Optional Prelude
Corinth
Sea Cloud II
Corinth Canal
DEPART USA ON MONDAY, JULY 24
ARRIVE IN ATHENS ON TUESDAY, JULY 25
Depart home cities in the USA for overnight flights to Athens, Greece (ATH), arriving Tuesday, July 25. Rest and relax at Athens’ Grande Bretagne Hotel.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
CORINTH
Following an included breakfast at our hotel, we’ll travel overland to Ancient Corinth. The Apostle Paul used this city as his missionary base in Greece. Teaming up with Aquila and Priscilla, he spent about eighteen months of his second missionary journey planting a church here. Unearthed in the Corinthian excavation is the actual “bema” (judgment seat) where Paul was brought to trial and acquitted by the Roman proconsul, Gallio. (Acts 18)
We'll make a short photo stop at the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel consisting of a single channel at sea level, thus requiring no locks. Cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, the canal connects the Saronic Gulf with the Aegean Sea. An attempt was made to dig the canal in the first century when Nero threw the first pickaxe and excavated a bucket of earth. But the project was never completed until eighteen centuries later in 1893. Lunch at a countryside taverna is included. Be sure to enjoy a late afternoon swim in the rooftop pool of our hotel with views of the Acropolis before heading out to dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
Inclusions for the Corinth Prelude
- 1-Night Accommodation at the 5-Star Grande Bretagne in Athens, July 25. Full Breakfast and Porterage included
- Lunch on July 26 at a countryside taverna
- Complete tour package with local guides, luxury motor coach transport, and entrance fees
- All gratuities for services
Corinth Prelude
Cabin categories are matched to hotel accommodations, prices for double occupancy
Cabin Categories D, E, F: $595/person
Cabin Categories B & C: $645/person
Cabin Category A: $795/person
Single Supplement: $295, Cabins D, E, F
Single Supplement: $355, Cabins B & C
Core Itinerary
"Journeys of Paul"
July 25 - August 3, 2023
Tuesday, July 25
Depart United States
Depart the United States for overnight transatlantic flights to the ancient city of Athens (airport code ATH).
Wednesday, July 26
Arrive in Athens
Grande Bretagne, Rooftop Pool, Athens
From the Athens airport, hop in a waiting taxi for transfer to the city’s historic crown jewel, the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time this afternoon to explore Syntagma Square (just outside our hotel’s entrance), catch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Greek Parliament, or enjoy the cafés and shops of the Plaka District. The Grande Bretagne’s spa and rooftop pool are relaxing places to recoup from jet lag. Be sure to catch a view of the sun setting behind the Acropolis—the ambiance is magical.
Thursday, July 27
Athens & Embarkation
Athens' famed Acropolis beckons us this morning. On the way to the Parthenon, we can climb Mars Hill where the Apostle Paul addressed the “men of Athens…a very religious people.” The ruins testify to an incredible first-century grandeur, but Paul had an even greater glory to proclaim: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” (Acts 17:24)
After a visit to the Acropolis Museum, there will be free time for lunch and souvenir shopping on your own. At 3:15 p.m., we transfer to the port of Piraeus where the elegant SEA CLOUD II awaits. Even with mega-cruiseliners and multiple Greek ferries cheek-to-jowl around the bustling port, our lovely yacht steals the show…her majestic masts and gilded figurehead gleaming in the afternoon sun. Soon, the deckhands start their work…a tug arrives…lines are loosed. The world’s most beautiful sailing yacht is underway!
Another Aegean First Century Voyage begins.
Acropolis Erechtheion, Athens
Friday, July 28
Patmos
Patmos Approach
Patmos Monastery
Spend the morning relaxing on deck under full sails. If weather permits, we may get a chance to take a dip off the gangway into the warm waters of the Aegean.
We tender this afternoon to the bucolic island sanctuary of Patmos for visits to the Convent of the Apocalypse and the Cave of St. Anne Shrine. Tradition holds sacred this spot where John is believed to have had his apocalyptic vision, recorded for us in Revelation, the final book in our New Testament.
