Footsteps of Paul & John

Price Per person Based on Double Occupancy

Date	Price	Single Supplement
June 6-17, 2027	$TBD*	$1,690
*Pending Chicago airfare confirmation in July 2026 Reservation Due: December 23, 2026 Final Payment Due: March 5, 2027

Included

Roundtrip airfare from Chicago including taxes and fees (air taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change) – air estimated at $1,550, 8 nights lodging at hotels, 2 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, Patmos shore excursions, Whisper listening devices, Pilgrim Payment Processing for check, Visa, MasterCard or Discover

Not Included

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, June 6: Departure from US

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

Day 2 – Monday, June 7: Arrival Izmir (Smyrna)

We transfer to our hotel in the charming city of Izmir, Turkey for the next two evenings. Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and a long-time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul's day, the city was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11).

Day 3 – Tuesday, June 8: Pergamum

Our first visit of the day is Pergamum, and our guide will give us some background on the city during our drive. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Rev. 2:12-17) 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 Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). After some free time to explore and get lunch on our own, we will return to Izmir with the afternoon at leisure. This evening we will enjoy some worship time together as a group.

Day 4 – Wednesday, June 9: Sardis, Philadelphia, Arrive Pamukkale

Departing our hotel in Izmir, we will pay a visit to Polycarp's Church. Then we travel to Sardis, which 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 wool originated. We'll visit the gymnasium and synagogue, with some time in between to explore and purchase lunch. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the "new Jerusalem" (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir. Our lodging this evening will be in a lovely spa hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 5 – Thursday, June 10: Hierapolis, Laodicea

After a leisurely breakfast, we will set out for nearby Hierapolis. Meaning "Sacred City," it was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis; a visit to his tomb will be included. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the "lukewarm" Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between these cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Nearby 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. Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Our guide will give us introductory tours of both Hierapolis and Laodicea and then will give us time to explore the sites further on our own. This afternoon we travel through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. Any remaining time this evening is free to relax.

Day 6 – Friday, June 11: Ephesus

We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. 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. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Once our guide has shown us the main sites, we will have further time to enjoy the ancient city’s sites on our own. Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of St. John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbor, the Mosque of Jesus, and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will return to our hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 7 – Saturday, June 12: Isle of Patmos

This morning, we embark our cruise ship and sail for a visit to the beautiful Isle of Patmos, which is 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 dinner before settling in to your cabin for the night.

Day 8 – Sunday, June 13: 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, June 14: Disembark Cruise, Cenchreae, Arrive Corinth

We disembark the cruise this morning and travel west with a rest stop and photos at the Corinth Canal. Following the coast southward, 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. We then continue on to ancient Corinth, the city that inspired many of Paul's most familiar letters and is a highlight for the New Testament scholar. We begin our time here at 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. The remainder of the afternoon is free for some time of reflection and study as we review what we have seen in our journey thus far. Our lodging will be in Corinth for the next two evenings.

Day 10 – Tuesday, June 15: Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth

Following breakfast, we will visit 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. We will take our time throughout each of these sites in order to truly soak in the importance of each place and connect them with Scripture references. 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 will wrap up our touring at the Archaeological Museum in order to allow everyone to make their way through at their own pace. Those who wish to will go with our guide later this afternoon to visit Acrocorinth, the nearby hill fortress overlooking the city, where we will spend a couple of hours exploring and taking in the sites of the surrounding area. It is a steep, strenuous hike, so please bear this in mind when deciding whether or not to participate.

Day 11 – Wednesday, June 16: Athens

This morning we return to Athens, the foundation of democracy. 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. We’ll view the Agora below, the ancient marketplace and center of Athenian public life. Additional sites viewed during our panoramic bus tour are the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Olympic Stadium, and Presidential Palace. An option later this afternoon is a visit to the famous Plaka with a multitude of shops and cafes.

Day 12 – Thursday, June 17: Return Home

We transfer to the Athens Airport for our journey home.

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