Footsteps of Paul Cruise 2022
Join us on a 13-day Footsteps of Paul Cruise, starting at $5,398 from New York, NY departing on May 22, 2022. Journey to Naples, Rome, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Istanbul, and much more!
What's Included
- All Inclusive Pricing
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Guided Tours
- International Airfare from NY
- Meals on Ship
- Port Charges
- Select Shore Excursions
- Study Guide
- Cruise
- Overseas Transfers
- Gratuities
- Cruise Gratuities
- Cruise Taxes
- Free WIFI
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 May 22 – DEPART USA
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
Day 2 May 23 – ARRIVE IN ROME
You will arrive in Rome, Italy where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the port to board the Celebrity Reflection.
Day 3 May 24 - TAORMINA
Discover the tranquil beauty of the Sicilian coast, its charming resort atmosphere, and the breathtaking village of Taormina, perched on a mountainside. Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive along the east coast of Sicily. Then, journey into Taormina’s ancient squares. Stroll past the boutiques located along the Corso Umberto. Taormina was built in the 3rd century B.C. and overlooks the sea. Uncover its medieval character as you join your guide for a walk to Palazzo Corvaja, a 15th century building adorned with lovely double windows. Next visit the spectacular Greek Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C., renowned for its acoustic qualities. Weather permitting, marvel at incredible views of Mt. Etna. After your guided adventure, you’ll have free time to browse the local shops, cafés, palaces, squares, side alleys, and churches.
Day 4 May 25 – AT SEA
AT SEA
Day 5 May 26 – SANTORINI, GREECE
Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands where picturesque whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer drop cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The island itself perches on the edges of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Celebrity and are not included.
Day 6 May 27 - MYKONOS, GREECE
Arrive today at the world-famous Greek Island of Mykonos, where gleaming whitewashed buildings seem to climb atop each other to reach the azure sky. Admire its many hills dotted with iconic windmills. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Celebrity and are not included.
Day 7 May 28 – ISTANBUL
The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. You will also visit the Topkapi Palace, once home to royal Sultans. Inside, you will see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the provocative Harem Quarters. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 A.D.). The church has 107 columns; fossil imbedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold.
Day 8 May 29 – ISTANBUL
The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. You will also visit the Topkapi Palace, once home to royal Sultans. Inside, you will see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the provocative Harem Quarters. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 A.D.). The church has 107 columns; fossil imbedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold.
Day 9 May 30 - EPHESUS, TURKEY
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Although spectacular excavations have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge Agora and Library, much has been lost. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World but today, only a single column remains to mark its site. View the terrace houses, also known as “the houses of the rich,” which give a true impression of ancient lifestyle. Explore the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at ancient artifacts. You will have time to explore on your own and recreate some of the footsteps of Paul.
Day 10 May 31 - ATHENS & CORINTH, GREECE
Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erechtheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” . As you stroll the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” to the skeptical Athenians. Also see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon tour the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, “I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews.
Day 11 June 1 – AT SEA
AT SEA
Day 12 June 2 - NAPLES, ITALY
Disembark the ship in Naples and travel towards Mt. Vesuvius to uncover the fascinating history of Pompeii. Embark on a guided walking tour of the ancient Roman city’s archeological ruins below formidable Mount Vesuvius. Traverse the historic excavation site with an informative guide, through the city’s forum and past grand temples, mansions, and Roman baths. View artifacts recovered from the 79 AD volcanic blast, when 20 feet of ash and pumice buried the entire city, and behold a menacing panoramic view of Mount Vesuvius.
Day 13 June 3 – RETURN HOME
Disembark the Celebrity Reflection and transfer to Rome to return home with a new understanding of the Apostle Paul’s life and ministry.
Enhance Your Journey
Rome Pre-Tour
May 20 - 23, 2022
May 20 - Depart USA
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
May 21 - Arrive in Rome
Today you will arrive in Rome, Italy where you will be met by our representative and travel along the Appian Way. Step beneath the surface into the Catacombs of Callixtus, built along the Appian Way. Here 16 Popes from the 2nd through 4th Centuries were interred, though they have been removed to various churches over the centuries. Check in to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner and rest.
May 22 - Vatican City & Christian Rome
Visit the Vatican, and explore its museum. Marvel at the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica, and stand in awe of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Next, proceed to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every Pope that has served the church. Climb the graceful Spanish Steps and stop at the famous Trevi Fountain before returning to your hotel this evening.
May 23 - Ancient Rome
Discover the history woven throughout Rome with visits to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the Baths of Caracalla and the Arch of Constantine today. After touring, you will be transferred to the Port of Civitavecchia to board the Reflection.
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
Castel Gandolfo Post-Tour
June 3 - 4, 2022
June 3 - Castel Gandolfo
Disembark the ship and travel to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence and retreat for the Pope. During World War II, the Pontifical villas served to protect some 12,000 refugee children during the Allied invasion. The present palace was built in the 17th century for Pope Urban VIII. The Barberini Gardens of the Palace are now open to visitors, once part of Emperor Domitian’s villa, they provide sweeping views of the Roman ruins and Lake Albano. Continue to Rome and check in to your hotel this evening.
June 4 - Return to USA
Bid farewell to Italy as you transfer to the Rome airport this morning for your return flight to the USA.
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.