14 Day Steps of Saint Paul & 3 Continents

Join us for a visit to a biblical city! We travel by air conditioned coach from the port of Thessaloniki to the Citadel and Vlatadon Monastery, where St. Paul reached during his Second Missionary Journey. We then leave Thessaloniki for a one-hour drive through the countryside to reach the city of Veria (called “Berroia” in the Bible), St. Paul’s next stop after Vlatadon – it was here that he preached to the city’s “noble Jews” – we pay a visit to the traditional Tribune, where three in situ steps coexist with a recently finished mosaic of the Saint that commemorates this sermon. Today Veria is the capital of the regional unit of Imathia and the largest exporter of agricultural products in the region. It may have been inhabited as early as 1000 BC. Paul is the patron saint of Veria, which was named for one of the daughters of the mythological King Veris. Established in the foothills of Mt. Vermion, fortified Veria flourished behind its massive walls. One of the first cities to surrender to the Romans, in 168 BC, it became the area’s second most important city after Thessaloniki. During the Byzantine era many small, delicate, frescoed churches were built in the city, which came to be known as “Small Jerusalem.” We will visit one of these immaculate churches, the Church of Christ, which was built in the early 14th century and is home to masterworks by the most famous painter of the era, Kalliergis. Under the Ottomans, Veria was an important commercial and cultural center – it was during this period that many mosques, mansions and the old market were built. There will be time to wander and explore and shop in this marvelous ancient city before we return to the harbor at Thessaloniki.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

Join us for a fantastic half-day excursion to Thessaloniki’s most popular landmarks! We’ll travel by air conditioned coach from the pier to the city, where we’ll stop for photos at the White Tower. The city’s most famous monument, the White Tower, along the paralia (seafront promenade), was built in 1430 and today houses Byzantine icons and historical displays on its several floors. An excellent example of post-Byzantine architecture, it has become a majestic symbol of Thessaloniki. Our next stop is the Byzantine Museum, where we’ll have an hour to wander through an incredible collection of artifacts from the early Christian period through the Byzantine era, including sculpture, mosaics, painted tombs, embroidered fabrics and religious icons. We board the bus to drive past the International Trade Fair grounds and the Aristotelion University toward the Citadel, where you’ll enjoy a superb panoramic view of the city and Mt. Olympus and Thermaic Gulf beyond. From here we drive to the 5th century Basilica of St. Demetrius, the largest church in Greece, which houses an impressive display of mosaics and the crypt where Demetrius was confined. On our return to the ship we drive past the Arch of Galerius and St. George’s Rotonda. The Arch was built in 303 to commemorate the victory of Galerius over the Persians in 297 A.C., and it’s chiseled with scenes of the battle. Just north of the arch stands the massive Rotonda, which historians believe was constructed as a mausoleum for Galerius. Now closed, it has been used as a mosque and was for a time the Church of Agios Georgios.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

