Journeys of Paul

2-Night Pre-Cruise Tour in Rome.

We head to the ancient city of Pompeii. We spend some time strolling through the ancient ruins as our guide shares details about the lives' of the residents before the great eruption. We have an opportunity to view the somber and incredible plaster casts of some of the victims of the Mt. Vesuvius eruption. Mt. Vesuvius can be seen from Pompeii. Our tour continues with a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside along a coastal road on the Amalfi Coast. After about an hour we arrive at the wonderful town of Sorrento. Here you enjoy some free time to shop, eat or just enjoy the picturesque views of Sorrento. We then return to the ship. Price TBD

Lectures at Sea

We are picked up from the old port of Fira where we take a water taxi to Athinios port and our bus. We enjoy a guided walk through the quiet, picturesque village of Magalochori. Following our visit we drive to Profitis Ilias. the highest point on the island, for a scenic photo stop. Our next stop takes us to the Monolithos Black Beach (no swimming) where we have a short time to enjoy the water and beach. We then journey to Oia, the northern most village where we see the classic blue domed buildings, the ruins of a Venetian castle and admire the breathtaking view over the caldera. We have time on our own to explore or eat. We take in any sights we might have missed as we enjoy the journey back to the port. Price TBD

We start our exciting day with a one-hour scenic bus ride to visit ancient Corinth where Paul arrived in 51 AD. We take a look at the Corinth Canal and enjoy lunch featuring authentic Greek cuisine. We then head back to Athens where we visit Acropolis Hill including the Parthenon, Erechteion, Temple of Athena Nike and more. We also see Mars Hill where Paul once preached. We drive by other interesting sites as we make our way back to our ship. Price TBD Lunch is included.

Our tour takes us to one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, Ephesus. We tour the terrace houses that are part of the Ephesus site. We see the Odeon, the marble street where Paul held daily discussions, the Library of Celcus, the Temple of Hadrian and the great theater. We spend several hours strolling through this site. Following this we board the bus for a quick photo stop at the Artemision or Temple of Artemis. We return to the port at Kusadasi and you have the option of remaining on land for shopping or boarding the ship and relaxing. Price: TBD

We have a day and a half to spend in Istanbul. We visit the famous Grand Bazaar. Time is allowed for shopping and enjoying the experience. We are not rushed as our ship stays docked overnight in Istanbul. Price: Both days in Istanbul are part of this tour.

Our day begins with a visit to the Hippodrome, once a huge stadium seating over 100,000 chariot race spectators. We walk from there to the famous Blue Mosque built between 1609 -1616. We visit the domed Basilica of St. Sophia, one of the oldest standing churches in the world. Our next destination is the Topkapi Palace which served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for about 400 years. It is home to many holy relics. We examine the Basilica Cistern, the largest of the cisterns running underneath Istanbul. It is truly an experience not to be missed. Price: TBD

Lectures at Sea

Lectures at Sea

Make your own way to the airport for your flight home. If you booked the Rome pre-cruise tour through Bountiful Travel you will travel with us to the airport.