Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner

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See where you're going before you go

Tour: TJ27 Code: C

Join us for Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner aboard the Norwegian Viva, starting at $5,498 from New York on August 26, 2027. You will see Rome, Salerno, Catania, Valletta, Athens, Santorini, Kusadasi, Istanbul, and so much more!

Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner is a teacher in a number of settings. He is a seminary professor, Presbyterian minister, podcaster, writer, and conference speaker—a teacher who loves helping others better understand the New Testament and the world it was written in. He serves as the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul and the Scholar for Adult Education at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. Since 2008, he has been one of the co-hosts of a weekly podcast called Sermon Brainwave, which accompanies preachers as they wrestle with biblical texts in preparing sermons. He has written a number of books on the New Testament writings and the early decades of the Christian church. Three of those books guide readers into the Acts of the Apostles, including one for a wide audience titled Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit.

Dates of Departure

Thursday, August 26, 2027

From $5498

This is not sightseeing. This is the Bible coming alive

Most people read about Ephesus, Smyrna, and Laodicea their whole lives — from a pew, from a page. This journey puts you inside the story.

You’ll stand in the theater where Paul preached in Acts 19. You’ll walk the streets of Laodicea where Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” You’ll pray where the early church prayed — in the ruins of Pergamon, in the sacred pools of Hierapolis, in the underground cities where Christians hid to survive.

No amount of reading prepares you for what it feels like to be there.

When you return home, you will:

3 domestic flights — already included in your price

Most travelers don’t realize how far apart these cities are — or how much domestic flights cost when booked independently. These tickets run $300–500 per person and require separate booking, check-in, and logistics.

In this tour, domestic flights are included in your price. We book them on your behalf. You don’t search, you don’t book, you don’t pay extra. You just show up.

That’s $600–1000 in flights per couple — already taken care of.

Accommodations

Accommodations in 4- and 5-star hotels

Meals

Breakfasts and dinners (buffet style) at the hotels

Transportation

Luxury, air-conditioned buses

Group Size

20-30

Language

English and Spanish

Pets

Not allowed

Age Range

8–79 (years)

Season

All

The more of you there are — the less each person pays

This tour is built for groups. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or an entire congregation — the price per person drops as your group grows. Send us your group size and we’ll send back an exact quote.

Group Size	Price Per Person	Note
2 people	From $3,899	Starting price
4 people	From $3,299	Price drops per person
6 people	From $2,999	Better savings
10–19 people	Request quote — best value	Recommended group size
20+ people	Custom pricing	Extended itinerary available →

✦ GROUP OF 20+? We can extend your journey to 10–14 days, add exclusive destinations, and offer our best group pricing. Contact us for a custom group proposal →

Exact pricing depends on group size, travel dates, and departure city. Send us your details — we’ll respond with a full quote within 48 hours.

Your dates. Your pace. Your group.

No fixed departures — that’s intentional. This tour is available year-round. You choose the dates that work for your family, your church, or your travel group. We build everything around your schedule.

Best months to travel:

April – June: mild weather, blooming landscapes, fewer crowds
September – November: warm days, cool evenings, post-summer calm
December – March: lowest prices, quietest sites — ideal for smaller groups

Popular months (April–June and September–October) fill up weeks in advance. The sooner you send us your dates — the more options we can offer.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything is organized. You focus on the experience

Included in your tour price:

All Inclusive Pricing
Fuel Surcharges and Gov't Taxes
International Airfare from NY
Meals on Ship
Port Charges
Cruise
Overseas Transfers
3 Meal Specialty Dining Package
Administrative Fee
Pre-paid Cruise Gratuities
Wi Fi login (1 per stateroom)

Not included (paid separately):

Tour Itinerary

Expand All +

Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner | August 26, 2027
Day 1
August 26 – Depart the USA

Transportation:

Airplane, bus

Events:

Your pilgrimage begins as you depart the USA on your international overnight flight.
Day 2
August 27 – Arrive in Rome

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Arrive in Rome and transfer to the port of Civitavecchia to board the Norwegian Viva.