Kavala balances its modern urban spaces with beautiful beaches and lush green hinterlands. The city is home to a number of monuments from the first and second millennia after Christ, many of which are today pilgrimage sites. Highlights St. Lydia Purpuraria: Lydia was the first Christian convert in Europe. A Church-Baptistery and an open-air Baptistery by the riverside are located where her holy baptism took place, similar to the ones preserved in the early Christian basilicas in Philippi. PHILIPPI: The archaeological site will feature a guided tour through the excavations, marveling at the upper and lower parts as well as the Forum, the Walls, the two Basilicas and the Theatre. Your guide will also point out the traditional prison, which once held St. Paul and St. Sylas. St. Paul’s Monument: Commemorating the location where St. Paul set foot on the European Continent during his second missionary journey, establishing a thriving Christian church in the nearby city of Philippi.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This all-day Istanbul tour is an in-depth tour of some of Istanbul’s holiest sites. We begin at the Hippodrome in the Old City. The Old City, known as Stambul, was where the ancient city of Byzantium once stood and today includes the neighborhoods of Eminonu and Fatih. Within the Old City lie the Byzantine church Hagia Sophia, the University of Istanbul and Fener, the historical Greek quarter, which is home to the Orthodox Patriarchate. One of the many highlights of Sultanahmet Square, the Old Hippodrome of Istanbul was an ancient circus built before the founding of Constantinople. A public recreation space designed to resemble the Roman Circus Maximus and its characteristic “U” shape, which participants had to circle seven times, the Hippodrome was a public recreation space for opulent horse and chariot racing spectacles. The Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s largest and most beautiful, is also called the Sultan’s Mosque, since it was built, between 1609 and 1616, by order of Sultan Ahmed I, who was 20 years-old at the time and is now buried within its walls. An exceptional example of Islamic architecture, many of the pious begin their journey to Mecca from the Blue Mosque. The sultan wanted to build the most magnificent mosque in all of Islam, and he wanted no expense spared – he even demanded a dome of pure gold, which was impossible because of the weight of gold. His architect built the dome from simple materials and surrounded it with six exquisite minarets and, when confronted by the sultan, pretended he had misunderstood, that he had heard “alti” (six), not “altin,” (gold). It is called the blue mosque because of the blue tiles upon its interior walls. After the Blue Mosque we visit legendary Hagia Sophia, also known as the “Church of the Wisdom of God” and “the Great Church.” The Church has long been a symbol of Constantinople and Istanbul. From the date construction began, in 537, during the reign of Justinian, until 1453, Hagia Sophia served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral and the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, except for the period between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was used as a mosque from the fall of Constantinople, on 29 May 1453, until 1931. It is now a museum, where beautiful mosaics completed over the course of more than 12 centuries are on display. It is considered one of the preeminent extant examples of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site the Topkapi Palace Museum was the acropolis of ancient Byzantium. Initially constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the palace, initially called the “New Palace,” served as the home of the Ottoman sultans and their courts until the middle of the 19th century. The basic design of the palace, which was designated a museum by Ataturk in 1924, encompasses a number of exquisite courtyards and gardens. Its collection includes Ottoman and European silverware, European porcelains and glassware, weapons, manuscripts, Islamic relics, portraits of the Sultans and even some of their robes and other clothing. Topkapi is one of the locations in the Oscar-winning 1964 caper, Topkapi, which starred the legendary Greek actress, singer, author and Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri. We’ll have lunch here at the Konyali Restaurant, where we’ll enjoy a delicious meal and a view of the Bosphorus. We leave Topkapi Palace for some incredible shopping at the awesome Grand Bazaar, also called Kapali Carci (“Covered Bazaar”), one of the oldest and largest covered markets on earth. The bazaar, which first opened in 1461, comprises about 61 streets and welcomes up to 400,000 visitors per day to its maze of banks, cafes, fountains, shops, shrines and workshops. You might actually be able to “shop ‘til you drop!” This will be our final stop, unless your Istanbul excursion includes mass at Holy Spirit Cathedral. A Baroque church built in the mid-1800s, this is the second-largest Catholic Church in Istanbul and has been a destination for all of the Popes who have visited this holy city, including Pope Benedict XV – follow in their footsteps, and be sure to visit the statue of Benedict in the courtyard.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This religious tour begins when you board your coach in the port of Dikili for the drive to Ancient Pergamon. Dating to the beginning of the 4th century BC, “Pergamon” means “fortress” or “acropolis.” One of the seven churches addressed in Revelation, the city was the center of a large kingdom and retained its status as a political and cultural metropolis during the Byzantine period. After visiting the Acropolis, we’ll attend mass in the Red Basilica. The cathedral-sized Red Basilica was built in the 2nd century by the Romans as a massive temple to the Egyptian gods Serapis, Isis and Harpocrates. It was so enormous the early Christians of Pergamon built a basilica within it, rather than converting the entire building into a church. It is one of the largest extant ancient structures. After mass we will stop for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, then we drive to the remains of the Asklepion, one of the world’s first hospitals. A complex of mostly open-air buildings connected by porticoes, it was dedicated to the god of Healing, Asclepius. Excavations date the construction of the temple to the 4th century BC, but it mainly flourished during the Roman period, thanks to the efforts of Hadrian. In addition to facilities for the care and lodging of patients, the Asklepion also included a theater for up to 3,500 spectators, lecture halls and a library. After our tour of the Asklepion, we’ll return the port of Dikili and to the ship.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

