Gods and Myths

Days 1-2

Your group will take an overnight flight to Rome, where a Joshua Expeditions guide will meet you at the airport. Traveling by private coach, your group will transfer to Florence in the beautiful Tuscany region of Italy then begin a tour of the city by visiting the massive church called the Duomo. You will have a chance to view Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise and Giotto's Bell Tower then later enjoy dinner in an atmosphere only Florence can provide. There will even be time for a stroll through Ponte Vecchio and other famous shopping areas of Florence. This busy first day will conclude with a time of devotion.

Day 3

This morning your group will make its way to tour the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will see the towering statue of David. You will then head back to the Duomo to spend some time inside where you can opt to climb the tower leading to the top for a spectacular view of Florence. Dinner and devotions will round out the day.

Day 4

Throughout this day you will be able to enjoy the glory of the hills and countryside of Italy as your group makes the return trip to Rome. In the evening you will have time to visit the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain before rounding out the day with devotions at the hotel.

Day 5

Today will be your first chance to tour the ancient city of Rome! Your time will be spent visiting the 2000-year-old Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus and the ancient Roman Forum, as well as a tour of Mamertine Prison — the traditional site of St. Paul's imprisonment while in Rome. Following dinner, you will close the day with a time of devotion.

Day 6

This morning your group will travel to Vatican City where you will visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. A highlight of the day will surely be the Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo's Last Judgment and other masterful works. While here your group will also take some time to discuss Catholicism and its impact on Christianity. In the evening you will enjoy an authentic Italian meal then close the day with devotions.

Day 7

Your group will transfer down to Bari this morning to board an overnight cruise to Athens. There may also be an opportunity for ministry which could include going into a public high school and distributing books on the Gospel or perhaps selected students could give a short presentation on their faith while others in the group hand out books to the students. You will have a chance to sit in on an English class and help the Italians practice their English, as well! Following dinner, the group will head out for an overnight cruise to Patras.

Day 8

Upon arrival in Greece a private coach will transfer your group to a centrally-located hotel, stopping in Corinth on the way. It was in Corinth where the Apostle Paul lived for 1-1/2 years and preached to the Corinthians, and you will visit the port where Paul set sail when departing the city. After some time in this ancient location the group will continue on to Athens and visit the immensely popular National Archaeological Museum. Afterward, you will take a walking tour into the heart of the city to enjoy a wonderful Greek meal before retiring to the hotel for devotions and discussion at the conclusion of the day.

Day 9

Your final full day in Greece will allow time to visit such historic sites as Hadrian's Arch, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Your guide will take you to the Plaka district and the Agora marketplace for lunch and shopping followed by an opportunity to browse in one or more of the art galleries in the city. You will spend your afternoon in the cradle of Western Civilization visiting the ancient Acropolis and the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena and the Theatre of Dionysus, where the plays of Athenian dramatists were first performed. You will also enjoy dinner in the city center before returning to the hotel for devotions and discussion of all the week has presented.

Day 10

Your group will depart this morning for the flight home.