Join us for 10 nights on Journeys of Paul Cruise on the Norwegian Viva starting at $4799 from Athens, Greece, on October 17, 2024 with Guest Speaker Bob Allums. You will see a panoramic tour of Athens, Corinth, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Market, Mykonos, Santorini, Messina, Naples, and much more!
Proposed Itinerary :
DAY 1
DEPART THE USA
DAY 2
Arrive in Athens and see the best of Athens on a panoramic drive designed for those who prefer a more leisurely tour of the city. Board a comfortable coach for a narrated tour covering both modern and ancient attractions, including the Academy, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Gardens, and a stop at the pedestrian zone below the majestic Acropolis. Overnight in Athens (Late arrivals may experience a shorter panoramic tour).
DAY 3
Daily Itinerary Travel to the city of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord. 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, marketplace 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. Transfer to the ship to embark after your tour.
DAY 4
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Spectacular excavations have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge agora and library, but 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. View the terrace houses, also known as “the houses of the rich,” which give a true impression of the ancient lifestyle.
DAY 5
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 St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1,000 years, was built by Justinian (532-537 AD). The church has 107 columns, fossil-embedded, white, marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Spice Market. Shops sell everything from herbs to gold.
DAY 6
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. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.
DAY 7
Dock 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 will be booked directly through the cruise line.
DAY 8
AT SEA
DAY 9
Messina is Sicily’s panoramic gateway — located on the northeastern corner of the island, the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy’s southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world, every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” In front of this church, you’ll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that’s a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.
DAY 10
Disembark the ship in Naples and travel towards Mount Vesuvius to uncover the fascinating history of Pompeii. Embark on a guided walking tour of the ancient Roman city’s archeological ruins below the formidable Mount Vesuvius. Traverse the historic excavation site with an informative guide, through the city’s forum and past grand temples, mansions, and Roman baths. View artifacts recovered from the 79 AD volcanic blast, when 20 feet of ash and pumice buried the entire city, and behold a menacing panoramic view of Mount Vesuvius.
DAY 11
Explore the rich heritage of two remarkable Tuscan cities as you embark on a tour of Pisa’s architectural masterpieces and Florence’s Renaissance landmarks. Marvel at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa’s exterior, as you walk the Field of Miracles independently for approximately 45 minutes. Behold Florence’s colossal Piazza del Duomo, home to one of Europe’s largest cathedrals. Savor tasty Florentine cuisine before stopping by the city’s gothic-style Church of Santa Croce.
DAY 12
At the foot of the Alps is the jewel of the French Riviera. Luxuriate on long sandy beaches and terrace cafes. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Savor Pissaladière and caillettes on your cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche). Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.
DAY 13
RETURN TO THE USA
Enhance Your Journey
Greece Pre Tour-starting from $1298
OCTOBER 13 - 18, 2024 | STARTING AT $1,298* OCTOBER 13 - DEPART THE USA OCTOBER 14 - ARRIVE IN THESSALONIKI Discover Thessaloniki, where Paulwas accused of turning the world upside down with his preaching of Christ (Acts 17: 3-6). As you explore St. George’s Basilica, believed to be built over the synagogue where Paul preached, reflect on the two epistles the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church here. Stroll through the archaeological museum and the beautiful basilicas of St. Sophia and St. Demetrios. St. Demetrios is dedicated to a distinguished Roman proconsul martyred for his Christian faith. Along the Via Egnatia stands the Galerius Arch, and you can look out over the second-largest city in Greece from the Old City Ramparts, some dating back to Roman times. Overnight in Thessaloniki. OCTOBER 15 - AMPHIPOLIS, PHILIPPI & NEAPOLI Follow in the footsteps of Paul and Silas to Amphipolis and explore the ruins of the many Christian basilicas there. In Philippi is a baptismal site commemorating where God opened the heart of Lydia (a seller of purple from Thyatira) to hear the words of Paul (Acts 16:13-15). Lydia and her household were the first Christian converts baptized on European soil. View the Roman-era crypt thought to have served as a prison for the Apostle Paul, and explore Philippi’s famous acropolis, marketplace, the Basilica of Paul, and theater. Today’s last stop is Neapolis (Kavala), one of Greece’s most picturesque mainland ports, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. See the Roman aqueduct and acropolis before returning to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. Overnight in Thessaloniki. OCTOBER 16 - VEREA & METEORA Follow the path of Paul when he fled Thessaloniki for the safety of Veria (Berea), where Jews and some honorable Greeks accepted the new faith (Act 17: 10-12). As you visit the rock forest of Meteora (“in the heavens above”) in western Thessaly, imagine the Apostle Paul walking that treacherous terrain on his missionary journey. Gaze up at the breathtaking Byzantine monasteries spectacularly perched on soaring, sheer-sided grey sandstone pillars. In the 13th century, monks sought refuge in cliffside caves before fleeing higher to build the original wooden shelters that later became these monasteries. Overnight in Kalambaka. OCTOBER 17 - DELPHI Travel to scenic Delphi, religious center of the ancient Greek world and marked by the conical stone called the omphalos or (“navel”). Walk the Sacra Via to the Athenian treasury, theatre and the Temple of Apollo, where the oracle performed her prophetic rituals. As you consider the incredible amount of pagan influence just in Delphi alone, you will gain a new appreciation for the tremendous spiritual opposition the Apostle Paul faced in preaching the Gospel of Christ here. In the museum are many ancient treasures, including the 5th-century, bronzed charioteer, so detailed you can see his eyelashes. Overnight in Athens. OCTOBER 18 - JOIN THE CRUISE GROUP
Rome Post Tour-starting from $1198
October 29 - 31, 2024 | Starting at $1,198* OCTOBER 29 - ARRIVE IN ANCIENT ROME Today, you will arrive in 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. 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. OCTOBER 30 - 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 Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Next, on to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over where Constantine built the first church, which is over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every pope who has served the church. Climb the graceful Spanish Steps and stop at the famous Trevi Fountain before returning to your hotel this evening. OCTOBER 31 - ANCIENT ROME Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
*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.