Explore the Lands of Jesus and Paul Mediterranean Cruise with Third Millennium Ministries

Explore the Lands of Jesus and Paul: Mediterranean Cruise with Third Millennium Ministries

ITINERARY: October 30 - November 11, 2018

Come with us and experience up close and in comfort the places where the Apostle Paul and Jesus lived and preached. Third Millennium has made it easy to travel through the history of Christianity with well researched itineraries and highly educated guides all in safety and comfort. Gather along with other likeminded guests to experience this once in a lifetime cruise.

Third Mill Optional Excursions: We are announcing the optional excursions (not included in cabin pricing) for this trip under the ports below. Final pricing for these will be available when you register for these about six months prior to sailing. If you have any questions at all about these optional excursions, please call Sovereign Experiences at 877-768-2784 ext. 115.

Day 1, October 30th - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

We will depart our group hotel in Rome this morning and board the magnificent Celebrity Constellation together as a group..

DEPART: 5:00PM

Sovereign Experiences will provide a group rate block of rooms and optional excursions in Rome for Third Millennium guests on this cruise for the day before the cruise sets sail.

OPTIONAL PRE-CRUISE EXCURSION ON OCTOBER 29TH:
(departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming)
Our full day tour includes a guided tour as we visit the Mamertine prison, the site that records the tradition to be the place where Saint Peter and Saint Paul were imprisoned. Next, See the Colosseum, one of the most iconic buildings in the world and the symbol of ancient Rome. We conclude our day at the Catacombs where thousands of Christians were buried in a remarkable tiered series of galleries.

Day 2, October 31st - Day at Sea (Cruising)

Enjoy lectures by Dr. Richard Pratt and Dr. Greg Perry through Third Millennium’s Conference at Sea.

Day 3, November 1st - Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece

The Bible mentions Crete as the port of origin for Paul’s voyage that ended in shipwreck. In Heraklion, explore the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. The Archaeological Museum in Heraklion displays many of the treasures found during the excavations.

ARRIVE: 12:00PM
DEPART: 7:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION WITH THIRD MILLENIUM MINISTRIES
Rate: $166 per person
Departure Time: 12:30PM
Duration: 6 hours
Minimum Guests Required: 30

Immerse yourself in Greek culture, culinary traditions, history, and architecture on this breathtaking journey to artisan wine-makers, soap-makers, and Chania Town. fAfter a 45-minute scenic drive, you'll arrive at the Anoskeli Winery. Here, you'll enjoy an exclusive winery tour where you'll learn about wine production and different olive oil varieties. Discover how local artisans uphold local culinary traditions. Then, sample the flavors of the region during a guided wine tasting of the vintages. Next, you'll visit a soap workshop in the quiet village of Tavronitis. Indulge your senses and bring home a fine souvenir. Finally, you'll explore the charming town of Chania. The Venetian lighthouse and former mosque frame the town's romantic harbor. Enjoy free time to stroll the picturesque streets, viewing neoclassical mansions and Venetian fortifications.

Day 4, November 2nd - Day at Sea (Cruising)

Enjoy lectures by Dr. Richard Pratt and Dr. Greg Perry through Third Millennium’s Conference at Sea.

Day 5, November 3rd - Haifa, Israel

Travel inland to the Sea of Galilee. You may stand on the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His most well-known sermon (Matthew 5). At Tabgha, the traditional location for the calling of the disciples and the feeding of the 5000, you visit the Church of the Loaves and the Fishes (Luke 9). Visit the Chapel of the Primacy where three times Peter professed his devotion to the risen Christ (John 21). Travel to the shore town of Capernaum where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, John (Matt. 4) and later Matthew. Stop by the River Jordan.

