What's Included: 
Rome + Italy Private Tours Package

The Perfect Package! 
Prices include flights, cruise, hotels, tours, transfers, taxes and fees!

International flights, hotels, cruise, tours, transfers, taxes and fees.

• Transfers: Airport to the hotel, Rome touring and transfer to ship, ship to the hotel, hotel to the airport. Pre-cruise and Post-cruise hotel accommodations. Touring as defined in the tour overview

• Rome Tour: Sites include Rome, Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, and Visit the Rome Italy Temple and Visitors Center (temple recommend holders may do a session). Cruise port expenses are included in rates. English speaking host on Rome tours and temple visit Breakfasts at the hotel. 

• Cruise Cabins: All the cabins have every comfort you need for a pleasant stay: private bathrooms with soap bars and liquid soap for the shower, air conditioning, telephone, cable radio, satellite TV, and safe. Your cabin is cleaned daily and all the linen you require (sheets and towels) is supplied and changed regularly.

• Taxes and Fees: Taxes and fees of $347 per person are included in the total price.

Other airport pricing available upon request!

Private Tours

What an amazing trip. Our guide Jonathan was incredible from the moment he met us at the airport in Rome the first day. Loved every minute and can't wait to plan our next adventure
.
-Amber B.

I am delighted with this whole experience. Words can't express how happy I am. Denise worked very hard to meet our needs and wants. She was fantastic!!

-Satisfied Customer

The accommodations were beautiful, the food was amazing and the company was wonderful, and we were safe. Plus we met the most amazing people! Candace Mascareñas is now one of my BEST friends!

-Barbara M.

Reviews

This special Latter Day Travel cruise and tour includes:

Special Cruise

Airline
Flights

Comfortable
Transportation

Preferred
Hotels

Latter-day Saint
Tour Host

A Special Greek Isles Cruise & Holy Land Tour

You will begin your journey of a lifetime starting in Athens, Greece visiting ancient ports and beautiful destinations in Greece and Turkey, including the most photographed island of Santorini. We'll travel to Tel Aviv, Israel to being a special tour of the Holy Land visiting New Testament and Old Testament sites.

We'll see where Jesus taught in Capernaum and Galilee. We will visit Bethlehem, and the Old City of Jerusalem following the paths that Jesus took in his time here including the Upper Room, Gethsemane, Golgatha, and the Garden Tomb.

This special cruise and tour includes:

ALESUND, NORWAY

Ålesund’s  beauty would be hard to surpass. It is called the most beautiful fjord city.  A city walk and shopping is a must to feel its culture.

MOLDE, NORWAY

Molde is another beautiful Fjord City.with heaps of charm and atmosphere. You may feel like you are walking into a fairytale. Look out for Trolls! Everywhere you turn is another beautiful view.

One of the best experiences in the world is cruising a fjord. The Sognefjord is called the King of the fjords for a good reason: it is the longest fjord in Norway and the second-longest in the world. The Sognefjorden is enveloped with exceptional natural beauty, tall mountains, waterfalls, and scenic forests.

BENBOW FARM & STONEHENGE

BENBOW FARM & STONEHENGE
Hill Farm and Benbow’s Pond was originally the homestead of John and Jane Benbow who played a pivotal role in the conversion and baptism of all but one of the 600 members of the United Brethren's congregation. We’ll also travel to nearby Stonehenge, the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world.

Nordfjord is formed from blue glaciers with  majestic mountains on either side, and sprinkled with fertile valleys and deep lakes. The glaciers, fjords, sea and mountains in Nordfjord are some of the most beautiful that Norwegian nature has to offer.

STAVANGER, NORWAY
 
Stavanger is a small historic area with beautifully restored wooden buildings dating from the turn of the 18th -19th century. You’ll find narrow cobbled streets with the old-fashioned street lanterns. One of the best tours to schedule is the boat tour up the fjord to the site of Pulpit Rock, or as they say Preikestolen. No regrets.

