Wonders of the Bible Cruise 2024

Onboard the brand new NCL Getaway!

13 Nights Cruise & Land Tour

from Athens to Istanbul

In a world where the past often intersects with the present, there exists a unique opportunity to embark on a voyage that transcends time, space, and belief. Welcome aboard the Wonders of the Bible Cruise 2024, a 14-day expedition that promises not only to traverse the captivating landscapes of the Eastern Mediterranean but also to delve deep into the pages of Christian Faith. This transformative journey offers an extraordinary blend of Spirituality, and culture, guiding travelers through a tapestry of ancient cities and Biblical wonders.

  • Destination

  • Departure

    Athens, Greece/Istanbul, Turkey
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Day 1: Arrival Athens

Welcome to Athens, upon arrival at the Athens International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Athens
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Day 2: Tour Athens of Apostle Paul

We will begin our day with a tour of Athens. In 51 AD, Apostle Paul traveled from Berea to Athens by boat. His boat anchored at Faliron that used to be one of the main ancient ports of Ancient Athens. Paul walked from the port to the city of Athens. While waiting for Silas & Timothy to come from Macedonia, he spent most of his time talking with citizens at the Synagogue and in the Agora. The Athenians took an interest in his teachings and invited him to present it more analytical on the Aeropagus, the hill west of the Acropolis (Mars Hill). Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and gave his famous Aeropagus Sermon, emphasizing the need to “a known God” rather than worship the “unknown” as described in Acts 17:16-34. Follow your guide on a visit to the Acropolis where you will see the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erectheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Touring through modern Athens You will view the Olympic Stadium, where the modern Olympic games began and where the games returned in 2004. Free time in Plaka before you head back to the hotel for Dinner & Overnight.
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Day 3: Ancient Corinth & Embarkation

Today prior to your embarkation you visit Corinth (Acts 18: 1-18), a city that inspired one of St. Paul’s most famous letter. You will visit the Archeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, addressing his message to the Gentiles as he began the task of establishing his church in Corinth. Acts 18:9-11 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Stop for Lunch at the Corinth Canal and return back to Athens for your cruise Embarkation onboard NCL Getaway.
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Day 4: Day at Sea

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Day 5: Docked in Jerusalem, Israel

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”(Acts 21:13) Welcome to Jerusalem where you will visit the Upper Room, the House of the High Priest Caiaphas and the Western Wall. Visit the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. You'll walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Enter the Old City and visit the Pool of Bethesda. Worship together in the Garden Tomb.
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Day 6: Docked in Tel-Aviv, Israel

Visit Galilee, Tabgha, Capernaum, River Jordan: Travel inland to the Sea of Galilee. You'll stand on the Mount of the Beatitudes and you'll visit the Church of the Fish and the Loaves, the Chapel of the Primacy, Capernaum and you'll stop by the River Jordan where those who wish to be baptized may do so
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Day 7: Alexandria, Egypt

Understand the Roman Empire’s profound influence on ancient Egypt during this tour of Alexandria’s catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar and the Roman Theater. Descend into the intriguing Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Alexandria’s largest Roman cemetery, where more than 300 souls were interred, and discover splendid sculptures and reliefs of Egyptian gods crafted in a Roman style. Wonder at towering Pompey’s Pillar, an astounding 82-foot-tall red Aswan granite column constructed to honor the powerful emperor Diocletian and the largest Roman triumphal monolith outside the imperial capitals of Rome and Constantinople. You’ll learn it was erroneously named after the Roman general Pompey, who was thought to have been buried here after his murder on the orders of Egypt’s King Ptolemy. Applaud the captivating 4th-century Roman amphitheater, unearthed in 1960, where up to 800 spectators thrilled to musical performances, and admire its well-preserved white marble steps and mosaic flooring. You’ll uncover the imprint of the Roman Empire on enthralling Alexandria, a city at the crossroads of two powerful ancient civilizations.
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Day 8: Cairo, Egypt

Embark on an unforgettable shore excursion to Cairo, Egypt, where the sands of time reveal captivating tales of ancient civilizations and modern marvels. As you step off your cruise ship, prepare to be awestruck by the iconic Pyramids of Giza. These towering structures, shrouded in mystery, stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Egyptians. Marvel at the Great Pyramid, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and uncover the stories of pharaohs and architects that have endured for millennia.Adjacent to the pyramids, the Sphinx beckons with its enigmatic charm. Gaze upon this colossal monument, a guardian of secrets and symbol of power. Your guide will illuminate the various theories surrounding the Sphinx's origin and purpose, inviting you to contemplate its significance.As the day draws to a close, return to the port with a heart full of cherished memories and newfound knowledge.
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Day 9: Paphos of Apostle Paul, Cyprus

On his First Missionary Journey, Paul's first stop was the Island of Cyprus. Along with him were Barnabas and John Mark, together they preached the word of God on the Island in the Synagogues of the Jews (Act 13:4-5). Today you will arrive in Paphos where Paul and Barnabas brought the gospel to the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus.
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Day 10: Ancient Lindos of Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes, the island of "roses", is the legendary home of the sun god Apollo. The old town (the largest inhabited medieval town of Europe) and its mighty fortifications (built by the crusaders of St. John) are the finest surviving example of defensive architecture. An optional tour takes us to Lindos, which is guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. Within, stands the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, 400 feet above the sea. From the Acropolis a breathtaking view covering the great expanse of the Aegean Sea and St. Paul's Bay, where the Apostle cast harbor during his historic voyage to Ephesus.
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Day 11: Ancient Ephesus, Turkey

Today you are docked in Kusadasi, Turkey and start your excursion to ancient Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world and its former glory can still be appreciated today from its well- preserved streets, temples, fountains, public baths, terraced houses, and theatres. Paul went to Ephesus on his third Missionary journey, staying and preaching for a period of about two to three years,and where several certain incidents took place (Acts 19:120, 20:20). It was to this community that Paul may have written his epistle to the Ephesians. You will visit the ancient Agora and go back in time where Demetrius, the silversmith, sold his silver shrines to the Ancient Greek goddess, Artemis. See the Library of Celsius and view the Great Theatre mentioned in the Book of Acts.
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Day 12: Disembarkation & Tour Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul. An exciting day lies ahead of you. After breakfast, you will disembark and meet your expert guide to tour the most amazing landmarks of Istanbul, including the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, a beautiful architectural example of the Byzantine era and Christian Faith. Then you continue to the Hippodrome, a venue of events in the Roman Period such as horse races, gladiator fights, and parades. Last but not least, Blue Mosque famous for its blue tiles which cover the walls of the Mosque and the marvellous architecture.
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Day 13: Tour Istanbul

Your second day in Istanbul, tour of the old city begins as we step onto the grounds of the Topkapi Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman Turks. Poised on the hilltop of the Golden Horn, it beckoned home the sultans of old, and today it has that same magnetic appeal. This afternoon, we head to the Grand Covered Bazaar, a maze of streets and shops under an intricately painted, vaulted roof. It is a world unto itself abounding in the sights, aroma and sounds of old Turkey. Overnight in Istanbul.
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Day 14: Departure