Join us for a spectacular day. Our first stop after leaving lovely Kusadasi is the House of the Virgin Mary on Mount Bulbul (“canary”). Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus Christ entrusted his mother to St. John the Evangelist, who took her to Ephesus and hid her in a hut at the foot of Mount Bulbul, where he brought her food and water every day. The Virgin lived here until the 101st year of her life, around 60 A.D. In 1957 the Vatican recognized the House of the Virgin Mary as the dwelling in which the Virgin spent the final years of her life, and for the last five-and-a-half decades it has been an important pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims. There is a fountain here whose waters are said to be therapeutic. We then visit St. John the Evangelist’s Basilica, a cross-shaped chapel built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Modeled after the now lost Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, it was one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages. Our next stop is Ancient Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia. This is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast, one of the world’s largest open-air archeological museums. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC, it was the wealthiest of the Ionian cities and one of the most important cultural centers in the Mediterranean. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports. Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sun-seared hillsides. It is believed Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here. It was the most important Christian city between Rome and Antioch. Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe, even though only 13% of the city has been uncovered! You can wander through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, then stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses. Nearby, where Curetes Street becomes Marble Street, is the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, and the Agora. Every step here takes you deeper into the Hellenistic, Roman and early-Christian eras; you’ll notice inscriptions on many of the city’s columns. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC. It held up to 24,000 spectators and is still renowned for its outstanding acoustics – even today it hosts concerts and other performances. From Ancient Ephesus we drive to the Rug Village for lunch and a demonstration of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. From the Rug Village we journey to the ancient city of Miletus, near the coast, which was one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the ancient Greek world. St. Paul stopped here on his Third Missionary Journey, on his way back to Jerusalem. Miletus was located at the mouth of the River Meander, and its four harbors and strategic location made it an important port and commercial center. Miletus became the most important of the 12 cities of Ionia and was one of the first cities in the ancient world to mint coins – Homer mentions Miletus in The Iliad. The city’s fortunes declined, however, as the Meander silted up its harbor. There are many well-preserved ruins here, including a Temple of Apollo, a Byzantine church and the theater. After our tour of Miletus we return to the ship. (without the House of the Virgin Mary) Join us for a spectacular day. Our first stop after leaving lovely Kusadasi is Ancient Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia. This is a stunning marvel in the hills above the Aegean coast, one of the world’s largest open-air archeological museums. Founded by the ancient Greeks circa 2000 BC, it was the wealthiest of the Ionian cities and one of the most important cultural centers in the Mediterranean. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis, and its Artemision, a temple in her honor, took 120 years to complete and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus later became the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, at one time home to a quarter-million people. It was the first and most significant city in the Roman province of Asia and one of its key ports. Millennia ago the Aegean receded west, stranding the city on its sun-seared hillsides. It is believed Paul wrote his Letter to the Ephesians here. It was the most important Christian city between Rome and Antioch. Ephesus is rivaled only by the Forum and the Acropolis as one of the most complete classical cities in Europe, even though only 13% of the city has been uncovered! You can wander through the Odeon and the Prytaneion, then stroll between the marble colonnades of Curetes Street to visit Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Scholastica Baths and the astonishing Terrace Houses. Nearby, where Curetes Street becomes Marble Street, is the spectacular Library of Celsus, which has been almost entirely reconstructed, and the Agora. Every step here takes you deeper into the Hellenistic, Roman and early-Christian eras; you’ll notice inscriptions on many of the city’s columns. The Great Theater of Ephesus, where St. Paul once preached, was carved into the side of Mt. Pion in the 4th century BC. It held up to 24,000 spectators and is still renowned for its outstanding acoustics – even today it hosts concerts and other performances. From Ancient Ephesus we drive to the Rug Village for lunch and a demonstration of traditional Turkish carpet weaving. From the Rug Village we journey to the ancient city of Miletus, near the coast, which was one of the greatest and wealthiest cities in the ancient Greek world. St. Paul stopped here on his Third Missionary Journey, on his way back to Jerusalem. Miletus was located at the mouth of the River Meander, and its four harbors and strategic location made it an important port and commercial center. Miletus became the most important of the 12 cities of Ionia and was one of the first cities in the ancient world to mint coins – Homer mentions Miletus in The Iliad. The city’s fortunes declined, however, as the Meander silted up its harbor. There are many well-preserved ruins here, including a Temple of Apollo, a Byzantine church and the theater. After our tour of Miletus we return to the ship.

