Your Journey of a Lifetime begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.

Arrive in Athens and see the best of Athens on a panoramic drive designed for those who prefer a more leisurely tour of the city. Board a comfortable coach for a narrated tour covering both modern and ancient attractions, including the Academy, Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Gardens, and a stop at the pedestrian zone below the majestic Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. (Late arrivals may experience a shorter panoramic tour.)

Travel to the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord. As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews. Transfer to the ship to embark after your tour.

AT SEA

Journey to Jerusalem to see Caiphas' House, where Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin. Stand upon the Mt. of Olives and view the city as Jesus did. See the Ancient olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane. Wander the Old City to view the Pool of Bethesda and walk along the Via Dolorosa. Step inside the Church of the Holy Sepluchre, built over the sites of the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Then Venture inland to the Sea of Galilee to stand on the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus preached . At Tabgha, the traditional location of the feeding of 5,000, you will visit the Church of the Loaves and Fish. On the shores of the Sea of Galilee is the Chapel of the Primacy of St. Peter, where three times Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ. From there, travel to Capernaum where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John and later Matthew to be disciples.

See the sights in Egypt’s second-largest city, Alexandria. The large Jewish community that once called this area home wrote the Septuagint - a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It was also home to the Great Library of Alexandria, which once held one of the most extensive collections of ancient texts. Make your way through Alexandria’s side streets to the catacombs consisting of three burial chamber levels. Visit Pompey’s Pillar, the largest triumphal column and the only known free-standing column of Roman Egypt. The amphitheater of Alexandria is one of the city’s most distinguished highlights and is set within view of many modern structures. Glimpse the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress situated on the northern tip of Pharos Island.

See the sights in Egypt’s second-largest city, Alexandria. The large Jewish community that once called this area home wrote the Septuagint - a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It was also home to the Great Library of Alexandria, which once held one of the most extensive collections of ancient texts. Make your way through Alexandria’s side streets to the catacombs consisting of three burial chamber levels. Visit Pompey’s Pillar, the largest triumphal column and the only known free-standing column of Roman Egypt. The amphitheater of Alexandria is one of the city’s most distinguished highlights and is set within view of many modern structures. Glimpse the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress situated on the northern tip of Pharos Island.

Go deep into Cyprus' history as you explore the island today. This beautiful port town is known for its seafood, pottery, leather goods and traditional lace works. Wander the streets and enjoy the shops on your way to the Kolossi Castle built by the Order of St. John in 1210 in the city center of Limassol. Take a trip to Paphos from Limassol to explore ancient ruins, archaeological sites and the goddess of love's mythical birthplace. Travel past the Temple of Apollo on the way to this UNESCO-recognized city and discover elaborate tombs in a 3rd-century necropolis.

Get the real, authentic Rhodes experience by exploring it on foot. Your walking tour will begin in picturesque Old Town, where you will pass through and learn all about Agora and Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked. Marvel at the stunning churches, exquisite Jewish quarter, the Inns of Knights, and the Palace of Grand Masters. You will then tour the palace interior and down the Street of Knights — its path paved with impressive marble and mosaics. Then it’s on to the Hospital of Knights museum, where you’ll learn all about the ins and outs of this majestic town. Afterwards, stop for a refreshment in a local café. Exploring Rhodes on foot will inevitably leave a lasting impression on you.

Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Spectacular excavations have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge Agora and Library, much has been lost. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World but today, only a single column remains to mark its site. View the terrace houses, also known as "the house of the rich," which give a true impression of ancient lifestyle.

Disembark the Norwegian Getaway. The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1,000 years, was built by Justinian (532-537 AD). The church has 107 columns, fossil-embedded, white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Spice Market. Shops sell everything from herbs to gold. Overnight in Istanbul.

Return to USA