Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
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Available PackagesThursdayOctober 14, 2027TuesdayOctober 26, 2027$3320
Join Craig and Sandy Ostler on an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure as we follow in the footsteps of the Apostles! Begin with a pre-tour in Rome, followed by an inspiring Mediterranean cruise and a post-tour in Athens. This is a journey that will bring the New Testament to life!
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Set sail with the Ostlers on a dream vacation to some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating destinations. This remarkable region is home to many of Europe’s most treasured cultural and historical landmarks. Stroll along ancient cobblestone streets in Greece, Turkey, and Italy, and explore architectural masterpieces such as the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the ancient ruins of Ephesus in Turkey, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Along the way, trace the Footsteps of the Apostles through lands rich in biblical history, faith, and tradition. You will also marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Santorini’s whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches overlooking the sea and discover the charm of Mykonos with its iconic windmills and waterfront. Experience the perfect blend of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and spiritual discovery on an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise.
Spots are filling fast—secure yours today!
Tour ID# 9227J14
Questions? Contact:
Dani Edmunds, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6114
Depart your home cities and travel overnight to Rome.
Meals: In-flight
Upon our arrival into Rome, we will be met at the airport and then begin our adventure with afternoon sightseeing including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Tonight, we enjoy our welcome dinner and introductions.
Today we travel outside the “old city” of Rome to see the Rome Temple Visitor’s Center and Temple. For those who wish to do proxy work in the temple, time will be allotted to do so. Afternoon sightseeing includes exploration of the Eternal City with a tour of the Vatican, including the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
This morning we return to the LDS Rome Temple site to attend church services. This afternoon we complete our exploration of Rome with a guided tour of Imperial Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Evening at leisure.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you board your coach to the cruise port city of Civitavecchia to board your awaiting ship.
Meals: Breakfast, (Lunch & Dinner onboard ship)
Enjoy your day at sea exploring the ship and all the fun areas it has to offer.
Today we will also enjoy a faith-based devotional with Craig Ostler for those who’d like to join us.
A charming small fishing village on the Ionian Sea, Katakolon offers a glimpse into traditional Greek coastal life. Spend a leisurely afternoon browsing local shops and artisan crafts, sampling freshly caught seafood, and enjoying the relaxed harbor atmosphere with its beautiful seaside views.
For those interested in history, a short drive inland brings you to Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Walk among the sacred ruins where athletes once competed in honor of Zeus and experience the timeless legacy of one of history’s most celebrated traditions.
*Optional Private Group Shore Excursion in Olympia, Greece $160 per person:
Today our ship arrives in Katakolon, the charming seaside gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Upon disembarkation, we travel through the scenic countryside of the Peloponnese to the archaeological site of Olympia, one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient world.
During our guided visit, we explore the ruins of the original Olympic Stadium, where athletes competed nearly 3,000 years ago. We will also see the Temple of Zeus, once home to the massive gold and ivory statue of Zeus considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the Temple of Hera and other important monuments and training areas used by ancient athletes.
Our visit also includes the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, featuring remarkable sculptures, artifacts, and treasures uncovered from the site that help bring ancient Greek history and mythology to life.
Following free time for lunch and shopping, we return to Katakolon where there may be time to stroll the waterfront shops and cafés before reboarding the ship.
Dating back to Mycenaean times, Chania places you in its deep cultural roots and longstanding traditions. The ancient buildings bear marks of many battles fought here throughout the centuries. Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more peaceful spot — pick a shaded spot beside the beach and dip your feet into the Greek sun-kissed waters.
NO PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE BEING OFFERED IN CRETE, GREECE.
The UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Ephesus impress even those familiar with the world’s other ancient cities. Though excavations have been underway for 150 years, only 20 percent of the city has been uncovered. Check out the the Celsus Library — built in 117 A.D., the site is made up of towering columns highlighted by the statue of the goddess of wisdom. Cruises to Ephesus will give you a taste of Turkish life by strolling the seafront promenade and the bustling city center. Walk Marble Street, paved with actual marble slabs, which takes you from downtown to the Temple of Artemis — you can still see one lone remaining column from this wonder of the ancient world.
*Optional Private Group Shore Excursion in Ephesus, Turkey – $156 PER PERSON
In Ephesus, we will depart the port of Kusadasi and drive to “Mary’s House” one of the believed sites of where Mother Mary, the virgin, may have lived and died after her son’s crucifixion. From here we travel to the ancient site of Ephesus where Paul preached and converted many. It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman sites with much to see and explore. After our included lunch stop, we will visit the Basilica of John before driving back to port Kasadasi. Here you will have free time for exploring and shopping before you board our awaiting ship.
Nestled in the heart of Greece’s Cyclades archipelago, Mykonos pulses with irrepressible energy. With its powder white houses, sparkling blue waters, and red-hot nightlife, 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. Join in the raucous beach party on Super Paradise’s shimmering sands, or watch the sun burn out beyond an Aegean horizon from an open-air seaside taverna.
NO PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE BEING OFFERED IN MYKONOS, GREECE.