Then enjoy panoramic views from the island’s highest point, the Monastery of St. John, whose foreboding towers, battlements and ramparts have protected religious treasures preserved inside since 1088. Don’t miss their 6th-century copy of the Gospel of Mark! Today, whitewashed houses and pretty villas covered with bougainvillea nestle up against ancient sites so important in Christian history. Our local guides here are superb!
We return to the SEA CLOUD II for dinner and late-night Greek dancing on the Lido Deck while looking toward the same horizon John the Apostle gazed at during his banishment in the first century.
Saturday, July 29
Ephesus, Turkey
Perhaps the premier archaeological wonder of the world, ancient Ephesus is dominated by the great 24,000-seat theater cited in Acts as the setting where pagan trinket vendors fomented a riot in response to the Apostle Paul's courageous witness. Although harassed by local merchants, it was from Ephesus that Paul wrote First Corinthians, teaching the true meaning of love to believers of all generations.
Excavations at Ephesus are ongoing. Each season reveals more of the city where Paul spent two years of his third missionary journey. Because of our long-term association with the Director of the Ephesus Museum, we have privileged access to the more-recently-excavated “houses of the wealthy.” Most visitors to Ephesus (the giant cruise ship masses) are not afforded this opportunity.
We'll take refuge from the midday heat by lunching in a shady garden and having a relaxed look at Turkey's most famous art form—carpet weaving. Ever since nomadic Seljuks introduced woven carpets in the 12th century A.D., rugs have been an essential piece of tent furnishings. Here we can see the traditional production of wool and silk yarns, dyed with colors produced from roots, leaves, berries, bark, and minerals. Young women will be weaving as we tour the looms. If your "tent" needs a new rug, there will be hundreds from which to choose. (Should you be in the market for an authentic Turkish carpet as a special trip memory, be sure to take some room measurements before you leave home.)
Celsus Library, Ephesus
Sunday, July 30
Day at Sea
Swim Time in the Refreshing Aegean
A full day at sea is a respite to be savored. With no port calls today, sleep in! Then join the mid-morning brunch on the Lido Deck: SEA CLOUD II chefs (and the baker who has been up since 5 a.m.) pull out all the stops to provide us with a delight-filled selection. Relax with old and new friends as the SEA CLOUD II graces the blue waters of the Aegean. Or just select a title from ships’ library to read while enjoying the scenery and sunshine from a deckchair. Officers on the open bridge are always delighted to discuss the operations of our vessel—including an explanation of sail maneuvers.
After teatime, we will gather for a teaching moment from Steve Eason, one of the many opportunities to learn and deepen our appreciation of our time stepping in the path of Paul and the apostles.
Although weather-dependent, throughout the trip we will offer opportunities to our guests to engage in swim time, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Monday, July 31
Isle of Lemnos, Greece
This morning we arrive at the charming island of Lemnos. This remote island boasts countless beaches, forested pine and cypress forests, and a plethora of shopping opportunities. We've allowed a full day on this verdant Aegean island. Enjoy a long meander through the well-kept winding stone walkways. Sandy beaches await your visit and all kinds of water sports will be available, weather permitting.
Have lunch aboard the ship or choose to lunch ashore at one of the cafés dotting the harborside where our tender delivers all passengers. Expect the menu standards—calamari and unpretentious fresh fish, dolmades, tzatziki, souvlaki, spanakopita, crisp fried zucchini. Local oregano makes it into most dishes. Hopefully, there's a grandmother in the kitchen who makes galaktoboureko—our favorite sweet ending.
Lemnos is famous for its honey, so if you have room in your suitcase, pack a jar of liquid gold. You can even find raw wildflowers and thyme varieties to purchase.
Peaceful Aegean Sea
Tuesday, August 1
Philippi
Ancient Philippi
This morning we arrive at the modern city of Kavala, once the ancient seaport of Neapolis where Paul landed on his way to the Roman colony of Philippi. Responding to a vision of a man from Macedonia, we recall from Acts 16 that the apostle and his companions “put out to sea” for their two-day sail around the island of Samothrace. After coming ashore we make our way inland, just as Paul and Silas did, to the nearby namesake city of Philip of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father.
