Join Pastor Mark Hodges on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting sites of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Pastor Hodges will be your host and Bible teacher for this unforgettable journey. Our adventure starts with an evening flight to Rome, Italy. Upon arrival in Rome, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and a night of rest.    Tuesday morning, we will begin our tour with a visit to the ancient harbor city of Ostia Antica to see what Roman life was like during the time of Paul.

Later that morning, we will board Royal Caribbean’s beautiful Odyssey of the Seas, our home for the next nine nights.

    The first stop of our cruise will be Naples, Italy, the port of the once thriving and sophisticated Roman city of Pompeii. Here we will step back in time to get a glimpse of everyday life in the ancient world. We will take a  guided tour of this famous city that lies at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.

   Thursday is a day at sea that begins with a morning Bible study with Pastor Hodges to introduce us to the Apostle Paul. The balance of the day can be spent enjoying the modern luxuries found onboard as we sail the Mediterranean.

    Friday, we visit the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. There you may choose to shop, sample a local treat, or enjoy a relaxing stroll among the whitewashed houses of this iconic Greek fishing harbor.

On Saturday morning, we arrive at the island of Santorini, the crown jewel of the Aegean. A cable car ride to the mountaintop city of Thira is provided. The day is yours to explore the many art galleries and shops or relax and enjoy a gelato as you gaze over the scenic bay below.

Sunday, we dock in the Turkish port of Kusadasi. A short drive brings us to the ancient city of Ephesus, the greatest city in Asia Minor during the Roman Empire and home to one of the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3). Ephesus was the largest city the Apostle Paul visited, and the city where he confronted the followers of Diana (Acts 19:28). Just outside Ephesus we will visit the Basilica of St. John, erected over the Disciple John’s grave by the Emperor Justinian.

On Monday we arrive at the port city of Piraeus, Greece. We begin the day with a drive to Corinth to view the remains of the ancient city to include; the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Site of the Olympic stadium, and the famous Bema, also known as the judgement seat. We will then travel to Athens, the birthplace of civilization, for a traditional Greek lunch. After lunch we will visit the Acropolis and Parthenon. Nearby we will visit Mars Hill where Paul addressed the Athenians. (Acts 17:22-34) There we will pause for Pastor Hodges to teach about the “unknown god.” We will also see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, and the Theater of Dionysus.
   
Tuesday we call on Chania, Crete, the second largest city of Crete and one of the most beautiful cities on the island. The day is at your leisure to explore the ancient city of Aptera and enjoy the panoramic view of the Venetian Harbor with its famous lighthouse.

Wednesday is another relaxing day at sea. This morning Pastor Hodges will lead us in a Bible study to prepare for our time in Rome. You may spend the balance of the day enjoying the wonderful facilities of our cruise ship.

Thursday morning, we return to the port of Civitavecchia and begin our tour of the Eternal City of Rome. Sites to be visited include The Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, and the Roman Forum. We will then pause for a time of worship near the ruins of the Mamertine Prison where it is said that Paul was imprisoned for his beliefs. Our day will conclude with a visit to the cathedral of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the location of Paul’s final resting place.

    On Friday morning, we will visit Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. After lunch we will drive by Circus Maximas, Piazza Venizia, the monument of Vittorio Emanuele, before visiting the 2,000-year-old Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
     
   Saturday morning we will say “Ciao” to Italy and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, having witnessed marvelous and historic wonders of our Christian faith.