12-Day Tour of Greece
with a 4-Night Cruise
and Optional Malta & Italy Extension

Embark upon your journey to the lands of ancient treasures and Christian history with an overnight flight to Thessaloniki. Prepare yourself for a lifechanging experience and get some rest on the flight. Tomorrow we will be walking in the Greek world that the Apostle Paul knew. The world and culture of the New Testament is about to come alive!

We arrive in Thessaloniki, the city where Paul was received by Jason. Paul was preaching the Word of God here until he was rushed out of the city. We transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we travel east to the amazing site of Philippi. On the way we will make a brief stop at Amphipolis. Paul stopped here on his way to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). Arriving at Philippi, we visit the Baptistry of Lydia, near the river where Paul baptized her. Lydia was the first convert of Paul on European soil, followed by the conversion of the jailer. We also visit the ruins of the Forum of Philippi, the Christ a Basilicas, the “Prison of Paul” and the Theater. We then drive to the coast, to the port of Kavala (ancient Neapolis). Here, Paul took his first step in bringing the Gospel to present day Europe. It is a picturesque port! We view the Byzantine Castle and the Roman Aqueduct. To end the day, we drive back to Thessaloniki for dinner and our second overnight here.

This morning, we tour the city of Thessaloniki. We’ll see the White Tower, the Agora, and the Church of St. Demetrius. We will also gain a panoramic view from the upper part of the city before leaving Thessaloniki. From here, we drive south through the beautiful landscape of inland Greece. We make a brief stop in Berea, visited by Paul (Acts 17:10f). It was here that Paul planted a church that “studied the Scriptures” on a regular basis. Close by is Vergina, the burial place of Philip II (Father of Alexander the great), now a museum. In the afternoon, we drive through the scenic route over the mountains to Kalambaka. Weather permitting, we might see Mt. Olympus, the legendary abode of the Greek gods. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Meteora. Here, we will see the 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 cliff-side caves. Then they fled higher to build the original wooden shelters, which were later transformed into monasteries. We spend the night in Kalambaka, located in the shadows of the unique monasteries of Meteora.

We leave the hotel after breakfast and drive to Thermopylae. It was here that the famous 300 Spartans, led by King Leonidas, fought with an alliance of Greek city-states against the large Persian army in 480 B.C. From here we drive to Delphi, one of the best preserved classic Greek sites in the country! Here we tour the ancient oracle of Apollo at Delphi. We will also visit the local museum with its renown bronze statue of the charioteer. Then, we will see the stadium where the ancient Pythian athletic games were held every four years. Second only to the Olympic games in fame, these games were in honor of Apollo. Next, we see the temple of Apollo where the young priestess Pythia gave her prophecies. In the late afternoon, we drive to Athens, check into our hotel, and enjoy a late dinner together.

We start the day by visiting the site of Mycenae, the legendary city rival of Troy, and described by Homer as “Mycenea rich in Gold.” This city dates back to the late Bronze Age and is famous for the “beehive” Tomb of Agamemnon (Treasury of Atreus) and the gold masks. We then continue to ancient Corinth. This is the once glorious city near the Isthmus, where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and spent a year and a half preaching the Word of God. We visit the Archaeological Museum, the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum, and the famous Bema where Paul stood before Gallio, accused by the Jews of Corinth. We also will try to see the acropolis of the city and the Temple of Aphrodite. Then we make a brief stop to Cenchreae, the small harbor from which Paul sailed back to Asia. Upon arriving back in Athens, we’ll enjoy dinner together, followed by an optional walk.

We travel early this morning to the port of Piraeus for an 11am departure on our 4-night Greek Isles Cruise. Our first port-of-call is Mykonos, which uniquely combines luxury and sophistication with the simple and yet charming life of a Cycladic Island. We can stroll the winding, narrow streets full of boutiques, visit tiny chapels, and take pictures of the famous windmills. Another option is just to sit by the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we arrive at Kusadasi, a lovely Turkish port and the gateway to the Ancient city of Ephesus, a city often visited by St. Paul. It is one of the seven churches of Revelation. (Excursion to Ancient Ephesus included). We drive along the coast to reach Ephesus, famous in antiquity for its Temple of Diana. Also known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus later became the home of the Apostle John. We will see the monuments such as the Forum, the Odeon, the Library of Celsus, and the Thermal Bath of Scolastika. We will also visit the magnificent, open-air Great Theatre, built in the Greek era, and reconstructed in the Roman period, which seated 24,000 people. Next, we walk back to the motor coach along the Arcadian Way, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Traveling back to Kusadasi, we view the Basilica of St. John. Just downhill lies the site of the famous Temple of Diana, which today is in ruins. We also visit the Church of the Virgin Mary. By late afternoon we arrive on Patmos, the island where the Apostle John was exiled. It was here that John wrote the book of Revelation (Rev. 1:9) in one of the local caves. The excursion for this island is not included. Dr. DeLancey will lead an optional excursion on Patmos via rented taxis (at your own expense). Alternatively, we can choose to disembark and explore the island on our own.

