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Day 1: Depart USA
Overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2: Arrive Rome
We arrive at the Rome airport where meet our tour manager. Those arriving this morning will enjoy a stop at the ruins of Ostia Antica, which provides an idea of life in classical times. You will also see the Ostian Gate, today called the Gate of St. Paul, before arriving at the hotel for check in and some relaxation time before dinner.
Day 3: Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, Scala Santa, Abbey of Three Fountains, St. Paul Outside the Wall
After breakfast you will begin a full day of site seeing. First visit Vatican City where you will see the Basilica at St. Peter, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums with stunning works of art at every turn. After some free time for lunch, you will stop at The Abbey of the Three Fountains, the traditional site of Paul's martyrdom and the ancient street that he walked on. Next, visit the 4th century Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the site of Paul’s tomb, and the Scala Santa, where Martin Luther made his stand against the practice of indulgences. This fascinating museum houses the Steps from Pilot's Judgment Hall in Jerusalem brought to Rome by Helena, the mother of Constantine. Additional sights include the Arches of Constantine and Titus, Circus Maximus and the beautiful marble monument called the Wedding Cake.
Day 4: Forum, Mamertine, Coliseum, St. John di Lateran, Catacombs
We begin our walking tour at the ancient Roman Forum, where our guide will divulge its secrets. We will visit the Arch of Titus which commemorated the sack of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70. We will view the Mamertine Prison exterior, where tradition says the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. The Roman church would say that Peter was imprisoned here as well, but there is no imperial evidence that Peter was ever in Rome. Next, we visit the Coliseum, where thousands of people and animals perished during gladiatorial games. The Coliseum first opened in AD 80 and within 100 days of its opening, 5000 wild beasts perished here. The slaughter of both humans and animals continued for three more centuries. Historians believe the Coliseum could hold between 40,000 and 80,000 people depending on how close the seating was. The floor has recently had a plank placed over the middle making it accessible for people to walk over the labyrinth of brick cells, ramps, and elevators used to transport animals and gladiators into the arena. Hear the stories of the games that have fascinated people for years. Next we visit St. John di Lateran, the first Christian church and baptistry established by Constantine. We conclude our day at the Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.
Day 5: Frescoes, Assisi, Montecatini
After breakfast you will say “Arrivederci Roma” and board your coach and travel through scenic Umbria to the ancient walled hillside village of Assisi. After lunch on your own, you will enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful, medieval town, which will include the Basilica San Francesco, decorated with some of the most renowned frescoes in the world. The stories of the sacrificial life of St. Francis will be an encouragement to us all. This afternoon, we travel on to the spa village of Montecatini Terme, our place of lodging for the next two nights in the heart of Tuscany.
Day 6: Beautiful Florence, Michelangelo’s David
After breakfast, you will spend the morning enjoying a guided tour of Florence, one of the world’s greatest artistic capitals, which will include the Piazza della Signoria, Duomo, Baptistry and a visit to the Accademia Galley, home of Michelangelo’s David. A stop will also be made on the hillside overlook across the river from Florence where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful red-tiled roof cityscape. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy shopping, visiting more galleries or strolling on the famous Pont Vecchio, the old bridge which spans the Arno River. Remember that Florence leather shops are the best in the world and bargains on excellent quality goods are abundant. It may be the time to purchase those special Christmas gifts.
Day 7: Pisa & Verona
We begin our day with a tour of Pisa where you will visit the Baptistry, Duomo and the famous leaning tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli, followed by free time for lunch. This afternoon, we travel northward through colorful Tuscan countryside, past Bologna and on to romantic Verona, medieval setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. We arrive in time to walk to the historic center/shopping district with free time to see the famed balcony of Juliet. We continue on to Venice Mestre for dinner and our lodging for the next two nights.
Day 8: Charming Venice
Start morning sightseeing in style as your guide takes you by private boat along the Giudecca canal to meet your resident expert. Highlights of your walking tour are St. Mark’s Square and the Byzantine splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, lavish Doges’ Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Afterwards enjoy Venice at your own pace, or join an optional gondola ride or a visit to the Waldensian Christian Museum. Returning to our hotel, we enjoy our last dinner together.
Day 9: Arrive Athens
We fly from Venice to Athens and check into our hotel. You will have the remainder of the day
free to relax or take a stroll along the streets of Athens to enjoy
the flavor of the city. This evening our group will enjoy the first
of many delectable European style dinners.
Day 10: Cruising Mykonos
We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos,
called the island of windmills. Experience the waterfront lined with
shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze
of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and
evening entertainment.
Day 11: Ephesus and Patmos
Docking in Turkey,
enjoy an optional tour of Ephesus,
the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in
progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a
thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the
spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city.
We'll view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis and visit the
Basilica of St. John. The basilica is believed to be the site of the
grave of John. From here we'll also enjoy a panoramic view of the
area. This afternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos,
under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a
optional tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed
to be where John received the Revelation. Back on the ship, enjoy
the Captain's dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.
Day 12: Beautiful Santorini
A full day is scheduled to visit
the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of
all the Greek Islands. The town of Thira where white-washed houses, narrow
streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques cling to steep
cliffs, is accessible by foot path, cable-car or mule. You may choose to take an
optional tour of sailing around an active volcano crater and
swimming in the water heated by hot springs or enjoy this lovely
island on foot. Again we return to the ship for dinner and evening
entertainment.
Day 13: Disembark Cruise, Athens
We disembark the cruise this morning and travel into Athens, the
foundation of democracy. We
visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing
Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the
Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market
place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament,
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential
Palace. A short walk from your hotel is the famous Plaka with a
multitude of shops and cafes. Our lodging is in Athens for the next
three evenings.
Day 14: Corinth and Mycenae
Following breakfast this morning we depart Athens. We
immediately travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth
Canal. We then travel to the ancient city of Corinth,
another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city
that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the
Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples.
To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church of
Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where
Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II
Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are
fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul
walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are
evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern
day. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the
medical care of that period. After the visit to ancient Corinth we
travel to Mycenae where the remains of the ancient city date back to
the Bronze Age to see the famous Lionesse Gate, the Tomb of
Agamennon in the shape of a Beehive, and many other sites before
continuing back to Athens.
Day 15: Home
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
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