Day 1: Departure
Depart from the US on a transatlantic overnight flight to Greece.

Day 2: Thessaloniki
We transfer to our hotel in Thessaloniki for the next two evenings. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today. The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore on your own.  The second largest city in Greece, and the capital of Macedonia, Thessaloniki was named after Alexander the Great’s sister. Paul preached here and founded a church.  Paul preached in Thessalonica and wrote two epistles to the ancient Thessalonians. See the ramparts of the city, the triumphal Arch of Galerius starting the Via Egnatia, once a strategic artery of the Roman Empire, the House of Jason and the Roman Agora where Paul preached. The site where the monastery of Vlatadon was built is believed to be the location where Jason’s house once stood and where Paul was accommodated during his visit to Thessalonica.

Day 3: Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis
Neapolis is Greece's prettiest mainland port with a most elegant harbor. Paul landed here with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. Luke, the Evangelist, also came here from Troas. This ancient city of Neapolis was later renamed Christoupolis because it was the first European city to accept Christianity. Imagine walking on the same sod as these men of the Bible! We will see the Roman Aqueduct and the ruins of the Acropolis in this beautifully located city, known since the 5th century as Kavala. Continue on to Philippi where Paul preached his first sermon in Europe and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will  visit the site where the first European convert, Lydia, was baptized and visit a crypt dating from the Roman period that is thought to have served as a prison for Paul.  See the famous Acropolis, the Market Place, Basilica, and the Theatre.  Next we will visit Amphipolis, where Paul visited on his way to Thessalonica.  A highlight is the lion of Amphipolis, dating to the 4th Century BC and probably belonging to Laomedon, a close friend to Alexander the Great.  We return to Thessaloniki to view the sites briefly before the end of the day.

Day 4:   Berea, Delphi
This morning, journey to Veria—ancient Beria—to the memorial commemorating Paul’s preaching to the local Jews. Still visible today in Veria, is part of the Roman road—the Egnatia Way—its remains a silent witness to Rome’s greatness.  We continue south to Delphi where we will enjoy our dinner and overnight.

Day 5:   Delphi, Athens
We enjoy a morning tour of Delphi before we travel south to Athens.  While in Athens we will visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. Additional sites include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life).

Day 6: Corinth, Port of Cencrea
This morning we leave Athens by motor coach and travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that received Paul's familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To stand in the midst of the ruins of Corinth and see the pillars, steps, and public worship place where Paul preached will enhance your understanding and love of I & II Corinthians. The ruins of this important cultural center are fascinating as we walk along the stone path that the Apostle Paul walked. The engineering skill and intellect of these people are evident in the water systems that still flow from ancient to modern day.  We will travel and view the ancient port of Cencrea where the Apostle Paul sailed from before returning to Athens for our overnight.

Day 7: Cruise to Mykonos
This morning we sail from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. This evening we experience the waterfront lined with shops and cafes and then stroll the charming walkways through a maze of whitewashed buildings before returning to the ship for dinner and evening activities. 

Day 8: Rhodes
After breakfast we will visit Rhodes. This ancient fortified city was built by the knights of St. John and is rich in Roman and Greek culture. You are free to stroll down the Street of the Knights to the market area for shopping and a wonderful Greek lunch or you may enjoy an optional tour to the ancient city of Lindos. Magnificently situated between two bays with sandy beaches, an ancient acropolis and medieval castle, Lindos is famous as a most striking and impressive city. Again we return to the ship for dinner.

Day 9: Patmos, Ephesus
This morning we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. You may choose to take an optional visit to the cave claimed to be the place where John received the Revelation, and see the fortified monastery of St. John. Disembarking in Turkey, we take the tour of Ephesus, the city of the Bible and one of the largest restorations still in progress with miles of ancient treasures. Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city where we view the Library, Agora, Temple of Artemis, theatre, colorful mosaics, a panoramic view of the surrounding ancient port area including a wealth of church history and cultural insight.  Our lodging this evening will be in Kusadasi.

Day 10: Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis
Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains.  Known as being "luke-warm" in the book of Revelation (Rev 3:14-22), Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Hierapolis, the "Sacred City," was part of the tri-city area in the first century, and the connection between the cities can be found in Paul's epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13).  Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 11: Philadelphia, Sardis, Smyrna
Philadelphia was referred to as the "New Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation, yet today, not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica.  Sardis was berated by John for its facade of strength when in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wood originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue.  Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). Here we'll see Polycarp's Church and the ancient agora. Our lodging for the next two nights will be in Izmir.

Day 12: Pergamum, Thyatira
We will visit the once busy trading center, famous as a "seller of purple", known in Biblical times as the city of Thyatira (now Akhisar).  This is one of the cities where money was first minted.  Pergamum was a center of idolatry.  It was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We'll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Temple of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library, which once held 200,000 volumes. 

Day 13: Home
Early this morning we depart the marvelous sites of the New Testament and return to the U.S. From now on, when we read our Bibles and the New Testament, we will feel the Bible come alive and enjoy vivid memories of our wonderful Footsteps of Paul journey.

Price Per Person: $3379.00 double occupancy (based on 10 passengers) $600.00 single supplement Reserve Early!  Space Limited to 15 passengers $75.00 outside cabin upgrade Audit Fee - $TBD Academic Registration Fee - $TBD Credit Hours - $TBD per credit hour   Information & Reservations: Dr. Ernie Schmidt          515-964-0601 ext. 221          schmidte@faith.edu Reservation Form        Pilgrim Policies      Insurance Info

Price Includes: Roundtrip air from Chicago, 11 nights lodging at first class hotels, Breakfast and dinner daily, all meals on cruise, Tips to drivers, guides and hotel staff of $88.00 recommended, Full time tour guides in Greece & Turkey- No guide on cruise, Private air conditioned motor coach, All entrances and transportation as appear on itinerary, One free tour based on double occupancy, Cruise port taxes and disembarkation taxes, Turkey visa of $20 currently, Baggage handling at hotels (one piece). Not included: Flights to Chicago, Air taxes of $400.00 estimated - subject to change, Lunches, Optional Travel Insurance, Optional credit card payments (additional 3% of total bill), Optional Shore Excursions of Rhodes ($65 currently) & Patmos ($65 currently) Deposits and completed reservation forms due June 5, 2008. Final payment due July 9, 2008.