Santorini is one of the world’s most popular islands, known best for its dramatic scenery, whitewashed villages and fiery volcanic activity. Here adventure bubbles above the Aegean Sea in the most bold and breathtaking ways. A cable car takes you to the capital of Fira, a bustling cliff-top town awash with old cathedrals, enthralling museum collections and cozy tavernas. Venture to the coast for a swim in the deep blue waters that lap red and black pebbled beaches. And peel back layers of lava and history among excavated Akrotiri. Whether it’s by bicycle, ATV or on your own two feet, exploring this Cyclades Isle never fails to impress.
NO PRIVATE SHORE EXCURSIONS ARE BEING OFFERED IN SANTORINI, GREECE.
After disembarkation from the ship, we drive to the ancient site of Corinth. We will follow in the footsteps of Paul, who spent time living in Corinth and wrote two letters to the Corinthians. Following the included lunch, we drive to Athens to visit the Acropolis of Athens and Marsh Hill. In Athens, it is all about Paul and Acts 17. As our guide gives us a wonderful tour of the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and Mars Hill, your heart will start to race. We’ll hear Paul’s sermon about the unknown Gods and climb to the top of the Parthenon and walk around the monumental ruins of the UNESCO-listed site.
Following dinner at our hotel, we will have our final devotional with Craig Ostler.
Today we return home with a heart full of the many spiritual and historical sites we’ve experienced that are forever part of us and memories to last a lifetime.
Cruise Pricing:
- Inside Cabin $3,320 per person/double occupancy – Category 4V
- Outside Window Cabin $3,750 per person/double occupancy – Category 2N
- Balcony Cabin $4,130 per person/double occupancy – Category 2D
- Other cabin categories may be available – best cabins and price will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Note: Single/triple/quad cabins are based on availability and are subject to change. Rates will be quoted based on availability.
Cruise Tour Add-On Options:
- Day 7 Optional Private Group Shore Excursion in Olympia, Greece – $160 Per Person
- Day 9 Optional Private Group Shore Excursion in Ephesus, Turkey – $156 Per Person
Payment Terms:
- $500 deposit due at the time of booking
- Final Payment due July 9, 2027
- Cash discount – $100 off per person for payments made by check.
Cancellation Policy:
- Free cancellation up to 7 days from deposit
- After 7 days, there is a 50% cancellation fee of your deposit or transfer to a future travel credit
- This tour is fully nonrefundable AFTER the final payment date
- Please read all our full Terms and Conditions
- 3 Night Pre-tour in Rome including touring, free time, and an optional visit to LDS Temple
- 7-night cruise onboard the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
- 1-night Post-tour in Athen’s including Corinth
- Round Trip transfers with group flight times
- All meals and other public entertainment onboard
- Cruise Port Charges
- Multiple private faith-based lectures/devotionals with Craig and Sandy Ostler
- Government fees and land taxes of $186.94 per person
- Optional private shore excursions as listed on each excursion day.
- International Flights
- Trip cancellation & trip interruption insurance - Several options available - Ask for details.
- Optional Cruise Prepaid Gratuities $129.50 per person
- Travel document package
Join Us for The Adventure of a Lifetime!
-
Available PackagesThursdayOctober 14, 2027TuesdayOctober 26, 2027$3320
About Craig & Sandy Ostler
Dr. Craig James Ostler and his wife, Sandy, have a special love for sharing sacred and meaningful sites with fellow travelers. They help others to feel the power of being on site as they read, study, and ponder the scriptures on their tours. Participants return home with increased appreciation and understanding of the lives of the Savior, prophets, apostles, and every-day people, ancient and modern. Dr. Ostler has been a religious educator for more than 40 years, teaching with the Seminaries and Institutes for 15 years and as a Professor at Brigham Young University for 28 years. He has authored over 30 books and articles, produced more than 50 videos, as well as taught Adult Religion classes and at BYU Education Week. He was co-director of the BYU Church History Travel Study program before retiring from BYU in 2020. He has served on a General Church Writing Committee, as a Bishop, and on three High Councils.
Sandy received a degree in Early Childhood Education from BYU and, while her children were young, taught preschool in her home for several years. She loves gardening, knows nearly every flower and decorative plant on sight, and shares that love with others. She belongs to a private national group known as Growing Kindness that personally delivers happiness to others by sharing flowers, especially, varieties of dahlias. Her warm and uplifting welcome each morning will make your tour experiences begin with sunshine in your soul!
Dr. Ostler, Sandy, and family lived in Jerusalem in 1998 and again in 2008, where he led field trips and taught classes while on university assignment at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. The family made many friends and due to Sandy’s cheerful and welcoming nature. Dr. Ostler was affectionately known to the Jewish and Palestinian communities as Sandy’s husband. As soon as COVID restrictions lifted, Elder and Sister Ostler served in the McAllen, Texas Mission (assigned to Laredo, Texas) 2021-2022. Dr. Ostler’s earlier service as a young man in the Bogotá, Colombia Mission, and undergraduate degree in Spanish Teaching were put to good use in sharing their love for the people of Laredo. The Ostlers have 7 children, 23 grandchildren, and countless deeply loved friends.
