Join Dr. David and Rachel Uth on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting sites of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Dr. Uth, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida will be your host and Bible teacher for this journey. Our adventure starts with an evening flight to Rome, Italy.
Upon arrival in Rome you will visit the ancient harbor city of Ostia Antica to see what Roman Life was like during the time of Paul. Afterwards we will check-in to our hotel for dinner and a night of rest.
On Monday morning we board Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas, our home for the next nine nights. This evening Dr. David Uth will lead us in a Bible study to introduce us to the Apostle Paul. Tuesday is spent at sea enjoying the modern luxuries found onboard the Rhapsody of the Seas as we make our way through the Mediterranean.
The first stop of our cruise will be Chania, Crete on Wednesday. Chania is 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 Venetian lighthouse.
Thursday morning we arrive at the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. There you may choose to shop, take pictures, or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the whitewashed houses of this iconic Greek fishing harbor. Following dinner back on the ship, Dr. Uth will conduct a Bible study to prepare us for our tour of Ephesus.
On Friday 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.
Saturday brings us to Piraeus, Greece the port city of Athens to visit the historic city and the birthplace of civilization. Our first stop will be the iconic Parthenon. Nearby we will visit Mars Hill where Paul addressed the Athenians (Acts 17:22-34). There we will pause for Dr. Uth to teach about the "unknown god". We will also see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionysuos, and the Temple of Zeus.
Sunday we call on the crown jewel of the Aegean, the island of Santorini. A cable car ride to the mountaintop city of Thira by is provided. The day is yours to explore the many art galleries and shops or relax over a cup of coffee as you gaze down over the scenic bay below.
Monday the ship ports in Katakolon, Greece, the gateway to ancient Olympia, where the Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate what we now know as the Olympics today.
Tuesday is another relaxing day at sea. You can then take a swim, read a book, or enjoy the wonderful facilities of our cruise ship. This evening Dr. Uth will lead us in Bible study to prepare us for our time in Rome.
Wednesday morning we return to Civitavecchia and begin our tour of the Eternal City of Rome. Sites to be visited include: The Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, Circus Maximas, Piazza Venizia, the famous Spanish steps, the monument of Vittorio Emanuele, and the Trevi Fountain.
On Thursday we visit Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, and the 2,000-year-old Pantheon. 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 tour will conclude with a visit to the cathedral of St. Paul Outside the Walls, location of Paul's final resting place.
Friday morning we will say "Ciao" to Italy and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, having witnessed numerous historic wonders of our Christian faith.