Meals:

Breakfast. Lunch.
Day 3
August 28 – Salerno, Italy

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Journey inland to ancient Pompeii, dating almost to the time of Paul, where you can see the spectacular ruins that were covered by ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.

Meals:

Breakfast. Lunch.
Day 4
August 29 – Catania, Italy

Transportation:

Bus, airplane

Events:

The ancient port city of Catania is situated in the shadow of the famous active volcano, Mount Etna, which dominates the landscape and is intertwined with the town’s history. Steeped in a storied past, Catania’s squares, cathedrals and other historic sites are a must-visit on a guided tour, as are its open-air markets and friendly cafes that offer a taste of modern life in the region. You can also journey outside Catania to explore the surrounding lava fields and unique rock formations or hike, bike or go off-roading on one of the trails crisscrossing the volcano for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Norwegian.

Meals:

Breakfast. Lunch.
Day 5
August 30 – Valletta, Malta

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Embark on a narrated tour of Valletta, the capital of Malta, and a city replete with medieval charm and extravagantly grand architecture. No exploration would be complete without a visit to Valletta’s crowning jewel, St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This baroque masterpiece was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere for the Knights of St John. In fact, several Knights donated gifts of art to ensure it was adorned with only the finest works. Continue to Casa Rocca Piccola, a historic home offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Maltese nobility over the past 400 years. Enjoy a little free time to explore the area before heading to the imposing Mediterranean Conference Center. Set overlooking the Grand Harbour, it was originally built as a hospital for the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and was considered one of the finest in Europe during the 1600s.

Meals:

Breakfast. Lunch
Day 6
August 31 – At Sea

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

At Sea

Meals:

Breakfast. Lunch.
Day 7
September 1 – Athens, Greece

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Discover the rich architectural splendor of the ancient city of Athens as you explore the world-renowned Acropolis, the Propylaea, the Parthenon and the Erectheum. Stand on Mars Hill as the apostle Paul did when he proclaimed, "I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you". Also view the House of Parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This afternoon tours the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul met fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla and received a vision from the Lord saying, "I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city". As Paul spoke, Crispus (chief ruler of the synagogue) and many others believed and were baptized, establishing the church at Corinth to whom Paul later wrote his two epistles. Discover the Archaeological Museum, Market Place and Temples. As you walk among the ruins, stand on the Bema, where the apostle Paul stood before Gallio to face charges brought against him by the Jews.

Meals:

Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 8
September 2 – Santorini, Greece

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Dock in Santorini today, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands, where picturesque, whitewashed villages topped with brilliant blue domes stand in stark contrast to the sheer-drop cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. The island itself perches on the edges of a volcano whose eruption 3,500 years ago is thought to have led to the collapse of the Minoan civilization. Explore the island on your own or join one of the optional excursions available for purchase on board. Shore excursions are not included today and can be purchased directly from Norwegian.

Meals:

Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 9
September 3 – Kusadasi, Turkiye

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

Ephesus was the leading one of the Seven Churches of Revelation and was once a bustling port town with wide, colonnade-bordered streets and had a population of 250,000. Spectacular excavations in the last 110 years have revealed much of the glory of ancient Ephesus, including the huge Agora and the Library, much has been lost. Explore the ancient site virtually at the Ephesus Experience Museum where you will see life in Paul’s time. We will view the terrace houses, also known as "the house of the rich," which gives a true impression of the ancient lifestyle. The ancient world once declared the Temple of Artemis to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World but today, only a single column remains to mark its site.

