Türkiye, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt

Places Visited

DAY 1 & 2

The pilgrimage begins with a flight to Istanbul, TURKIYE, arriving in the afternoon of day 2. Istanbul has the fifth busiest airport in Europe and is a city that straddles two continents, where 'East meets West' in a mesmerizing fusion of cultures. After clearing immigration and customs at the modern and impressive Ataturk International airport, we’ll transfer to our hotel for a sumptuous dinner before retiring and recharging for the fabulous trip ahead. Overnight in Istanbul. Istanbul dinner included. 

DAY 5

Our ship will dock in Kusadasi, Türkiye a charming coastal town on the Aegean Sea and the gateway to Ephesus, home to the Ephesians, and one of the most significant sites in Christian history. Ephesus was visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys as written in the New Testament. As we walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, we’ll marvel at the grandeur of the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by some to be the final resting place of Mary, the mother of Jesus. We’ll enjoy an included tour of Ephesus Archaeological Sites. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.  

DAY 7

We'll dock at Limassol, Cyprus. Go deep into Cyprus' history to explore the island. This beautiful port town is known for its seafood, pottery, leather goods, and traditional lace works. We'll take the coastal route through the Phassouri citrus groves and vineyards to the ancient city-kingdom of Curium with its well-preserved mosaics in the house of Eustolios, its theatre, and basilica. Continue on to Paphos to enjoy free time and lunch (on own).  Wander the old fishing harbor near the medieval fort. Apostles Paul and Barnabas visited Paphos in 45 AD (then the capital of Cyprus) and faced difficulties in preaching. In fact, Paul was flogged before Roman Governor, Sergius Paulus, from an attempt to convert the ruler. Legend has it that the Apostle was tied to a stone pillar receiving thirty-nine (forty, but one) lashes for evangelizing Christianity in Paphos. He was eventually successful in his efforts, making Cyprus one of the world’s first Christian states. Today, the site of the Apostle’s unjust treatment is called St. Paul's Pillar and is an important pilgrimage stop. Breakfast and dinner included.

DAY 10

At-sea day to enjoy at your leisure. Join in inspiring presentations by MHA Tour Hosts between swims, meals, ship entertainment, and tranquil naps. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

DAY 11

Arrive at the island of Heraklion Greece, Crete's capital city. Paul visited this area of Fair Havens as he was being transported from Caesarea to Rome, as a Roman prisoner. Another place of interest in Herakleion is Gortyna which was the centre of Paul’s disciple, Titus. Be sure to visit ancient Minoan and Venetian landmarks as they are among the largest and well-preserved in all of Greece. Some of its most notable landmarks include 16th-century Koules Fortress, Jesus Gate and the Venetian City Wall. Heraklion’s Old Town, has a scenic seaside promenade lined with restaurants, as well as museums showcasing the city’s colorful past. 1866 Street is a narrow alley lined with tightly packed shops selling all sorts of goods and is known as the Central Market. So many great ways to spend your day! Shore excursions booked on your own through cruise line.  Breakfast and dinner included (on ship).

DAY 14

Early-morning docking at Athens, disembark. Travel together by chartered bus to Corinth, the city that inspired Paul’s most familiar letter. Archaeological museum, market place, temples. Walk among the ruins and stand on the Bema where Paul stood to defend the gospel. Return to Athens to walk among architectural splendors of the ancient city which are as magical as ever. View the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, and the Parthenon. Climb Mars Hill where Paul debated with the intellectual community of his day. Marvel at the enduring influence of Greek philosophy and culture on Christianity and where Paul stood trial before the Roman authorities. Breakfast and dinner included.  

DAY 15

All good things must come to an end! Transfer to Athens airport for morning flight home. Arrive home relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated in the gospel message!

REGISTER EARLY to meet cruise deadlines!

Tour price includes:
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Viva cruise plus excursions & land lodging outlined, breakfasts & dinners, some lunches, expert MHA & local guide services, ship Stateroom (first-come, first-served options listed above), port charges, cruise tax, transfers to/from port, personal headsets while touring with group. CRUISE BONUS PACKAGE: $75 onboard credit per cabin, 3 meal specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi (1 device per cabin), and pre-paid ship gratuities.
SLC GROUP AIRFARE can be added once airline schedules open for these travel dates (about 10 months prior). MHA to advise. 

Additional: tips to local guides, bus drivers, and tipping for 3 hotel nights (total about $100/person throughout); a few lunches, any airport food, optional excursions in Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, & Mykonos; any airline baggage fees, personal expenses (i.e., passports, visas, individual transfers, souvenirs, photos, beverage packages, ship upgrades).

