“All Roads Lead to Rome”
Come join us on the Appian Way as we follow in the footsteps of Paul from Naples to Rome.
Roman culture influenced the life of Jesus and the apostles. Paul’s journey led him to Rome. Sharing the gospel in the city of Rome was perhaps his most ambitious logistical goal—bringing “good news” to the capital of the world! Rome was where he was imprisoned and later martyred. The church in Rome is where Paul sent his most comprehensive theological treatise.
Not only did the story of salvation come to us through Rome, but much of our culture, language, arts, and science are rooted in this Mediterranean nation. We still marvel at and benefit from its inventions, art, and music.
CMDA offers yet another trip of a lifetime with Christian healthcare professionals and their family and friends. With an optional extension to travel north to Venice.
Have Additional Questions?
Please contact Kim Hodge for additional details or questions:
Email: Kim.Hodge@cmda.org Phone: 423.844.1063
Mail: PO Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621
Double Occupancy (per person): $4,158
Double Occupancy (per person) Non-Member: $4,258
Single Occupancy Member: $5,198
Single Occupancy Non-Member: $5,298
Optional Extension Double Occupancy (per person): $1,326
Optional Extension Single Occupancy: $1,466
Tour includes the following
- Ten nights lodging
- Hotel city tax and porterage at hotels
- Daily open buffet breakfasts
- 1 lunch and 10 dinners
- Entrance fees to museums and other sites
- Bus transportation throughout the tour
- Use of whisper headsets to hear tour guide
- Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
- English-speaking guides throughout the tour
- International Travel Insurance from Thursday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 16, 2024 (allows for an extra day of travel at the beginning and end of the tour). Additional days are available for $7 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death and dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.
Optional Venice Extension Includes
- Domestic flight from Rome to Venice
- Two nights of lodging
- Daily open buffet breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
- Transportation by private boat and/or bus;
- English-speaking guide: 4 hours on October 15 and 6 hours on October 16.
- Entrance fees to the Basilica St. Mark, Doge’s Palace, and a glass-blowing factory.
- City taxes.
- International Travel Insurance from Tuesday, October 15 – Friday, October 18, 2024 (allows for an extra day of travel at the end of the extension). Additional days are available for $7 per person per day. This coverage includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Medical Expenses, Disability Income, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Crisis Management, including the expense and coordination of a security evacuation, Personal Property, and General Liability.
Tour/Extension Package Does NOT Include
- International flights
- Airport baggage transfer
- Lunches
- Beverages
Cancelation Policy
Cancellations and requests for refund must be submitted in writing to the Christian Medical & Dental Associations at P.O. Box 7500 Bristol, TN 37621 or email kim.hodge@cmda.org.
Cancellation charges:
Before or on July 31: $500
August 1- 15, 2024: $800 per person
August 15 – 30, 2024: $1,100 per person
September 1 – 14, 2024: $2,300 per person
On or after September 15,2024: No Refund
Breakfasts and dinners are included, all lunches are on your own.
Hotels for main tour:
Pozzuoli, Hotel Gli Dei www.hotelglidei.com or similar
Caserta, Hotel Royal Caserta https://www.royalcaserta.it or similar
Terracina area, Torre del Sole https://torredelsole.com or similar
Castel Gandolfo, Hotel Castelvecchio https://www.hotelcastelvecchio.com or similar
Rome, Hotel Gioberti https://www.hotelgioberti.it or similar
Hotels for extension:
Venice, Santa Lucia Hotel https://www.nh-hotels.com/en/hotel/nh-venezia-santa-lucia or similar
Tour Guide
Mark Wilson, D.Lit., D. Phil., will serve as our biblical scholar for this tour. Mark is the founder and director of the Asia Minor Research Center in Antalya, Turkey, a country in which he and his wife Dindy have lived since 2004. He received an M.A. in Biblical Studies at Regent University and a D.Litt. et Phil. from the University of South Africa where he serves as a Research Fellow in Biblical Archaeology. Mark is Associate Professor Extraordinary of New Testament at Stellenbosch University and Adjunct Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College, Melbourne. He is the author and editor of numerous books, articles, and reviews including a commentary on Revelation, Charts of the Book of Revelation, and Biblical Turkey: A Guide to the Jewish and Christian Sites of Asia Minor. Mark also contributed the “Acts” and “Revelation” sections in the ESV Archaeology Bible and six articles in the Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation. He is a member of twelve academic societies and his particular research interest is ancient Jewish communities, Roman roads, and the Seven Churches in Turkey. Mark and wife Dindy have four adult children, four grandsons, and four granddaughters.
Tour Hosts
Mike Chupp, MD, FACS, is the CEO of CMDA. He graduated with his medical degree from Indiana University in 1988 and completed a general surgery residency at Methodist Hospital in 1993. From 1993 to 2016, he was a missionary member of Southwestern Medical Clinic in St. Joseph, Michigan, while also serving as a career missionary at Tenwek Mission Hospital in Kenya. Mike and Pam have four adult children; Steven, Melody, Kayla, Ashley, and one grandchild, Blakely Rose.