Warwick Castle, Oxford 
& Stratford

London

SKJOLDEN, NORWAY 
& SOGNEFJORD

OLDEN, NORWAY & NORDFJORD

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Warwick Castle

BERGEN, NORWAY

Bergen is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. At the heart of the town is the Bryggen. It consists of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway. Bergen was home to the Composer Edvard Grieg. Famous for titles like: “Hall of the Mountain King” and “Peer Gynt”

BERGEN, NORWAY

Bergen is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. At the heart of the town is the Bryggen. It consists of the old Hanseatic wharf and buildings, and one of the best known urban areas from the Middle Ages in all of Norway. Bergen was home to the Composer Edvard Grieg. Famous for titles like: “Hall of the Mountain King” and “Peer Gynt”

BENBOW FARM & STONEHENGE

BENBOW FARM & STONEHENGE
Hill Farm and Benbow’s Pond was originally the homestead of John and Jane Benbow who played a pivotal role in the conversion and baptism of all but one of the 600 members of the United Brethren's congregation. We’ll also travel to nearby Stonehenge, the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world.

Explore London’s best attractions and famous landmarks--there is so much to appreciate here. Think Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, and so much more.

Warwick castle is rich in history and is very well preserved. Visiting the Great Hall, the State Rooms and other areas of the castle are impressive and the views from the top of the mound were breathtaking. We’ll visit Oxford, famous for its university--the second oldest in the world and often cited as the best. Don’t forget Stratford upon Avon, famous for its Shakespeare connections.

Warwick Castle, Oxford 
& Stratford

London

Warwick Castle, Oxford & Stratford

Stonehenge 

Oxford & Stratford

Benbow Farm 

Bruce H. Porter is an ancient civilization scholar who has guided Church history and Latter-day Saint tours throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. He provides scripturally based tours and perspective from his work in the major museums in Europe doing research that led him into ancient tombs and sacred texts.

He earned a bachelor's degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from BYU and went on to receive his master's degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages and Ancient Religions. His graduate work focused on the history of religions, with an emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies, with a minor in Anthropology.
 
He has taught in the Seminary and Institute programs and is a sought after lecturer, teacher, speaker, and guide.

Bruce H. Porter
Special Guide and Educator

Enjoy the ultimate cruising experience, the elegant interior design, and premium amenities of our cruise ship. The ship boasts four exquisite restaurants, seven ambient bars, and lounges, two pools and Jacuzzis, casino, theatre, onboard boutiques, and more, life at sea is never a dull moment.

Indulge in specialty drinks, delectable cheeses, sumptuous cuisines, and a wide variety of entertainment. And with generous Greek hospitality on top, the ship’s friendly crew is confident your cruise will be exciting, fun-filled, and memorable.

Aboard the Italian Luxury Ship: 
Costa Smeralda

What makes this customized package even better is it is on Costa's brand new, flagship: the Costa Smeralda! You'll experience the best of the Mediterranean on this new ship that symbolizes Italian beauty, style and hospitality.
From the public areas to the cabins, Costa Smeralda has the hallmark "Made in Italy" throughout. Inspiration comes from the squares of the “Bel Paese” of Italy: as you walk down the wide staircase of the stern, it will feel like you are strolling through Piazza di Spagna. This amazing ship has 1,628 balcony cabins, 11 restaurants, many entertainment options and 1,804 square feet of shopping area.

Drinks and Gratuities INCLUDED! 

Luxury Cruise Experience

Thousands have visited the Rome Temple and Visitors Center during the open house and since it was dedicated in March 2019. President Russell M. Nelson described the dedication of this special temple as “a hinge point in the history of the Church.”

Join us in visiting the picturesque, 15-acre Rome Temple site in northeast Rome perfectly landscaped with gardens, Roman pines and olive trees. The interior of the temple features beautiful Italian-quarried Perlato Svevo marble. Magnificent floor work is featured in the baptistry and grand foyer, which reflects Michelangelo’s design at the Piazza del Campidoglio on top of Rome’s Capitoline Hill.

