Join Dr. Ralph Sexton on this once-in-a-lifetime tour revisiting sites of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys. Dr. Sexton will be your host and Bible teacher for this unforgettable journey.

Our adventure starts with an evening flight to Rome, Italy. Upon arrival in Rome we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and a night of rest.

On Wednesday morning we will visit the ancient harbor city of Ostia Antica to see what Roman life was like during the time of Paul. Then we board Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, our home for the next nine nights. This evening Dr. Sexton will lead us in a Bible study to introduce us to the Apostle Paul.

The first stop of our cruise will be Messina, Sicily. The entire day is at leisure to explore this lovely town. The one thing you will not want to miss is the world’s largest astronomical clock, Orologio Astronomico, in the Piazza del Duomo. It is set in a 197-foot bell tower and when the bell strikes noon, Ave Maria begins playing and the bronze mechanical figures start to move. A lion roars, a bird flaps its wings, and two historical heroines take turns ringing the bell, all before it ends with a statue of Jesus appearing from a tomb.

Friday we call on the capital city of Malta, Valletta. Paul was shipwrecked on the coast of Malta while being taken to Rome to be tried as a political rebel. It is believed that Malta’s 2000-year history of Christianity was first brought to the Island by the Apostle Paul around 60 A.D. While in Malta we will take a short bus ride across the island to visit the site of St. Paul’s Grotto, where tradition holds the Apostle Paul took refuge.
Saturday is a day at sea enjoying the modern luxuries found onboard the Explorer of the Seas as we sail the Mediterranean.

Sunday morning we arrive at the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. There you may choose to shop, sample a local treat, or enjoy a relaxing stroll among the whitewashed houses of this iconic Greek fishing harbor. Following dinner back on the ship, Dr. Sexton will lead us in a Bible study.

On Monday we dock at the island of Santorini, the crown jewel of the Aegean. A cable car ride to the mountaintop city of Thira is provided. The day is yours to explore the many art galleries and shops or relax over a cup of coffee as you gaze over the scenic bay below.

Tuesday we arrive at the port city of Piraeus, Greece to visit Athens, the historic city and the birthplace of civilization. Our first stop will be the Acropolis and Parthenon. Nearby we will visit Mars Hill where Paul addressed the Athenians (Acts 17:22-34). There we will pause for Dr. Sexton to teach about the “unknown god.” We will also see the Ancient Agora, Tower of the Winds, Herodes Atticus Theater, Theater of Dionysus, and the Temple of Zeus. After lunch, there will be time for shopping in the old Plaka district.

Wednesday is another relaxing day at sea. You can take a swim, read a book, or enjoy the wonderful facilities of our cruise ship. This evening Dr. Sexton will lead us in a Bible study to prepare us for our time in Rome.

Thursday the ship calls on Naples, Italy the port of the once-thriving and sophisticated Roman city of Pompeii. Here we will step back in time to get a glimpse of everyday life in the ancient world. We will take a guided tour of this famous city that lies at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius.

Friday morning we return to Civitavecchia and begin our tour of the Eternal City of Rome. Sites to be visited include: The Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, Circus Maximas, Piazza Venizia, the famous Spanish Steps, the monument of Vittorio Emanuele, and the Trevi Fountain.

On Saturday we will visit Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, and the 2,000-year-old Pantheon. We will then pause for a time of worship near the ruins of the Mamertine Prison where it is said that Paul was imprisoned for his beliefs. Our tour will conclude with a visit to the cathedral of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the location of Paul’s final resting place.

Sunday morning we will say “Ciao” to Italy and transfer to the airport for our return flight home, having witnessed the marvelous historic wonders of our Christian faith.