Prices

Adults: $96, Children: $54

Our Ancient Ephesus bus tour is a journey through the golden ages which shaped a pivotal center of commerce and spirituality. Built 3,000 years ago, Ephesus shaped the history of Greek, Turkish and Christian civilizations from its privileged location, chosen (according to legend) by the oracle of Delphi. A site of pilgrimage, due to its proximity to the Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 Wonders of the World) and the presence of major Christian figures (the apostles Paul and John and the Virgin Mary) within the city walls, Ephesus is currently one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The splendour of its golden age is visible throughout its streets and exceptionally well-preserved ruins. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will have the opportunity to breathe in the centuries of cultural effervescence, visible in the Ephesus Agora, Odeon, the Houses of the Patricians, the beautiful Temple of Hadrian and the astonishing Library of Celsus. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets,

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

For over 13 centuries the City of Ephesus has been at the heart of intense commerce, spiritual revelations and blooming art, and was the hub of the Christian community in the East established by St. Paul the Apostle. Our bus tour will take you to a selection of the city’s remarkable landmarks, allowing you to get a glimpse of its former glory and the history that still lives within its architectural jewels, inspiring edifices and narrow streets. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs, etc. On our half-day excursion we will explore some truly memorable locations within the City of Ephesus. One of the most awe-inspiring sites is that of the Terrace Houses. There is so much to absorb here -- we will take some time to walk through the ruins to discover what family life was like for the wealthy Romans who resided in these once opulent homes. Mosaic floors and frescos on the walls of dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms tell lost tales of ancient times. Our visit will include stops at the Ephesus Agora, the Thermal Baths for Scholastica (built in the 1st Century AD), the monumental Great Theatre and Library of Celsus (the 3rd largest library of the ancient world, where 12,000 scrolls were once carefully stored), the Trajan fountain and the Prytaneum (the religious and political center of the city).

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

One of the largest open-air museums in the world, the ancient city of Ephesus is home to impressive architectural treasures from the Greek, Roman and Hellenistic periods. Join a half-day tour to delve back through the centuries, visit the House of the Virgin Mary and shop for souvenirs in the sprawling Kusadasi bazaar. You’ll travel into the olive grove hills around Kusadasi to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary lived the last few years of her life. Then on to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most incredible open-air archaeological sites and museums in the world. Admire ancient relics such as the Library of Celsus, the Odeon, marble-paved streets, baths, the Magnesia Gate and the Great Theater amongst many others. Enjoy unravelling the layers of history before returning to the bustling seaside city of Kusadasi. You will also have the opportunity to bargain and shop local merchandise such as carpets, leather goods, souvenirs, etc.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

On this excursion you are sure to experience the sacred grandeur of this intensely spiritual Dodecanese island. We visit Chora, St. John’s Monastery and the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse, which for centuries have drawn pilgrims to Patmos for prayer, esoteric seclusion and solemnity. From the port of Skala we travel up the mountain by air-conditioned coach to immaculate Chora. Its skirting of traditional white houses encircles the bottom of the exterior walls of the Monastery of St. John the Divine. An architecturally homogenous village, the cobblestone streets and alleys of Chora are lined with mansions built by wealthy ship owners during the 17th and 18th centuries. As you wend your way up to the Monastery, at the top of the hill, be sure to seek out an authentic taste of this unique Dodecanese village along some of its quieter thoroughfares. Now surrounded by the village, the fortified Monastery of St. John, whose walls are more than 15 meters high, was built with local gray stone. In 1088 St. Christodoulos requested the entire island of Patmos from Byzantine Emperor Alexis I Comnenus so he could found a monastery dedicated to St. John. Even after “The Blessed” was driven from Patmos by pirates, monks continued building the monastery which, within a few centuries, became an important cultural, religious and spiritual center. Within its warren of chapels and courtyards, the Monastery of St. John houses medieval icons of the Cretan school and the Chapel of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary), whose beautiful frescoes date to the 12th century; the monastery’s main chapel dates to the end of the 11th century. There is also a museum within the monastery, with icons, religious objects of silver and gold, sacred relics and embroidered vestments of inestimable value on display. Halfway down the mountain to Plaka we stop at the Holy Grotto of the Apocalypse. According to Christian tradition, three fissures (a symbol of the Holy Trinity) opened in a wall in the grotto, and St. John heard the voice of God, who granted him a series of visions of the future (revelations), vivid pictures of how the Church would grow, battle the wicked powers of earth and hell and ultimately emerge victorious. The voice commanded the saint to transcribe these visions: St. John dictated the revelations to one of his disciples, Prochoros, and this text became the Book of Revelations. During his time in this sacred cave, St. John also composed the Fourth Gospel. The entrance to the grotto is marked with a mosaic of the visions of the saint. Inside the grotto, the nightly resting place of the saint’s head is fenced off and delineated in beaten silver. We return to Plaka, where you’ll have free time for shopping and a coffee beside the harbor. Close your eyes and let the grandeur of this miraculous island suffuse your soul.

