Mediterranean Cruise

Tour #11

October 16-29, 2008

This cruise is on the brand new Carnival cruise lines “SPLENDOR” and is the largest ship sailing the Mediterranean Sea. On this 12-day cruise, you will be amazed at all the sites and events in Greek history that have fulfilled bible prophecy. (See Insight, Vol. 2, p.333) Some of these ports had at least 2,000 years to prepare for your visit so you won’t be disappointed. For a description of this luxurious floating resort, see page 14, which is the same cruise ship that will sail on the European Russian Cruise. Just think, no food to buy for the entire cruise as all of the meals are included. Best of all, our special group rate from New York is only $2399 per person plus port taxes. (Add only $150 and you can fly from most major cities to Rome, Italy. West Coast cities are only $200 additional.)

Oct. 16 Everyone will fly overnight from their hometown to ROME, ITALY. Enjoy dinner and a movie as you cross the Atlantic Ocean.

Oct. 17 Upon arrival in Rome, you will be transferred to the cruise ship in Civitavecchia that departs at 7:00 p.m. This will be your home for the next 12 days. Tonight, there will be a “Welcome Dinner” with separate dining room tables reserved just for our group so you can meet friends from various parts of the country to share experiences.

Oct. 18 This morning your ship arrives in NAPLES, ITALY. Here you can take an optional sightseeing tour along the cliffs on the famous Amalfi Coast to the towns of Positano and Sorrento. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the world which you will not forget! If you prefer, you can visit the ancient ruins in Pompeii or tour the Isle of Capri with its famed Blue Grotto.

Oct. 19 Enjoy a “Fun Day at Sea” to browse through the ship’s shops and enjoy the warm weather around the swimming pools and on the sun decks. Meals are served 4 times a day. You can even watch a movie on the huge outdoor movie screen during the day or in the evening. On some nights, there will be spectacular Broadway shows with a live orchestra.

Oct. 20 Today you will be in MARMARIS, TURKEY, located on the continent of Asia. This interesting port has many historical sites and shops that you will not want to miss. Enjoy the midnight buffet each evening.

Oct. 21 Arrive IZMIR, (Ephesus) that was originally known as Smyrna, where its history goes back to 3,000 B.C. This is considered the most important ancient city ever excavated in Turkey. (WT 3/1/93, p.8) History will come to life as you follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul down the narrow marble streets where many chariots have left their mark.

Oct. 22 Enjoy a full day in ISTANBUL, TURKEY. Take a tour of this ancient city including the Topkapi Palace, home of the sultans and the Blue Mosque, famous for its ceramic tiles. Be sure to visit the world’s largest Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 tiny exotic shops.

Oct. 23 Another “Fun Day at Sea” to relax and enjoy all the ships facilities.

Oct. 24 Arrive Piraeus, the port for ATHENS, GREECE. You can tour Athens, site of the 2004 Olympic Games, or climb the Areopagus (Mars Hill), scene of Paul’s dramatic experience, where he delivered his most famous Discourse of the Unknown God. See the Agora (market place) and the ancient Parthenon high atop the Acropolis. (See WT 7/15/98, p. 25 and Awake 3/8/00, p. 13) Visit the bazaar in the Plaka area for buys on jewelry, leather and souvenirs.

Oct. 25 Arrive in KATAKOLON, GREECE, where the original Olympic Games were held from 776 B.C. to 393 A.D. See the ancient ruins and walk through the narrow streets to explore the market place.

Oct. 26 Today is another “Fun Day at Sea” to enjoy the warm weather.

Oct. 27 Ship docks in LIVORNO, ITALY. Take a tour to the exciting city of FLORENCE to marvel at many of the Florentine treasures and museums with artists like Botticelli and Donatello. You’ll find beautiful handmade leather goods, jewelry or anything else in the market of San Lorenzo. You can also tour Tuscany to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Oct. 28 This is another day that you will long remember as your ship returns to the port of Civitavecchia where you will have the entire day free to visit ROME, known as the “Eternal City” and world empire of bible history. Visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the largest church in Christendom. (See Awake, 4/8/91, p. 24) On the tour you’ll see the Roman Forum, the magnificent Colosseum, site of gladiator fights and the Circus Maximus where “Ben Hur” chariot races were once held. Tonight, the chefs have prepared a “Farewell Dinner” on board the ship.

Oct. 29 Transfer to the Rome Airport for the return flight to your hometown.