Voyages of Paul Cruise with Guest Speaker Bishop Connie Shelton & Worship Leader Paul Saik| May 23, 2025
Join Guest Speaker Bishop Connie Shelton & Worship Leader Paul Saik for Voyages of Paul on Celebrity Infinity for 9 nights starting at $4998 on May 23, 2025. You will see Athens, Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Volos, Thessaloniki, Kavala, and much more!
Contact: Penney Prickett
What's Included
- Deluxe A/C Motor Coaches
- Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
- Entrance and Program Fees
- Meals on Ship
- Port Charges
- Cruise
- Administrative Fee
- Cruise Taxes
Call: (501) 487-1897 · Email: penney@sapphiredestinations.org
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 May 23 – Depart the USA
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
Day 2 May 24 – Arrive in Athens
You will arrive in Athens, Greece, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the port to board the Celebrity Infinity.
Day 3 May 25 – Santorini, Greece
Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands, where picturesque, whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer-drop cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The island itself perches on the edges of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Celebrity and are not included
Day 4 May 26 – Kusadasi, Turkiye
Ephesus was the leading one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and had a population of 250,000. Spectacular excavations in the last 110 years have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge Agora and the Library, much has been lost. Explore the ancient site virtually at the Ephesus Experience Museum where you will see life in Paul’s time. We will view the terrace houses, also known as "the house of the rich," which gives a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World but today, only a single column remains to mark its site. After enjoying Ephesus, you will embark on another Turkish experience at the Carpet factory for a local lunch and a presentation.
Day 5 May 27 – Mykonos, Greece
Arrive today at the world-famous Greek Island of Mykonos, where gleaming whitewashed buildings seem to climb atop each other to reach the azure sky. Admire its many hills dotted with iconic windmills. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions today will be booked directly through Celebrity and are not included.
Day 6 May 28 – Volos, Greece
At the northwest edge of the Plain of Thessaly, between the mountain of Pindos and Antichasia and near Peneios river, the stone giants of Meteora stand still and silent. Their proud and imposing aspect discontinues the monotony of the vast Thessalic plain. The rocks stand right above Kalambaka and the picturesque Kastraki, full of awe and beauty. A daily excursion combines the unique experience that Meteora, also known also as “The Stone Forest” offer with the religious sentiment created by their Monasteries. The journey to Meteora starts from Volos and other resorts in Pelion. We pass by the cities of Larisa, Trikala, and Kalambaka. After arriving in Kalambaka, we shortly after reaching the massively impressive rocks of Meteora that take one’s breath away. We learn about the monarchy of the 11th century and have also the chance to visit one of the historical monasteries. Meteora is a World Heritage Site that fascinates every visitor regardless of their religion and cultural background. Uncover the secrets of the unique geological phenomenon of the Meteora rocks, experience the serenity of the surreal landscape that has been home to Christian hermits and monks since the 12th century AD, and feel the spirituality of one of Christianity’s holiest places. Afterwards, drive back to the city of Volos and enjoy some free time in this beautiful town before returning to your cruise ship.
Day 7 May 29 – Thessaloniki, Greece
Discover Thessaloniki, the “Queen of the North,” where Paul was accused of turning the world upside down with his preaching of Christ (Acts 17: 3 -6). Built by King Cassandros and named after the sister of Alexander the Great, the city flourished under the Byzantine Empire. Stroll through the beautiful basilica of St. Demetrios, dedicated to a distinguished Roman proconsul martyred for his Christian faith. Look upon the Roman Agora, center of political and public life, constructed in the 1st AD. Along the Via Egnatia stands the Galerius Arch, where you can look out over the second-largest city in Greece from the Old City Ramparts, some dating back to Roman times. The tour continues to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The museum houses exhibit of Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman sculptures.
Day 8 May 30 – At Sea
At Sea
Day 9 May 31 – Athens & Corinth, Greece
Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as your guide introduces you to the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erechtheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, “I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” As you stroll the agora (ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life), recall that this was where the Apostle Paul preached “Jesus and the resurrection” to the skeptical Athenians. Also, see the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon, tour the city of Corinth, where the Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, “I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the archaeological museum, marketplace, and temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the Apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews.
Day 10 June 1 – Return to the USA or enjoy the Rome extension.
Return to the USA or enjoy the Rome extension.
Enhance Your Journey
TURKIYE Pre - Tour
May 19 - 24, 2025 for $1,798*
May 19 – Depart the USA
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
May 20 – Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 21 – Istanbul
The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. Walk through Hagia Sophia, which was the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 A.D.). The church has 107 columns; fossil imbedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold. Fly to Cappadocia area this evening for dinner and overnight.
May 22 – Cappadocia
Drive to Cappadocia and visit the Zelve Valley. As you drive through Cappadocia, enjoy some free time at various photo stops in this magnificent landscape full of fairy chumneys. Visit the Goreme open air Museum before returning to your hotel.
May 23 – Cappadocia/Istanbul
You can take an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia this morning for an additional fee. Fly this afternoon to Istanbul. Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus River cruise. Then check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
May 24 – Flight to Athens
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens, upon arrival transfer to Piraeus and board the Celebrity Infinity.
Optional Hot Air Ballon is apprximately $250 per person
ROME Post - Tour
June 1 - 4, 2025 | for $1,498*
June 1 – Depart Athens for Rome
Disembark the Celebrity Infinity transfer to Athens airport for your flight to Rome. Arrive in Rome, Italy, where you will be met by our representative and travel along the Appian Way. Step beneath the surface into the Catacombs of Callixtus, built along the Appian Way. Here, 16 Popes from the 2nd through 4th centuries were interred, though they had been removed from various churches over the centuries. Check in to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner and rest.
June 2 – Ancient Rome
Discover the history woven throughout Rome with visits to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, Circus Maximus, the Arch of Titus, the Baths of Caracalla and the Arch of Constantine today. After touring, you return to your hotel for dinner and rest.
June 3 – Vatican City & Christian Rome
Visit the Vatican and explore its museum. Marvel at the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica and stand in awe of Michaelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Next on to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church over Saint Paul’s grave. The church features a portrait of every Pope who has served the church. Climb the graceful Spanish Steps and stop at the famous Trevi Fountain before returning to your hotel this evening for dinner and rest.
June 4 – Return to the USA
Bid farewell to Rome as you transfer to the Rome airport this morning for your return flight to the USA.
Departure Dates
-
Friday, May 23, 2025From $4998