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 as two continents unfold before you.

Day 3: Embarkation

After breakfast, transfer to the port and board Oceania Nautica. 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, ancient Neapolis, where Paul first set foot in Europe during his second missionary journey. Journey inland to ancient Philippi, where Paul proclaimed the Gospel, Lydia became the first recorded European convert to Christianity, and Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Explore the ancient theatre, Roman Forum, early Christian basilicas, and the site traditionally associated with Paul's imprisonment before reflecting beside the River Gangites, where Acts 16 records Lydia's baptism. Throughout the day, Scripture and archaeology come together in one of the most significant settings in the story of the early Church.

Day 5: Berea & Thessaloniki

Travel inland to Berea, where the Scriptures describe the people as "more noble" because they eagerly examined God's Word. Continue to Thessaloniki, where Paul preached in the synagogue and established a Christian community that he later addressed through two New Testament letters. Explore the Roman Forum, the area traditionally associated with Jason's house, the historic upper city, and other landmarks that illuminate the world Paul encountered in the first century. Along the way, consider the account of Acts 17 and the enduring themes of 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

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 and one of the most important settings in Paul's ministry. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, where Paul lived, taught, and proclaimed the Gospel for an extended period. Stand inside the magnificent Great Theatre, where the events recorded in Acts 19 culminated in a dramatic public gathering, and visit the beautifully preserved Terrace Houses to gain insight into the society in which Paul ministered. Continue to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, whose worship shaped the religious and economic life of Ephesus and provides important context for the opposition Paul encountered. Conclude at the Basilica of St. John, a later Christian monument traditionally associated with the Apostle John, offering a glimpse into the continued growth of Christianity in the region beyond the apostolic era.

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 exploring this ancient city overlooking the Aegean Sea. Wander through Lindos' whitewashed streets and experience the island's rich cultural and religious heritage while considering the broader Mediterranean world through which the early Christian message spread. Where Christian traditions are associated with Paul's presence on Rhodes, they will be presented as tradition rather than established biblical fact.

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 Nautica. Whether attending enrichment programs, savoring exceptional cuisine, or simply watching the Mediterranean drift by, today offers time to rest and reflect before the final chapters of the journey unfold.

Day 11: Malta & St. Paul's Bay

Arrive on the island of Malta, where Acts 28 records Paul's dramatic shipwreck and three-month stay following his voyage toward Rome. Visit St. Paul's Grotto, traditionally associated with Paul's time on the island, and explore the St. Paul's Catacombs, an important archaeological site providing insight into the development of Christianity in Malta during the early centuries. Through the biblical account, archaeological evidence, and later Christian tradition, discover the enduring story of Paul's witness and the growth of Christianity on Malta.

Day 12: Syracuse, Sicily

Travel to Syracuse, where Paul briefly stopped for three days on his final journey toward Rome, as recorded in Acts 28. Explore the Catacombs of San Giovanni, one of the most important early Christian burial complexes in Sicily, before visiting the historic Church of San Paolo. Continue to the Archaeological Park, where the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, and Ear of Dionysius reveal the ancient world Paul encountered. Conclude in the historic center of Ortigia, reflecting on Syracuse as one of the stops along Paul's final journey westward toward Rome and the continuing growth of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean.

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 enter the final chapter of Paul's remarkable life. Visit sites traditionally associated with his final years, including Tre Fontane Abbey, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Conclude at the Mamertine Prison, traditionally associated with Paul's final imprisonment. As you reflect on Paul's final words in 2 Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith," the journey comes full circle, from Paul's first steps into Europe to the city where his earthly ministry reached its final chapter.

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 and the early Church took root.