Footsteps of Paul

Price Per person Based on Double Occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
May 3-13, 2026	$4,775*	$1,550 ($2,050 if in a balcony cabin)
*International airfare not included Reservation Due: November 24, 2025 Final Payment Due: February 2, 2026

Included

Internal flight from Athens to Thessaloniki, 7 nights lodging at hotels, 3 nights on Celestyal cruise in standard inside cabin, Breakfast and dinner daily at hotels, all meals while on cruise, Cruise - Unlimited filtered coffee, tea, water, juice during restaurant hours (6:30A-10P), Cruise – Unlimited free-pour sodas with meals in main restaurants (Thalassa & Taverna), Full time professional English-speaking tour guide in Greece, assistant on cruise, All touring and entrances as listed on itinerary, All transportation by modern air-conditioned motor coach, Tips to guides, drivers, cruise rep, & hotel staff, Ephesus & Patmos shore excursions, Whisper listening devices, Pilgrim Payment Processing for check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover

Not Included

International airfare, All lunches and drinks with meals except on cruise, Optional Santorini Excursion to Oia Village – currently +$100/person, Optional Crete Excursion to Knossos – currently +$100/person, Optional Travel Insurance – 7.95% or 10.85% of tour cost (rates current as of quote date), Mandatory New Greece Government Tax – Fees range from €1 to €20 per person, depending on port and date.

Day 1 – Sunday, May 3: Arrive Athens

As we all arrive in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, we will make our way to our nearby airport hotel as we wait for the rest of our group to arrive. Our guide will meet us at the hotel this evening as we enjoy our first dinner together as a group. Enjoy getting to know one another, be sure to get a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s touring begins.

Day 2 – Monday, May 4: Arrive Thessaloniki

This morning we will take a short flight from Athens to Thessaloniki, and upon arrival will be taken on an introductory tour of the city. The New Testament books of I & II Thessalonians will come alive to us as we 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. We will check into our hotel where we will lodge for the next three evenings.

Day 3 – Tuesday, May 5: Philippi, Kavala

Today 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. Any remaining time after our arrival back in Thessaloniki is free to relax or explore.

Day 4 – Wednesday, May 6: Thessaloniki, Berea, Vergina

We begin our morning in this delightful harbor city by following the massive battlements of Byzantine wall to the citadel for a panoramic view of the city. Finally, we visit St. Demetrius Basilica, dedicated to a distinguished member of the Roman army and a martyred Christian convert. Beginning our journey southward, a stop will be made in Berea to view the ancient synagogue where Paul spoke, the Bema surrounded by mosaics of Paul, and the plaque of scripture regarding the "more noble" church. Driving through town we see remnants of the original Roman road that spanned the nation during Paul’s time. We also visit King Phillip's (Alexander's father) tomb in Vergina, one of the most outstanding finds in all of Greece. The exhibit includes many items including intricately designed lavish gold crowns designed for the royalty of the day. We will return to Thessaloniki for the evening.

Day 5 – Thursday, May 7: Return to Athens

Following breakfast today, we will set off southward, following the coast and enjoying the sites along the way. We have a good bit of ground to cover, but we will make a couple of stops along the way to stretch our legs and purchase lunch. Arriving in Athens this afternoon, our driver will take us on a panoramic bus tour of some city sites including the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. Any remaining time is free to rest or do a little exploring on our own. We will overnight in Athens.

Day 6: Friday, May 8: 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 7 – Saturday, May 9: 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. Back on the ship, enjoy the Captain's dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.

Day 8 – Sunday, May 10: Crete and Santorini

Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. Take an optional tour (+$100 per person) 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 (+$100 per person) 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 9 – Monday, May 11: Disembark Cruise, Athens, Leisure Time

After breakfast, we disembark the cruise begin our touring with a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Erectheum before viewing Athens atop Mars Hill where Paul stood and preached the truth to the Gentile nation. The remainder of the day is free with many things to do and see. Many may enjoy visiting the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 10 – Tuesday, May 12: Corinth, Cenchreae

We depart Athens this morning and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Next, we visit ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament scholar. 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 for the Bible. 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. We travel on 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 returning to Athens, we will 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.

Day 11 – Wednesday, May 13: Home

This morning we transfer to the Athens Airport for our flight to the USA.

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