Home City to Rome, Italy

Today we are off to begin our exciting Mediterranean cruise tour by flying to Rome.  Upon our arrive we'll be picked up at the airport and taken on a 1/2 day city tour of the great historical sites of the Eternal City. We will visit Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, The Spanish Steps to name of few of the landmarks that await. 

We will then be dropped off at hour hotel for the next 2 nights to rest and get ready for the amazing adventures ahead. Tonight we will have a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Rome, Italy

This morning we travel outside the "old city" walls of Rome to attend the long-awaited experience of the LDS Rome Temple.   This afternoon touring will include visits to the iconic Colosseum and the Roman Forum to see it's ancient ruins like the Temple of Julius Caesar.

Rome, Italy to Civitavecchia to board cruise

This morning after breakfast we will depart the hotel to attend a local sacrament meeting before making our was to the coastal town of Civitavecchia to board our home for the next 7 nights on the Explorer of the Seas.

After you check checked into your cabin you'll have time to explore the ship.  We'll meet for dinner followed by a group "fireside" meeting tonight.

Day at Sea

Whether you seek an adrenaline rush or total tranquility, your ship will have it all.  

This afternoon we will have a group seminar. 

Santorini, Greece

Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island’s charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Private LDS excursion option: The Teachings of Paul

This morning we'll depart from the Port of Kusadasi for private tour of Ephesus, Basilica of John and Mary’s House. Ephesus was home for Paul, Luke, Timothy, John and perhaps Mary. Our tour will start with a visit to Mary’s House where she spend her last days. Later we will continue to Ephesus which is one of the best preserved ancient sites in the World. We will visit the city where Paul had been and walk in the streets where Paul had walked. After a nice tour of Ephesus, we will be heading for our lunch which will consist of local dishes with shopping possibility. We will visit the Basilica of John which was constructed on the hill where John The Revelator had lived before he was exiled to island of Patmos.  We will conclude our tour with a visit at Temple of Artemis- one of 7 wonders of the Ancient World and Isa Bey Mosque- a Selcuk period Mosque and finally drive back to port of Kusadasi. 

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you’ll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. 

Fun day at sea

Today you get a day of rest to sleep in and rejuvenate from the last few busy days.  This afternoon we will gather for a New Testament lesson.

Naples (Capri), Italy

Cruise to Naples, located on Italy’s stunning Amalfi coast, a city rich in history. A tour around Naples’ grand piazzas, cathedrals and castles in the old center will take you back centuries. Pompeii is not too far either, a dashing city which boasts diverse cultural offerings and charming streets.

Optional Group Shore Excursion:

Today we will spend exploring the ruins of Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius and while in port in Naples. Our private group will be lead by an local expert guide making sure we understand the history and devastation of the story of Pompeii.  While there we'll see the largest archaeological site in Europe and tour Pompeii's Thermal Baths, Lupanare brothel and the Forum. Afterward, we'll have an included break for lunch before tour the area of Mt Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for Pompeii’s destruction and enjoy sweeping views of the Bay of Naples.  Afterwards we'll visit one of the quaint village on the Capri coast before returning to our ship.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy 

This morning we will arrive back to Civitavecchia.  You will either catch your transfer back to the airport for your flight back to the US or, you might consider extending for 1 more day to enjoy the city of Rome.  You'll have a free day to revisit or enjoy more splendid sites on your own.