Journeys of Paul Cruise on Norwegian Viva | Sept. 10, 2025
Join us for the Journeys of Paul Cruise on the Norwegian Viva starting at $5198 on September 10, 2025. You will see Athens, Thessaloniki, Izmir, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Heraklion, and much more!
Contact: Tiffany Purdie
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 September 10 – Depart the USA
Your journey of a lifetime begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
Day 2 September 11 – Athens, Greece
You will arrive in Athens, Greece, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Port of Piraeus to board the Norwegian Viva.
Day 3 September 12 – 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, the center of political and public life, constructed in the 1st century 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 exhibits of Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman sculptures.
Day 4 September 13 – Ephesus (Izmir, Turkiye)
Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town graced with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and a population of 250,000. Although spectacular excavations have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge agora and library, much has been lost. 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. View the terrace houses, also known as “the houses of the rich,” which give a true impression of the ancient lifestyle.
Day 5 September 14 – 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 St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1,000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 AD). The church has 107 columns, fossil-embedded, white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Spice Market. Shops sell everything from herbs to gold.
Day 6 September 15 – Istanbul
There’s a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this center of the Ottoman empire has become one the world’s focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there’s always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see. Head to any park , and you’ll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on own. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included.
Day 7 September 16 – 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. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included.
Day 8 September 17 – Santorini, Greece
Arrive 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 onboard. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included.
Day 9 September 18 – Rhodes, Greece
Get the real authentic Rhodes experience by exploring it on foot. Your walking tour will begin in picturesque Old Town, where you will pass through and learn all about the agora and Collachium, where the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem lived and worked. Marvel at the stunning churches, exquisite Jewish quarter, the Inns of the Knights, and the Palace of the Grand Masters. You will then tour the palace interior and walk down the Street of the Knights. Its path is paved with impressive marble and mosaics. Then, it’s on to the Hospital of the Knights museum, where you’ll learn all about the ins and outs of this majestic town. Afterward, stop for a refreshment in a local café. Exploring Rhodes on foot will inevitably leave a lasting impression on you.
Day 10 September 19 – Heraklion, Greece
Whether you visit Heraklion, Crete, to admire the remains of the ancient civilization or simply to soak in the rays on some of the best beaches in Europe, the city is guaranteed to delight and amaze you. Don’t miss one of the most popular attractions of Crete: the 3000–year–old Palace of Knossos located south of Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization. Shore excursions today can be booked directly through Norwegian and are not included.
Day 11 September 20 – Disembarkation, Athens & Corinth, Greece
The Apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth 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” (Acts 18:10). As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the Synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized (Acts 18:8), establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Tour the city of Corinth and the Museum of Corinth. Then enjoy 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 Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the Apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, “I found an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (Acts 17:23). 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. Enjoy the evening on your own to shop, dine, or experience the Acropolis by night. Overnight in Athens.
Day 12 September 21 – Return Home
Transfer to airport to return home with a new understanding of the Apostle Paul’s life and ministry.
Enhance Your Journey
Rome Pre tour
September 7 – 11, 2025 | Starting at $1,498*
September 7 – Depart the USA
Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
September 8 – Arrive in Rome
Today, you will 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.
September 9 – 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 Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Next, proceed to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. The present structure stands over the place where Constantine built the first church, which is 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.
September 10 – 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 will return to your hotel.
SEPTEMBER 11 – Travel to Athens
Fly from Rome to Athens. Upon landing in Athens, you will be transferred to the Port of Pireaus to board the Norwegian Viva.
Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.
Departure Dates
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Wednesday, September 10, 2025From $5198