Prices

Adults: $82, Children: $55

Athens is the world’s ancient capital. St Paul preached at Mars Hill near the Acropolis and the ancient Agora was one of his many meeting places. We travel further afield as he did, to Corinth where we will first stop for a photo opportunity at this amazing feat of engineering, the Corinth Canal. We’ll enjoy a great view. Built between 1881 and 1893, the fourmile- long waterway cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth and follows much the same line as a canal planned in Roman times. The waterway is 70 feet wide, 26 feet deep and 170 feet high. We head for ancient Corinth where St Paul lived, preached and wrote around 50-52 AD and we will visit a number of the sites associated with his stay. He established a church and wrote two epistles to the Corinthians. During the 6th century BC, it was one of Greece’s richest cities. Located in the northeast corner of the Peloponnese and at the head of the Gulf of Corinth, the city controlled the narrow Isthmus and the two seas on each side. Excavations, begun in 1896 and still ongoing, revealed the Temple of Apollo and Roman ruins. Paul spent 18 months in the city before the Jews of the city charged him with breaking the law and brought him before the proconsul Gallio at the city’s place of judgment (Bema). He dismissed the charges. In Corinth Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, Jews recently expelled by Emperor Claudius from Rome. They became faithful followers. The three of these were tentmakers (or leather workers) and may have had their place of business in the city’s commercial marketplace, the agora. This would have given Paul numerous opportunity to speak with customers and passers-by about the resurrection of Christ. All three later sailed to Ephesus to continue their missionary work. No canal boat crossing.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This jam-packed excursion promises all the highlights of Athens and its history in just half a day. You’ll set off by bus from the port into the center of Athens, where during the panoramic drive you’ll get to gaze up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the Greek Parliament. Our first destination is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, it’s on to the stylish ‘Trilogy of Athens’ – the University of Athens, National Library and the Academy of Athens – before you reach the Squares of Omonia and Syntagma in the heart of modern Athens. Here you’ll also get a glimpse of picturesque Plaka tucked beneath the Acropolis, and then it’s onwards to Propylaea where the Temple of Athena Nike lies. Last but not least, it’s time for the final highlight of the tour - the iconic Acropolis. You’ll join a guided exploration to see the mighty Parthenon, symbol of the city, closer than ever before and stand on ground that has witnessed centuries of history. From here, you’ll also admire the glorious Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you reach the final stop – the New Acropolis Museum – to uncover and marvel at more famous works from classical antiquity.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $108, Children: $80

This jam-packed excursion promises all the highlights of Athens and its history in just half a day. You’ll set off by bus from the port into the center of Athens, where during the panoramic drive you’ll get to gaze up at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and pass by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which sits in front of the Greek Parliament. Our first destination is the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Next, it’s on to the stylish ‘Trilogy of Athens’ – the University of Athens, National Library and the Academy of Athens – before you reach the Squares of Omonia and Syntagma in the heart of modern Athens. Here you’ll also get a glimpse of picturesque Plaka tucked beneath the Acropolis, and then it’s onwards to Propylaea where the Temple of Athena Nike lies. Last but not least, it’s time for the final highlight of the tour - the iconic Acropolis. You’ll join a guided exploration to see the mighty Parthenon, symbol of the city, closer than ever before and stand on ground that has witnessed centuries of history. From here, you’ll also admire the glorious Odeon of Herodes Atticus before you reach the final stop – the New Acropolis Museum – to uncover and marvel at more famous works from classical antiquity.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $105, Children: $74

