Past Trip: October 6 – 17, 2017

Oct. 6 & 7 – Depart the USA – Arrive in Rome

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA and arrive in Rome.
Time permitting, take a panoramic tour of the Eternal City before
embarking on the luxurious Jewel of the Seas.

Oct. 8 – Sicily, Italy

Explore Messina, a city rich in history, and the connecting point of
the “Italian Boot.” In neighboring Taormina, climb to the
mountaintop Greek Theater with its spectacular views of the
Mediterranean and Mt. Etna. Enjoy a gelato while shopping or
simply wander the streets with the occasional breathtaking view
over the cliffs to the seaside below.

Oct. 9 – At Sea

Oct. 10 – Mykonos, Greece (on own)

Have a delightful day exploring the exceptional beauty and culture
of the Greek island of Mykonos with its lovely bays and beaches,
distinctive whitewashed structures, and cobblestone streets.
Shore excursions are booked through Royal Caribbean.

Oct. 11 – Ephesus, Turkey

Drive to Ephesus, the marble city where Paul spent three years of
his ministry. The ruins of Ephesus have been restored much like
the city was in Paul’s time. You will visit the ancient Agora and view
the Great Theater. View the terrace houses, also known as “the
houses of the rich,” which give a true impression of the ancient
lifestyle. Also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum for a look
at some of Ephesus’ most prized artifacts.

Oct. 12 – Santorini, Greece (on own)

Visit Santorini, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands. Its
picturesque whitewashed villages with brilliant blue domes dot the
cliffs above the Aegean Sea. The island itself perches on the edges
of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have
led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization.
Shore excursions are booked through Royal Caribbean.

Oct. 13 – Athens & Corinth, Greece

The architectural splendors of the ancient city of Athens are as
magical as ever. View the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea,
and the Parthenon. Time permitting, view Mars Hill where Paul debated with the intellectual community of his day. Walk among
the ruins of the Agora, the ancient market place and center of
Athenian public life. You will view the Olympic Stadium, home of
the Olympics. Travel to Corinth (Acts 18), a city that inspired St.
Paul’s most familiar letter. You will visit the Archaeological
Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins
and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter to
the Corinthians and visualize his address to the Gentiles as he
began the task of building Corinth’s church.

Oct. 14 – At Sea

Oct. 15 – Naples & Pompeii, Italy

Arrive in Naples, a dazzling city perched on a beautiful rock coast.
Paul landed in the bay of Naples on his way to Rome. You can
journey inland to ancient Pompeii, dating almost to the time of
Paul, where you can see the spectacular ruins that were covered
by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Oct. 16 – Ancient Rome

Disembark this morning in Rome. History is woven through the
streets and neighborhoods of Rome as in no other city. Today you’ll
explore the many wonders of ancient Rome when you visit the
magnificent Colosseum and the Pantheon. From the most sacred
hill of ancient Rome, Campidoglio, you’ll view the Forum. You’ll also
view the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the famous Baths of
Caracalla and the Arch of Constantine. You’ll see the Victor
Emanuel Monument and the Monti Region, Rome’s most ancient
neighborhood which spreads over three of her seven hills. Our last
stop of the day is the Basilica of St. Paul’s Outside the Walls,
housing the Tomb of St. Paul the Apostle, affectionately known as
the Apostle of the Gentiles. In the afternoon, you’ll discover why
Rome is also known as the “City of Love.” You’ll explore the
romance of Rome as you climb the graceful Spanish Steps and
stop at the famous Trevi Fountain. Legend says those who toss a
coin into the fountain will one day return to Rome to toss another
into the waters of Trevi. Check in to your hotel in Rome for dinner
and overnight.

Oct. 17 – Return to USA or continue on the exciting Vatican City Post Tour.

Vatican City Post Tour

October 17 – Vatican City Tour

Christianity came late in Rome’s long history, conquering and changing the city in a way few other invaders have. Experience the glory of Christian Rome today as you visit the Vatican, home to one of the greatest museums in the world. And, of course, tour St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescoes, now restored to their full, colorful glory. Tour the Catacombs of St. Sebastino. The catacombs contain some of the only surviving examples of early Christian art. In the 1840s, Pope Gregory XVI took steps to preserve the catacombs and their treasures.

October 18 – Return to USA