Great Cities of the Bible:

An 11-Day Cruise Aboard the Magnificent Oosterdam

A Journey Through the Great Cities of the Bible from Exodus to the Early Church

Led by Dr. Jonathan Moore, Adjunct Faculty, Freed-Hardeman University.

October 3-14, 2026

Embark on a transformative 11-day journey through the cradle of civilization aboard Holland America's luxurious Oosterdam. Led by Dr. Jonathan Moore, Adjunct Faculty at Freed-Hardeman University, this voyage offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the lands of the Bible, tracing the footsteps of apostles and prophets.

From the ancient wonders of Athens and the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the sacred sites of Jerusalem and the early Christian communities in Ephesus, each destination is steeped in history and spiritual significance. Enhance your experience with optional excursions, including a pre-cruise stay in Athens, an immersive tour of Egypt's iconic landmarks, and a comprehensive exploration of Israel's holy sites.

Throughout the cruise, Dr. Moore will provide insightful lectures, enriching your understanding of the historical, archaeological and biblical contexts of each location. This journey is more than a vacation; it's a pilgrimage that will deepen your faith and broaden your perspective.

highlights of all excursions

Pre-Cruise Athens Hotel & City Tour with Transfer to Cruise Ship

Begin your journey in historic Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and gateway to Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. This optional pre-cruise package includes a comfortable hotel stay in the heart of the city, an evening orientation tour with Dr Moore on Mars Hill, and a full day exploring the wonders of Ancient Greece. Stand atop the Acropolis near the majestic Parthenon, gaze across the city from Mars Hill where Paul preached to the philosophers, and stroll the paths of the Agora, where ancient ideas once shaped the world. Your experience concludes with a smooth, included transfer to board the elegant Holland America Oosterdam.

***It is highly recommended that you arrive 1 day ahead of our cruise departure date in the event you have flight interruptions.

cruise itinerary

Day 1-Saturday Oct 3: Athens Overnight (Oct 2) & Full City Tour with Transfer to Cruise Ship –

Begin your journey in historic Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and gateway to Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. This optional pre-cruise package includes a comfortable hotel stay in the heart of the city, an evening orientation tour with Dr Moore on Mars Hill, and a full day exploring the wonders of Ancient Greece. Stand atop the Acropolis near the majestic Parthenon, gaze across the city from Mars Hill where Paul preached to the philosophers, and stroll the paths of the Agora, where ancient ideas once shaped the world. Your experience concludes with a smooth, included transfer to board the elegant Holland America Oosterdam.

***It is highly recommended that you arrive 1 day ahead of our cruise departure date in the event you have flight interruptions.

Day 2-Sunday Oct 4: Natplion, Greece: Corinth-Cenchrae Tour /Sunday Worship in Corinth

Departing by tender from the port of Nafplion, you will board a motorcoach for a scenic one-hour journey across the Peloponnese to Ancient Corinth, one of the most important cities of the New Testament world, where the Apostle Paul lived and ministered for eighteen months (Acts 18:11); Here we will have our first Worship time together: Together we will walk through the Roman Agora where Paul preached, stand on the very stones of the Bema (judgment seat) where he was brought before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus (Acts 18:12–17)—an event anchored historically by the famous Gallio Inscription—and view the remains of the first-century forum, the Lechaion Road, and the towering Temple of Apollo, all set beneath the imposing Acrocorinth, while reflecting on Paul’s letters written to this very church (“To the church of God which is at Corinth…” 1 Corinthians 1:2; “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit…” 1 Corinthians 6:19); the tour continues to the nearby port of Cenchreae, where Paul departed for Ephesus (Acts 18:18) and where Phoebe, the faithful servant of the church, began her journey carrying the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:1), offering a powerful and immersive encounter where Scripture, history, and archaeology come together on the very ground where the early church was born.

Day 3- Monday October 5: Sea Day

Day 4-5- Tuesday/Wednesday Oct 6, 7: Two-Day Istanbul Experience with Bosphorus Cruise

Discover the rich layers of Christian history and imperial grandeur on this unforgettable two-day experience in Istanbul, where East meets West and the legacy of the early Church comes to life; beginning from Galataport, this guided program includes two full days of touring with two included lunches, featuring visits to the historic Hippodrome, the breathtaking Hagia Sophia—the great cathedral of Christendom built under Emperor Justinian I in the wake of Constantine the Great’s transformation of the Roman world—along with the Blue Mosque, the underground Byzantine Cistern, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar; the journey continues with Topkapi Palace, the seat of Ottoman power after the fall of Constantinople in A.D. 1453, offering a striking contrast between Christian and Islamic empires, before culminating in a scenic Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, where the skyline of domes, minarets, palaces, and ancient walls tells the story of the rise of Byzantine Christianity, the councils and creeds that shaped the faith, and the enduring significance of this remarkable city in the history of the Church.

Day 6-Thursday Oct 8: Sea Day

Day 7-Friday Oct 9: Ephesus Full-Day Tour with Terrace Houses & Temple of Artemis

Discover Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world and a major hub of Paul’s ministry. Walk its marble streets, visit the grand Library of Celsus, the Great Theater (where a riot once broke out over Paul’s teaching), and tour the luxurious Terrace Houses, showcasing elite Roman living. Conclude your visit at the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy this amazing day with our local guide along with Dr. Moore helping to connect the archeology of Ephesus to the Bible in powerful ways.

