THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL

June 14-28, 2027

KEY DETAILS

TRIP ITINERARY

THIS JOURNEY AT A GLANCE

Length

14

DAYS

June 14-28, 2027

STARTING AT

Capacity

44

TRAVELERS

Cost

$6,699

PER PERSON

WELCOME

TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

This is not simply a Mediterranean cruise. Rather, it is a carefully curated journey through the landscapes, cities, and enduring legacy of the Apostle Paul, designed for thoughtful travelers seeking deeper understanding, fellowship, and unforgettable experiences in the places where the early Church forever changed the world.

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Begin in Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet across the Bosphorus and centuries of civilization converge. Wander through grand Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks before embarking on an extraordinary voyage across the eastern Mediterranean, following the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul through the very lands where the early Church first took root.

Stand on the banks of the river in Philippi, where Lydia became the first recorded believer in Europe. Walk the streets of Berea and Thessalonica, where Paul's teaching inspired both eager faith and fierce opposition. Wander through the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, where the Gospel transformed an entire culture, and pause along the shores of St. Paul's Bay in Rhodes, recalling the tireless missionary whose life forever changed the ancient world.

Continue west across the Mediterranean to Malta and Sicily, where Paul's remarkable journey toward Rome unfolded through shipwreck, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Visit the places where tradition remembers his ministry and witness the landscapes that shaped the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Conclude in Rome, where Paul's earthly ministry reached its final chapter. Stand before the place traditionally recognized as his burial site, visit the prison where he is believed to have written his final letters, and explore the heart of the empire that became the unlikely stage for the Gospel's expansion.

Throughout the journey, Scripture comes alive not simply through reading, but by standing in the places where these events unfolded. Ancient cities, archaeological treasures, breathtaking coastlines, and meaningful moments of reflection combine to create an experience that is both intellectually enriching and spiritually significant.

WHAT TO EXPECT

DISCOVER THE TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Türkiye. Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and settle in after your travels. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin discovering one of the world's most fascinating cities, where Europe and Asia meet across the Bosphorus.

Day 2: Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul

Spend the day exploring the remarkable city of Istanbul. Visit the historic Hippodrome, marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, descend into the remarkable Basilica Cistern, and wander through the legendary Grand Bazaar. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, taking in breathtaking views of the city from the water as two continents unfold before you.

Day 3: Embarkation

After breakfast, transfer to the port and board your Oceania Cruises ship. Settle into your stateroom and prepare for the remarkable voyage ahead as your journey through the lands of the early Church officially begins.

Day 4: Philippi & Kavala

Dock in Kavala and journey to ancient Philippi, where Paul first brought the Gospel to Europe during his second missionary journey. Visit Lydia's Baptistry, reflect beside the river where the first European convert was baptized, and explore the prison traditionally associated with Paul and Silas before returning to Kavala, ancient Neapolis, where Paul first stepped onto European soil.

Day 5: Berea & Thessaloniki

Travel inland to Berea, where the Scriptures describe the people as "more noble" for eagerly examining God's Word. Continue to Thessaloniki, where Paul established one of the earliest Christian communities and later wrote two New Testament letters. Throughout the day, discover the lasting influence of these remarkable cities on the growth of the early Church.

Day 6: Volos, Greece

Arrive in the coastal city of Volos, beautifully situated between the Pagasetic Gulf and the slopes of Mount Pelion. Today is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander the lively waterfront, discover local cafés and shops, or choose from a variety of optional experiences as you enjoy a relaxed day immersed in Greek culture before returning to the ship.

Day 7: Ancient Ephesus

Step into one of the best-preserved cities of the ancient world as you explore Ephesus. Walk its marble streets, stand inside the magnificent Great Theatre where Paul's ministry stirred the city into an uproar, visit the famed Library of Celsus, and explore the beautifully preserved Terrace Houses. Along the way, gain deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of the early Christian church.

Day 8: Rhodes & Lindos

Journey through the island of Rhodes to the picturesque village of Lindos. Visit the tranquil harbor traditionally associated with the Apostle Paul's arrival before ascending to the ancient Acropolis overlooking the Aegean Sea. Surrounded by spectacular views, reflect on the remarkable missionary journeys that carried the Gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.

Day 9: Santorini

Today is yours to experience the beauty of Santorini at your own pace. Wander the iconic whitewashed villages perched above the caldera, enjoy local cafés and boutiques, or simply take in one of the world's most spectacular island landscapes.

Day 10: At Sea

Spend another relaxing day aboard ship enjoying the comforts of Oceania Cruises. Whether attending enrichment programs, savoring exceptional cuisine, or simply watching the Mediterranean drift by, today offers time to rest before the final chapters of the journey unfold.

Day 11: Malta & St. Paul's Bay

Arrive on the island of Malta, where tradition remembers Paul's dramatic shipwreck following his voyage toward Rome. Visit St. Paul's Bay and continue to Rabat, where St. Paul's Grotto commemorates the months he spent ministering on the island. Here, Scripture and tradition come together in one of Christianity's most meaningful destinations.

Day 12: Syracuse, Sicily

Travel through the historic city of Syracuse, where Paul briefly stopped on his final journey toward Rome. Explore ancient archaeological sites and the Church of Saint John, traditionally associated with Paul's ministry in Sicily, while reflecting on the Gospel's steady expansion throughout the Roman world.

Day 13: Salerno, Italy

Wake to the colorful coastline of southern Italy as the ship arrives in Salerno, gateway to the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. Spend the day however you wish—stroll the city's charming historic center, savor authentic Italian cuisine, or venture out on an optional excursion to explore one of the region's world-renowned coastal villages. Return to the ship this evening as your remarkable Mediterranean journey draws to a close.

Day 14: Rome & The Final Chapter

Disembark in Rome and begin exploring the final chapter of Paul's remarkable life. Visit Tre Fontane Abbey, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum before concluding at the Mamertine Prison, traditionally believed to be Paul's final place of imprisonment. Here, the Apostle's enduring words—"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"—take on profound new meaning.

Day 15: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories from an extraordinary journey through the lands where the Apostle Paul proclaimed the Gospel.