The 2024 Fellowship Expedition through European History trip is now accepting Pre-registrations! This October, you can visit Rome, Florence, Venice, Vatican City, Lake Como, Switzerland, and Paris with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
Fellowship Expedition with OGCMA through European History ~
Fellowship Expedition with OGCMA through European History ~
DAY 1 & 2
From your location
October 7th & Oct 8th
Fly overnight from your location to Rome, Italy. This evening we enjoy a Kickoff Party with our travel companions where we dive Into Culture with a Family Fun experience and learn how to make a pizza that would make any Italian mamma proud. Airport transfer included to hotel. A Deluxe private Motorcoach is provided throughout the entire trip.
DAY 2
Rome, Vatican City
October 8th
Delve into the open-air museum that is Rome, joining a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour that will see you rub shoulders with St. Peter and the thousands of pilgrims that flock to the impressive square that bears his name. See Michelangelo's famous Pietà statue in St. Peter 's Basilica before crossing the Tiber into Ancient Rome. We then enjoy a guided visit to the Forum, and an in depth walking experience around the walls of the Colosseum, before seeing Circus Maximus; once the site of celebrated chariot races. Breakfast included. Optional Guided Experiences include Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel and Piazza and Fountains.
DAY 3
Siena and Florence
Explore the medieval playground of Siena, strolling to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo where you’ll imagine the fun and fanfare that the festive Palio bareback horse race brings to the city twice a year against the backdrop of colorful flags and emblems. You’ll journey to Florence this afternoon where the Cradle of Renaissance comes alive in ways you could never imagine. You’ll go back in time and learn how Florence drove innovation and imagination all those centuries ago, ending your captivating encounter with an important time in world history with a sweet and rich cioccolata calda, which will leave the whole brood wanting more. Breakfast included. Optional Guided Experiences include Michelangelo’s David & Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio.
DAY 4
Florence
The treasures of the Medici family are on full display as we delve into the centuries of art, architecture and tumultuous history. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the city. Visit the Piazza della Signoria, the hub of the city, and view the magnificent marble Duomo. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Climb a tree or two in Boboli Gardens, tick off great masterpieces in Uffizi Gallery. You could also join an Optional Experience to snap a selfie next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa before returning to Florence and pounding the pavements in search of the city's tastiest gelato. Breakfast included. Optional Guided Experiences include Pisa Visit with Tuscan Meal and Music.
DAY 5
Journey to Bologna and on to Venice
Cross the Apennine Mountains to the city of Bologna where you will join a Local Specialist to view the city's Kissing Towers and Il Gigante, commonly known as Neptune's Fountain. Ditch your diet and indulge in the delicious flavors of what is widely regarded as the gastronomic capital of Italy – chase tortellini around your plate or twirl Spaghetti Bolognese like a local. This afternoon, we arrive in the island city of Venice. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring with the family or enjoy an Optional Guidance Experience gondola ride through Venice's labyrinthine canals. Breakfast included.
DAY 6
Venice
Take to the water and cruise by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Join your Travel Director to see the iconic and unexpected highlights of the city - the ornate Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile with its five bells. Enjoy an unforgettable Optional Guidance Experience (or go on your own) as you witness first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. Then, join a Local Specialist for a Family Fun experience to learn about the great Venetian tradition of Carnival masks, with an opportunity to create your own colorful alter egos. Breakfast included.
DAY 7
Onwards to Lake Como and Engelberg
We travel through the Italian Lake District bound for Switzerland this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch in the laid-back lakeside town of Como, which for centuries has served as the crossroads between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. We continue through Alpine landscapes, past Lugano and through the St. Gotthard tunnel into central Switzerland, before arriving in Engelberg. Optional Guided Experience of Swiss Countryside Carriage rides and local snack. Breakfast included.
DAY 8
Lucerne, Switzerland
Walk across the flower-lined 14 -century wooden Chapel Bridge and into a land of lakes and lions. See the giant dying lion hewn from sandstone rock to commemorate the heroism of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. Ascend one of the magnificent surrounding mountains during an Optional Experience or spend the afternoon sampling the rich flavors of delicious Swiss chocolate. Optional Guided Experiences of Mount Titlis Excursion, Folklore Show and Lake Lucerne Cruise. Breakfast included.
DAY 9
Off to Paris
From Switzerland, we cross the mighty Rhine River and into France, traveling through the Burgundy wine region to the 'City of Lights'. This evening, amble up grand boulevards and through tiny cobblestone lanes in search of the French treasures you'll have an opportunity to sample tomorrow. Breakfast included.
DAY 10
Paris
Join a Local Specialist on a guided sightseeing tour which includes a drive along the Champs-Élysées with views of the magnificent Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Now, take to the water for a leisurely cruise on the Seine River with spectacular views of the city's bridges and life on the river. This evening, we close the curtains on an epic family adventure through Europe, celebrating with our travel companions and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner. Optional Guided Experiences include Montparnasse and Paris Illumination and Montmarte Village Square. Breakfast is included.
DAY 11
Farewell Paris
For now, it's time to say au revoir to your fellow travelers at the end of an unforgettable experience. Breakfast is included. Airport transfer is included from hotel.
The 2024 Fellowship Expedition through European History trip is now accepting Pre-registrations! This October, you can visit Rome, Florence, Venice, Vatican City, Lake Como, Switzerland, and Paris with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.
Cost is $3950* pp based on double occupancy
$50 Pre-Registration Fee to hold 1 spot on the trip. Refundable up to 30 days.
*Final cost may change slightly depending on final upgrade options. Airfare not included.
Check out last year’s trip…
On October 5th, 44 travelers from Ocean Grove set out on a Bible Travel Adventure to Israel, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. 2 days into their journey, war broke out in Israel and the ship turned around to get all travelers to safety. Instead of visiting Israel and Egypt, the group visited the Journeys of Paul in Cyprus, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Turkey, and Athens. We continue to pray for all those affected by these events in the Middle East, and we are grateful for the abundance of ministry opportunities the Lord provided for us in the space between.
2023
It may not have been the travel experience that was planned, but it was what God had planned. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. Not only did they learn more about history and culture, they also learned to trust Him in all things and shared the gospels to all corners. We are thankful for God's protection and safe return. We are grateful for the friendships made and the new family that was formed. Above all, our love for the Lord and our relationship with Jesus was strengthened and renewed. You can take us out of the Grove, but you can't take the Grove out of us! Until our next adventure!
