tiny capital of Malta, founded in 1566 by the Knights after their dramatic victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565 — one of the defining conflicts of Christendom. This Crusader order was originally formed to care for pilgrims in Jerusalem, and they transformed Malta into a fortified Christian stronghold. Today the Crusader legacy is visible everywhere in this World Heritage city, from the bastioned walls to the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral; be amazed by Caravaggio’s biblical masterpieces, and the Baroque interiors that shimmer with gold.

Our tour takes us through the elegant streets to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, for sweeping views over the Grand Harbour, one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Mediterranean. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class to discover the secrets behind the perfect pastizzi, a traditional savoury pastry. We savour our creations as a local aperitivo, before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight: Valletta (Malta)

This morning, we take the ferry to the peaceful island of Gozo. Inhabited since 5000 BC, Gozo’s history is defined by prehistoric Megalithic temples, Mediterranean invasions, and enduring religious faith. Known as mythical Ogygia, it features the UNESCO-listed Ġgantija temples (older than the pyramids), the fortified Citadel, and a culture deeply shaped by Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, and British influences. Enjoy a deep dive into the island’s rich history before we return to Valletta.

Overnight: Valletta (Malta)

Step back in time in beautiful Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City”; this fortified, 4,000-year-old medieval town has few residents and is car free making it seem as though time has stood still. Wander through narrow tranquil alleys visit the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, a masterpiece of Baroque harmony and devotion. It is here that Apostle Paul is said to have met the Roman governor Publius, who later became Malta’s first bishop.
In nearby Rabat we visit the incredible St. Paul’s Catacomb, an extensive 3rd-century AD underground Roman cemetery and one of the earliest signs of Christianity on the island.

We fly to Rome and celebrate the final night of our Mediterranean adventure with dinner, fellowship and the sharing of our holiday highlights.

Overnight: Rome (Airport Hotel)

After breakfast we depart Europe for our flight to Singapore.

Overnight: Inflight

A morning arrival in Singapore for an early check-in to our hotel; choose to rest and relax or enjoy exploring on your own.

Our afternoon excursion takes us to Gardens by the Bay, a truly jaw-dropping take on a Botanic Garden. With passes for the various attractions, you are now at leisure to explore this “urban jungle”. Wander the cooled conservatory of the Flower Dome, filled with thousands of magnificent flowers and plants, across to the Cloud Forest’s spectacular waterfall and mountain cloaked in vegetation of the tropical highlands.

Walk along the 22-metre high OCBC Skyway suspended from the iconic Supertrees and admire the views across Marina Bay and Singapore’s Skyline. Enjoy dinner at leisure before watching the Supertrees light up in the evening in a magnificent Sound & Light Show. Wow!

Overnight: Singapore

After breakfast there is time at leisure for further exploration using Singapore’s super-efficient Metro MRT system – visit vibrant traditional neighbourhoods such as Chinatown or Little India or go shopping on Orchard Road.

As a grand finale to our holiday, we will enjoy a very special High Tea at the famed Raffles Hotel. Then it is off to Changi Airport to farewell new friends as we take our various flights home to Australia.

Overnight: Inflight

A morning arrival in Australia feeling very blessed having been part of such a delightful holiday, one filled with fun, faith and fellowship shared with new friends.