Temple recommend holders can do ordinances and all can visit the beautiful Visitors Center that displays reproductions of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue and the twelve apostles, all made from Carrara Marble.

So much happened in Northern Israel, anciently and during the time of Christ. From Mt Carmel and the Priests of Baal to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up and performed his first miracle. And don’t forget the ancient port city of Caesarea where Paul the Apostle left to spread the gospel to the world.

Not far from the city of Nazareth is the Sea of Galilee and Capernaum on the northern shore. Mt. of Beatitudes is where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. And nearby is the place of the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. From Galilee to Jerusalem, there is so much to experience including Bethlehem and the Shepherds Fields.

Named the Golden City, Jerusalem is a holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. One of the oldest cities, it’s history began even earlier with Abraham and Issac. We’ll visit sites most important to Jesus Christ, including the Old City, the Temple Mount, the Upper Room, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, the Western Wall, Pools of Bethesda, Golgotha, the Garden Tomb, and more.

One of the biggest cities in the Middle East, Cairo awaits. This city of antiquities along the Nile River provides much to see and do. Nearby, Giza is the site of the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx, dating to the 2600 BC. We will discuss the Book of Abraham and the three “facsimiles” that come directly from Egypt with connections to latter-day temples.

Near this port is the ancient city of Ephesus. The Apostle Paul was here and now you can visit here, too. Founded in 3,000 BC, this area is full of ancient history told in the stones and ruins on the west coast of what today is Turkey. The Greek temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary, the ruins of Ephesus and its Roman theater await you. Patmos  is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is perhaps best known today as the location the apostle John the Revelator received the visions found in the Book of Revelation.

 Rhodes is famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Full of history, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in the southern Aegean. It is where the Knights Hospetaller repelled invasions from the Ottoman Turks some 1,500 years ago. Their contribution to the island’s architecture is plain to see, especially right in the town’s Medieval center, another great place to start exploring.

Early church tradition holds that the Apostle Paul, after his release from his first imprisonment in Rome, stopped at the island of Crete to preach. Santorini, arguably the most famous of the Greek islands, is instantly recognizable. Enjoy the postcard perfect views of whitewashed, cube-shaped buildings adorned with blue accents, steep cliffs and tangerine sunsets that light up the sky and sea.

The birthplace of democracy. If you learn one thing from your visit to Athens, Greece, it is that democracy is a fragile thing. A monument to freedom, this home of Plato, Homer and Socrates. Pay particular attention at Mars Hill where Paul taught about the Unknown God. There are illuminating lessons there and in stone beginning with the Parthenon and Acropolis and throughout.

Wet and wonderful. Romantic and historic. Writers, poets and politicians have been extolling its virtues for centuries. Lord Byron dubbed it The Ruler of Waters and Her Powers. Despite its grandeur, you can explore it by foot or gondola, starting at the Bridge of Sighs, and write a poem of your own.

Galileo, Michelangelo, the Medici’s—the pioneers of the Renaissance, or Rinascimento in Italian—made Florence their home and left the world a gift that keeps on giving: freedom of thought, expression, and innovation. More a museum than a city, “Firenze” is waiting for you with open arms.

History is all around you when you visit ancient Rome including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and the Basilica of San Clemente. We’ll also visit the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and the St. Peter's Basilica and much more.

The Rome Italy Temple is the center of a beautiful, 15-acre religious and cultural site in northeast Rome. You will enjoy the temple and the Visitors Center, which includes reproductions of the famous Christus statue and the Twelve Apostles.

The Olympia

Rome Italy Temple

A Hinge Point

Cesarea

Galilee

Jerusalem

Cairo

Kusadasi & Patmos

Rhodes, Greece

Crete & Santorini

Athens

Venice

Florence

Rome

Rome Temple & Visitors Center

Departure: Salt Lake City (SLC) to Tel Aviv (TLV) 
Return: Tel Aviv (TLV) to Salt Lake City (SLC)

*Price is subject to change.