Day 8-Saturday Oct 10: Santorini at Your Leisure: A Day of Beauty, Views, and Discovery

Enjoy a day at your own pace on the stunning island of Santorini, one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean, where whitewashed villages cling to dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea; from the port, make your way up to the picturesque towns of Fira or Oia to take in sweeping caldera views formed by one of history’s most powerful volcanic eruptions, often associated by some with the eruption of Thera, and explore charming streets filled with local shops, cafés, and scenic overlooks perfect for unforgettable photos; relax along the island’s unique volcanic beaches, sample authentic Greek cuisine at a seaside taverna, or simply soak in the beauty and tranquility that make Santorini one of the most iconic islands in the world—an ideal opportunity to unwind and experience the culture and landscape of Greece on your own terms.

Day 9-Sunday Oct 11: Rhodes & Lindos: A Day of History, Faith, and Coastal Beauty

Experience the timeless beauty and rich Christian heritage of Rhodes on this full-day excursion, beginning with a scenic drive to the stunning village of Lindos, where upon arrival we will gather for a special time of worship overlooking the breathtaking St. Paul’s Bay—the very waters where the Apostle Paul the Apostle likely traveled during his missionary journeys (Acts 21:1); from there, explore the whitewashed hillside village rising beneath the towering Acropolis crowned by the ancient Temple of Athena, and enjoy free time for swimming, shopping, and relaxing along one of the most beautiful bays in the Aegean; returning to Rhodes, discover the remarkable medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobblestone streets, massive stone walls, and Crusader-era fortifications transport you back to the time of the Knights of St. John, while also reflecting on the island’s early Christian legacy as a place of refuge, travel, and ministry in the first-century world—offering a perfect blend of biblical significance, cultural discovery, and unforgettable coastal beauty.

Day 10- Monday Oct 12: Sea Day

Day 11-Tuesday Oct 13: Crete: Souda Bay & Aptera: Ancient Ruins, Living Faith, and Breathtaking Views

Step ashore at Souda Bay and board your motorcoach for a short scenic drive to the lofty ancient city of Aptera, with a stop along the way at a historic hilltop fortress overlooking the bay, offering sweeping panoramic views of Crete’s stunning coastline; upon arrival at Aptera, explore one of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites, a once-thriving Greco-Roman city dedicated in part to the goddess Artemis, where remarkably preserved ruins include a Roman theater, extensive city walls, and some of the most extraordinary vaulted cisterns in the Mediterranean—ingenious structures that stored and sustained life-giving water for the ancient population; set against a backdrop of mountains and sea, this inspiring setting becomes more than a historical visit as Dr. Moore leads the group in a special time of singing and reflection, allowing you to experience both the beauty of the landscape and the deeper spiritual connection of gathering in a place where history, culture, and faith come together in a truly unforgettable way; upon return to port, enjoy time in the nearby Venetian harbor of Chania—often called “Little Venice”—where charming waterfront streets, boutique shops, and inviting cafés and ice cream parlors provide the perfect ending to a remarkable day.

Day 12-Wedesday Oct 14: Piraeus (Athens), Greece – Arrive at 7:00 AM: Fly Home

3 Marvelous Days at Sea: Fellowship, Relaxation & Enrichment

Enjoy three peaceful days aboard the Holland America Oosterdam, where you can relax, take in a show, or fellowship with fellow travelers. Each sea day will feature engaging morning lectures by Dr. Jonathan Moore, highlighting the geography, archaeology, and historical accuracy of the sites you’ve explored—and previewing what’s ahead. These sessions are designed to deepen your understanding of the Bible and reaffirm the trustworthiness of Scripture through what your eyes have seen and your heart has felt.

pricing

Holland America Cruise Pricing:

Cabins are close to being sold out. Call Adventure Therapy Travel NOW to reserve one of the last staterooms available.

• Contact Courtney at Courtney@adventuretherapytravel.com or by calling 662-891-1943

  Excursion pricing

  • Total Price for ALL Excursions and Pre-Cruise Athens Tour: $1,500 per person

  • Total Excursion Package Price WITH Pre-Cruise Hotel and Tour: $1,400pp

  
  

Registration

Cruise Registration:

For the best pricing on the Holland America cruise, call Adventure Travel now!

To reserve your spot, please contact Courtney Vines at Adventure Therapy Travel by calling 662-891-1943 or emailing courtney@adventuretherapytravel.com. Courtney will assist you with all the details and ensure your booking is correctly linked to our Seeing His World group.

Excursion Registration:

To register for the full Seeing His World Excursion Package- which includes all excursions as described above, transportation, please email or call Kim Moore for more information and to complete your registration.

Please note:

• Booking through Adventure Therapy Travel is required to participate in the Seeing His World trip. This guarantees the lowest available rate currently offered by Holland America. There is no upcharge or added fee for booking through our group—only the best pricing available. Independent cruise bookings cannot be accommodated for participation in this trip.

• All Seeing His World excursion packages are priced to offer better value than comparable excursions through Holland America.

• Purchasing the cruise alone without the excursion package does not include access to Seeing His World excursions, group activities, or onboard educational experiences.

Excursions Guided By: