Depart the USA
 

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, 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. Transfer to the ship to embark after your tour.

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, but 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 the ancient lifestyle.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses and sparkling blue waters, the Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. Watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna at the end of the day.  

Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.

Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful 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 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 onboard. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.

AT SEA

Messina is Sicily’s panoramic gateway on the northeastern corner of the island; the city just kisses the boot of mainland Italy’s southern tip. Get lost among the patchwork of churches and antique palaces. The Messina Cathedral is in the heart of the city, and its famous bell tower houses the largest mechanical clock in the world — every day at noon, the statues move to Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” In front of this church, you’ll find the Fontana di Orione, a 16th-century fountain that’s a work of art in itself, with sculptures of figures from ancient mythology. Cruise to Sicily and take a leisurely walk to the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a hilltop church with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line.

Disembark the ship in Naples and travel towards Mt. Vesuvius to uncover the fascinating history of Pompeii. Embark on a guided walking tour of the ancient Roman city’s archeological ruins below the formidable Mount Vesuvius. Traverse the historic excavation site with an informative guide through the city’s forum and past grand temples, mansions, and Roman baths. View artifacts recovered from the 79 AD volcanic blast, when 20 feet of ash and pumice buried the entire city, and behold a menacing panoramic view of Mount Vesuvius.

Explore the rich heritage of two remarkable Tuscan cities as you embark on a tour of Pisa’s architectural masterpieces and Florence’s Renaissance landmarks. Marvel at the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa’s exterior as you walk the Field of Miracles independently for approximately 45 minutes. Behold Florence’s colossal Piazza del Duomo, home to one of Europe’s largest cathedrals. Savor tasty Florentine cuisine before stopping by the city’s gothic-style Church of Santa Croce. 

At the foot of the Alps is the jewel of the French Riviera. Luxuriate on long sandy beaches and terrace cafes. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Savor pissaladière and caillettes on your cruise to Nice/Monaco (Villefranche). 

Return to the USA or begin a Rome post-tour.