Departure: 
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Tel Aviv (TLV) 
Return: 
Tel Aviv (TLV) to Salt Lake City (SLC)

Departure: Los Angeles (LAX) to Tel Aviv (TLV)
Return: Tel Aviv (TLV) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Other airport pricing available upon request!

*Price is subject to change.

Departure: 
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tel Aviv (TLV) 
Return: 
Tel Aviv (TLV) to Los Angeles (LAX)

According to legends, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants slain by Hercules. There are  many natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful  island and don’t miss the maze of streets and alleys--you can discover so much beauty here.  For centuries, these “islands of the winds” have attracted seamen—now it’s windsurfers and yachtsmen, divers and parachutists, and even the occasional bookworm.

Mykonos

Pre-tour Option to Egypt

Luxor

A short flight will take us to Aswan and the High Dam Phaile Temple. Then on to Luxor, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. We will visit the Valley of the Kings, the ruins of the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, and be amazed by the area described as the “world's greatest open-air museum.” Three prophets lived in Egypt; Abraham, Joseph and Moses, and each left a record of scripture. All who are from the tribe of Joseph have a history here as the mother of Ephraim and Manasseh was the daughter of the High Priest of the ancient religious center of On.

Price is per person based on double occupancy.

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Discover More Experiences 
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Pre-tour Option

$1199 per Person 

Egypt

Optional 5-day pre-tour for those wanting to have the ultimate tour of Egypt, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings. 

$899 per Person

Post-Tour Option

Petra

Optional 2-day post-tour for those wanting to have the ultimate tour of the ancient city of Petra, Madaba, Amman, and Mount Nebo.

Post-tour Option to Petra

Explore the ancient city of Petra, which is one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Visit the Old Testament city of Madaba “The City of Mosaics” and then visit Mount Nebo’s endearing monastery. This two-day option after your trip will make your vacation here complete.

The Rose Red City of Petra will surpass your wildest expectations! The Capital city of Amman is the cultural center of Jordan. We’ll arrive at the Queen Alia International Airport and transfer to our hotel in Amman, Jordan.

Amman, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Optional, 5-day pre-tour is available for those wanting to have the ultimate tour of Egypt, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings.
 
Optional, 2-day post-tour of one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, the Rose Red City of Petra will surpass your wildest expectations!


Special pricing is available when combining it with this package

Bruce H. Porter is an ancient civilization scholar who has guided Church history and Latter-day Saint tours throughout the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. He provides scripturally based tours and perspective from his work in the major museums in Europe doing research that led him into ancient tombs and sacred texts.

He earned a bachelor's degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies from BYU and went on to receive his master's degree in Middle East Studies with an emphasis in Semitic languages and Ancient Religions. His graduate work focused on the history of religions, with an emphasis in Egyptian religion and textual studies, with a minor in Anthropology.
 
He has taught in the Seminary and Institute programs and is a sought after lecturer, teacher, speaker, and guide.

Bruce H. Porter
Special Guide and Educator

*Price is subject to change.

Pre-Paid Gratuities for tour of $17 per day per person and Celestyal Fuel Charge of $8 per day per person are not included.

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Photos by JarvieDigital 

Photos by Nathan Smith

Pre-tour arrival: 

Cairo International Airport (CAI) 
by 4 pm

 
Main tour arrival: 

Athens International Airport (ATH) 
by 4 pm

 
Main tour return: 

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) 
after 10am

 
Post tour return: 

Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) 
after 10am

Aboard the Italian Luxury Ship: 
Costa Smeralda

What makes this customized package even better is it is on Costa's brand new, flagship: the Costa Smeralda! You'll experience the best of the Mediterranean on this new ship that symbolizes Italian beauty, style and hospitality.
From the public areas to the cabins, Costa Smeralda has the hallmark "Made in Italy" throughout. Inspiration comes from the squares of the “Bel Paese” of Italy: as you walk down the wide staircase of the stern, it will feel like you are strolling through Piazza di Spagna. This amazing ship has 1,628 balcony cabins, 11 restaurants, many entertainment options and 1,804 square feet of shopping area.

Booking your own flights?