The first recorded conversion to Christ outside of Asia occurred here at Philippi—remember Lydia, a seller of purple cloth? Acts also recounts that a Philippian jailer and his family became believers when an earthquake set the brave evangelists free from prison in A.D. 49. Two millennia later, we can still stroll the worn stones of the historic Via Egnatia. Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke walked this same road.
It has become a FIRST CENTURY VOYAGE tradition for us to assemble in the shade by Lydia's stream for a brief communion service...it will be a morning you will never forget. This afternoon we hope for favorable winds from the northwest. With a good speed of advance, we should be positioned next to the Isle of Thasos in time for a casual seafood barbeque on deck. Whatever is on the grill will have been caught by Kavala fishermen that same morning!
Wednesday, August 2
Ancient City of Troy, Turkey
Yes, there is a Trojan Horse!
As we approach the historic Dardanelles this morning, we sail past Troas. Mentioned three times in the Bible, this is the ancient coastal city where the apostle Paul met Luke. Troas is also the place where Paul heard the call of a mand from Macedonia, "Come over...and help me." (Acts 16:9).
After navigating past various Gallipoli battle sites, we anchor at the Turkish port of Çanakkale. There we come ashore for a morning excursion to ancient Troy, made famous by the blind poet, Homer, in this epic, the Iliad.
Savor a final afternoon of relaxation as the Sea Cloud II cruises through the Sea of Marama. Later in the evening, join the Captain on the Lido for a Farewell Party, followed by a Grand Finale Dinner one deck below.
Thursday, August 3
Disembarkation in Istanbul
Our FIRST CENTURY VOYAGE comes to an end with heartfelt farewells with the crew at the gangway. If you must depart this morning, please make your flight arrangements from the Istanbul airport (airport code IST) after 11:00am.
If you are able to extend your holiday in Turkey, we will begin our exploration of the ancient city of Istanbul this morning.
Round Tower, Thessaloniki
Optional Extension
August 3-7
Istanbul & Cappadocia
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Cappadocia's Moonscape
After disembarking from your glorious ship on August 3, you will begin the morning with your exploration of the ancient city of Istanbul where the historic treasures of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires await. Many impressive sites will be on our sightseeing itinerary, including the dramatic, multi-domed Hagia Sophia. Nearby is the ancient sports Hippodrome – five times the size of an American football field. Remove your shoes as we mix with the worshippers in the Blue Mosque, haggle in the famous Covered Bazaar, a medieval labyrinth of 3,000 tiny shops, and tour the world-famous Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman rulers for over four hundred years.
After our flight to Cappadocia on August 4, many breathtaking sites of this ancient biblical city await your visit - the Goreme Open Air Museum resembles a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-by-side, each with its own fantastic church. Here you will examine frescos from the 10th century that still retain their colors. Beneath the magical “fairy chimneys” of the region, we will visit one of the dozens of underground cities which housed communities replete with living quarters, chapels, storage areas, a communal kitchen, and burial chambers. Float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique aerial viewpoint from an optional hot air balloon ride. Two nights of accommodation are included on August 4 & 5 in enchanting Cappadocia.
In the morning of August 6, you will return by air to Istanbul and enjoy a tour of Topkapı Palace with lunch and a visit to the Spice Bazaar, Istanbul's most enticing and colorful shopping experience. Next, we travel the Golden Horn for an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest, and Rumeli Hisarı, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror. Overnight in our Istanbul five-star hotel.
Return to the USA on August 7 or extend your European adventure!
Detailed Inclusions for the Turkey Extension
- 2-Night Accommodation at the 5-Star hotel in Istanbul, August 3 & 6
- 2-Night Accommodation at the Cappadocia Cave Resorts Hotel in Cappadocia, August 4 & 5
- Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- 2 Flights: Istanbul – Kayseri on August 4; Kayseri – Istanbul on August 6
- Complete tour package with local guides, luxury motor coach transport, and entrance fees
- All gratuities for services
Pricing Turkey Extension
$520 Single Supplement