EO offers several cruises we label as "Paul's Journeys." These unique cruise itineraries take travelers to countries like Italy, Turkey and Greece and visit cities such as Rome, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens, Corinth, Naples and more! Visit sites where the Apostle Paul ministered and evangelized on his journeys. Here are some itinerary descriptions for the Paul's Journeys cruises:
Istanbul, Turkey
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. You will also visit the Topkapi Palace, once home to royal Sultans. Inside, you will see the fabled jewels of the Treasury, delicate displays of Chinese porcelain in the Kitchen Quarters, and the provocative Harem Quarters. Walk through St. Sophia (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. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. On your second day in Istanbul you will 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. Make your way to the renowned Spice Market.
Ephesus, Turkey
Journey to Ephesus, the marble city where Paul spent three years of his ministry. It was to this community that Paul may have written his Epistle to the Ephesians. The ruins of Ephesus have been restored much like the city was in Paul’s time. You will visit the ancient Agora and imagine where Demetrius, the silversmith, sold his silver shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis. You will view the Great Theater and see the place where Paul witnessed faithfully for Christ.
Athens & Corinth, Greece
The architectural splendors of the ancient city of Athens are as magical as ever. Follow your guide on a journey to the ancient Acropolis where you will see the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erectheum. View Mars Hill where Paul preached the gospel to the intellectual Athenian community of his day (Acts 17: 15-34). You will view the Olympic Stadium, where the modern Olympics began. Travel to Corinth (Acts 18: 1-18), a city that inspired St. Paul’s most familiar letter. You will visit the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, and Temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood. Read Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and visualize his address to the Gentiles as he began the task of building Corinth’s church.
Naples, Italy
In the early morning, your ship will dock in Naples, a dazzling city perched on a beautiful rock coast. Paul landed in the Bay of Naples on his way to Rome! Journey inland to ancient Pompeii , dating almost to the time of Paul, where you will visit the spectacular ruins that were covered by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
