Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.

You will arrive in Rome, Italy, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Port of Civitavecchia to board the Odyssey of the Seas.

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 the 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.

AT SEA

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 Erectheum. 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 marketplace and center of Athenian public life), recall 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.

Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful 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 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 onboard. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Royal Caribbean.

Get the real, authentic Rhodes experience by exploring it on foot. Your walking tour will begin in the picturesque Old Town, where you will pass through and learn all about Agora and Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked. Marvel at the stunning churches, exquisite Jewish quarter, the Inns of Knights, and the Palace of Grand Masters. You will then tour the palace interior and down the Street of Knights — its path paved with impressive marble and mosaics. Then it’s on to the Hospital of Knights museum, where you’ll learn about this majestic town's ins and outs. Afterward, stop for a refreshment in a local café. Exploring Rhodes on foot will inevitably leave a lasting impression on you.

Go deep into Cyprus’ history as you explore the island today. This beautiful port town is known for its seafood, pottery, leather goods, and traditional lace works. Wander the streets and enjoy the shops on your way to the Kolossi Castle, built by order of St. John in 1210 in the city center of Limassol. Take a trip to Paphos from Limassol to explore ancient ruins, archaeological sites, and the goddess of love’s mythical birthplace. Travel past the Temple of Apollo to this UNESCO-recognized city and discover elaborate tombs in a 3rd-century necropolis.

Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. 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 house 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.

Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses and sparkling blue waters, the Island of the Winds is as colorful as the people who call the island home. You can walk narrow marble pathways laced with purple bougainvillea blooms or go cycling on two wheels past off-the-path Ano Mera village. Explore Greece’s maritime history at Armenistis Lighthouse and check out the Folklore Museum’s Mykonian ship models. At the end of the day, watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through the cruise line

Delve into a Cretan cultural experience that includes guided sightseeing at Lake Kournas, the Arkadi Monastery, and the bustling town of Rethymnon. The first stop is at Lake Kournas, where you’ll savor a delicious treat of traditional cheese pie with honey among white sands and ancient olive trees. Next is a tour of the fortress-like monastery, whose history dates to Byzantine times. Finish with a stroll through distinctively ancient yet distinctly modern Rethymnon.

At Sea

Transfer to the Rome airport to return home with a new understanding of the Lands of the Bible and ministry.