Footsteps of Apostle Paul in Malta & Italy

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Pilgrimage Information

Follow the final journey of the Apostle Paul across the Mediterranean on this inspiring Biblical tour through Malta and Italy. Begin in Malta, the island where Paul was shipwrecked during his voyage to Rome, and visit the traditional sites connected to his three-month stay, including St. Paul’s Bay and St. Paul’s Grotto.

Continue to Sicily and southern Italy, retracing Paul’s route toward Rome as described in the Book of Acts. Visit the port of Pozzuoli where Paul first arrived in Italy before continuing to Rome, the center of the Roman Empire where he was imprisoned and ultimately martyred.

Along the way, explore the early Christian heritage of Rome, including the Mamertine Prison, the Roman Catacombs, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The journey also includes visits to some of Italy’s most celebrated cities such as Florence, Pisa, Ravenna, and Venice, combining Biblical history with the artistic and cultural treasures of Italy.

Biblical Highlights

Trace the final chapter of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys as recorded in the Book of Acts. From the shipwreck in Malta to his arrival in Rome as a prisoner, this journey follows the path that brought Christianity to the heart of the Roman Empire.

  • St. Paul’s Bay (Malta) – Visit the traditional location of the shipwreck described in Acts 27–28 during Paul’s voyage to Rome.
  • St. Paul’s Grotto, Rabat – The site where Paul is believed to have lived and preached during his three-month stay in Malta.
  • Syracuse (Sicily) – The city where Paul stopped for three days on his journey to Rome (Acts 28:12).
  • Pozzuoli (Near Naples) – The port where Paul arrived in Italy before traveling to Rome (Acts 28:13–14).
  • Mamertine Prison – Visit the ancient prison where Paul was held during his final imprisonment in Rome before his martyrdom.
  • Tre Fontane (Abbey of the Three Fountains) – The traditional site where the Apostle Paul was martyred outside the walls of Rome.
  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls – One of the most important churches in Rome, traditionally believed to be built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul.
  • Roman Catacombs – Explore the underground burial places of the early Christians, filled with some of the earliest Christian art and symbolism.
Your Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Valletta, Malta

Welcome to Malta, the island where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked during his journey to Rome as described in the Book of Acts (Acts 27–28). Upon arrival at Valletta International Airport, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy some free time to explore the historic city of Valletta at your leisure.

Dinner and overnight in Malta.

Day 2Valletta, St. Paul’s Bay & St. Paul’s Grotto

Today you explore the island closely connected to the shipwreck of the Apostle Paul. Drive to St. Paul’s Bay, traditionally associated with the place where Paul was shipwrecked during his journey to Rome. According to the Book of Acts, Paul remained in Malta for three months, preaching and performing miracles.

Continue to Rabat to visit St. Paul’s Grotto, the traditional site where Paul is believed to have lived and preached during his stay on the island. The grotto became one of the earliest pilgrimage sites in Malta and is closely associated with the spread of Christianity on the island.

Dinner and overnight in Malta.

Day 3Flight to Sicily – Syracuse & Reggio Calabria

Morning flight from Malta to Catania, Sicily. Drive to Syracuse, where the Apostle Paul stopped for three days during his journey to Rome (Acts 28:12). Syracuse was an important city of the Roman Empire and already had a Jewish community at the time of Paul’s visit.

Continue to Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, located in the historic region of Magna Graecia. This area played an important role in the cultural and religious life of the early Mediterranean world.

Dinner and overnight in Reggio Calabria.

Day 4Pompeii, Naples & Pozzuoli

Today you visit Pompeii, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii offers a remarkable glimpse into daily life in the Roman world at the time of the early Church.

Continue to Naples and view the nearby port of Pozzuoli, where the Apostle Paul arrived in Italy before traveling to Rome (Acts 28:13–14). According to the Book of Acts, Paul stayed here with fellow believers before continuing his journey toward Rome.

Dinner and overnight in Naples.

Day 5Travel to Rome & Ancient Rome Tour

Depart Naples and travel to Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire and the city where the Apostle Paul completed the final chapter of his ministry.

Begin your tour with a visit to the legendary Colosseum, the great amphitheater of ancient Rome. Continue to the Roman Forum, once the political and religious center of the Roman Empire. Visit the Mamertine Prison, where tradition holds that the Apostles Peter and Paul were imprisoned.

Continue to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the famous Spanish Steps.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 6Christian Rome & Early Church Sites

Today you explore the Christian heritage of Rome. Visit the Vatican Museums, home to one of the most important art collections in the world. Enter the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.

Continue to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most important churches in Christianity and traditionally believed to be built over the tomb of the Apostle Peter.

In the afternoon visit the Roman Catacombs, burial places of the early Christians where some of the earliest Christian art can still be seen.

The day concludes at Tre Fontane, traditionally believed to be the place where the Apostle Paul was martyred.

Dinner and overnight in Rome.

Day 7Rome to Florence via Siena & San Gimignano

Travel north through the beautiful countryside of Tuscany. Stop in Siena, famous for its medieval architecture and the impressive Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

Continue to San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan” because of its historic towers. After exploring this picturesque town, continue to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.

Dinner and overnight in Florence.

Day 8Florence & Pisa

Enjoy a morning tour of Florence, one of the most important cultural cities in Europe. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. Continue to the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Duomo) with Brunelleschi’s famous dome.

Walk across the historic Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops.

In the afternoon travel to Pisa to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Dinner and overnight in Florence.

Day 9Florence to Venice via Ravenna

Depart Florence and travel toward Venice. Along the way stop in Ravenna, famous for its spectacular early Christian mosaics and historic churches, some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Europe.

Continue to Venice, one of the most unique cities in the world.

Dinner and overnight in Venice.

Day 10Venice City Tour

This morning take a boat to St. Mark’s Square, the heart of Venice. Enjoy an orientation tour including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the famous Bridge of Sighs.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Venice at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a traditional gondola ride through the canals.

Dinner and overnight in Venice.

Day 11Departure

Transfer to Venice Airport for your return flight home, bringing your journey through the lands of the early Church to a close.

Map

FAQ

Can this tour be customized for our group?

Yes. All our itineraries can be customized according to your group’s needs. Adjustments can include travel dates, hotel category, meal plans, additional destinations, or adding a cruise extension.

What is the minimum group size for this tour?

Our tours are designed for groups of 15 or more participants, but we can also operate smaller groups with adjusted pricing.

What hotel categories are available?

All our tours are based in good 4 Star Hotels. But we can always adjust the category to the needs and budget of your group

Can this tour include daily Mass or Bible study?

Yes. For Catholic groups, daily Mass can be arranged either at local Catholic churches or at significant biblical sites. For Protestant and Evangelical groups, time can be scheduled for Bible study at key locations related to the ministry of the Apostle Paul.

What services are included in the tour?

Typical inclusions are:

  • Hotel accommodation

  • Daily breakfast and dinner

  • Private motor coach transportation

  • Professional licensed Bible Oriented guide

  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites

  • Airport transfers

Final inclusions depend on the quotation prepared for the group.

How far in advance should groups book?

For the best availability of hotels and guides, we recommend confirming groups 6–12 months in advance.

Do you offer support for travel agents and tour operators?

Yes. Inspired Voyager works closely with travel professionals and tour operators by providing custom proposals, competitive group rates, and operational support throughout the planning process.