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Join Guest Speaker Dawn Hand on a 14-day Lands of the Bible Cruise aboard Royal Caribbeans Odyssey of the Seas, starting at $4899*, departing on October 2, 2024. You will arrive in Rome, Italy, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Port of Civitavecchia. You will travel to Mt. Vesuvius to uncover the fascinating history of Pompeii and go on a guided walking tour of the ancient Roman city’s archeological ruins, grand temples, mansions, and Roman baths. In Athens, you will be introduced to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the apostle Paul did, stroll the Agora, and see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb. You will continue to Corinth, Santorini, Rhodes, and much more!
Proposed Itinerary :
DAY 1
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
DAY 2
You will arrive in Rome, Italy where you will be met by our representative and transferred the Port of Civitavecchia to board the Odyssey of the Seas.
DAY 3
DAY 4
At Sea
DAY 5
Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” As you stroll the Agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), recall where the Apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” to the skeptical Athenians. Also, see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon tour the city of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, “I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place, and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the Apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews.
DAY 6
Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful Greek islands where picturesque whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer drop cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The island perches on the edges of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase onboard. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Royal Caribbean.
DAY 7
Daily Itinerary Get the real, authentic Rhodes experience by exploring it on foot. Your walking tour will begin in the picturesque Old Town, where you will pass through and learn all about Agora and Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked. Marvel at the stunning churches, exquisite Jewish quarter, the Inns of Knights, and the Palace of Grand Masters. You will then tour the palace interior and down the Street of Knights — its path paved with impressive marble and mosaics. Then it’s on to the Hospital of Knights museum, where you’ll learn about this majestic town's ins and outs. Afterward, stop for a refreshment in a local café. Exploring Rhodes on foot will inevitably leave a lasting impression on you.
DAY 8
Daily Itinerary Go deep into Cyprus’ history as you explore the island today. This beautiful port town is known for its seafood, pottery, leather goods, and traditional lace works. Wander the streets and enjoy the shops on your way to the Kolossi Castle, built by order of St. John in 1210 in the city center of Limassol. Take a trip to Paphos from Limassol to explore ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and the goddess of love’s mythical birthplace. Travel past the Temple of Apollo to this UNESCO-recognized city and discover elaborate tombs in a 3rd-century necropolis.
DAY 9
Journey to Jerusalem to see Caiphas’ House, where Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin. Stand upon the Mt. of Olives and view the city as Jesus did. See the Ancient olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane. Wander the Old City to view the Pool of Bethesda and walk along the Via Dolorosa. Step inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built over the sites of the crucifixion and the resurrection.
DAY 10
At Sea
DAY 11
Delve into a Cretan cultural experience that includes guided sightseeing at Lake Kournas, the Arkadi Monastery, and the bustling town of Rethymnon. The first stop is at Lake Kournas, where you’ll savor a delicious treat of traditional cheese pie with honey among white sands and ancient olive trees. Next is a tour of the fortress-like monastery, whose history dates to Byzantine times. Finish with a stroll through distinctively ancient yet distinctly modern Rethymnon.
DAY 12
At Sea
DAY 13
Transfer to the Rome airport to return home with a new understanding of the Lands of the Bible and ministry
Enhance Your Journey
Rome Pre Tour-starting from $1198
August 31- September 3, 2024 | 1,198 August 31- Depart USA Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight. September 1 - Arrive in Rome Today you will arrive in Rome, Italy, where you will be met by our representative and travel along the Appian Way. Step beneath the surface into the Catacombs of Callixtus, built along the Appian Way. Here 16 Popes from the 2nd through 4th Centuries were interred, though they have been removed to various churches over the centuries. Check in to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner and rest. September 2 - Vatican City & Christian Rome Visit the Vatican, and explore its museum. Marvel at the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, and stand in awe of Michaelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Next on to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every Pope that has served the church. Climb the graceful Spanish Steps and stop at the famous Trevi Fountain before returning to your hotel this evening. September 3 - Ancient Rome Discover the history woven throughout Rome with visits to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Arch of Constantine today. After touring, you will be transferred to the Port of Civitavecchia to board the Odyssey of the Seas. Guest taking an extension my be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
Cappadocia and Istanbul Post Tour-starting from $1298
September 15-19, 2024 | $1,298 September 15 - Fly to Cappadocia Fly from Rome to Cappadocia, and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. September 16 - Cappadocia Drive to Cappadocia and visit the Zelve Valley. As you drive through Cappadocia, enjoy some free time at various photo stops in this magnificent landscape full of fairy chimneys. Visit the Goreme open-air Museum before returning to your hotel. September 17 - Cappadocia You can take an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia this morning for an additional fee. Fly this afternoon to Istanbul and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. September 18 - Istanbul The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. You will also visit the Topkapi Palace, once home to royal Sultans. Inside, you will see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the provocative Harem Quarters. Walk through Hagia Sophia, which was the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 A.D.). The church has 107 columns, fossil-embedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold. Return to your hotel this evening for dinner and overnight. September 19 - Return to USA Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Hot air balloon is an additional charge. Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion. *A 3.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card transactions.
*The trip will take place in case of a group of 16 people
* * The route, as well as the order of visiting places, may be changed due to quarantine restrictions, as well as for safety reasons or due to the weather, road repair work etc.