MHA reserves the right to make changes as necessary.

$700 deposit per person secures your reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Balance due March 30, 2025. Credit cards by telephone 801-272-5601 (cards incur 5% fee; card fee waived for initial deposit) or mail checks to: MHA Tours, 2367 W Goldenpointe Way, West Jordan UT 84088

PASSPORT

Passport required (valid at least 6 months beyond return date). Application process can take extra time, generally 2-3 months, apply right away! Notify MHA Tours upon signup if you are NOT a US Citizen (for government visa regulations).

GUIDES

Host names are those currently scheduled and most likely to serve. We reserve the right to make changes in tour hosts or adjustments to the tour schedule--which we will do only if absolutely necessary. Tour hosts and tour planners are diligent researchers/students of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are prepared to present the tours in a respectful and agreeable manner conducive to The Church of Jesus Christ’s teachings, attitudes, and direction.

PAYMENT POLICY

Your reservation is secured with a $700 deposit per person reserves a seat first-come, first-served; balance due March 30, 2025. Mail checks to MHA Tours, 2367 W Goldenpointe Way, West Jordan, UT 84088. Be sure to indicate the tour ID number or departure date and for whom you are paying. Credit cards by phone +5% fee (card fee waived on initial deposit), 801-272-5601 or toll-free 866-335-5601. Please be advised that all touring & ports are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line. Full terms and conditions contained in individual confirmation letters or available pre-deposit, if requested.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you have to cancel:  “Cruise portion +land touring” is 100% covered by optional Travel Protection Program (ask MHA for details) if premium paid by final payment date & reason is insurable. Otherwise, at minimum:
Deposit thru February 1, 2025, $100 fee to cancel;
February 2, 2025 thru March 31, 2025, $450 fee to cancel;
April 1, 2025 thru June 1, 2025, $700 fee to cancel;
June 2, 2025 thru August 1, 2025, 50% of total trip cost;
August 2, 2025 thru departure, 100% of total trip cost;
All fees plus single room supplement if your cancellation forces your roommate to a single;
Once purchased, group or individual airfare is generally non-refundable (Group air is name-changeable, with restrictions).
Cancellation must be submitted in writing & received by MHA by date listed in above schedule.

WHAT'S INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED

Advertised prices include: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Viva cruise plus excursions & land lodging outlined, breakfasts & dinners, some lunches, expert MHA & local guide services, ship Stateroom (first-come, first-served options listed above), port charges, cruise tax, transfers to/from port, personal headsets while touring with group. CRUISE BONUS PACKAGE: $75 onboard credit per cabin, 3 meal specialty dining, unlimited Wi-Fi (1 device per cabin), and pre-paid ship gratuities.
SLC GROUP AIRFARE can be added once airline schedules open for these travel dates (about 10 months prior). MHA to advise. 

NOT included: tips to local guides, bus drivers, and 3 hotel nights (about $100/person, throughout); a few lunches, any airport food, optional excursions in Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini, & Mykonos; any airline baggage fees, personal expenses (i.e., passports, visas, individual transfers, souvenirs, photos, beverage packages, ship upgrades).

AIR TRAVEL

If not flying with the SLC group (such as using award miles or coming from another city), it is your responsibility to notify MHA upon signup and coordinate your schedule with the group schedule. Air from other cities also available, by request. Individuals may provide own air to/from the tour (must coordinate with group flight schedule to avoid missing any sites and additional personal expense such as a taxi). Please call for details 801-272-5601, 866-335-5601. 

MAXIMUM ROOM OCCUPANCY

Maximum 2 persons per cabin.

FOOD ACCOMMODATIONS

Dietary requests and allergens can be noted, but cannot be guaranteed. All such requests must be submitted at registration (or as soon as the need presents itself; no later than 30 days prior to departure).

FIT TO TRAVEL

Registrants accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk distances, climb stairs, and be able to independently travel well, without an aide, from early morning into the evening. Sites may not always be accessible to the physically challenged; those needing ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting to their experiences.

SOLO TRAVELERS

Traveling alone? Would you like help finding a roommate to decrease your tour price? Let us know when you REGISTER and we’ll do what we can to connect you with a compatible roommate. You might just make a new, long-lasting friendship!

TOUR SCHEDULE CHANGES

We reserve the right to make changes/adjustments to the tour schedule–which we will do only if absolutely necessary.

Call 801-272-5601 or REGISTER ONLINE now for THE VERY BEST CHURCH HISTORY TOURS!