ARRIVE: 7:00AM
DEPART: 6:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: (departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming): Discover Galilee and Nazareth’s sacred Christian sites. Begin with a visit to the banks of the River Jordan, revered by the faithful as the site where Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. Then, travel to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount. From the terrace of the lovely domed Catholic Church, enjoy incredible views of the Sea of Galilee. Next, you’ll visit the Church of the Multiplication, believed to occupy the site where Christ performed his miracle of the fish and the loaves. Admire a beautiful 5th century mosaic floor depicting the miracle. Travel to the center of Jesus’s ministry in Galilee, the Capernaum, the ruined synagogue where Christ preached. Finally, journey to Nazareth, (Nazareth Village) Nestled in a circle of cypress-covered hills, you’ll find the Basilica of the Annunciation, said to mark the grotto where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary.

Day 6, November 4th - Ashdod, Israel

ARRIVE: 7:00AM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: (departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming): Unwind and relax at the Dead Sea Resort where you’ll enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soak in this sea’s uniquely healing waters. Your journey begins with a visit to the renowned and moving Masada site. Atop this tabletop mountain Herod the Great built his palace and fortress. Learn about Masada’s rich history where Jewish Zealots made their last stand against the Roman army, choosing mass suicide over captivity. Then, travel 1,388 feet below sea level to the Dead Sea Resort, the lowest place on earth. The mineral-laden water is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water with 33.7% salinity. The unique quality of the water has made the region a health resort since Biblical times. Enjoy the Dead Sea Resort’s facilities, soaking in the healing water and the resort’s thermo-mineral pools. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a classic experience for many travellers to the Holy Land.

Day 7, November 5th - Ashdod, Israel

Travel to Jerusalem and visit the Upper Room, the traditional site of the Last Supper. Visit the House of the High Priest Caiaphas, where Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin. Stand upon the Mount of Olives and view the city as Jesus did. Wander among the olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane. Enter the Old City and visit the Pool of Bethesda. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

DEPART: 5:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: (departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming):
Discover some of the most sacred sites of the Holy Land. Begin with a visit to the Garden of Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem and view the Rock of Agony, where Christ endured his Passion. Then, enter the Jewish quarter through the Dung Gate. Revered as the sole remnant of the 2nd Temple, the massive Western Wall is actually part of the Temple Mount foundation erected by Herod the Great. The Wall is the most sacred Jewish shrine in Jerusalem. See the Temple Mount, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, sacred to Muslims. Walk the Via Dolorosa and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the final Station of the Cross, believed to enshrine the site of Christ's crucifixion.

Day 8, November 6th - Day at Sea (Cruising)

Enjoy lectures by Dr. Richard Pratt and Dr. Greg Perry through Third Millennium’s Conference at Sea.

Day 9, November 7th - Mykonos, Greece

Experience the splendor of Mykonos, Greece, one of the picturesque Cyclades islands in the South Aegean Sea.

According to Greek mythology, the battle between the Greek God Zeus and the Titans took place here. The island's name was derived from Apollo's grandson Mykons. Its main town of the same name forms a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways with striking white cubist architecture that is typical of the Cyclades.

The town's maze-like charm originally attracted socialites and celebrities in the '60s and '70s. Its popularity hasn't diminished, as scores of tourists flock to the island for its legendary nightlife. Wander the maze of streets, browse the designer shops and discover an island filled with natural beauty.

ARRIVE: 7:00AM
DEPART: 6:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION WITH THIRD MILLENIUM MINISTRIES
Rate: $166 per person
Departure Time: 10:00AM
Duration: 3 hours
Minimum Guests Required: 30

Embark on a sightseeing adventure though cosmopolitan Mykonos and into the island’s heartland to the village of Ano Mera. Drive past distinctive Mykonos landmarks, including its iconic blue-domed churches, brilliant white architecture and gently spinning windmills. No island tour would be complete without viewing the spectacular white sand beaches. A favorite international playground, these talcum sands are home to fabulous resorts and mega yachts moored just offshore. Venture beyond the hustle and bustle to discover the traditional village of Ano Mera. Enjoy an enlightening visit to the Panagia Tourliani monastery, known for its marble bell tower and intricately carved baroque iconostasis (altar screen). Afterwards, find a peaceful moment in the cozy town square. Soak up the village charm while enjoying traditional Greek mezes and ouzo, before the scenic drive back to the ship.