Meals:

Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 10
September 4 – Istanbul, Turkiye

Transportation:

Bus

Events:

The bejeweled capital of Istanbul sits between two continents and is home to 450 mosques. You will visit the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets and sparkling interior. Walk through St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia), which was the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, built by Justinian (532-537 A.D.). The church has 107 columns; fossil imbedded white marble floors, and beautiful glass mosaics. Today, it is the Museum of Byzantine Art. Enjoy the aroma of cinnamon, cloves, thyme, and other exotic spices as you explore the Grand Bazaar. Over 4000 shops sell everything from herbs to gold.

Meals:

Breakfast. Dinner.
Day 11
September 5 – Return Home

Transportation:

Bus, airplane

Events:

Return Home

Meals:

Breakfast.

Enhance Your Journey

Istanbul and Nicaea Extension Starting from $798

Day 11 – Istanbul
Begin your exploration of Istanbul with an enjoyable two-hour Bosporus Cruise. You will glide beneath some of the city’s famous bridges and sail past Istanbul’s more colorful neighborhoods and peaceful suburbs. Your boat will take you past castles and quaint fishing villages. As you watch Russian ships sail by, you will understand why the Turkish straits were considered the lock to the Czar’s backdoor. Later, you will visit the eastern or Asian part of Istanbul. You will see the Byzantine city walls, the Golden Horn, and the world-famous mosaics of the Kariye Church.

Day 12 – Nicaea
Today, you will visit the lakeside town of Iznik, known in Byzantine times as Nicaea and the site of two ecumenical church councils. The ancient name is associated with the Nicene Creed, which many Christians can recite from memory. You will see the ancient walls and sites related to the town’s Christian heritage: the ruins of the Basilica of St. Sophia, the Baptistry, and the Christian Tombs on the outskirts of town.

Day 13 – Return to the USA

Guests taking an extension may be on a different flight than their group and/or traveling companion.

Изучите локации

Istanbul

()

Ephesus

(2 дня)

Laodicea

(3 дня)

Istanbul

(2 дня)

1 день

Тель-Авив

Прибытие в Тель-Авив. Ужин. Отдых.

2 день

Тель-Авив-2

Кейсария. Хайфа. Гора Кармель. Долина Мегиддо. Гора осадков.

Леонардо Бич Отель*

San Fransico

2 день

1 день

Назарет

Назарет. Деревня Назарет. Храм Благовещения. Кесария Филиппова. Водопады. Тель Дан. Ворота Авраама.

2 день

Назарет-2

Кана Галилейская. Гора Блаженств. Табга. Капернаум. Обед. Прогулка на лодке по Галилейскому морю.

Золотая корона Старый город*

San Fransico

2 день

1 день

Иерусалим

Масличная гора. Панорама Старого города. Гефсиманский сад. Кедронская долина.

2 день

Иерусалим-2

Могила в саду - Вечеря Господня. Старый город. Виа Долороса. Стена Плача и туннель. Город Давида. Источник Силоам.

3 день

Иерусалим-3

Стена Езекии. Римская улица Кардо. Гора Сион. Верхняя комната. Гробница царя Давида. Музей Холокоста - Яд Вашем.

Отель "Святой Георгий" *

San Fransico

1 день

Мертвое море

Джордан. Иерихон. Гора Искушения. Масада.

2 день

Мертвое море-2

Вифлеем. Поле пастухов. Церковь Рождества Христова. Отдых на Мертвом море.

Дэвид Мертвое море*

San Fransico

Route Map

*The trip will take place in case of a group of 40 people

* * The route, as well as the order of visiting places, may be changed due to quarantine restrictions, as well as for safety reasons or due to the weather, road repair work etc.

Questions people ask before booking

Yes — and thousands of believers confirm this every year. Turkey's major tourist regions (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, the Aegean Coast) are listed by the U.S. State Department under "Exercise Normal Precautions." You travel with an experienced guide, as part of a group, on well-established routes — in the very places where Christian history is written in stone.

This is exactly the right question. We carefully select guides for their deep knowledge of Scripture and Christian history. Your guide doesn't recite dates — they open the Word in the very places where it happened. When you stand in the theatre at Ephesus and read Acts 19, or pray at the ruins of Laodicea — the Bible comes alive in a way it never does from a pew.