Today, we will visit the Island of Rhodes. The ship enters the port, which was once dominated by the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The excursion for this island is not included. Dr. DeLancey will lead an optional excursion on Lindos via rented taxis (at your own expense) to travel to the other side of the island. The impressive Acropolis of Lindos is certainly a site worthing seeing! Alternatively, we can choose to disembark and explore the island on our own.

This morning, we spend time in Crete, the largest and most rugged of the Greek Islands. It is also the ancient home of the great Minoans and the mythological god, Zeus (Excursion to Knossos Palace and Heraklion City included). After a short ride through the town of Heraklion, we arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization, dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Paul left Titus in Crete and gave instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). Next, we spend an evening on what many would consider the most spectacular of all the Greek islands, Santorini. We will have time to stroll the cobbled lanes of this fascinating town or simply relax over coffee. A short cable car ride (not included) will take us down to the pier where we will rejoin the ship.

We sail back to the port of Athens. Upon loading the bus, we enjoy the architectural wonders of ancient Athens. First, we climb the worldrenowned Acropolis, to see the Propylea, the Erechtheum and the Parthenon. Next, we visit Mars Hill, where Paul delivered his speech on the Unknown God. Then we see the Agora, the ancient center of the economic and public life of the city, where Paul preached to the skeptical Athenians. During the bus tour, we also see Constitution Square with the House of Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, and the Neoclassical Buildings of Athens. In the afternoon, we will enjoy some free time in the Plaka, Athen’s market. We’ll grab a gyro or a Greek salad for lunch before we meet at a designated area. You will then have the option to be dropped off at the hotel or driven to the base of Lycabetus, the highest point of Athens. You can either walk to the top or take the cable car to the top (for an extra cost). From here you will enjoy a panoramic view of Athens below. We return to our hotel for dinner.

We transfer in the morning to Athens Airport for our return flight back to the U.S.A. We arrive home the same day.

This morning, we transfer to Athens Airport for our flight to Malta. We arrive on the island of Malta with a sense of anticipation, knowing that this land holds the echoes of one of the most dramatic moments in early Christian history. At the airport, we are warmly welcomed and guided to our hotel with a visit to Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village, known for its colorful boats and tranquil harbor, provides us with a reflective setting to consider themes of voyage, refuge, and faith, much like the Apostle Paul’s historic shipwreck on Malta. As we stroll along the waterfront, we experience the simplicity and authenticity of local life while contemplating the spiritual significance of Malta as a place of welcome and survival in biblical history. As the day gently closes, we depart for our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

We will visit Valletta. As we walk through its streets, we encounter a city built with purpose and devotion. Visiting the Collegiate Parish of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, we once again connect with the central moment that brought Paul to Malta. Then, inside St. John’s Co-Cathedral, we are surrounded by beauty and artistry that speak of faith expressed through human hands. Departure for Dingli, where we will have free time for lunch. Later, we will meet our hiking guide for a walking tour along the coast, where we will enjoy panoramic views of the endless Mediterranean. This stunning route follows the island’s dramatic western shoreline, with sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the sea and creating a truly unforgettable hiking experience. After our walk, we return to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Early in the morning, we set out toward the ferry terminal, leaving Malta behind as we follow, in a sense, the continued journey of the Apostle Paul. Crossing the sea, we arrive in Sicily. In Syracuse, we walk where Paul himself once stepped ashore, accompanied by Luke and Aristarchus. On the island of Ortigia, we wander through ancient streets, seeing the Temple of Apollo and the Piazza of the Duomo, imagining the arrival of the ship that carried Paul. At the cathedral, we pause to reflect, knowing that this place stands on layers of sacred history. Moving through the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, we encounter grand structures carved into stone, the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the Roman Amphitheatre. We visit the Catacombs of St. John, descending again into the early Christian world, before taking free time for lunch. Later, we continue to Noto, a city reborn after devastation. Its baroque beauty speaks of resilience and hope, echoing the message Paul carried throughout his journeys. Walking through its churches and streets, we sense a spirit of renewal. We return to the port and cross back to Malta. Arriving at our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Our journey leads us first to Mdina, the Silent City, where narrow streets and ancient walls seem to hold centuries of whispered stories. Walking through this timeless place, we sense a quiet reverence, as if the past still lingers in the stones. We visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, reflecting on the legacy of the apostle whose presence transformed the island. From Mdina, we walk toward Rabat, where the story becomes more intimate. Entering the catacombs and the grotto associated with Saint Paul, we descend into spaces where early Christians lived, prayed, and buried their dead. In these quiet chambers, we feel the depth of faith that sustained a community shaped by Paul’s teachings. Walking through Birgu, we find ourselves in a place rich with history, where narrow streets and fortified walls tell stories of resilience and faith. Visiting the Inquisitor’s Palace, we encounter another layer of the island’s complex past. From there, we move toward the Blue Grotto, where nature reveals its beauty in shimmering blue waters and dramatic cliffs. As we take a boat ride into the grotto, we are surrounded by light and sea, a reminder of creation’s quiet wonder. Later, we depart for Malta Airport.

We arrive home today.