Join Dr. Stephen & Michele on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting sites of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Dr. Rummage 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.     Friday 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 Brand New Odyssey of the Seas, our home for the next nine nights. Onboard, Dr. Rummage will lead us in a Bible study to introduce us to the Apostle Paul.

    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.

    Sunday is a day at sea that begins with a morning worship service and an afternoon Bible study with Dr. Rummage. The balance of the day can be spent enjoying the modern luxuries found onboard as we sail the Mediterranean.

    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 Dr. Rummage 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 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 Wednesday morning, we arrive at 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.
   
    Thursday we call on 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 over a cup of coffee as you gaze over the scenic bay below.

  Friday 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 it’s famous lighthouse.

    Saturday is another relaxing day at sea. You can take a swim, read a book, or enjoy the wonderful facilities of our cruise ship. This evening Dr. Rummage will lead us in a Bible study to prepare us for our time in Rome.

    Sunday 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, 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 Monday 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.
     
   Tuesday 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.