Join CBE, March 14–22, 2027, for an unforgettable journey through Italy, exploring some of the country's most remarkable religious, historical, archaeological, and cultural treasures that highlight women's leadership in early Christianity.
From the stunning Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna and the historic sites of Sicily to the ancient wonders of Pompeii, Naples, and Rome, this immersive nine-day experience offers participants an extraordinary opportunity to discover Italy’s rich heritage of the inclusion of women leaders in history as seen in archaeological evidence while enjoying guided visits to world-renowned landmarks.
Registration opens soon!
Trip Hosts
Dr. Mimi Haddad
President and CEO of CBE International
Mimi Haddad (PhD, University of Durham) serves as president and CEO of CBE International. She has taught as an adjunct associate professor of historical theology at Fuller Theological Seminary, Olivet University, and has taught for institutes and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Summa Cum Laude). She holds a PhD in historical theology from the University of Durham, England. Mimi received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in 2013. She was a founding member of the Evangelicals and Women Study Section at the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) and Evangelicals for Justice. She continues to serve on the leadership of ETS’s Evangelicals and Women. Mimi and her husband, Dale, live in Minnesota.
Dr. Carina Pereira de Oliveira Prestes,
Archaeologist
Carina Pereira de Oliveira Prestes (PhD, Andrews University) is a professor of theology and biblical archaeology, serves as the organizer of the International Congress of Biblical Studies and Archaeology, is a curator of the Museum of Biblical Archaeology (MAB), and is the editor of Veritas Antiqua: Journal of Biblical Studies and Archaeology. She was born and raised in Brazil. She received a master’s degree and doctorate in biblical archaeology at Andrews University, Michigan. She has participated in archaeological digs in Sicily, Jordan, and Israel. Her doctoral research examined the archaeological evidence of female leadership in pre and early Christian centuries. Carina is the author of Excavating Women: The Archaeology of Leaders in Early Christianity.
Trip Dates
March 14–22, 2027*
Tour attendees will need to start their travel from the US on March 13 or earlier depending on available flights to arrive in Bologna on March 14. Air travel to Italy, until Bologna, and back home from Italy is not included in the tour registration fee. Other tickets for travel throughout Italy are included. See the Suggested Flight Bookings Page for more information. Attendees must purchase their own travel and emergency medical insurance, including evacuation insurance. See more information on the Travel Documents and Insurance Requirements page.
Italy Tour Highlights
Ravenna: Italy’s City of Mosaics | March 14–16, 2027
Your Italian adventure begins with arrival in Bologna before transferring to the beautiful city of Ravenna, renowned for its spectacular Byzantine monuments and mosaics that are among the finest in the world.
Highlights include:
- Two-night stay in Ravenna with daily breakfast and dinners.
- Full-day guided walking tour of Ravenna’s historic center.
- Exploration of the city’s remarkable churches, basilicas, and world-famous mosaic masterpieces
- Opportunity to experience one of Italy’s most important centers of early Christian art and architecture.
Sicily: Palermo and Monreale | March 16–18, 2027
Travel south to the enchanting island of Sicily, where centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Christian influences have shaped a unique cultural landscape.
Featured Visits
Basilica of San Miceli (Salemi)
En route from Palermo Airport, visit the historic Basilica of San Miceli, an important religious site that reflects Sicily’s deep Christian heritage.
Historic Palermo
Spend a full day exploring the vibrant capital of Sicily with an expert guide.
Included visits:
- Antonio Salinas Archaeological Museum featuring one of the most important collections of Greek and Roman artifacts in southern Italy
- Palermo Cathedral, a magnificent blend of architectural styles spanning centuries
- Norman Palace, one of Europe’s oldest royal residences
- Palatine Chapel, celebrated for its breathtaking Byzantine mosaics
- Church of St. John of the Hermits, known for its distinctive red domes and Norman-Arab architecture
Monreale Cathedral
Before departing Sicily, tour attendees will visit the spectacular Cathedral of Monreale, renowned for its dazzling golden mosaics depicting biblical scenes and Christian history.
Campania Region: Pompeii and Naples | March 18–20, 2027
Continue to southern Italy and discover the incredible history of the ancient Roman world.
Pompeii Archaeological Site
Tour attendees will enjoy a private guided tour of Pompeii, the remarkably preserved Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Walk through ancient streets, homes, temples, and public spaces that offer a unique glimpse into everyday Roman life.
Naples
Experience a full day exploring one of Italy’s most historic and vibrant cities.
Highlights include:
- Catacombs of San Gennaro, an important early Christian burial site
- National Archaeological Museum of Naples, home to exceptional collections of Roman and Greek antiquities, including treasures recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Guided exploration of Naples’ rich cultural and historical heritage
Rome: Eternal City and Vatican | March 20–22, 2027
Tour attendees will conclude their Italian journey in Rome, where ancient history, Christian heritage, and remarkable architecture come together.
Featured Visits
Catacomb of Priscilla
Travel to Rome with a special stop at the Catacomb of Priscilla, one of the most significant Christian burial sites in the city.
National Roman Museum and Baths of Diocletian
Explore the vast collections of the National Roman Museum and visit the impressive Baths of Diocletian, the largest bath complex of ancient Rome, and the funerary stele of Licinia Amias.
Early Christian Rome
Visit several Christian basilicas:
- Basilica of Santa Praxedes
- Basilica of Santa Prudenciana
- Basilica of Santa Sabina
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Each church offers unique artistic, architectural, and spiritual significance connected to the earliest centuries of Christianity.
Ancient Rome
Discover the heart of the Roman Empire with visits to:
- The Colosseum (external guided visit).
- The Roman Forum, center of political, religious, and social life in ancient Rome.
Vatican City
Tour attendees will enjoy their time by visiting:
- St. Peter’s Square and Basilica
The iconic destinations available through CBE’s 2027 Italy Tour attract pilgrims and visitors from around the world.