Journey through the Old & New Testaments on this cruise adventure to the ancient lands of the Bible. You will enjoy the comfort of cruising in luxury aboard Royal Caribbean Line’s Vision of the Seas while visiting some of the most famous sites in the world. There will be Bible studies with Biblical scholar Ed Diaz, and special gospel concerts throughout the week.

Our adventure starts out with a flight over the Atlantic to the picturesque Italian city of Venice. This unique city located in the northern region of Italy is world renowned for its scenic canals and Renaissance architecture. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Vision of the Seas, your home for this journey. We will overnight Saturday night on the Vision of the Seas in Venice.

Sunday morning we set sail and depart Venice. You may join in a special worship service that afternoon as we make our way to the Promised Land.

Monday & Tuesday are free days at sea. Spend the days resting and relaxing, or take advantage of the many resort amenities found onboard the Vision of the Seas. The ship features a complete Fitness Center & Spa, along with both indoor and outdoor pools & whirlpools. There will also be Bible study with Ed Diaz and a concert each evening.

Wednesday we call on the port city of Haifa in modern day Israel. From Haifa we will travel by private motorcoach to the Galilee region of Israel. Along the way we will tour the Biblical sites of Megiddo on the Plain of Armageddon to see Solomon’s stables and water supply system. We then journey to Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, to visit the oldest of the churches of the annunciation. On our way to Tiberias we’ll also pass through the little town of Cana where Christ turned the water into wine. Following lunch in Tiberias, we will take a wooden boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. While on the boat we’ll pause for a brief worship service with song. After docking at Nof Ginossar, we will visit Capernaum, called “Christ’s own city” because He performed more miracles here than in any other city. We will also see the remains of an early church, the ruins of Peter’s house, and an ancient synagogue. We then travel to the traditional site of the Mount of Beatitudes to read the Sermon on the Mount while overlooking the Sea of Galilee. In the evening we make our way back to the ship for dinner.

Thursday we arrive at Ashdod, Israel, where we will be met by our local guides and private motor coaches for a tour of the Holy city of Jerusalem. Sites to be visited include the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath, the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane, site of Jesus’ agony and betrayal where we will pause for a time of prayer and devotion in a private garden. Next we’ll visit the Western Wall, Temple Mount, and Pool of Bethesda. After lunch we will travel a short distance to Mount Zion to visit the Upper Room and the traditional Tomb of King David. We’ll then proceed to the House of Caiaphas where Peter denied Christ three times, and end the day with a communion service at the Garden Tomb. In the evening we make our way back to the ship for dinner.

On Friday, we dock at Port Said in Egypt. There we will disembark the Vision of the Seas and travel to the ancient city of Cairo. Following lunch in Cairo, we will visit the famed Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the temple of Ptah in Memphis. We’ll then travel to Sakkara to see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser. Later that evening, we will experience the light show at Giza. We then enjoy dinner and overnight at a luxury hotel in Cairo.

Saturday morning we will start the day with some free time in Cairo’s Old Bazaar. Then visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. We’ll have lunch and dinner en route while sightseeing. In the evening we transfer to the port in Alexandria to re-board our ship.

Sunday is a day of rest at sea that begins with a worship service. The balance of the day is free to relax onboard and enjoy the day cruising the Mediterranean Sea.

Monday we arrive at the Turkish port of Kusadasi and the site of ancient Ephesus, home to one of the seven churches of Asia Minor. Epehsus was the largest city the Apostle Paul visited, and where he lived three of the four years of his third missionary journey. Sites at Ephesus include; the Temple of Diana, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the facade of the Library of Celsius, and the Grand Theatre where Paul tried to confront the followers of Diana. Just outside Ephesus we will visit the Basilica of St. John, erected over his grave by the Emperor Justinian. After touring, there will be time for shopping in the local craft shops known for their carpets, jewelry, and leather goods.

Tuesday & Wednesday are free days at sea as we make our way back to Venice, Italy. There will be concerts and activities throughout the week.

Thursday morning we arrive back in Venice. Following disembarkation of the Vision of the Seas, we will take a walking tour of Venice. Soak up the lively atmosphere as we stroll through this magnificent floating city. Sites to be visited include; St. Mark’s Square, home of the famous St. Mark’s Basilica, the fascinating rooms of Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. We end the tour of Venice with an unforgetable gondola ride along the Grand Canal.

Thursday evening we transfer to a hotel near the airport for dinner and overnight. Friday morning we transfer to the airport for the return flight home, having witnessed numerous wonders, icons, and memorials of our Christian faith.