Tour Itinerary
Tuesday, June 30 - Rome, Italy
HCF Group Transfer & Hotel Night Included
Our tour begins upon our arrival in Rome. We highly recommend arriving at least one night before we embark on our cruise that begins July 1, so we have included the night of June 30 at a hotel in Rome.
Note: We plan to offer a Group Air flight option departing DFW on June 29 arriving Rome June 30 and returning from Athens on July 12. Airfares will not be available to schedule until later in the Summer 2025. Airfares are not included.
Wednesday, July 1 - Embarkation Day
HCF Group Transfer to Port Included
We have included a HCF Group Transfer from the hotel in Rome to the port in Civitavecchia which is 90 minutes away. Once at the port, we will board the Atlas World Traveller, unpack and begin our 9-night cruise and sail-away at 6:00pm. Bon Voyage!
Thursday, July 2 - Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast including the famous picturesque seaside towns of Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento and Capri. And the larger nearby city of Naples and the remarkable ruins of Pompeii. It was here in 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius erupted destroying this palatial Greco-Roman city and freezing it in time. You can observe the eerie plaster casts of numerous victims who are caught in their final moments of life. And you’ll be amazed by the opulent lifestyle from the frescoed walls and mosaic floors that were uncovered from the first century AD.
Whether you choose to tour Pompeii, ferry to one of these quaint seaside villages or just relax in Sorrento’s main plaza, you’re sure to enjoy this port of call where you can easily shop, sip on something cool to drink, enjoy some Neapolitan pizza or just watch the world go by.
Friday, July 3 - Lipari Island, Italy
Off the coast of Sicily you find the volcanic Aeolian Islands, the largest of which is Lipari. From a place in ancient Greek mythology to UNESCO World Heritage status, the Aeolian Islands and Lipari hold a rich and intriguing history. Seek the ultimate views with an invigorating hike through Monte Rosa or explore the archaeological excavations within the citadel which tell a story dating as far back as the Neolithic era.
Saturday, July 4 - Celebrate at Sea
Spend a relaxing day on the World Traveller. Get to know your fellow travelers, play some card games, go for a swim, enjoy a good book by the pool or treat yourself to a spa treatment. It should be a special day for those of us from America as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
Sunday, July 5 - Chania, Crete
In Acts 27, we read how Paul’s journey to Rome takes him to the Island of Crete. Paul’s work and the church there were important enough for Paul to leave Titus there to minister. (Titus 1:5). Crete’s strategic location made it a hub for maritime trade and cultural exchange, which also made it a fertile ground for the spread of the Gospel.
Monday, July 6 - Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Within Crete’s Mirabello Bay lies the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, a mix of cosmopolitan luxury, ancient ruins and intriguing mythology. The picturesque inner harbor of Voulismeni paints a quaint scene with colorful bobbing boats, tavernas, cafes and bars. Savor the fresh catch of the day at a local eatery as you and your fellow explorers enjoy this amazing adventure. You will also find pristine wilderness and immaculate beaches hidden away from the crowds on this beautiful island.
Tuesday, July 7 - Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey -HCF Shore Excursion Included & Free Atlas Cultural Immersion
Paul visited Ephesus multiple times during his missionary journeys and spent over two years here preaching and teaching around the time of 50 AD.. We have arranged a special group tour of this ancient, biblical city, well-known to us from the Book of Acts, the Epistle to the Ephesians and as one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Ephesus is one of the best preserved and most well-excavated archaeological sites from the ancient world. It’s Temple to Artemis was one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. Here you’ll marvel at the wealth and luxuries this ancient city produced
Our HCF Excursion will give us an extensive tour of the Ephesus Archaeological Park including its Terrace Houses where the wealthy of the city lived in incredible luxury.
We will return to Ephesus in the evening for an unforgettable, private event hosted by Atlas Ocean Voyages.. This Cultural Immersion will be a very special event where, like the Ephesians in the time of Paul, we will sip wine, watch the sunset and listen to a musical performance in the midst of this palatial city.
Wednesday, July 8 - Patmos, Greece
HCF Excursion Included
Patmos is the island where the Apostle John received visions and wrote the Book of Revelation. The island is pastoral with a small village, a monastery and a church dedicated to the traditional site where John lived in exile. We will tour the monastery and church as a group on this included HCF Excursion.. Today Patmos is still a quiet, secluded and beautiful island and because of this it is quite famous for the celebrities who have homes here including Richard Gere, Pierce Brosnan, and supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. After the tour you might want to spend the afternoon touring the island by e-bike or scooter, shopping in town or returning to enjoy the ship.
Thursday, July 9 - Paros, Greece
Tucked along the Aegean’s sunlit shores, Naousa on the island of Paros offers an exquisite blend of history, culture, and coastal allure. With its iconic whitewashed houses and vibrant harbor, Naousa envelops travelers in an inviting Greek village ambiance. Meandering through cobbled lanes, you’ll find artisan shops and charming seaside tavernas serving freshly caught seafood, artisanal local cheeses, and delectable desserts. Whether you’re drawn by its tranquil beauty, historical significance, or culinary delights, Naousa captures the soul of authentic Greece in every sense.
Friday, July 10 - Piraeus/Corinth, Greece Disembarkation Day
HCF Excursion & Hotel Included
We disembark from the ship in the Port of Piraeus just outside of Athens and board a bus for another included HCF Excursion to Ancient Corinth. On the way, we will stop to view the acclaimed Corinth Canal. Corinth is another well-known biblical city where Paul spent much of his time and founded a church. Paul wrote letters to the early church addressing the challenges Christians faced then just as we still do today. After our tour of Corinth, we’ll drive to Athens and check-in to our hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. Before dinner, we’ll gather around the rooftop pool to admire a sunset view of the Acropolis and take lots of photos with all our new friends.
HCF Group Dinner included. Overnight Athens.
Saturday, July 11 - Athens, Greece
HCF Excursion & Hotel Included
Today we’ll enjoy our final HCF Excursion tougher as we visit the Acropolis, where Paul delivered his famous sermon from Mars Hill addressing the worship of “unknown gods”. Next, we’ll see the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum followed by a city tour of Athens before we are dropped off at the Plaka. Here in the old city center at the foot of the Acropolis we will have a free afternoon to enjoy a Greek gyro or other delicacies for lunch on your own followed by time to shop or simply enjoy time together in Athens on our last touring day.
Dinner on your own. Overnight Athens included.
Sunday, July 12 - Depart for Home
HCF Group Transfer to Airport Included
Say farewell to Greece. HCF Group Transfers included to Athens Airport for return flights to USA.
Itinerary is subject to change based on availability and other considerations