Warm-Water Cruises to UNESCO Sites You Must See

Imagine the sun warming your skin as your cruise ship glides through impossibly blue waters. You’ve spent the last few days in fellowship, worship and prayer with other believers. The beauty of God’s creation beckons you at every port, and remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer experiences you’ll remember for years. Discover stories of human achievement, ancient ruins and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Here are a few of our favorite UNESCO sites in warm-weather cruise destinations in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

ANTIGUA, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

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Nelson’s Dockyard (Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites)

The pull of Antigua may seem simple—drawing closer to God against a backdrop of tropical splendor including crystal-blue waters and white-sand beaches—but Nelson’s Dockyard in this Caribbean paradise tells a deeper story.

The naval base dates back to the 18th century when the British Navy patrolled against pirates while protecting the local economic interests of its sugarcane plantations. During your tour:

• Explore meticulously restored Georgian-style naval buildings that once housed British officers and sailors, offering a glimpse into 18th-century naval life.
• Visit the Dockyard Museum to learn about the site’s history, from its role in the fight against piracy to its significance in the African slave trade.
• Pause to pray for healing and reconciliation among cultures as you discover sobering stories of exploration and colonization.

ATHENS, GREECE

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The Acropolis

Welcome to Athens, an open-air museum and one of history’s most iconic cities. Standing sentinel over this incredible metropolis is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unparalleled contribution to human history, architecture and civilization.

This ancient citadel, perched high above Athens, is a symbol of the Golden Age of Greece where groundbreaking ideas, philosophies and art were born. Its temples, including the Parthenon, showcase architectural innovations that have influenced Western culture for over two millennia. As you walk by the ruins of ancient temples, you’ll ponder the early democracy and philosophy of ancient Greece and the profound Christian history here.

• Marvel at the Parthenon, one of the world’s most iconic structures, which has stood for more than 2,500 years and symbolizes ancient democracy and innovation.
• Stand where the Apostle Paul preached on Mars Hill, reflecting on the spread of Christianity into the heart of Greek culture.
• Examine the Erechtheion, a lesser-known but fascinating temple famous for its Caryatid Porch where sculptures replace traditional columns, showcasing the artistic brilliance of ancient Greece.

BARBADOS

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Historic Bridgetown and Its Garrison

Discover the architectural treasures of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados—known for its legendary beaches, delicious food and laid-back culture. Once a British colony, Historic Bridgetown boasts colonial-era architecture and the iconic St. Anne’s Garrison. Wander through Barbados’ capital city, where Caribbean charm mixes with medieval influence, and you’ll see:

• The world’s third-oldest parliament, the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere (Nidhe Israel Synagogue).
• The world’s oldest surviving ship lift at the Blackwoods Screw Dock.
• The George Washington House and Museum—where George Washington lived for six weeks; it showcases the horrors of slavery and life on Barbados during colonization.

EPHESUS, TURKEY

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Ancient Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most important archaeological treasures. Once a thriving port city, it offers a glimpse into life two millennia ago. Its streets are lined with awe-inspiring ruins, including grand temples, ornate public spaces and sophisticated residences that reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. A few of the incredible structures you’ll explore are:

• The Basilica of St. John, which is believed to mark the burial site of the Apostle John, a key figure in the spread of Christianity.
• The legendary Library of Celsus, celebrated for its architectural sophistication and symbolic representation of wisdom and knowledge.
• Odeon and Prytaneion were places Paul and the early Christians likely walked by, symbolizing the intersection of ancient Roman life and early Christian faith.
• The Great Theatre, a massive amphitheater where Paul preached to the Ephesians; imagine reading his words in this iconic structure.

MILAN, ITALY

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Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper

Most travelers don’t realize that Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper isn’t a traditional painting, but rather an enormous mural inside a Dominican convent. It measures nearly 30 feet in width, covering an entire wall of a relatively modest dining hall. The church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, dates back to the 15th century. Bombs destroyed most of the church in World War II, but miraculously, the wall containing The Last Supper survived. Pause in this sacred setting to:

• Admire the intricate details of The Last Supper, a masterpiece capturing the dramatic moment of Jesus’ betrayal.
• Learn about the extraordinary preservation efforts that saved this historic mural during World War II and throughout centuries of restoration.
• Reflect on the impact of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection on your faith and life.

ROME, ITALY

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Vatican City

A visit to Vatican City—the center of the Roman Catholic Church—can be uplifting and meaningful for all Christians. From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the intensity of Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican is a must-visit destination for Christian travelers.

Visiting this religious site will transform your faith unexpectedly as you witness the heritage and history of the early church. You’ll gain a broad perspective on the global church as you:

• See artistic and architectural masterpieces while gaining a deeper appreciation for the early church.
• Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica for a breathtaking view of Rome, symbolizing the church’s vast reach and historical significance.
• Stand in awe of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel, a masterpiece that inspired millions with its depiction of God’s touch.

ST. KITTS & NEVIS

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Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park

This dual-island nation is one of the Caribbean’s hidden gems, where old West Indies sugar plantations have been transformed into cultural sites and luxury resorts. These were some of the first Caribbean islands visited by Christopher Columbus and attracted European settlers by the early 1600s. While visiting Brimstone Hill Fortress, you can:

• Stroll along fortress walls and enjoy panoramic views of neighboring islands, lush landscapes and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
• Experience one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the Americas; it will feel like a time capsule of life centuries ago.
• Explore the museum, which delves into the region’s colonial history, military strategies and the lives of those who built the fortress.

THESSALONIKI, GREECE

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Archaeological Site of Philippi

Thessaloniki and Philippi are two of Greece’s most significant locations for Christian travelers, each offering a unique connection to the early church and the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Thessaloniki was home to one of the first Christian communities established by Paul, inspiring his letters to the Thessalonians.

Christian travelers can explore remnants of Thessaloniki’s Roman and Byzantine past, including ancient churches and the Arch of Galerius, which reflect the city’s role as a cultural and religious crossroads.

Just a short drive away, Philippi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of archaeological treasures where you can:

• Reflect on the significance of Paul’s sermon in Philippi—a pivotal moment in spreading Christianity beyond the Middle East.
• Explore the prison where Paul and Silas were held, a place that brings Acts 16 to life as you recall their miraculous release after a midnight praise and prayer session.
• Visit the ruins of early Christian basilicas, some of the earliest examples of church architecture in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Most Christian travelers on warm-water cruises expect relaxation, uninterrupted time with God and gorgeous scenery. The emotional resonance and spiritual depth of protected UNESCO sites sometimes surprise them. Upon visiting these locations, they discover something we know to be true: Immersion in history always adds spiritual depth to one’s faith.

Which of these UNESCO sites are you adding to your bucket list?