There are no fixed departures — that's intentional. This tour is available year-round on custom dates. You tell us when works for your group, and we build the itinerary around your schedule. Contact us with your preferred dates and group size, and we'll respond with a full quote within 48 hours.

Included: 6 nights’ accommodation, 3 domestic flights, all private transfers, all entrance fees to 11 sites, professional biblical guide for 7 days, 7 breakfasts and 5 lunches. Not included: international flights, dinners, beverages, tips, and optional add-ons (hot air balloon, quad safari, Turkish evening show). Every optional is listed in advance with its exact price — no surprises.

Honest answer: this tour involves real walking on uneven terrain and cobblestones. We move at a comfortable group pace with built-in stops. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be accommodated at most ancient sites. If you have health limitations, tell us at registration — we'll discuss what's possible for your situation.

Absolutely — and this is where we do our best work. For groups of 20 or more, we can extend the journey to 10–14 days, add more biblical destinations, include dedicated worship and devotional time at every site, and offer our best group pricing. Contact us and we'll design the itinerary around your congregation's vision.

A $500 non-refundable deposit per person confirms your spot. $200 non-refundable administrative fees at any case. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. Cancellations 90–31 days prior: 50% of total tour cost. 30 days or fewer: no refund. Domestic airfare is 100% non-refundable once issued. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Favor Travel Tours & Tickets LLC. Full booking conditions are provided at registration.

Not ready to book yet? Start with one message

Write to us in WhatsApp — we’ll reply within a few hours. Tell us how many people are traveling and when you’d like to go. We’ll send back a full custom quote with no pressure and no obligation.

Message us “TJ27 C” — and we’ll take it from there.

The Seven Churches have waited 2,000 years. Your group doesn’t have to wait any longer

You’ve read Revelation. Now walk through it.
Custom dates. Your group. Your price. All year round.

From $3,899 per person · 3 flights included · More people = lower price

✦ GROUP OF 20+? We can extend your journey to 10–14 days, add exclusive destinations, and offer our best group pricing.

Mon–Fri 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM PST · info@favortraveltours.com · +1 (206) 452-0111

Starting From

$5,498.00_{/per person}

Support at every step of your journey
Your safety — our top priority

Travelers

You can book for a maximum number of people 30

Adult Person ( in a shared room)
Adult Person (in a single room)
Child

Group Tour

Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner | August 26, 2027

$16,494.00

11 Days Starting from $5498 Taxes & Fees Apply

$5,498.00 01 Adult$5,498.00 01 Adult-single-room$5,498.00 01 Children

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We’ll match dates, route, and price to your group

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Experience
Inclusion

Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner | August 26, 2027

See where you're going before you go

This is not sightseeing. This is the Bible coming alive

When you return home, you will:

3 domestic flights — already included in your price

Accommodations

Meals

Transportation

Group Size

Language

Pets

Age Range

Season

Category

The more of you there are — the less each person pays

Your dates. Your pace. Your group.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything is organized. You focus on the experience

Included in your tour price:

Not included (paid separately):

Tour Itinerary

Navigating the Early Church Cruise with Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Matthew Skinner | August 26, 2027

Day 1

August 26 – Depart the USA

Transportation:

Events:

Day 2

August 27 – Arrive in Rome

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 3

August 28 – Salerno, Italy

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 4

August 29 – Catania, Italy

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 5

August 30 – Valletta, Malta

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 6

August 31 – At Sea

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 7

September 1 – Athens, Greece

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 8

September 2 – Santorini, Greece

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 9

September 3 – Kusadasi, Turkiye

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 10

September 4 – Istanbul, Turkiye

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Day 11

September 5 – Return Home

Transportation:

Events:

Meals:

Enhance Your Journey

Istanbul and Nicaea Extension Starting from $798

Изучите локации

Route Map