FHU Go – Mediterranean Learning at Sea

About the Trip

This Seeing His World Seminar explores the pagan religious, cultural, and political world into which Christianity was born. Set against the backdrop of the ancient Mediterranean, the seminar examines the temples, gods, philosophies, and imperial systems that dominated the Greco-Roman world and shaped the historical setting of the New Testament. Far from emerging in a spiritual vacuum, Christianity confronted a world saturated with polytheism, emperor worship, mystery cults, and monumental religious architecture.

Through focused teaching and historical analysis, participants will explore how the gospel message interacted with, challenged, and ultimately transformed this pagan environment. Archaeological evidence—temples, inscriptions, civic spaces, altars, and urban remains—is brought into dialogue with the biblical text to illuminate the lived reality of the first Christians and the world in which the apostles preached. Particular attention is given to major centers of pagan worship and imperial power, including Athens, Rhodes, Ephesus, Crete, Malta, Sicily, and Rome.

This seminar aims to deepen confidence in the historical reliability of the New Testament by grounding Scripture firmly within its real-world context. By examining the archaeological and cultural setting of the first century, participants gain a clearer understanding of how Christianity moved from a persecuted minority faith to a transformative force that reshaped the ancient world—revealing not only the contrast between paganism and Christianity, but the power of the gospel to change history.

Explore the island of Rhodes, including time at Lindos & St. Paul’s Bay
Journey through western Crete
Visit the island of Malta
Spend time in Sicily
Travel throughout Southern Italy
Tour the historic city of Rome
Independently explore Mykonos, Santorini, and Barcelona

Flight

- Friday, October 22

Fly into Athens, Greece & settle into the hotel

Athens, Greece

- Saturday, October 23

Arrive in Athens, Greece and settle into your hotel for a good night’s rest before your adventure begins!

Corinth, Greece

- Sunday, October 24

In Corinth, stand before the Bema, where Paul was tried, visit the Temple of Apollo, and trace the geography behind Paul’s letters to the Corinthians.

Athens, Greece

- Monday, October 25

In Athens, walk through the philosophical heart of the Greco-Roman world—exploring the Acropolis, Mars Hill (Areopagus), and surrounding ancient sites where Paul proclaimed the “unknown God” (Acts 17). In the afternoon, you will be transported to the cruise ship to begin your journey on the water!

At Sea

- Tuesday, October 26

Enjoy a day of relaxation aboard your Celebrity Infinity cruise ship!

Mykonos, Greece

- Wednesday, October 27

Take in the beautiful island of Mykonos at your leisure.

Rhodes, Greece

- Thursday, October 28

Explore the island of Rhodes, a strategic crossroads of the ancient Mediterranean. Visit Lindos, crowned by its ancient acropolis overlooking the Aegean Sea, followed by time at St. Paul’s Bay, traditionally associated with the Apostle Paul’s stop during his missionary travels (Acts 21). This excursion highlights the spread of early Christianity through the Greek islands and the maritime routes that carried the Gospel outward from Jerusalem.

Santorini, Greece

- Friday, October 29

Stroll the stunning streets of Santorini on your own.

Crete, Greece

- Saturday, October 30

Enjoy a full-day journey through western Crete, illuminating the world behind Paul’s letter to Titus.

At Sea

- Sunday, October 31

After a few days of activities, enjoy a day of rest and relaxation on the ship.

Valletta, Malta

- Monday, November 1

Step directly into the dramatic narrative of Acts 27–28. Visit St. Paul’s Bay, the traditional site of Paul’s shipwreck, and St. Paul’s Grotto, associated with his three-month ministry on the island. This excursion powerfully illustrates God’s providence, the spread of the Gospel beyond Judea, and the historical reliability of Luke’s account in Acts.

Messina, Sicily, Italy

- Tuesday, November 2

Travel from Messina to the stunning hill town of Taormina, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Visit the ancient Greek Theater, with sweeping views of Mount Etna, and explore the historic center. Sicily’s position between East and West made it a vital bridge between Greek, Roman, and early Christian worlds, helping frame the broader context of Paul’s Mediterranean mission.

Salerno, Italy

- Wednesday, November 3

This will be a deeply archaeological day exploring the classical world that shaped early Christianity.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

- Thursday, November 4

Walk through the very center of Imperial power where Christianity would ultimately confront and transform the Roman world. This guided excursion includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Appian Way, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Trace the path of persecution, martyrdom, and eventual triumph of the early Church, with special attention to Paul’s imprisonment and witness in Rome.

At Sea

- Friday, November 5

Enjoy the sights of the Mediterranean waters around you on the ship for one last day as you head towards your final port.

Barcelona, Spain

- Saturday, November 6

After disembarking the ship, take in the beautiful city of Barcelona, then begin the flight back to the United States.

Friday, October 22 - Saturday, November 6

Aptera reveals Crete’s military and political importance during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Chania reflects Crete’s layered history under Greek, Roman, and later powers.
Kissamos (ancient Polyrrhenia/Kastelli Kissamos) was an active Roman city during the time of the Apostle Paul, and today houses a museum containing some of the finest Roman mosaics in the Mediterranean, offering a vivid window into first-century Roman life in the very era of early Christianity.

Friday, October 22 - Saturday, November 6

Herculaneum (Ercolano) offers one of the most remarkably preserved Roman cities in existence, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Paestum showcases some of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere in the world, illustrating the pagan religious landscape into which Christianity emerged.

Round-trip transportation from Salerno is included, with expert historical interpretation throughout.

Friday, October 22 - Saturday, November 6

Mediterranean Learning at Sea

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