George Courtney serves CMDA as the Vice President of Stewardship Development and Legacy Giving. With more than 30 years of experience in Stewardship Development, he finds much joy in helping families navigate their stewardship and legacy-planning journeys. Earlier in his career, George served in leadership roles in Christian day schools, higher education, and international mission organizations. George’s wife, Rose, has served CMDA members for more than 29 years as a placement specialist in CMDA Placement Service.
Sunday, October 6 Pompeii – Naples – Pozzuoli
After breakfast, we depart for legendary Pompeii for a walk through the archaeology of an ancient city. This timeless archaeological marvel, frozen in the ashes of history, invites visitors to step back in time and witness the beauty of an ancient Roman city preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. This was a town whose daily life has been petrified. It appears as if the inhabitants were under a spell with gestures, secrets, and panic felt during their last moments. With its remarkably preserved ruins, intricate frescoes, and intimate glimpses into daily life, Pompeii offers a poignant journey into the heart of antiquity.
Following lunch we will visit the Naples Archeological Museum, where history comes to life in vibrant detail. Nestled in the heart of Naples, this renowned institution houses an unparalleled collection of artifacts from Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other archaeological sites of the region. From exquisite Roman statues to intricately preserved frescoes, each exhibit tells a captivating tale of a bygone era. We will be immersed in the world of antiquity as we wander through the museum’s halls the artifacts will provide a vivid snapshot of life in ancient times. Dinner and overnight in Pozzuoli.
Monday, October 7 Pozzuoli
Today we will enjoy a walking tour of Pozzuoli. Known today as Pozzuoli, Puteoli was the main harbor for the Roman Empire. According to Acts 28:13-14 this is where Paul and his companion Luke arrive and begin their journey to Rome. Here, we will have the opportunity to view the third largest Flavian Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Flavio) in Italy. We will also visit the ancient acropolis, Rione Terra (“Earth District”), which stands on a volcanic tuft hill overlooking the Bay of Naples. It has witnessed various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. The district is characterized by narrow winding streets, historic buildings, and archaeological remains that showcase the layers of its long history. We will visit Cathedral of Pozzuoli (ex Temple of Augustus), Church of Santa Maria commemorating Paul’s landing at the harbor, Macellum/Serapis temple, and a walk on the ancient Roman road leaving the city. In the afternoon we visit to Archeological Park of Cuma. Dinner and overnight in Pozzuoli.
Tuesday, October 8 Quarto – Capua – Caserta
Today we will begin our journey to Rome following the ancient road, Via Capua Consularis. After passing through the geological road cut at Montagna Spaccata we will stop to see the remains of an ancient inn (mansio) at Quarto. We will continue our journey to ancient Capua (modern Santa Maria Capua Vetere) where Paul stopped for his first overnight. Although not mentioned in the Bible, Capua was the most important city in the region of Campania and served as a key center for trade and commerce. We’ll see the remains of the city gate, Mithraeum, and amphitheater where the slave rebellion led by Spartacus began. Later we will drive past two Roman funerary monuments. There will be free time in Caserta to visit the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 1200-room Palace served as the Allied Force Headquarters for the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean during World War II. Dinner and overnight in Caserta Hotel Royal Caserta or similar.
Wednesday, October 9 Mondragone – Minturnae – Formia – Itri – Fondi – Terracina
After breakfast we begin our travels following the ancient Appian Way. There will be a photo stop at the bridge over the Volterno River in modern Capua, ancient Casilinum. After driving across the Falernian plain we arrive at Mondragone, site of ancient Sineussa. We continue to Minturnae and visit the archeological park and its aqueduct. After lunch, we visit the Cicero’s Tomb in Formia (subject to special permit). After passing through Itri we will walk on the Via Appia in the beautiful park in the San Andrea Valley. At Fondi we will enter the ancient forum through its monumental city gate. Dinner and overnight in Terracina Torre del Sole or similar.
Thursday, October 10 Terracina – Mesa – Forum Appii – Three Taverns – Ariccia – Castel Gandolfo
In the morning we will walk on the Roman forum of ancient Terracina near the Duomo, which stands on the podium of the Temple dedicated to Roma and Augustus. After a visit to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur we will begin our drive on the deconnovium, the 19 mile section of the Appian Way, the straightest stretch of road in Europe. West of Terracina we will drive past the Feronian Spring. At Casale di Mesa (ad Medias) we will stop to look at two original Roman milestones. We will continue past the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns, both mentioned in the book of Acts. At Montecanino we will stop to view a milestone and well-preserved section of road paving (located next to the main highway). Our final stop at be at the Tomb of Horatii and Curiatii at Ariccia. Dinner and overnight in Castel Gandolfo Hotel Castelvecchio or similar.
