Two thousand years of waiting. It took that long to turn into reality a faith itinerary that, despite being mentioned in the Bible, had so far remained on the margins of the international tourist offer. Today, that journey comes to life thanks to the efforts of the association GIA - Giornalisti Italiani Associati, led by journalist Andrea Ruggeri, together with the agency TXT and several tour operators in Brazil, Argentina, the United States and the Dominican Republic.

The project, originally named in Portuguese"Caminhos de Paulo," translated into Italian as"I Cammini di Paolo," retraces the stages of the legendary sea journey of the apostle Paul, a prisoner of the Roman Empire, to Rome. A fascinating route that combines spirituality, culture and breathtaking landscapes.

An Itinerary Among Faith, History and Beauty

The carefully planned trip takesvisitors on an exciting tour that starts inSicily, travels through Calabria with a three-day stop, touches Campania and ends inLazio, with an arrival in Rome and the Vatican, the heart of Christianity.

Milestones include:

-Sicily: Catania, Syracuse, Messina, Milazzo, Aeolian Islands

-Calabria: Reggio Calabria, Palmi,Seminara, Villa San Giovanni

-Campania: Naples, Pozzuoli

-Lazio: Latina, Rome, Vatican

Tourists will start the journey in Catania, convisite to iconic places in Syracuse, such as

the Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Crypt of San Marziano and the island of Ortigia. In Calabria, the emotional heart of the itinerary, they will have the unique opportunity to observe from above the maritime stretch made by Paul, visit ancient cities and retrace on foot the same routes that will lead tourists to the exact spot where, according to tradition, his first evangelization on European soil took place. An experience that combines spirituality and memory, enriched by the possibility of discovering authentic culinary specialties, rediscovering the taste of Calabrian cuisine in its most ancient andgenuine variants. Breathtaking scenery and "finally" annual and not only summery discovery of these lands.

From Milazzo, the journey continues with a cruise among the Aeolian Islands, following the sea route that took the apostle to Naples and Pozzuoli, finally ending in Rome, in the heart of Christianity.

An International Network for Cultural and Religious Tourism

The project is supported by the Deputies of theCircumscription Estero-South America and major South American and U.S. tour operators.

The official launch on Thursday, April 10, in the SalaStampa of the Chamber of Deputies in Rome, suinvite of Hon. Franco Tirelli and where Hon. elected abroad will be present

Thanks to Andrea Ruggeri's 30 years of experience in Brazil and established relationships with political and institutional figures in São Paulo,Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires andtheU.S.A., "Caminhos de Paulo" has become a bridge between continents, uniting spirituality, cultural diplomacy and territorial promotion.

Promoted under the patronage of CalabriaStraordinaria and several Italian municipalities, theproject has already gained strong interest and aims to expand its institutional network. Departures will be weekly, throughout the year, excluding August, in order to optimize costs and availability of services.

An Opportunity for the Territory

"Caminhos de Paulo" represents a unique opportunity to include Italy, and in particular the regions of Sicily, Calabria, Campania and Lazio, in a prestigious international religious tourism circuit. The initiative not only enhances the historical and spiritual heritage of the territories involved, but promises significant economic and employment spin-offs for the local communities.

A journey between faith and memory, in the footsteps of the Apostle of the Gentiles, now finally a reality.