For an overview of Athens, look no further than this half-day tour to the Panathenaic Stadium and historic neighborhood of Plaka. You’ll see two of the main attractions in Athens whilst exploring at your own pace. Firstly, you’ll travel back through the centuries at the Panathenaic Stadium, originally built in circa 330BC for the Panathenaic Games. This 45,000-seat marble beauty is a sight for sore eyes with its never-ending expanse of bright white tiers. Afterwards, you’ll navigate the maze of cobbled alleys that make up Plaka, the oldest area in the city. Its streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, pavement-side tavernas churning out delicious food around the clock, and flashes of hot pink bougainvillea draped across historic walls – it’s magical! And to top it off, you’ll also pass by Syntagma Square, the Academy of Athens and the National Library, all while catching fantastic glimpses of the Acropolis above.

*Passengers departing from Piraeus, take the excursion, on the last day of their cruise, after disembarkation.

Prices

Adults: $83, Children: $54

The largest city in Africa and all its top sights are waiting to be discovered on this full day excursion from Alexandria. Leaving the port in a luxury air-conditioned coach, you’ll journey south towards Cairo. And your first port of call will be the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the mighty Pyramid of Giza. From the base of Chephren’s pyramid, the time is yours to explore these ancient marvels under your own steam. If you wish, climb aboard a camel, or simply roam the complex on foot. Then, continuing through the valley, you’ll spot the supreme Sphinx guarding the land. A buffet lunch will be served at a 5-star hotel, after which, there’s more sightseeing on the agenda – this time in the heart of Cairo. From the bustling Tahrir (Liberty) Square, you’ll head to the National Archaeological Museum to become acquainted with Egypt’s ancient history - spanning an incredible 50 centuries - through eye-catching antiquities, including the collection of King Tutankhamen. After visiting a Papyrus Institute, there’s some time dedicated to souvenir shopping before travelling back to the cruise ship.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This full day tour features sights, panoramas and landmarks of biblical proportions. From Ashdod, you’ll journey through the Judean Hills and the Gate of the Valley, besieged during the 1948 War of Independence, towards the Mount of Olives. Gaze out over Jerusalem and the old city walls in the distance, before delving inside to explore. Visit the Church of Gethsemane, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, and wander around the Old City and its vibrant market where three religions coincide. Then on to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus was crucified, anointed and buried, towards Via Dolorosa and the Wailing Wall – a holy site for Jews where you can make a wish and place it in the wall. At Mount Zion you’ll see the room of the Last Supper before enjoying a lunch break in Bethlehem. Now, in the city of David and Jacob, you’ll step inside the place where Jesus was born – the Church of Nativity. Afterwards, there’s time for shopping before travelling back to the pier.

Prices

Adults: $142, Children: $99

The city that never sleeps is just a short trip away from Ashdod, and this half-day excursion takes you on a leisurely panoramic drive to see Jaffa and Tel Aviv in one morning. You’ll travel along the sparkling Mediterranean coastline from the cruise ship to the ancient port city of Jaffa. It’s one of the world’s oldest ports, still in use to this day, and its charmingly narrow, historic streets provide a cool respite from the contrasting fizz of activity from Tel Aviv in the distance. Visit the ornate Church of St Peter – the most striking building in the city - soak up its ancient architecture and take in panoramas of Tel Aviv before heading into the action. One of Tel Aviv’s highlights – a firm favorite with locals too - is the oriental Carmel Market where you’ll be enveloped by bursts of color, fragrances and aromas of all the fresh food on display. Take a peek at some of the goods, then it’s time to travel back to Ashdod in the early afternoon.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

You’ll start this half-day tour in the historic center of Limassol, where your guide will take you on an illuminating walk past some of the city’s main sights. Look around the old harbor area and by the 14th century medieval fort, where legend has it that Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre. Then, you’ll have free time to explore the old city at your own pace or sit down for a coffee ready for the next step of the tour at Curium Archaeological Park. This important ancient city-kingdom, and one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island, boasts treasures that evoke stories from times gone by. Peek inside the House of Efstolios, originally a private Roman villa with a network of baths and ornate mosaic floors, and admire the jewel in the crown, the Greco-Roman theater. By the end, you’ll know Cyprus’s history like the back of your hand.