Friday, October 11 Rome
Our first stop today is the well-preserved road section at the McDonalds in Frattocchie (ancient Bovillae). We drive on the Via di Cecelia Metella. Walk Via Appia Antica, starting from the Appia Antica Caffe. During our walk we will visit the Mausoluem of Cecilia Metella and the San Sebastian Catacombs followed by Quo Vadis Church. There we will reboard the bus and drive by the Arch of Drusus, which was the original Mile 1 of the Appian Way. We end at the Castra Praetoria where Paul was handed over to the Pretorian Guard (photo stop). Rest of day is free. Overnight Rome (4 nights). Hotel Gioberti or similar. (4 nights).
Saturday, October 12 Rome
Full day walking tour: Colosseum, Arch of Titus, Forum, Mamertine Prison, Trajan’s Column, Pantheon, and Ara Pacis. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Sunday, October 13 Rome
We first visit the Church of San Paolo alla Regola (if open to the public following renovation), traditionally the spot where Paul lived for two years under house arrest. From there we follow the Tiber River to the Ponte Fabricio, the oldest Roman bridge in the city. We next visit the Jewish Museum, and the Great Synagogue (Maggiore). After lunch in the Jewish Quarter, we will drive past the Porta San Paolo and the pyramid of Gaius Cestius along the Via Ostia while tracing the final days of Paul. We visit the Church of Tre Fontane and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the places where he was purportedly executed and buried. Dinner and overnight in Rome.
Monday, October 14 Vatican
A half-day guided tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Church. Rest of the day is free. Dinner and overnight Rome.
Tuesday, October 15 Transfer to Airport and Departure
Take a transfer to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport Roam (FCO) From the airport, you will either fly to Venice for the tour extension or connect with your flight home.
—— OPTIONAL Venice EXTENSION ——
Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15 – 16
After arriving in Venice, we will transfer to Santa Lucia Hotel, where we will meet our local guide and begin touring the city known for its winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges. During our two days in Venice, we will enjoy guided tours of Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco (St. Marks Basilica), and one of the glass-blowing factories that Venice is known for.
Venice is known as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The 118 islands and the 400 bridges linking them provide plenty of opportunities to explore, shop, and enjoy fabulous food. No trip to Venice would be complete without an optional gondola ride. Dinner and overnight Santa Lucia Hotel or simular (2 nights)
Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark’s Square, is the principal public square of Venice. The square is surrounded by several important landmarks, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Palazzo Patriarcale, and the Torre dell’Orologio. The square is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark Basilica) is a stunning cathedral that dates back to the 9th century A.D. and is dedicated to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of Venice. The cathedral is adorned with over 8,000 square meters of golden mosaics, including the Pala d’Oro, a Byzantine altarpiece covered in gold and studded with almost 2,000 gems.
Doge’s Palace was built in Venetian Gothic style and is one of the prominent landmarks in Venice. It was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. The Palace was built in 1340 and extended and modified in the following centuries. The Palace is now a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the Palace’s various rooms, including the Doge’s apartments, the institutional chambers, and the prison cells. The Palace also houses several art collections, including paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
Thursday, October 17
Transfer to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) for return flights home, or extend your stay another few days. Please contact Kim Hodge to reserve additional nights at the Santa Lucia Hotel.
NOTE: WE FLY IN AND OUT OF DIFFERENT AIRPORTS
Arrival to Italy
- Fly IN TO Naples International Airport (NAP) no later than Saturday, October 5, 2024
Departure from Italy
- TOUR ONLY – Fly OUT OF Rome, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport Roam (FCO) Tuesday, October 15, 2024
- Tour and Extension – FLY OUT Venice, Marco Polo Airport (VCE) Thursday, October 17, 2024
You may consider arriving a day or two before the tour begins to recover from jet lag or staying a few days to enjoy Rome or Venice on your own. Kim Hodge can assist with additional hotel nights before and after the tour if you need them.
Visas and Passports
- Each participant must have a valid passport. Passport expiration date must be six months beyond the last day of the tour. Please email photo of the first two pages of your Passport to Kim Hodge (kim.hodge@cmda.org).
- No Visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Italy as a tourist.
Activity Level
The activity level for this tour is moderately strenuous. You should be able to walk several miles on uneven terrain without difficulty. If you have mobility issues, this tour may not be for you. If you have questions, please contact Kim Hodge before registering.
By registering for this tour, travelers are acknowledging they are of reasonable health and considered fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to any medical advice. By acknowledging their health and fitness to participate, travelers are indemnifying CMDA from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any lack of health and fitness. We reserve the right to remove a traveler from a tour activity if their health or fitness interferes with any other passenger’s experiences or the day-to-day running of the tour. In this instance, our normal cancellation terms and conditions will apply.
If you have questions, please contact Kim Hodge before registering.
Kim Hodge
kim.hodge@cmda.org
