Depart the USA

Arrive in Rome and transfer to the port of Civitavecchia to board Norwegian Viva.  

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 AD 79.

The ancient port city of Catania is situated in the shadow of the famous active volcano, Mount Etna, which dominates the landscape and is intertwined with the town’s history. Steeped in a storied past, Catania’s squares, cathedrals, and other historic sites are a must-visit on a guided tour, as are its open-air markets and friendly cafes that offer a taste of modern life in the region. You can also journey outside Catania to explore the surrounding lava fields and unique rock formations, or hike, bike, or go off-roading on one of the trails crisscrossing the volcano for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. 
Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Embark on a narrated tour of Valletta, the capital of Malta, and a city replete with medieval charm and extravagantly grand architecture. No exploration would be complete without a visit to Valletta’s crowning jewel, St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This baroque masterpiece was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere for the Knights of St. John. In fact, several Knights donated gifts of art to ensure it was adorned with only the finest works. Continue to Casa Rocca Piccola, a historic home offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Maltese nobility over the past 400 years. Enjoy a little free time to explore the area before heading to the imposing Mediterranean Conference Center. Set overlooking the Grand Harbor, it was originally built as a hospital for the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and was considered one of the finest in Europe during the 1600s.

At Sea

Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as you explore the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon, and the Erechtheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Travel to the city of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” 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, marketplace, 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.

Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands, where picturesque, whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer-drop cliffs overlooking 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. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board.    
Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Norwegian Cruise Line. 

Ephesus was one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of approximately 250,000. Spectacular excavations over the last 110 years have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the vast agora and the library, but much has been lost. Explore the ancient site virtually at the Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will see life in Paul’s time. We will view the terrace houses, also known as "the houses of the rich," which give a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. 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.

The bejeweled capital of Istanbul, situated between two continents, 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, 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 Grand Bazaar. Over 4,000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold.

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