Day 10, November 8th - Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Long considered the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens and Corinth both were important destinations for the Apostle Paul. Here, in a cultural melting pot of philosophy and commerce, he preached the Gospel to the well-educated Greeks—as depicted in the famous sermon of Acts 17.

ARRIVE: 6:00AM
DEPART: 6:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION (departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming): Take a scenic panoramic drive through Athens on this journey to the legendary Acropolis. Enter the city from Syngrou Avenue, where you'll see some of Athens's most iconic sites, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest Corinthian-style temple in Greece. Pass Hadrian's Arch, which separates the old and new towns. Admire the National Gardens, National Library, and the Parliament Building, formerly the Royal Palace.

The highlight of your journey is a visit to the Acropolis. This architectural masterpiece was built in the Golden Age of Greece, during the latter part of the 5th century B.C. Walk a winding pathway and 150 steps to the top of the famous hill. See the stunning Propylaea Entrance, the Erechtheum, Temple of Wingless Victory, and the Parthenon, Greece's largest and most impressive temple. We will then walk down Mars Hill to the Areopagus where it is recorded in Acts 17:16-34 that Paul delivered his famous sermon.

Day 11, November 9th - Day at Sea (Cruising)

Enjoy lectures by Dr. Richard Pratt and Dr. Greg Perry through Third Millennium’s Conference at Sea.

Day 12, November 10th - Naples, Italy

Italy's third-largest city, Naples is a bustling metropolis famed for it stately buildings, crowded streets, pizza - and notoriously bad traffic. However, this beautiful city is rich in centuries-old culture and customs. Naples is also your gateway to the Isle of Capri, the fabled Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

Naples boasts an ideal location, with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach.

ARRIVE: 7:00AM
DEPART: 6:00PM

OPTIONAL EXCURSION WITH THIRD MILLENIUM MINISTRIES
Rate: $268 per person
Departure Time: 7:45AM
Duration: 9 hours
Minimum Guests Required: 30

Experience the spectacular Amalfi Coast from the waters of the Mediterranean onboard a sleek motor launch, then tour the historic ruins of Pompeii. After your cruise, you'll enjoy some time to explore Amalfi's charming narrow streets, trendy boutiques, and local cafes before heading to the ancient city of Pompeii to explore the ruins, eternally preserved by over 20 feet of ash and pumice.

Day 13, November 11th - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

ARRIVE: 5:00AM

OPTIONAL POST-CRUISE EXCURSION NOVEMBER 11TH (departure/return times, pricing and registration will be forthcoming): Our full day tour includes a guided tour of the four Major Basilicas, including St. Peter's Basilica, St. John of Lateran, St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major. We also include a three-hour guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and a visit to The Holy Stairs with Skip the Line Access at St. Peter's Basilica and No Wait Access at the Vatican Museums, an air-conditioned bus to carry us between sites and an expert, English-speaking guide for the duration of your tour, we take the hassle out of your day so you can relax and enjoy your exploration into the history, culture and art of Rome.

Please Note: Schedule of tour events and excursions are subject to modification without notice.

*Optional excursions will be offered at an additional cost and are specifically designed and selected from Sovereign and Third Millennium Ministries. Please check back for additional pricing and details. Pricing and itineraries for the listed excursions are subject to change.

To fully participate in this tour, you must be able to walk long distances, have good balance capabilities and be able to walk on uneven terrain. There will also be some climbing involved as well as long periods of standing. Due to the historical nature of some of our destinations, not all facilities will be ADA compliant.

Parents are welcomed to register children above 7 years of age with at least one accompanying adult. We apologize that children under the age of 8 years of age cannot participate in the tour.