Join us for Lands of the Bible aboard Norwegian Viva starting at $4998 on October 8, 2025. You will see Istanbul, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Alanya, Haifa, Heraklion, Ashdod, Santorini, Mykonos, and much more!
Proposed Itinerary :
DAY 1
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
DAY 2
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the port to embark on the Norwegian Viva
DAY 3
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Although spectacular excavations have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge agora and library, much has been lost. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World but today, only a single column remains to mark its site. You will have time to explore on your own and recreate some of the footsteps of Paul.
DAY 4
Daily Itinerary Get the real, authentic Rhodes experience by exploring it on foot. Your walking tour will begin in 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 all about the ins and outs of this majestic town. Afterwards, stop for a refreshment in a local café. Exploring Rhodes on foot will inevitably leave a lasting impression on you. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included.
DAY 5
Alanya, Turkiye
DAY 6
Venture inland to the Sea of Galilee to stand on the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached (Matthew 5). At Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of 5,000, you'll visit the Church of the Fish and the Loaves (Luke 9). On the shores of the Sea of Galilee is the Chapel of the Primacy of St. Peter, where three times Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ (John 21) From there, travel to Capernaum where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John (Matt. 4) and later Matthew to be disciples.
DAY 7
Journey to Jerusalem to see Caiphas’ House, where Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin. Stand upon the Mount 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 Sepluchre, built over the sites of the crucifixion and the resurrection.
DAY 8
At Sea
DAY 9
Whether you visit Heraklion, Crete to admire the remains of the ancient civilization or simply to soak in the rays on some of the best beaches in Europe, the city is guaranteed to delight and amaze you. Don’t miss one of the most popular attractions of Crete: the 3000-year-old Palace of Knossos located south of Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included
DAY 10
Arrive in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the 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 itself 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 can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included
DAY 11
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses and sparkling blue waters, the Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. At the end of the day, watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included
DAY 12
Daily Itinerary The Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth 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” (Acts 18:10). As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the Synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8), establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Tour the city of Corinth and the Museum of Corinth. Then enjoy 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 the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23). As you stroll the agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” to the skeptical Athenians. Enjoy the evening on your own to shop, dine, or experience the Acropolis by night. Overnight in Athens
DAY 13
Return to the USA
Enhance Your Journey
Rome Pre Tour -starting from $1798
Pre 1 - Depart the USA Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight. Pre 2 - Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Pre 3 – 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. 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 imbedded 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. Fly to Cappadocia area this evening for dinner and overnight. Pre 4 – 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 chumneys. Visit the Goreme open air Museum before returning to your hotel. Day 1 – Cappadocia/Istanbul You can take an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia this morning for an additional fee. Fly this afternoon to Istanbul. Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus River cruise. Then check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Day 2 - Flight to Athens Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens, upon arrival transfer to Piraeus and board the Celebrity Infinity. Optional Hot Air Ballon is apprximately $250 per person
Turkiye Post Tour -starting from $1498
Day 13 - Depart Athens for Rome Disembark the Celebrity Infinity, transfer to Athens airport for your flight to Rome. 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. Day 14 - 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 Carcalla and the Arch of Constantine today. After touring, you return to your hotel for dinner and rest. Day 15 - 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 for dinner and rest. Day 16 - Return to USA Bid farewell to Rome as you transfer to the Rome airport this morning for your return flight to the USA.
*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.