Scripture Central: Journeys of Paul and Bible Lands

October 13 - Arrive in Rome. Visit LDS Temple. October 14 - Vatican City Museum tour and Highlights of Rome. October 15 - Transfer to the ship

We begin by stopping at the dock of Puteoli, where the Apostle Paul landed on his first trip to Rome (Acts 28:13). From the port, 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 in 79 AD. Mt. Vesuvius can be seen from Pompeii. Our tour continues with a scenic drive through the beautiful countryside along Amalfi coastal road. After about an hour we arrive at the wonderful town of Sorrento. Here we enjoy some free time to shop, eat or just admire the picturesque views of Sorrento. $135 if paying by check.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Bible Seminar at Sea with Jack Welch & John Thompson

Today 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 walk along 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 we have the option of remaining on land for lunch and shopping or boarding the ship and relaxing. $70 if paying by check.

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 famous Corinth Canal and enjoy lunch featuring authentic Greek cuisine. We then head back to Athens where we visit the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechteion, Temple of Athena Nike and more. We also get to see Mars Hill where Paul once preached. We drive by other interesting sites as we make our way back to our ship. $130 if paying by check, lunch included.

We are be 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. $95 if paying by check.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Bible Seminar at Sea with Jack Welch & John Thompson

We get off the ship as early as possible this morning and make our way through the northern parts of Israel and the Sea of Galilee region. This is the area where many of Christ’s greatest teachings and miracles took place. We start the morning driving to Sepphoris and then down to the recently excavated site of Magdala, believed to be the home town of Mary Magdalene. Then we head to Capernaum, where we see the remnants of the town where Peter lived and Christ taught. We discuss the miracles that took place here and around here. We take a boat ride onto the Sea of Galilee and visit a site called the Mount of Beatitudes. Lunch is included on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Time permitting, we visit Caesarea Phillipi where Jesus told Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” $325 if paying by check (includes Haifa and Jerusalem).

We begin this tour atop the Mount of Olives where we have a panoramic view of the Old City and Dome of the Rock. We then take a short walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane. We travel to the Garden Tomb, where we see the spot many believe to be the location of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We enter the Old City and head toward the Western Wall, where we see the holiest of sites for the Jews and the remnants of the retaining wall that surrounded Herod’s temple. Here we see St. Anne’s church and the pools of Bethesda and do a short walk through the Old City following the traditional Via Dolorosa toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, passing by Antonio’s Fortress. We have free time in the Old City for those who would like to shop or visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We will visit the Western Wall and the Davidson Center (south steps of the Temple Mount).

Our journey takes us to Paphos a city where the apostle Paul taught. We learn about Paul and Barnabas and what they did when in Cyprus. We visit the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus including the tombs of the Kings. We see the the Panagia Chysopolitissa Church and see St. Paul's Pillar, where according to tradition Paul was flogged. We admire the beautiful mosaics as we reflect on Paul's experiences here in Pathos. We look inside King Donysos house, a luxury building of the Roman period. We will see Paphos Odeon, the ruins of The Basilica of Panagia Limeniotissa and a medieval fort. We take in the beautiful coastal vistas as we travel back to Limassol. Time permitting; we make a brief stop at the mythical birthplace of Aprhrodite 'Petra tour Romiou.'$110 if paying by check.

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Bible Seminar at Sea with Jack Welch & John Thompson

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Bible Seminar at Sea with Jack Welch & John Thompson

We disembark early this morning. You transfer to the airport and journey on to Sicily on the 5-night post-cruise tour or elsewhere.