Prices

Adults: $80, Children: $55

On the southwest coast of Cyprus lies a city whose entire center is UNESCO-listed, and this full day tour unveils Pafos’ archaeological gems and brings its legends to life. Travelling over from Limassol, your first photo opportunity is one of the island’s most iconic sights – Petra tou Romiou, or Aphrodite’s Rock – birthplace of the Goddess of beauty and love, according to Greek mythology. Next, you’ll visit the vast Tombs of the Kings, an ancient necropolis of underground tombs carved out of solid rock. Your journey back in time continues at Kato Pafos Archaeological Park where you’ll meander amongst towering ancient ruins including the House of Dionysos, House of Aion and House of Thysseus. Their mosaic floors are considered some of the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Lastly, you’ll have some free time in the old harbor of Pafos where you can watch the comings and goings of fishing boats and sip on a refreshing aperitif.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

The magnificent ancient city-kingdom of Curium is the first stop on this full day island excursion, and it’s an impressive first impression of Cyprus, too. The Greco-Roman theater is the masterpiece of all the ruins in Curium Archaeological Park, and as you wander around with your guide you’ll spot details that make this one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island. Mosaics dating back to the 5th century AD, the House of Efstolios and stunning views out over the valley of river Kouris and the sea, all add to the drama. Afterwards, it’s time to relax amongst Limassol’s vineyards, specifically the picturesque village of Omodos – the most beautiful on the island - where you’ll have time for lunch and to visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross, a medieval wine press and even savor a wine tasting at a cellar. A panoramic drive along the coast of Limassol city center marks the end of the tour.

Prices

Adults: $120, Children: $74

Centuries of culture and layer upon layer of extraordinary civilizations await to be discovered during our bus tour through impressive Lindos and within the awe-inspiring structure of the Acropolis of Lindos. We will follow the footsteps of heroes as we walk along the Knight's Street in the heart of historical Rhodes. The seven lodges of the Order, still bearing their original coats of arms, are displayed along the cobblestone street where Rhodes’ history was written for over two centuries. Sitting at the top of Knights Street, the Grand Master’s Palace is well worth its name. You will be awed by the fort’s imposing Gothic architecture and strength displayed throughout its court structures, as you get a glimpse into the fascinating era of the Knights. We will end our tour of historical Rhodes with free time so that you may fortify your memories of Rhodes at your own pace.

Prices

Adults: $0, Children: $0

This half-day tour of Rhodes is a feast for the eyes and the spirit, as we experience Rhodes’ fantastic history, beautifully layered from its elegant ancient temples to the grand medieval fortified structures. The Philerimos hill, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, is a prime location for enjoying magnificent views of the homonymous bay and marvel at the elegance of the Byzantine church of St. George Hostos, which is home to stunning 14th century frescoes. We will also see the Philerimos Monastery, unique throughout Greece because of its surprising Gothic architecture. Our tour will also explore the hill of Monte Smith, named after a Napoleonic British admiral, upon which the impressive Acropolis of Rhodes has stood throughout centuries of Greek, Roman, Byzantine or Ottoman rule. Amazing structures, such as the Apollo Temple and the Diagoras Ancient Stadium, still evoke the ancient glory of Rhodes. We will end our tour with free time in the Old Town, following a brief view of the majestic Grand Master Palace, the symbol of power for the Knights of St. John of Rhodes.

Prices

Adults: $91, Children: $68

On our half-day walking tour we will explore the city’s medieval history and the fascinating story of the Knights of St. John. The citadel, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and the home of the Knights of St. John, will give you a glimpse into the everyday life and challenges of medieval Rhodes. We will walk among two centuries of Knights’ history in Rhodes as we explore the Street of Knights, where the seven lodges of the Order were once housed. At the top of the street we will enter a world of architectural and political might, as we visit the impressive, Gothic-style Grand Master’s Palace, the seat of power during the occupation of the Knights of St. John. Built in the 14th century, atop the ruins of a 7th century citadel, the palace is beautifully preserved as a key feature of the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will end our walking tour with free time in Rhodes’ Old Town, giving you the chance to enjoy a refreshment, take more photographs or search for the best souvenir from magical Rhodes.

Prices

Adults: $58, Children: $37