Footsteps of Paul tour of Greece

Price Per person based on double occupancy on the current exchange rate of $1.12 to 1 Euro and is subject to change

Date	Price	Single Supplement
August 26-September 4, 2023	$3,975*	$850
*Incudes roundtrip airfare, lodging, the cruise, all breakfasts, dinners and entrances to sights. Reservation Due: April 21, 2023 Final Payment Due: June 23, 2023

Included

Roundtrip air from Newark including current air taxes and fuel surcharges (taxes and fuel charges are subject to change), 5 nights lodging at 4 star hotels , 3 nights aboard cruise ship in standard inside cabin, cruise port taxes and fees. Ephesus and Patmos cruise excursions, breakfast and dinner daily, 3 lunches, full time English speaking tour escort, services of air conditioned deluxe motor coach, all guides, entrances, touring and transportation as appears on itinerary, baggage handling at hotels (one piece), tips to driver, guides, hotel staff, and cruise staff

Not Included

5 lunches, optional outside cabin on the cruise (+$180 or $240 per person), optional cruise excursions on Crete and Santorini (+$90 each per person), optional travel insurance (7.95% or 10.85% of tour cost)

Day 1: Departure from US

Today we embark on our journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Greece. Prepare yourself for a life-changing experience. Get some rest on the flight…Tomorrow you will be walking where the apostles walked!

Day 2: Arrive Thessalonica

We arrive in Thessalonica, Greece and are welcomed by our Greek guide. We’ll transfer to our hotel and upon check in enjoy the remainder of our afternoon at leisure. This evening our group will enjoy the first of many delectable European style dinners.

Day 3: Thessalonica, Philippi, Kavala

The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us today as we visit the delightful harbor city of Thessalonica. We will view the old city ramparts; the newly excavated Forum, St. George Church, an ancient Roman monument which was transformed into a church and the Galerius Arch which rises over the famous Via Egnatia. Next, we will visit Philippi and Kavala. Kavala 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 evangelical sermon and baptized the first Christians on European soil. We will view the baptismal site where Lydia surrendered her life to Christ 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. We return to Thessalonica for our dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Thessalonica, Berea, Meteora Monastery

This morning we leave Thessalonica and travel to Berea where we’ll make a short stop to view the synagogue where Paul preached. We stop at the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. We pass by the area of King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, with travel commentary on the Apostle Paul's teaching. This afternoon we see the world-famous Byzantine monasteries that are perched precariously on summits of gray rock pinnacles of varied and beautiful shapes. Their history goes back to the 14th century when the monks sought refuge in the cliffside caves then fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, later transformed into monasteries. Our lodging this evening is in the Meteora area.

Day 5: Athens

From Meteora, our tour travels south to Athens where we 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 that we will drive past include the Agora (ancient market place and center of Athenian public life), the House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. Overnight in Athens for two nights.

Day 6: Ancient Corinth

Departing Athens, we stop for a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal and then travel to the ancient city of Corinth, another treat for the New Testament scholar. Corinth is the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters. See the Archaeological Museum, the Market Place, the Bema, and the Temples. To enjoy a devotional in the midst of the ruins of the church 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. Our guide will be sure to show you the room dedicated to the medical care of that period. Next, we travel to the top of the nearby Acropolis where our guide will speak on the worship practices and point out the bird’s eye view of what was a bustling city of around 800,000 during Paul’s stay. Before ending our day we visit Cenchreae, the ancient port region of Corinth. Acts 18:18, states the Apostle Paul stopped at Cenchreae during his second missionary journey, where he had his hair cut to fulfill a vow. We return to Athens for the evening.

Day 7: Cruising Mykonos

We sail this morning from Athens to the quaint isle of Mykonos, called the island of windmills. 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 entertainment.

Day 8: Ephesus and Patmos

Docking in Turkey, enjoy a 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 including the Agora, the Odeon, the Library, the marble-paved main Street, the Baths, Trajan’s Fountain, the Residences of the Patricians, the Prytaneum, and Temple of Hadrian. The Great Theatre, built in the 4th century B.C., could accommodate 24,000 spectators and it is famous even nowadays for its acoustics. This afternoon we visit the Isle of Patmos, under statutory protection as a historic monument. Here we have a tour to see the fortified monastery of St. John and the cave claimed to be where John received the Revelation.

Day 9: Crete and Santorini

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take an optional tour to Heraklion and the fantastic ruins of the Palace of Knossos. Discovered in 1899 and partially reconstructed, the elaborate Palace is believed to be the mythical Labyrinth of King Minos and the seat of ancient Minoan culture. This afternoon visit the island of Santorini which is perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. You may choose to take an optional panoramic bus tour viewing some of the most spectacular scenery of the Aegean. Travel through countless villages and settlements with delicate architecture and beauties eventually arriving in Oia. During your time in Oia, visit the many narrow streets, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques. Upon returning to the ship, we view the lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea, & Nea Kameni. We arrive at the ship for dinner and evening entertainment.

Day 10: Disembark Cruise, fly home

We disembark the cruise this morning and travel directly to the Athens airport for the flight home.

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.